I recently got the chance to check out the new '09 Oasis and compare it with the previous model. This third generation bottom modernizes the oldest existing boat in the Hobie kayak fleet. Overall length, width, speed and rated capacity have not changed, but the new bottom improves initial stability, adds substantial additional buoyancy (as if it needs any) and extends the waterline length slightly. Hobie doesn't list girth, but the new model picks up about 3 1/4 inches amidships with its much fuller chines. The below pictures reveal a new kinship with the Adventure and Revolution.
Here the new (darker) and recent Oases are compared side by side:
As you can see, there is little resemblance with Hobie's other tandem, the Outfitter (blue):
The bow section has been subtly reshaped, with some of the rocker removed, creating a longer waterline length. Theoretically this gives more speed potential and contributes to greater longitudinal stability (noticeable when soloing).
Whereas its excellent overall stability remains about the same, initial stability on the new Oasis is greatly increased. Here with full body weight equally suspended at the gunwales, the new hull shows markedly less heel.
On the water, the rear seat sits about 1 to 1 1/2 inches higher yet the boat feels rock solid. Those familiar with the older Oasis know that you can feel every change in your partner's position. Not so with the new hull. Though the hull depth has not changed appreciably, I suspect the boat displaces at least one inch less depth with its flatter bottom.
Overall speed is about the same. With Jerry from the local dealership in front and two sets of Turbofins, we sprinted to 7.3 MPH twice in both the old and new hulls (it didn't hurt that he only weighs 140 lbs.). Rudder response was about the same in both -- slow but decent with the standard rudder and very responsive with the sailing rudder (I brought one along).
I got to go out solo as well. A close study of these next two pics shows the difference in seating height (using the visible mold seam below the gunwale as a reference point). With identical ballast loads, notice how much higher the new stern sits above the water. The new boat also sits a little more level, showing off its improved longitudinal stability -- note the bow is a little closer to the water. The pedals sit deeper in the drivewell, giving the illusion that the deck is higher. This first boat below is our '08 Oasis and the second is the '09.
Solo sprint speed with the old was 6.4; 6.3 with the new, a negligible difference. One hour cruise speeds were within .1 MPH between the two.
Boat wakes for this beast? Absolutely! Large rudder control was excellent, the boat felt rock solid and I stayed high and dry back at my perch at the helm.
The wife and I even did a little towing with it (I was just looking for a flimsy excuse to throw another picture in):
I'm not sure why Hobie hasn't increased the capacity rating from 550 lb. IMO, there is at least another 100 lb. of buoyancy and a substantial reserve on top of that.
Other changes of course include the Click N Go pedal retention system, grab handles amidships and dual scuppers for the seats. As mentioned before, the drivewell is a little deeper. The Click N Go performed flawlessly, but the rear Drive was harder to position than it was with the Revolution. This may have been because the drivewell seal tended to stick a little bit in the narrow well channel.
The new handles are long overdue and a welcome aid in handling this bulky boat. Of course, they can be easily added to the older boats as well.
I can't comment on sailing since the opportunity didn't present itself. I would expect it to be pretty similar, but with less heel.
I've always been a fan of the Oasis. In most respects the '09's performance is very similar to the previous model (same cockpit as the '08 ). The front seat feels about the same, but the slight changes in altitude and pedal position in the back cockpit are a nice improvement -- definitely noticeable. The enhanced initial stability is also noteworthy. And with all this additional unofficial capacity, one could transport two full sized refrigerators laid across the front cockpit now instead of one! Excellent improvement!
