Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T User Manual

Hobie® Mirage®

Pro Angler 17T Manual

In 1950, Hobie’s dream was born in his

parents’ garage when he decided to apply his

love of woodworking to the sport of surfing.

Dad backed out the Buick... Hobie carved out

his very first surfboard...

Hobie’s business of fun had begun.

4

Table of Contents

Anatomy ..................................................................................................................5

Assembly ..................................................................................................................6

MirageDrive ............................................................................................................9

Vantage Seating .................................................................................................14

Fishfinder Option ................................................................................................20

H-Rail System ......................................................................................................28

Storage and Transport ...................................................................................32

Maintenance and Care ...................................................................................35

Safety ......................................................................................................................37

Warranty ...............................................................................................................39

Look for this icon. Online video is available at

www.hobie.com/support/

Please read the instruction manual before using this product

®

5

Anatomy

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1. Hull

2. 2X Vantage XT Chair

3. 2X MirageDrive 180

4. Paddle and T-Handle

5. Lowrance Ready Components

6. 2X Tackle Management Rack

7. 2X Plano® 3640 Tackle Boxes

8. 2X H-Rail Rod Rack

9. 2X H-Rail Cup Holder

10. 2X H-Rail Mounting Plate

11. 2X Mirage Cassette Plug

12. 3X Steering Handle Components

13. Secondary Steering Handle

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

7

9

10

Items not shown to scale

11

12

13

6

Assembly Required

Tackle Management Rack Installation

1

Twist handle
counter-clockwise
and open lid

2

Press rack to the
side to insert pin
into the hole and
lower the other
side to snap in
place.

3

Secure clip to
post

7

Assembly Required

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Steering Handles

MirageDrive Cranks

1

2

1

Insert cranks
into drums while
depressing button
at top.

The steering
handles and steer­ing knob can be
installed in different
positions per your
preference

2

Tighten crank bolt
all the way (snug
not tight) using a
9/16” or 15mm
wrench

7/32

8

Assembly Required

Line up the
shorter (FWD)
handle on the
left and the lon­ger (REV) handle
on the right

Screw in both
pull handles into
the levers on
the MirageDrive
using a 3/8”
wrench

FWD/REV Handle Installation

1

2

Thread into
FWD/REV levers

3/8 Wrench

Shorter
handle on
the left

Longer

handle on

the right

Thread into
FWD/REV levers

9

MirageDrive Instruction

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Removal

Installation

2

Press down and
lock Drive into
Click and Go’s

1

Lower Drive
straight down
making sure the
spine is level

2

Lift Drive
straight up

1

Pull back
each Click
and Go lever

CLICK

Level

Level

10

MirageDrive Instruction

Pedal Adjustment

2

Adjust cranks by
rotating them
into the desired
position. Make
sure both cranks
are in the same
position number.

3

With both feet
on the pedals
together (fins
straight down),
your knees should
be comfortably
bent and not
over-crunched or
extended.

1

Press the
adjuster button at
top of crank.

Press

11

MirageDrive Instruction

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Reverse

Pull the right
handle to shift the
drive into reverse.
(This is the longer
handle of the two)

Shifting with
the fins too far
apart can cause
interference with
the shift. Pull with
firm pressure
while the pedal
cranks are close
together.

Pull the left handle
to flip the drive into
forward.

1

1

2

2

Left Handle = Forward

(shorter handle)

Right Handle = Reverse

(longer handle)

reverse

forward

12

MirageDrive Instruction

Pedaling Resistance

1

2

3

1/8”

1/4”

0”

Loosen the screw
on the bottom of the
mast to increase
resistance on the fin.
Tighten the screw to
decrease resistance.

Remove the small
keeper ring and pin
to slide the fin off the
mast.

Slide the fin back
onto the mast and
secure it with the
pin and keeper
ring.

13

MirageDrive Instruction

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MirageDrive Operation

Shallow Water

To raise fins in shallow water or when beaching, PUSH either pedal forward

14

Vantage Seating

Installation

1

3

2

Pivot chair onto
kickstand.

Lock chair feet
to boat.

Hook seat safety
strap to the pad
eye behind the
seat.

15

Vantage Seating

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Lowering

Raising

Pull

1

Shift weight
forward and tilt
seat up.

2

Pull and hold
kickstand handle.

3

Lean back to
lower seat.

1

Shift weight
forward and tilt
seat up.

2

Lean back to
lower seat onto
kickstand.

1 2

16

Vantage Seating

1

1

1

Bottom
Up

Bottom
Up

Bottom

Down

Bottom

Down

Seatback

Forward

Seatback

Forward

Seatback
Back

Seatback
Back

Back and Bottom Adjustment

Lean forward to make seatback
adjustment easier

Ease weight off seat to make
adjusting seat bottom easier

1

Slide adjuster
grip (on armrest)
forward

2

Rotate grips
to adjust seat

3

Make sure
adjuster
grip locks
securely

17

Vantage Seating

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Lumbar Adjustment

1

Pull knob to
release lumbar

2

Press knob to lock
lumbar

3

Rotate knob to
tension lumbar

18

Vantage Seating

Rudder Down and Up

Skeg Operation

1

Uncleat and
release.

2

Pull and cleat

Uncleat and
release the skeg
line to lower the
skeg and have the
boat track straight

1

Pull and cleat the skeg
line to have the boat be
more maneuverable

2

19

Vantage Seating

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Rudder Line Tension

Seating Positions

1

Pull knob to
release rudder
line

2

Press knob to
lock rudder line

3

Rotate knob to
tension rudder line

C

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Single
Seating

In-line
Tandem

Social
Tandem

20

Fish Finder Option

Transducer Installation

1

Remove the Hobie Guardian shield
from hull by unthreading the three
screws fastening the shield to the
kayak.

2

For Skimmer style transducer installation, skip forward to
page 24. For side imaging transducer installation continue
on to the next page.

21

Fish Finder Option

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Side Imaging Transducer Installation

2

Insert the transducer
guard and install the
fasteners from the
bottom of the Guardian
plate.

1

Remove the adapter
plate from the Hobie
Guardian.

22

Fish Finder Option

3

For most side imaging
transducers, we recommend
using the mounting bracket
included with your fish finder
as a drill template for creating
mounting holes in the Guardian
plate.

4

Some side imaging
transducers, like the
Lowrance TripleShot, will mount
through the bottom of the
transducer guard and to the
post on the inside of the
Guardian plate. For these units,
refer to the Skimmer Style
Transducer Installation. If the
transducer is not sitting flush
with the shield, 2 small holes
(one on each side of the
transducer) can be drilled and
a zip tie used to secure the
transducer to the shield.

23

Fish Finder Option

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5

After mounting your side imaging transducer to
the Guardian plate, you can choose to activate its
retraction feature. Remove the screws holding the
mounting plate to the Guardian frame.

6

Attach the retraction
line (tied to the cover
plate) to the bridle line
for up down control.

24

Fish Finder Option

Skimmer Transducer Installation

1

Skimmer style transducers will mount to the
posts inside the transducer cavity using the
hardware that comes with the Kayak’s Owners
Manual.

2

Leave a small gap
between the bottom
of the transducer and
shield to allow water
flow.

NOTE: Extension tabs and
friction washers are included
with your owner’s manual.
These tabs install to the
transducer mounting post
and can be oriented to face
either fore or aft to
accommodate a variety of
transducer designs.

1/8”

25

Fish Finder Option

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Run the Transducer Cable

1

Once the transducer is installed, feed the transducer
cable through the scupper hole above the cavity and
screw the plate back into place.

You should now have the transducer cable accessible
in the cockpit of the kayak.

TIP: Lubricate the cable with soapy water to allow it to slide through the
rubber adapter more easily.

NOTE: Rubber adapters can be found in the kayak owner’s manual.

2

Remove the plug next to the scupper above the transducer cavity using a
phillips head screwdriver. Feed the cable through the gasket and into the
hull. Find the rubber adapter that matches the diameter of the transducer
cable and fit it to the cable. Attach the adapter and cable to the plug and
reinstall. Be careful not to overtighten and strip the screws.

26

Fish Finder Option

1.

3

Remove the 3-way plug in the cockpit. Lead the cable through the
inside of the kayak and exit the cable out through the hole for the
3-way plug in the cockpit.

4

Using the same plug, install the power cable.

There are plugs for the wire to exit the hull on either side of the
kayak to accommodate a right or left sided screen location. Some
plugs are located in cup holder or mesh pockets.

27

Fish Finder Option

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Run the Power Cable and Attach the Thru-Hull Plug

Gasket

1

Run the power cable into
the hole for the 3-way plug
in the cockpit.

2

Choose the rubber
adapter for your wire
size and insert the power
cable by opening the
adapter along the slit.

3

Press the rubber adapter
with the wire installed into
the plastic plug housing,
making sure it fits snuggly.

4

Once all the cables are run
through the hull, fasten the
thru-hull wire assembly to
the hull. Hand-tighten the
screws on the 3-way plug.
Make sure the gasket is
properly installed. Take
caution to not overtighten
the screws.

NOTE: Rubber
adapters can be found
inside the Hobie kayak
owner’s manual.

TIP: Lubricate the cable
with soapy water to allow it
to slide through the rubber
plug more easily.

28

H-Rail System

Clamping

1

Clamp accessory
around H-Rail Tube

3

Tighten or loosen
knob per your
clamping require­ments

4

Close the lock
lever. If the lever
is difficult to close,
loosen the knob in
step 3

2

Lock tension knob

29

H-Rail System

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Adjusting Clamp Position

1

Unlock lever

1

2

Slide to new position
and lock lever

3

Lock lever

2

3

30

H-Rail System

Rod Rack Retainer

During lauch or transport, you may want to keep
your rods held in place using the horizontal rod rack

1

Lay your rods in the
holders

2

Stretch the bungee
over the rods and
hook at the top

31

H-Rail System

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Additional Accessories

Review your parts and accessory catalog for all
of the latest H-Rail mounting accessories or go to
http://www.hobie.com/catalogs-brochures/

(Not included with boat)

Rod Holder

Ram Ball Mount

1” and 1.5” available

Tackle/Tool Box

®

32

Storage and Transport

Hull cradles OK

Storing your boat
cockpit side up
on crossbars can
dent the bottom.

Storing your boat
on its side over a
long period of time
can flatten/dent
the sides.

Hanging the boat
by the scuppers
can distort the
scupper holes.

Never hang the
boat by handles or
pad eyes. They are
not designed to
handle long–term
load and will fail.

Storing your boat
upside down on
crossbars or
hanging from wide
strapping are two
ways to keep the
boat stored.

Storage Do’s

Storage Don’ts

Never use PVC
runners or tubes
to store boat on.

33

Storage and Transport

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Dolly

The dolly should be used for transportation purposes only and not as a storage
platform. Do not leave your boat on the dolly for more than one hour (less
time in warmer temperatures or direct sunlight).

Store out of Weather

Additional Storage Key Points

• Always open drain plugs and remove all water from boat

• Don’t leave tie-down straps tight over a long period of time

• Storing in non-recommended configurations can result in hull damage
and can void your warranty

• Never hang from handles or padeyes

1hr.
MAX

Check hobie.com for optional storage covers.

34

Storage and Transport

The best way to transport your boat is to purchase a trailer from your dealer.
Using proper cradles that support the hull, the boat can be transported right
side up. Straps can be passed over the deck and under the H-Rails and tied
to the load bars. Straps should be tight, but not so tight that they distort the
shape of the boat. Avoid using ratchet straps to prevent overtightening.

Pro Angler Roof Topping Technique

1

2 3

Be sure to first consult your car and roof rack owner’s manual
to ensure that you comply with all of their recommendations,
precautions and specifications.

Running a line or strap 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 boat. (This is an acceptable method for tying the boat down for
transport.)

35

Maintenance and Care

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MirageDrive Regular Maintenance

Checking
Cable
Tension

Visit the support section at hobie.com for information on the MirageDrive.

Cables should be
tight enough so
they can only be
slightly squeezed
in under firm
finger pressure

The most effective
maintenance tool on your
MirageDrive is a fresh water
rinse after every use.
Periodically apply Hobie
Multi-Lube on the chains
will help keep the operation
smooth.

Hobie

Multi-Lube

36

Maintenance and Care

Rudder Tuning

1

Pull up rudder

1

2

3

5

4

2

Remove rudder
cover

3

Loosen screw
clamping the
rudder line.

4

Pull the slack out
of the rudder line
making sure the
steering handles
are still straight.
If they are not
straight, adjust
the lines
accordingly.

5

Tighten the screw
to clamp the line
and hold it in
place. Replace
rudder cover

37

Safety

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Always:

• Wear a Coast Guard
approved personal flotation
device

• Always file a float plan: Let
someone know where you
are going and when you will
return.

• Dress appropriately for
weather conditions; cold
water and/or weather can
result in hypothermia; apply
sunscreen and other sun
protective clothing.

• Check your equipment prior
to each use for signs of wear
or failure

• Tie a leash to your paddle and
MirageDrive

• Scout unfamiliar waters prior
to launching

• Be aware of river water levels,
tidal changes, wind conditions,
obstacles in and above the
water and weather changes

• Always make sure your
hatches are secure

• Carry a pump and/or bailing
device

• Alway carry the paddle
provided with the boat

Never:

• Never go in flooded and/or
fast moving water conditions.
Hobie kayaks are not designed
for fast moving water

• Never exceed your ability and
be aware of your limitations

• Never use alcohol or mind­altering drugs prior to or while
using this product

• Never open your hatches in
unstable water conditions

• Never remove the foam
pieces inside the hull. They
are installed for structure,
additional flotation and safety
reasons.

Checklist

Please read through the owner’s information package prior to using this
product.

The user of this product acknowledges both an understanding and
assumption of risk involved in paddle/pedal sports. Consult your physician
about physical activity.

38

Safety

Shakedown Cruise

As with any new product, it is important that you become familiar with the
boat and all its features. Before long trips, it is important to determine that
the boat is sound. We recommend that you do what we call a “shakedown
cruise” when the boat is new, after shipping or transport, before long trips and
after installing any thru-hull fittings. This test is typically done in shallow, calm
conditions where you can familiarize yourself with or test the boat before tak­ing long trips into open water. Things you should check or practice are:

• MirageDrive installation, adjustment and removal

• Rudder Operation

• Getting in and out of the boat from a capsized state

• Drain plug locations to make sure they are properly installed

• Closing hatches properly

• Taking the kayak sail down while on the water (if applicable)

Mirage Cassette Plug

Your Hobie is shipped with a Mirage Cassette Plug. The plug is
provided as standard equipment in the Mirage Kayak package.
Insert the plug into the Mirage well when the MirageDrive is
removed to provide added safety and to “fair” the bottom of the
hull when paddling.

Getting into your Boat

Falling out of your boat is
something that rarely happens,
but it is important to practice and
prepare for this type of
situation. We recommend that
you try climbing into your boat in a
pool or shallow water to improve
your technique. We recommend
that you enter your boat from the
side or back of the boat depending
on conditions.

Kayak Sail Safety

The kayak sail is a very popular optional accessory that works quite well with
Hobie Mirage Kayaks. It is important to familiarize yourself with the use of the
sail and how wind power affects the stability of the boat. The sail is not
recommended for use in wind conditions over 10 MPH/8.7 knots unless you
are using the furling kit or stabilizing amas available through the Hobie Parts
and Accessories Catalog.

39

Warranty

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It is very important that you complete and send us your
Warranty Registration Card as soon as possible.

http://www.hobie.com/product-registration

If you have a question or issue with your Hobie product, please see
your Authorized Hobie Kayak Dealer. They will assess the problem,
assist with a repair and file a warranty claim with Hobie Cat Company
if needed. All warranty claims must go through your Authorized Hobie
Kayak Dealer. The Warranty Registration Card and Warranty Policies
are included with each model in the Owner’s Packet. Type in the
address below to go to our dealer finder webpage.

All specs, colors, graphics and features are subject to change without
notice. Please refer to the website for complete details.

http://www.hobie.com/dealers

or

Scan this QR code with your smart phone

This information enables Hobie Cat Company to contact you should
there be important product information that needs to be shared with
you in a timely manner. Please complete the Warranty Registration
Card in your Owner’s Packet, or take advantage of our online option at:

40

Accessories

Beach Tire Dolly

Kayak Cover

Rod Holder Extension

Anchor Trolley Kit

H-Crate

Hobie H-bar

Hobie Vantage Seat bag

Livewell XL

41

Accessories

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Hobie Soft Cooler/Fish Bag

Hobie Polarized Sunglasses

Power-Pole Mirco

Lowrance Fishfinder

Kayak Trailer

Hobie Multi-Lube

For more accessories see:
http://www.hobie.com/catalogs-brochures/

Inflatable PFD

Tie Down Straps

42

Enjoy the Ride!

43

hobie.com

Hobie Cat Company

Holding Company
Oceanside, California, USA
1-800-HOBIE-49

Hobie Cat Australasia

Subsidiary
Huskisson, New South Wales, Australia
1-800-4-HOBIE
hobie.com

Hobie Cat Europe

Subsidiary
Toulon, France
[phone]

Hobie Kayak Europe

Independent Distributor
Stellendam, The Netherlands
[phone]

Hobie Cat Brasil

Independent Distributor
Porto Belo, Santa Catarina, Brazil
[phone]

HOBIE.COM

PN 89510
REV 181011