Hobie MAUI, PURSUIT, ODYSSEY Owner's Manual

Page 1
HOBIE
MAUI
HOBIE
PURSUIT
OWNERS MANUAL
HOBIE
ODYSSEY
Part #76000 - Revised 11/14/2001
Page 2
PERFORMANCE
sleek shape make the Hobie Kayak faster
DRY
Closed deck and raised combing help
keep water out of cockpit
STORAGE
Access to storage area (optional on some models)
VERSATILE
Multiple foot positions fit all paddlers comfortably
SELF-DRAINING COCKPIT
Scupper(s) drain water from cockpit.
SELF-DRAINING SEAT(S)
Seat area is drained forward, eliminating the need for
seat area scuppers that would otherwise let
more water into the cockpit
EASY-CARRY HANDLE(S)
Molded-in slot offers excellent hand hold
MOLDED-IN DRINK HOLDER(S)
Keeps beverage available for easy access
SAFER
Raised combing prevents the paddlers hands from
hitting seat back pad eyes while paddling; also
prevents damage from pad eye
contact with roof rack
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
COMFORT WITH STYLE
Optional seat backs make paddling more comfortable
and are color coordinated to match hulls
INTERNAL PADDLE STORAGE
Internal hatch for storage of two-piece paddles within hull
(Pursuit Only)
LARGE STORAGE AREA
(Pursuit Only) Storage area keeps items dry
and out of bilge.
STABLE
Computer designed for maximum stability
1
Unique Features Of Your Hobie Kayak
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 multiple footwells allow you to adjust your seating position.
Hull Design
The long center keel area encourages boats to track straight when paddling and coasting. The wider shoulder area of the hulls ride 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. Maneuverability without the aid of a rudder is accomplished by incorporating enough rocker to make turning easy while still tracking well.
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 kayaks, assuring you that they will not peel or flake off for the life of the boat.
FEATURES
HANDLE
KAYAK
HANDLE
DRAIN PLUG
HOBIE
Page 3
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
Safety/Righting Techniques .........................................................3
How to Paddle.................................................................................4
How to Store/Transport your Hobie Kayak..................................4
Recommended Equipment ............................................................5
About Polyethylene ........................................................................5
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.............................................5
Warranty .........................................................................................5
Hobie Cat Company Contact Information....................................5
Page 4
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.
All boats have a bow line (paddle leash). This line is to be fastened to your paddle when paddling. 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.
SAFETY
Paddlesports / pedaling 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.
3
Page 5
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.
4
Page 6
5
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 (760) 758-9100 Fax (760) 758-1841
www.hobiekayak.com
Loading...