Hobie QUEST User manual

OWNER’S
MANUAL
Revised 9/2004

PERFORMANCE
Fine bow entry, reduced wetted surface,
lightweight and sleek shape make the
Hobie Quest faster
LARGE STORAGE
Easy access to large internal storage
with a custom color matching lid
ADJUSTABLE FOOT BRACES
Multiple foot positions fit all paddlers
comfortably
SELF-DRAINING COCKPIT
Scupper(s) drain water from cockpit
MOLDED-IN DRINK HOLDER
Keeps beverage available for easy
access
SIDE-STORAGE POCKETS
Molded in side trays with mesh
covering on both sides
EASY ACCESS 8” HATCH
A large hatch to stow your stuff an
arm’s distance away
TWO-PIECE PADDLE WITH
MOLDED IN PADDLE HOLDERS
ON BOTH SIDES
EASY-CARRY HANDLE
Molded-in handles offers an excellent
hand hold
COMFORTABLE
Seat is ergonomically designed to
reduce fatigue and pressure points on
the paddler’s legs. Positioned higher
than footwells, the seat is dry and
comfortable
MOLDED-IN ROD HOLDERS
LARGE PICK-UP STYLE CARGO
AREA Pick up style cargo area with
Bungee tiedowns provides a huge space
for all your kayaking gear
OPTIONAL HATCH
Circular flat for optional 8” hatch installation.
DRAIN PLUG
MOLDED-IN INSERTS FOR OPTIONAL
RUDDER SYSTEM
1
Unique Features Of
Your Hobie Quest
Sit-on-top Design
The Hobie kayak open-top
cockpit allows the paddler to
enter and exit the kayak easily
from the shore, dock or water.
Scupper hole(s) make the kayak
self-bailing. The design also
eliminates the need to perform
an Eskimo roll (advanced kayak
technique). The contoured seat
may be fitted with an adjustable
backrest for added comfort. The
pedal adjustment system allows
you to make adjustments for
maximum comfort.
Hull Design
The long center “keel” area
encourages boats to track
straight when paddling and
coasting. The wider “shoulder”
area of the hulls rides high at the
surface of the water without
compromising speed under
moderate paddling conditions.
If the kayak is fully loaded with
gear or is being paddled and
braced in rough conditions, the
“shoulder” areas provide
secondary buoyancy and
stability.
Scupper Hole(s)
Drain holes (scuppers) in the
cockpit allow any water that
enters the cockpit to flow back
out immediately.
Graphics
Graphics are molded into the
kayak, assuring that they will not
peel or flake off for the life of the
boat.
FEATURES
HANDLE

2
Welcome to the Hobie way of life!
Thank you for choosing a Hobie kayak. As part of the Hobie way of life, 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.
More important, it is designed to help you use it safely.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
Unique Hobie Kayak Features.......................................................1
Welcome..........................................................................................2
Basic Kayak Features.................................................................... 3
Pedal Adjustments.................................................................... .....3
Rudder System.................................................................... ...........3-4
Rod Holder.................................................................... ..................5
Safety/Righting Techniques .........................................................6
How to Paddle.................................................................................7
How to Store/Transport your Hobie Kayak ..................................7
Recommended Equipment ............................................................8
About Polyethylene ........................................................................8
Frequently Asked Questions “FAQ”.............................................8
Warranty .........................................................................................8
Hobie Cat Company Contact Information ....................................8

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.
Rudder System
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.
Pedal Adjustment
1. Twist the pedal away/opposite you
so that it is flat.
2. Lift 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.
BASIC KAYAK FEATURES
The front of the boat is the bow and the rear is the stern. When
looking forward to the bow, the left side of the boat is Port and
the right side is Starboard. The hull ID number can be found on
the bottom side of the boat, at the stern.
In the middle of the boat, there is a cockpit area, with the seat
(toward the stern) and footwells (toward the bow). Inside the
cockpit are scupper hole(s) that go all the way through the boat.
These scuppers allow the boat to drain. Your particular model
may have hatches that allow access to the inside of the boat for
gear storage.
Alongside the cockpit are a series of small “U” straps, called pad
eyes. These are used to attach accessories such as backrests.
All Hobie kayaks are made of linear polyethylene, making them
repairable and recyclable.
3
Installing the Rudder Kit
Attached to the rudder packaging should be the following
items.
1. One rudder with lifting line
2. One mounting bracket with screws
3. Steering Lines (these will come installed in the boat)
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.
1. Orient the bracket on the back
of the boat with the longer bend
of the bracket at the top.
2. Using a screwdriver, thread in
the screws until the bracket is
tight against the hull.
Mounting Your Rudder
1. 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.
2. Install the washer and screw
back onto the bottom of the rudder
pin, making sure it is nice and
tight. Check the tightness of the
screw from time to time to be sure
it is secure.
3. 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.
4. 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
horns on the rudder.
Note: If you purchased your Quest with the rudder package
installed, the steering line tension will be part of the
adjustability of the pedals. Refer to the section of the
adjustment of the steering lines for further details.

Using your Rudder System
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.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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 pulling on one line, the
rudder will turn. Pulling on the other line will make the rudder
turn in the other direction.
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.
As the extra line wraps around the cleat, test their tension by
putting your feet against the pedals and see how comfortable
they are. If you want the pedals to be more vertical, wrap
Installing a Rod Holder
(Note: Quest Fisherman packages have the rod holder base pre-
installed)
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:
1. One Rod Holder Base
2. One Baitcaster Rod holder
3. Four Screws
5. 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. See
the next page for Baitcaster Rod Holder operation.
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.
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 re-
tension 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.
4

5

LETS HIT THE WATER!
SAFETY
Paddlesports can be dangerous and physically demanding.
The user of this product should understand that participating
in paddlesports may involve serious injury or death. Observe
the following safety standards when using this product.
These are basic safety rules that all boaters should follow.
Always use common sense and follow all safety rules at all
times.
• Consult your physician prior to beginning paddlesport /
training.
• Carry a spare paddle.
• Obtain paddlesport instructions from your dealer specific to
this type of craft.
• Obtain certified first aid training and carry first aid and
rescue/safety equipment.
• Always wear a nationally approved personal flotation
device.
• Wear a helmet where appropriate.
• Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold water
and/or weather can result in hypothermia.
• Check your equipment prior to each use for signs of wear
or failure.
• Never paddle alone.
• Always use a paddle leash.
• Do not paddle in flood conditions.
• Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes,
dangerous currents, obstacles in and above the water and
weather changes.
• Scout unfamiliar waters; portage where appropriate.
• Do not exceed your paddling ability; be aware of your
limitations.
• DO NOT use alcohol or mind-altering drugs prior to or while
using this product.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use of this
product.
• If additional outfitting is added to this craft, use
manufacturer-approved materials only; do not impair entry
or exit access.
• Read owner’s information package prior to using this
product.
The user of this product acknowledges both an
understanding and assumption of the risk involved in
paddlesports/paddling.
Beware of offshore winds that may make it difficult to return
to shore.
When paddling in a new area, check with the locals regarding
currents, shoreline conditions and weather patterns. Plan an
“escape route” -- an alternative place to get off the water
should environmental conditions dictate.
Hobie Kayaks were not designed for fast moving water
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
scupper hole and pull the boat upright.
Position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the
boat and you are facing the boat. You will also want to be
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 bellybutton 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, and any 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.
6

PADDLING
These guidelines will help you to get started.
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 a shoulder’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.
Some paddles may have the blades offset, or “feathered”, at
some degree from parallel. A feathered paddle presents less
surface area for the wind to catch as that blade moves
forward through the air. Some paddles have a flattened spot
along the paddle shaft that will help keep your “control” hand
in a fixed position. However, a special technique must be
used to get each blade in the water. If the paddle is right-hand
controlled (when the right blade is held vertical, the left blade
“scoop” is pointed mostly up), the right hand will stay tight and
the left hand loose. 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 stays loose.
The basic paddle stroke will give you forward power. Place a
paddle blade in the water near your toes. Pull the paddle
blade back alongside the boat to approximately your hip area
while your opposite hand and paddle blade move forward.
Then lift the first paddle blade out of the water while lowering
the second blade into the water and take a stroke with the
other side.
If you pull the paddle out and away from the hull in an arc, it
will force the bow of the boat to swing away from the paddle
blade. This is called a sweep stroke and is used to turn the
boat.
MORE PADDLING TIPS
Hobie kayaks are very easy to use and very forgiving. By
beginning in calm water, you can quickly get the feel of the
boat and paddle techniques. Practice getting in and out of the
boat by yourself.
Relax your hands when paddling; a tight grip is not
necessary!
Sit with good posture while keeping your torso vertical.
Choose a footrest position that will allow your knees to be
slightly bent.
For greater efficiency use not only your arms, but your torso
and shoulders as well. Start out easy until you get the feel of
the paddle and the steering strokes. Most experienced
paddlers use an offset (feathered) paddle, but beginners may
prefer to keep the paddle blades square.
STORING YOUR HOBIE KAYAK
Hobie has chosen a blend of plastic that has an added
measure of ultraviolet inhibitors to provide superior protection
from ultraviolet light. However, to ensure extra years of
flexibility and bright colors, avoid storing the boat in weather
or direct sunlight.
Kayaks should be stored on edge, upside down on the
cockpit rails, standing on end. When hanging your kayak,
hang it upside down, run straps around the boat, near the
cockpit. A word of caution: hanging by the scupper hole(s)
may cause distortion; and hanging from the handles may
place undue strain on them. Storing the boat bottom side
down may also cause distortion. Kayak storage systems are
available from your dealer. Pad eyes are NOT intended for
hanging or for use as tie downs.
To secure your kayak, simply run a cable through a scupper
hole and lock it to something secure.
TRANSPORTING YOUR HOBIE KAYAK
One of the easiest ways to transport your Hobie kayak is to
purchase a roof rack from your dealer. This normally involves
a set of crossbars that attach to the car via the rain gutters or
adapter clips mounted to the door frame. They come with a
wide variety of attachments from kayak saddles to stackers.
The racks can be used without the attachments but the racks
should be padded. To help prevent distortion, place the
kayak, cockpit side down, on top of the rack. It is best if the
crossbars contact the cockpit sides and not the deck areas.
Straps can then be laid across the boat and tied to the bars.
Saddles cradle the boat and often come with their own
straps. Stackers allow multiple boats to be placed on their
sides without falling over.
An alternative to traditional rack systems are soft racks. They
tend to be less expensive and will work with most cars. These
are pads mounted on straps that sit between the kayak and
the roof of your car. Some styles have a strap that wraps
around the kayak and others strap the pad to the roof. To tie
the boat to the car, straps are run through the car doors and
the boat is tied to the roof as well as the bumpers, front and
rear. Over-tightening the straps may cause dents in the roof
of the car.
A line run from the bow and stern of the boat to each bumper
is required. If your bumpers do not have a gap to pass a rope
around, look underneath. There should be a loop of metal,
which is used by car transports such as tow trucks.
Many people like to use the scupper holes to tie the boat to
the car. This helps prevent the boat from sliding back and
forth or the tie down rope from slipping off the kayak. This is
a perfectly acceptable method for tying the boat down.
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8
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIFIC
TYPES OF PADDLING
Basic Boating: Life Jacket, Paddle, Paddle Leash, Backrest,
Safety Whistle, Filled Water Bottle, Appropriate Safety
Equipment.
Longer Distance Touring: Dry Bags, Chart, Compass.
Additional Equipment for Diving: Dive Flag, Anchor.
Fishing: Fishing Rod Holder, Drip Guards, Gear Bags, Knee
Braces.
ABOUT POLYETHYLENE
Continuing Hobie’s tradition of offering the latest in
technology at an affordable price, your new kayak is made of
rotomolded super linear 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How watertight is my boat?
It is normal for any type of kayak to experience a small
amount of seepage due to the installation of rivets, hatches,
etc. Kayaks may take on a few cups of water while out
paddling. If a kayak is taking on more than a small amount of
water, check to make sure the drain plug is in, then check the
rest of the boat for leaks. Silicone can be used to seal the
rivets. If you have any questions, please call your dealer.
How should I store my kayak?
It is best to store your kayak on edge, upside down, standing
on end or hanging on edges.
Is my boat repairable?
Hobie kayaks are very durable, however, on occasion they
may need some minor repairs. Linear polyethylene is
repairable. Check with your dealer concerning repairs for
your kayak.
Is my boat recyclable?
Hobie will recycle your boat when you are done with it. To
recycle a Hobie Kayak, it must be cut up so it fits in a box with
the following dimensions: may not exceed 130” for the length
plus girth, and 108” for the height. Ship the boat to: Hobie
Cat 4925 Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA 92056.
It is our hope that no Hobie Kayak will ever end up in
a landfill!
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Hobie provides a two year limited hull warranty.
Your warranty registration card is packaged with this owner’s
manual and should be completed and returned to Hobie
within 30 days of the date of purchase. If you have problems
with your boat, contact your dealer first. If you need further
assistance, contact Hobie. To help process any warranty
problems, please complete your warranty card and give it to
your dealer or mail it directly to Hobie.
Hobie warrants each kayak to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for retail customers in the United
States, U.S. possessions and Canada. Hobie will repair or, at
its discretion, replace defective parts.
All hulls are covered for a period of two years.
This warranty does not cover:
• Normal wear and discoloration.
• Damage caused by abuse or failure to perform normal
maintenance.
• Damage caused by mooring or storing boat in water.
• Damage caused by alterations or modifications.
• Transportation of boat or parts to Hobie or its dealers.
• Any boat used as a rental or placed in commercial service.
• Any other consequential damage, incidental damages or
incidental expenses, including damage to property. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not
apply to you.
To Obtain Warranty Service: Within 30 days of discovering
a defect, take your boat, along with the proof of purchase
(sales receipt) to the authorized Hobie dealer from whom you
purchased your boat, unless you have moved or are
traveling. In that case, take it to the nearest authorized Hobie
dealer.
Implied Warranties: Any implied warranties, including
implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, shall be no longer than the duration of this express
warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply
to you. Hobie makes no express warranties in addition to this
limited warranty. Hobie Dealers have no authority to make
warranties on behalf of The Hobie Cat Company in addition
to, or inconsistent with, those stated herein.
To the extent any provision of this warranty is prohibited by
Federal, State or Municipal law and cannot be preempted, it
shall not be applicable. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights.
HOBIE CAT
4925 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
www.hobiekayak.com