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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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