New Quest 13

Hello All,
I picked up my new Quest 13 today. As noted previously, I wanted a kayak to paddle and fish in rocky rivers and skinny waters. I refuse to take the Outback into those situations and chance damaging the mirage drive, hence the Quest. I test paddled (not peddle) a Revolution, which is basically the same hull as the Quest, and was impressed. I love the looks of the Quest and can't wait to get it onto the local ponds here in Delaware. I also ordered the twist and stow rudder, which my dealer installed, so it was ready for pickup. There are a couple of issues I'd like to mention. First, there is no bungee to hold the rudder in place when transporting. I tied the rudder down with some cord to get the Quest home and will install my own bungee in the near future. Second, and more disturbing, is the up/down rudder control system is installed on the outside of the hull. This did not make sense to me because the Quest is made from the same mode as the Revolution and the Quest has the openings for all the rudder control lines. Subsequent to further research this afternoon, it appears Hobie determined it would be too complicated for kayakers to install the pulleys necessary for inside the hull installation, hence the outside the hull solution. It also appears that the inside the hull up/down control system used in the Revolution is not available for purchase if a kayaker wanted to attempt installation. The only option available appears to be an older model AI rudder control system, which can be modified (maybe) to fit inside the Quest hull. Somehow, I missed this glitch during my original research. I can live with the way the rudder is installed but the unused openings for the up/down control render the look incomplete (IMO). I'll post again after my first paddle. Thanks for listening.

Congratulations on your new Quest! Take a look at this rudder up/down line kit (part # 81391002). It converts the old style system to the current system, and seems to have the internal sheaves. It was originally designed for the AI but works on any of the Mirage Drive boats with T&S rudder. I don't know for sure if it will work on the Quest, but it looks promising. If your current kit has all the other parts, you can purchase the sheaves at any marine hardware store. You can use your Outback as a reference guide.

Footwells are different so may affect mounting of forward raise/lower pulley.

TBH I find it easier to raise and lower rudder with just the right hand while holding paddle in left. This may be one reason it was designed this way. If you use internal system it takes two hands. Right to uncleat then left to pull raise toggle. This would mean either putting paddle down or an awkward hand shuffle.

I went from a quest to a mirage kayak, and raising and lowering rudder struck me immediately as more fiddly with a mirage kayak. I also paddle my revo and find the mirage rudder system more clumsy. Its ok for hands free operation.

I think it will be one of these things that seem NQR at first, then you get used to it and its a non issue. It always happens with a new kayak you start picking at things unnecessarily. Also means one less set of holes in the back to let water in.

The thing with bungeeing a rudder in a paddle kayak is you dont always need it immediately so you launch paddle out, then go to use the rudder to find it still bunged. Doesn't happen in a pedal kayak as you you need it straight way so realise immediately.

I often paddle the revo 16 with rudder up, if a wind blows up I may want to deploy the rudder and it irks me when I look around to see it still bunged up and I cant reach it to release it.

On the quest for transport I use the tankwell bungie, slip it partially off side cleats wrap around rudder hook it over lifting handle and reattach. It holds rudder in stowed position for transport yet is so obvious you release it on setting up

I paddled my new Quest and found it truly a joy. The stability is all I hoped for and I found it tracks well with the rudder up. It tracks better with the rudder engaged. Thanks to those whose provided comments for me to consider. A shoutout to Roadrunner for his suggestion. I verified the part number and suitability for the Quest (always try for a second opinion). I decided to order this part and attempt to install the inside the hull up/down lines. I also discussed this with my outfitter, who agreed to assist me with installation if I run into difficulty. BTW, he will be welding the screw holes when the outside lines are removed. I have always had this fixation with things looking complete. The Quest hull was designed for an inside the hull up/down rudder system and with all the indents in place for the system, I know myself well enough that this kayak will never feel complete to me absent the hull being used as it was designed. I shall also reconsider adding a permanent bungee to hold the rudder. There is a groove in front of the skid plate on the Quest where I believe a regular bungee strap will work to hold the rudder for transport.

FYI if you ever decide to add the bigger hobie rudder blade to the quest, it can be done you just have to just have to trim it a bit to get it to miss the extended keel. Its very worthwhile to deal with strong crosswinds.

An alternative for strapping rudder for transport is drill a small hole in rudder tip then use a hooked bungie between this and a tankwell padeye. I found trying to strap around the hull as you propose to be unsatisfactory.