Hobie QUEST User manual

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
Thank you for choosing a Hobie Kayak. As a member of the Hobie family, you are now on
the road to pure adventure in paddling.
This owner’s manual is designed to help you get maximum enjoyment from your new
Hobie Kayak.
But more importantly, it is designed to help you use it safely.
The content of this manual covers all Hobie Paddle Kayaks.
We wish you the best rides !
Hobie Cat Europe
Welcome in the Hobie Way of Life

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
Pages Description
4 Description of your Hobie kayaks
5-9 Assembly manual of the options (Pedals, rudder-system, rod-holder)
10 Conception and production of your Hobie Kayak
11 Safety
12 Paddling
13 Advices : righting up the kayak - transport and storage
14 Warranty
15 Your distributor
16 Contact
KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AND GIVE IT TO THE
NEW OWNER IF YOU SELL YOUR KAYAK
Table of content

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
Length (m) 3,51
Width (m) 0,86
Weight (kg) 27
Capacity (kg) 204
1 Carrying handle
2 Large front storage area
3 Universal foot-wells
4 Accessory tray
5 Dringk holder
6 Self draining system
7 Inspection port (option)
8 Adjustable high back seat (option)
9 paddle holder (double paddle in option)
10 Rod holder
11 Rear storage area with bungies ties down
12 Place for a third inspection port
Description of the Hobie Quest

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
Assembly manual - Pedals
Illustration Step Description
Pedal adjustment system
The Hobie Quest is equipped with a unique foot pedal system that allows for a wide variety of adjustments for different
sized paddlers. The black strips on the kayak only allow the pedals to be released when they are twisted at a certain angle.
1
Pedal adjustment:
Twist the pedal away/opposite you so that it is flat.
2Lift the pedal out of the notch and move to the desired position.
3
Twist the pedal flat to work the knobs on the sides of the pedal
into the knotch. The Bungee cord will automatically twist the
pedal upright and lock it into position.
Note: If you purchased your Quest with the rudder package
installed, the steering line tension will be part of the adjustabi-
lity of the pedals. Refer to the section of the adjustment of the
steering lines for further details

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Illustration Step Description
The Hobie Quest is designed for the addition of an optional rudder system. Rudder systems in boats like this allow you to
adjust the steering trim of your boat when paddling in high wind or strong current conditions. If you purchased the Quest
with the rudder package installed, continue reading for rudder installation and operation. If you bought the rudder kit as
an installation option, consult the instructions that come with the rudder kit.
1
Installing the Rudder-Bracket
There are two molded in inserts at the stern of the boat that
are intended for mounting the rudder bracket. If your boat has
seen some use prior to installing the bracket, be sure to wash
out the holes in the inserts to remove any sand that may have
collected in the threads.
Orient the bracket on the back of the boat with the longer
bend of the bracket at the top.
Using a screwdriver, thread in the screws until the bracket
is tight against the hull.
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2
Mounting the rudder
Remove the screw and washer from the bottom of the rudder
pin and slide the pin into the bracket mounted on the stern of
your boat.
3
Install the washer and screw back onto the bottom of the rud-
der pin, making sure it is nice and tight. Check the tightness of
the screw from time to time to be sure it is secure.
4
Run the black line at the top of the rudder up to the cockpit and
tie it to the padeye that your seat snaps to. This will keep the
up-and-down control line of your rudder close by at all times.
Assembly manual - Rudder kit

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OWNER’S MANUAL
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Illustration Step Description
5
At the stern of the boat, grab the right and left steering lines
that exit each side of the boat and tie them through the right
and left
1
Raising and Lowering the Rudder
To raise your rudder, simply pull on the black line that
attached to the top of the rudder blade and cleat it off in
the large black cleat above the right rear paddle holder.
To lower the rudder, simply uncleat the black line and
the rudder will automatically spring back into the down
position.
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Assembly manual - Using your rudder kit

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Illustration steps Description
2
Adjusting the Steering Lines for your Leg Length
To adjust the steering lines, it helps to be sitting in the
kayak and the rudder needs to be in the down position.
Make sure that the small steering lines are not tied
around the low profile cleats. Adjust the pedals so they are
in the position that is most comfortable for you.
Place your feet on the pedals and keep some pressure on
them so they don’t move and are in a comfortable position.
Using your right and left hands, grab the steering lines
that are coming back to you after wrapping around the
pulley in the corner of the pedal. Try pulling on one of the
lines and look back at the rudder. You’ll notice that by pul-
ling on one line, the rudder will turn. Pulling on the other
line will make the rudder turn in the other direction.
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3
You want to adjust the amount of pull on each line so the
rudder is straight. With the rudder straight, keep pressure
on the pedals and pull the lines tight.
Lower the lines and wrap the slack in the line around the
cleats in the cockpit.
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4
As the extra line wraps around the cleat, test their ten-
sion by putting your feet against the pedals and see how
comfortable they are. If you want the pedals to be more
vertical, wrap another loop around the cleat. If you want
them more horizontal, let out a loop from the cleat. This
rudder adjustment system allows you to fine tune the trim
of the pedals to where it is most comfortable for a range
of users. You may want to wrap a smaller loop around one
horn of the cleat to make slight adjustments.
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Using the rudder on the water
Once all your steering lines are trimmed, you are ready for the water. The rudder operation is very simple. By rolling the
right pedal forward, you turn right. Rolling the left pedal forward will make you turn left. It typically requires very little
turn in the rudder to help you maintain a straight course in a strong crosswind or current.
If it feels like your steering is a bit loose, you probably need to re-adjust your steering lines. Roll both pedals back toward
you so that it is just beyond where is it most comfortable and retension the steering lines on the cleat. When you put your
normal pressure on the pedals, the lines will settle a bit and the pedals will adjust back to their optimal comfort angle.
Assembly manual - Adjust the steering lines

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Illustration Steps Description
(Note: Quest Fisherman packages have the rod holder base preinstalled)
The center console in the Hobie Quest is designed to accommodate a deck mounted rod holder. If you are using the
rod holder from Hobie, follow the instructions below.
Your Hobie rod holder kit comes with the following items:
One Rod Holder Base
One Baitcaster Rod holder
Four Screws
Four Lock Nuts
1. Sit in the kayak and find the best position for the rod holder.
Using the rod holder as a guide, drill a 1/4” hole through the
top of the console in the 4 locations for screws.
2. Open the large flip-up hatch and reach inside the kayak.
Place the screws through the rod holder base, through the
holes you just drilled and place the lock nuts on the screws.
Tighten the nuts onto the screws and you’re ready to go.
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Montage des options - Installation d’un porte-canne

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
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About the design of your kayak
The Hobie Kayaks are «sit-on-top»
You are sitting on your kayak without being locked up inside.
Hobie kayaks are open-top cockpit designs. This allows
the kayaker to enter and exit the kayak easily from the
shore, dock or water and to navigate in safe conditions.
Self bailing cockpit
Scupper holes make the kayak selfbailing. No longer need to
empty water over-board, it is automatically evacuated!
Hull decoration
Graphics are molded into the kayaks, so they will not peel
or flake off for the life of the boat.
The Polyethylene
Continuing Hobie’s tradition of offering the latest in
technology at an affordable price, your new kayak is made
of rotomolded Polyethylene. Polyethylene offers a major
advantage because it is virtually indestructible under normal
use. Being somewhat flexible, it gives on impact and
derives its stiffness from compound curves. Polyethylene is
very abrasion-resistant and repairable.
Recycling
As a company responsible for the environment, Hobie Cat
Europe takes into account in its production the life time of
the boats. We have an environmental approach at all steps of
the manufacturing process, including the recycling.
The Hobie Kayaks are 100 % recyclable.•

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
Safety - certification div. 240
According to the European regulation concerning the small boats, the Hobie Quest is auto-certified in
division 240 : small boats of more that 4 meters long and exclusively powered by human energy.
The Hobie Quest is allowed to paddle up to a limit of 2 miles from the shore. To navigate under such
conditions, you kayak has to be equipped with the following material (available at your dealer’s shop) :
• One buoyancy aid per person on board in conformity with EC regulations
• a docking line with a quick snap, at least as long as the boat
• a spare paddle,
• a cleat (or equivalent equipment) to allow towing
• A life line
• a luminous sign (flash lamp, luminescent stick...)
This material is not mandatory to navigate within 300 m from the shore and in sheltered waters. It is
however highly recommended to always wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket wherever you choose to
navigate. This regulation is in constant evolution. We recommend you to check it from time to time to
see if something has been changed.
Any use beyond 300 m off the shore is strictly forbidden.
The Hobie Quest can be used with one-piece or two-piece double paddles.
It is strongly recommended to observe the following safety tips and in particular :
Consult your physician prior to beginning paddle/pedal sports
Always wear a E.C. approved personal flotation device.
Dress appropriately for weather conditions, cold water and / or weather can result in hypothermia
Never paddle alone, inform someone on land of your intention to go paddling
Always tie a leash to your paddle
Do not paddle in flood conditions
Care must be made to ensure that the access hatches on your kayak remain closed while on the
water. Water can enter a hatch that is left open and possibly flood the hull, making the boat unsta-
ble or cause inadequate flotation for the passengers.
Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes, dangerous currents, obstacles in and
above the water and weather changes. Hobie kayaks were not designed for fast moving waters.
DO NOT use alcohol or mind-altering drugs prior to or while using this product.
Before leaving, always check the hull, that the hatches are closed and verify your equipments.
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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
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PADDLING
To start paddling, it is recommended to have a couple of courses in club in or-
der to find the good positions.These guidelines will help you to get started, but
in any case they do not replace courses by a professional coach.
To start, sit in your kayak. Your backside should be all the way back in the seat
and your knees comfortably bent. To find the proper footwell,
straighten your legs all the way out and then bring them back one “well”. If
your legs are too outstretched, you may experience strain on your lower back.
If your knees are bent too much, you may end up knocking your kneecaps
while paddling.
For proper hand placement on your paddle, start with your hands about shoul-
der’s width apart and centered. If you place the center of the paddle on top of
your head, your elbows should form slightly less than a 90 degree angle. There
should be an equal amount of paddle shaft beyond each of your hands.
The paddles supplied in option with your kayaks are asymmetrical : they have
feathered blades which gives less surface area for the wind to catch as the
blade moves forward through the air.
have a flattened spot along the paddle shaft that will help keep your “control”
hand in a fixed position.
Take the paddles with you hands at the places shown by the red arrows.
To learn the process, hold the paddle tight in your right hand and loose in your left. Using the right hand, rotate the paddle
blade back and forth; it should spin in your left hand. Now take a stroke on your right, then cock your right wrist back (left
hand staying loose and somewhat open) and take a stroke on your left. If using a left-hand control paddle, reverse the
process. The left hand stays tight and the right hand loose.

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
How to Perform a Self Rescue
If you fall out of your boat, don’t panic. Stay with the boat. You should be wearing a life jacket which will keep you afloat.
There are many ways to get back up on the boat. If the boat is upside-down, it will need to be turned over. To
do this, reach across the bottom of the boat and grab the opposite rail and pull the boat upright.
Position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the boat and you are facing the boat, positioned between the
seat and the footwell areas of the boat.
Reach across the boat to the far edge with one hand. Place the other hand on the near-side rail, then kick with your feet,
pulling yourself up and onto the boat, so your belly is across the center line of the boat. (Your belly should end up between
the footwells and the seat.)
Next, roll over onto your backside toward the seat, which should place your backside in the seat. Sit up, swing your
feet into the footwells and you’re ready to go. The key to this method is to keep your center of gravity low and near the
centerline of the boat. Your body and head should stay close to the boat.
Transport your kayak
The easiest way to transport your Hobie Kayak is to purchase a roof rack for your car. To help prevent distortion, place
the kayak, cockpit side down, on top of the rack. Straps can then be laid across the boat and tied to the bars. Be sure to
consult the owner’s manual for your car and roof rack system to ensure that you comply with all recommendations, pre-
cautions and specifications.
Storing Your Hobie Kayak
to ensure extra years of flexibility and bright colors, avoid storing the boat where it will be exposed to weather or in direct
sunlight.
Kayaks should be stored upside down on the cockpit rails.If hanging your kayak, make sure that the ropes or straps sup-
port most of the weight on the cockpit rails or the side of the boat. A word of caution: hanging by the scupper hole(s) will
cause distortion, and hanging from the handles will place undue strain on them and void the warranty. Storing the boat
bottom-side down may also cause distortion. Kayak storage systems are available from your distributor. Pad
eyes are NOT intended for hanging or for use as tie-downs.
To prevent theft of your kayak, simply run a cable through a scupper hole and lock it to something secure.
Saftey - transport & storing

Copyright HCE 2011 - www.hobie-cat.net
Your dealer is our representative and will bring you all necessary assistance
in order to solve problems you may encounter.
As soon as you become owner, please date and sign this receipt (below)
and give it to your dealer to be covered by our warranty.
Please carefully read the warranty conditions
written in this manual.
Please carefully and thoughroughly read this
manual. Keep it in a safe place
Give it to the new owner if you resell your kayak.
Distributor’s stamp
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MODELE
OWNER’S MANUAL
Your distributor

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KAYAK HOBIE QUEST
OWNER’S MANUAL
HOBIE CAT EUROPE
ZI Toulon Est, BP 250, 83078 Toulon cedex 9, France
Tel [phone] - Fax [phone]
E-mail : [e-mail] - site web www.hobie-cat.net
Copyright HCE 2012