Hobie Pro Angler 17 User Manual

Hobie Mirage
Pro Angler 17 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 ............................................................................................................8

Vantage Seating .................................................................................................10

On the Water ......................................................................................................14

Lowrance Ready Option ..................................................................................17

H-Rail System ......................................................................................................20

Storage and Transport ...................................................................................24

Maintenance and Care ...................................................................................27

Safety ......................................................................................................................29

Warranty ...............................................................................................................31

Look for this icon. Online video is available at

www.hobiecat.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

4. 2X Paddle and T-Handle

5. Lowrance® Ready Components

6. 2X Tackle Management Rack

7. 2X H-Rail Rod Holder

8. 2X H-Rail Cup Holder

9. 2X H-Rail Mounting Plate

10. 2X Mirage Cassette Plug

11. 2X Steering Handle Components

12. Secondary Steering Handle

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

Items not shown to scale

10

11

12

6

Assembly Required

Steering Handles

MirageDrive Cranks

1

2

1

Insert cranks into
drums

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

Assembly Required

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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

8

MirageDrive Instruction

CLICK

Removal

Level

Level

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

9

MirageDrive Instruction

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Squeeze

Pedal Adjustment

2

Adjust cranks to
desired position
by rotating and
clicking 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

Squeeze adjuster
handle

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

On the Water

MirageDrive Operation

Shallow Water

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

15

On the Water

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Rudder Down and Up

Skeg Operation

Uncleat and
release

Pull and cleat

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

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

16

On the Water

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

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Solo

Tandem

Social

17

Lowrance Ready Option

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1/8”
3mm

Transducer Installation

Transducer is an optional accessory
and is not included with boat

Metal clips

®

18

Lowrance Ready Option

1

Locate the thru-hull
plug and unscrew the
nut on the inside of the
boat

Thru-Hull Plugs

2

Remove the solid
rubber plug

3

Choose the correct
plug for your wire size
and insert wire by
opening the plug along
the slit

4

Press the new plug with
the wire installed into
plastic plug, making
sure it fits properly

5

Bolt the thru-hull wire
assembly to the hull
using the nut, make
sure the o-ring is
installed

O-ring

1.

2.

19

Lowrance Ready Option

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Wire Installation

If you prefer a right/left side
screen location, there are plugs
for the wire to exit on either side
of the boat.

1

Run the cable
into the plug
just behind the
transducer
scupper.

2

Lead the cable through
the inside of the boat
and exit the cable under­neath either side of the
mounting boards and
out through the thru-hull
fitting.

20

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

21

H-Rail System

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Adjusting Clamp Position

1

Unlock lever

1

2

Slide to new posi­tion and lock lever

2

22

H-Rail System

Rod Holder Retainer

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

1

Lay your rods in the
holders

2

Stretch the bungee
over the rods and
hook at the top.

23

H-Rail System

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Additional Accessories

Review your parts and accessory catalog for all of
the latest H-Rail mounting accessories

(Not included with boat)

Rod Holder

Ram Ball Mount

Tackle/Tool Box

®

24

Storage and Transport

Storage Recommendations

Storage Don’ts

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 long­term load and will
fail

Storing your boat
upright with prop­erly fitting cradles
is most advised

Storing your boat
upside down on
the H-Rails or
hanging from
strapping may
bend the gunwales

25

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

26

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.)

27

Maintenance and Care

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MirageDrive Regular
Maintenance

Checking
Cable
Tension

Visit the support section at hobiecat.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
spraying WD-40 on the
chains will help keep the
operation smooth.

28

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

29

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

• Always 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.

30

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 you perform 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 Hobie Cat’s Parts and
Accessories Catalog.

31

Warranty

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

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 hassle-free online option at:

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

or

Scan this QR code with your SmartPhone

If you have a problem or question with your Hobie product, please see your
Authorized Hobie Kayak Dealer. They will be able to 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.

http://www.hobiecat.com/dealers/

Enjoy the Ride!

Hobie Cat Company
Oceanside, California, USA
1-800-HOBIE-49
hobiecat.com

Hobie Cat Australasia
Huskisson, New South Wales Australia
1-800-4-HOBIE
hobiecat.com.au

Hobie Cat Europe
Toulon, France
[phone]
hobie-cat.net

Hobie Kayak Europe
Stellendam, The Netherlands
[phone]
hobie-kayak.com

Hobie Cat Brasil
Bahia
Brasil
[phone]

PN 89510

REV 140701