Hobie QUEST 13 User Manual

Hobie

Quest 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 Required ............................................................6

Vantage CT .............................................................................7

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

Lowrance Ready Option ..................................................... .15

Storage and Transportation ................................................17

Paddling ..............................................................................20

Safety ...................................................................................21

Warranty ..............................................................................23

Look for this icon. Online video is available at

www.hobie.com/support/products

Please read through the instruction manual before using this product

®

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1. Hull

2. Vantage CT Seat

3. Paddle

4. Gear Bucket

Anatomy

1

2

3

4

6

Assembly Required

Line up threaded
inserts on seat
back frame with
holes molded
in seat bottom
frame.

Once aligned,
insert screws
and tighten.

Vantage CT Assembly

1

2

7

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Vantage CT

2

Items not shown to scale

Front Up/Down Adjust

Structural Inserts for Kickstand
Supports (Insert Does Not Require Any
Fasteners)

Kickstand Activate Handle

Molded-in Kickstand Supports
(Exclude Quest 11 Models)

Front Up/Down “Key”

Recline Adjust

Seat Bottom Frame “Shoe”

BOA Lumbar Adjust

Leash

Kickstand

®

Anatomy

®

8

Line up the
front of the seat
bottom frame
over key and
slide the back of
the frame to the
back wall in the
cockpit.

Put pressure
on the front of
the seat mesh &
lift the back of
the seat bottom
frame to set the
seat into the key.

Push the
seatback frame
down once the
seat frame is fit
into the key. Pull
up on front of
seat to check
for proper
installation.

Flip seat back
up.

Vantage CT

Seat Installation

1

2

3

4

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Locate leash
buckle on the
seat bottom
frame and
firewall behind
the seat.

Line up and plug
in the two parts
of the buckle.

When the two
parts are clicked
into place, the
seat is secured
to the kayak.

Pinch to unlock.

Warning: Failure to secure the seat
with the leash buckle could result in
loss of seat during a capsize event.

Vantage CT

Seat Installation

8

7

6

5

10

Pull lever out
to activate front
up/down
adjustment.

Lean back into
seatback to
raise the front
up/down
adjustment. Use
body weight in
seat bottom to
drop into a lower
positon.

Release lever to
lock the desired
position of the
front up/down
adjustment.

Vantage CT

Front Up/Down Adjustment

1

2

3

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Vantage CT

MID

LOW

HIGH

The seat is set
to a default low
position.

Move weight toward the
front of the seat bottom
mesh to raise the back of
the seat. Pull “T” handle
to activate kickstand.

Set kickstand on the boat
hull for mid-level seating.

Set kickstand on the shelf
for high-level seating.

(There is no shelf for the
high seating position on
Quest 11 models.)

Rear Up/Down Adjustment

12

Pull lever out to
activate the
seatback to
recline.

Release lever to
lock seat into
position.

While holding the
lever out, push
back into the seat
to recline.

Vantage CT

Recline Adjustment

3

2

1

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C

l

i

c

k

C

l

i

c

k

C

l

i

c

k

Pull knob to release
lumbar.

Press knob to lock
lumbar.

Rotate knob to tension
lumbar.

Vantage CT

Lumbar Adjustment

1

2

3

14

Pull “T” Handle
to open drain.

Cleat to keep
drain open.

Uncleat and
release to close
drain.

Note: Pedal at
a brisk pace
to evacuate
water from
seat well.

On The Water

Seat Drainer

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1/8”
3mm

The transducer is an optional
accessory and is not included with boat

Metal clips

ONLY ON QUEST 13
MODELS.

Lowrance Ready Option

Transducer Installation

Wire Installation

1.

2.

1.

There are plugs for the wire to
come out on either side of the
boat if you prefer a right/left
side screen location.

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

Lead the cable through
the inside of the boat
and exit the cable out
through the thru-hull
fitting.

1

2

16

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

Gasket

Gasket

Remove the solid
rubber plug.

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

Press the new plug
with the wire
installed into the
plastic plug making
sure it fits tightly.

DO NOT USE A
DRILL for the three
way plug. Bolt or
screw the thru-hull
wire assembly to the
hull using the nut or
screws. Make sure
you have the o-ring
or gasket installed.

O-ring

Thru-Hull Plugs, Single and 3-way

Lowrance Ready Option

1

2

3

4

5

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Storage and Transportation

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 other
ways to keep the
boat stored.

Storage Do’s

Storage Don’ts

18

Storage and Transportation

1hr.
MAX

Cart

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

Store out of Weather

Additional Storage Key Points

• Always 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

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Storage and Transportation

The best way to transport your boat is to purchase a trailer or roof rack
from your dealer. Using proper cradles that support the hull, the boat
can be transported right side up. Straps can then be laid across the boat
and tied to the rack bars. Straps should be tight, but not so tight that
they distort the shape of the boat. Avoid using ratchet straps to prevent
overtightening.

Be sure to consult your car and roof rack owner’s manual
to ensure that you comply with all 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.)

Roof Topping

1

2 3

20

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
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 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.

Paddling

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Always:

• Wear a Coast Guard
approved personal flotation
device (lifejacket).

• 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.

• Scout unfamiliar waters.

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

• Always make sure that your
hatches are secure and
closed.

• Carry a bailing device.

• Always carry the spare
paddle provided with the
boat.

Never:

• Never go alone and always
file a float plan.

• Never go in flood 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
mind-altering 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.

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 sports. Consult your physician
prior to beginning.

Safety

22

Safety

Shakedown Cruise

As with any new product, it is important that you become familiar with
the boat and all its features. It is also important to determine that the
boat is sound before long trips. 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 any long trips
into open water. Things you should check or practice are:

• Closing hatches properly

• Drain plug locations to make sure they are properly installed

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

Getting into your Boat

If you fall out of your boat, stay with the boat. You should be properly
wearing a life jacket/PFD which will keep you afloat. 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 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. 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.

Helpful 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
flat.

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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.hobie.com/product-registration/

or

Scan this QR code with your smart phone

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.hobie.com/dealers/

Warranty

PN 78009

REV 170608

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 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]

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