Mirage oasis vs outfitter

I am thinking about buying a tandem kayak. My wife and I would use it on lakes and medium to small rivers. What are the pros and cons of the oasis and the outfitter?
Which one would be better for me, and what is everyones experience with these 2 kayaks. We would not be using it for fishing.
TIA,
Tim

Lots of posts here on the topic. You 'll find it all by using the search feature typing both names.

Searching around I think you will find lots of discussions (some recent) on the topic.

I own the Tandem Outfitter and Island and both are very different boats.

How do you plan to use your tandem?

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

Thanks for the relplies. I have read some good information. I plan on using the kayak for lakes and small to medium rivers. Maybe camping but not fishing.

We have the Oasis and love it. The Outfitter is considerably shorter (not an advantage unless you need maximum maneuverability), a bit wider, a bit heavier, and (most importantly) has 100 lb lower weight capacity (not good for heavy people, especially in the rear). The Outfitter will be a slower boat. It lacks the valuable storage capacity at the bow that the Oasis has.

Frankly, I can't see any reason at all to buy the Outfitter unless you absolutely need the extra little pockets on the side. Everything else is a disadvantage. You might experience a bit more initial stability in the Outfitter, but the Oasis has ample stability once you get used to being on the water. You can sit in it sideways and dangle your legs over the side. I've had it out broadside to 4' waves and 60 mph winds, no problem. If you want rock-solid stability for fishing, install removable Hobie amas or Harmony sea sponsons (we have these).

What we really need is a 16' or 17' Oasis—one with the big hatch in the front like the Adventure so we can easily use it on long expeditions, a tad bigger rear gear well with an 8" hatch, and a slightly longer front cockpit. And maybe an inch or two narrower. PLEASE, Hobie, please, with sugar on top? This would be a faster boat and the PERFECT tandem for those who don't want to sail a trimaran.

I felt the same way when I researched these two models. But I've read on these forums that the Outfitter outsells the Oasis by a huge margin. Hmmm...

When we bought our Outfitter - the dealer only carried the Outfitter. I went there with all intentions of getting the Oasis. They basically talked us into the Outfitter. Our primary reason for getting was for swim training for my wife. We wanted the most stable so she could climb in to boat in the middle of the lake. The Outfitter is plenty stable for that. After awhile though, we started to use it more for recreation, then started sailing with it. That is when we got hooked on the sailing thing. I had plan on buying the Ama's but soon learned the Outfitter is so stable that I did not need them. Oasis probably does not need them either. Just guessing. Anyway, we are happy with the Outfitter. Course, we just got the Tandem Island and will be playing with that for the rest of summer.

If possible, try them both out first. Then you will really know which one you like better.

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

Hobie has already fulfilled your wish, sort of. Their latest tandem is 18'5" with your big hatch in the bow, a larger cargo deck (complete with 8" hatch), longer cockpits (especially in front) and 2" narrower than the Oasis.




You don't have to sail a trimaran to get it, but you do have to buy one because Hobie doesn't currently offer this as a stand alone kayak. Perhaps in the future??

Other than the extra cost of having to purchase the full trimaran (who knows, maybe you'll grow to like sailing) the only disadvantage is that it is about 25 lbs heavier than the Oasis.