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hobie.com
Safety
Shakedown Cruise
As with any new product, it is important that you become familiar with the
kayak and all its features. It is also important to determine that the kayak
is sound before long trips. We recommend that you do what we call a
“shakedown cruise” when the kayak 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
kayak before taking any long trips into open water. Things you should check
or practice are:
• MirageDrive installation, adjustment and removal.
• Rudder operation.
• Closing hatches properly.
• Drain plug locations to make sure they are properly installed.
• Getting in and out of the boat from a capsized state.
Mirage Kayak 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 Kayak
If you fall out of your kayak, stay with the kayak. You should be properly
wearing a life jacket/PFD which will keep you afloat. If the kayak is upside-
down, it will need to be turned over. To do this, reach across the bottom of the
kayak and grab the scupper hole or the Hobie MirageDrive and pull the boat
upright. Position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the kayak
and you are facing the kayak. You will want to be between the seat and the foot
well areas of the kayak. Reach across the kayak 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 kayak. Roll over onto your backside toward the seat,
which should place your backside in the seat. Sit up, swing your feet into the
foot wells and you’re ready to go.
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