2011 Oasis Steering/Rudder problem

I have some concerns about the 2011 Hobie Oasis steering and rudder. I have taken my Oasis out 3 times since receiving it. The first time, the Oasis did not steer to the left which needed adjustment to the steering lines at the rudder. The second time out, I had left and right steering, but it seem that every time the current was coming against the rudder in a perpendicual fasion, I would lose the tracking unless I kept my hand on the steering arm. Being a previous owner of a Revolution for 2 years, I have never experienced a problem where the steering never remained in the tracking position once set with the steering mechanism in the conditions I kayak in. However, the steering for the Oasis does not stay in its place, especially when trying to turn when fighting a fish. I prefer to have both hands on my fishing rod.

Last week on my 3rd outing, I ran into white caps (not that severe) that made it very difficult to stay on track unless I kept my hand on the steering at all times. Is there a solution to this problem. All my kayaking is done on the Big Island of Hawaii and not lake conditions. Current is a big factor here. I have my Oasis ballast in front with 50 pounds and I am sitting in the aft position. The degree of radius to turning the Oasis is a lot less than the Revo. has anyone else noticed this challenge or have an idea for a solution?

You can add tension to the steering lines. That will make it stiffer. That or add a rubber washer of some kind under the handle.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

It probably is too little tension at the steering lines- or the T/S drum bolt.

If you still have issues after tightening those, wrap a little self sealing repair tape (Rescue Tape at ACE) around the tiller handle until it creates friction with the hull. The bigger the fish, the more you'll need!

Make sure the handle (set screw?) is tight so it won't pop off.

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The Wind Is Your Friend...

I'll take the advice and 1st try the tension on the line and follow with creating more friction against the handle it tightening does not work. Thanks Matt & NOHUHU.

I have purchased 2011 Hobie Oasis and have had a horrible experience with it.
I volunteered as a safety kayaker to support the 7.5 mi. Potomac swim on 6/4/2011 (http://artemis.crosslink.net/~cherylw/pr2007i.htm)
It was windy and a bit rough, but I was unable to control my kayak at all, even with the rudder. It had no tracking ability what so ever! I was paddling sideways, making circles and loops. I was unable to control my kayak! I was shamefully taken out of the race and barely made it to shore, on my own. The bottom of the kayak is round and there is no keel to speak of, to assist in tracking / keeping the course. I am an experienced kayaker and am extremely disappointed, after spending thousands of dollars on the kayak and accessories for this model, I would not recommend to anyone. It is a safety hazard and should be taken off the market!

The Oasis is actually a very stable kayak, so perhaps the water conditions were rougher than you had experienced before?

As for control... I suspect that the rudder down line was not cleated (down) to hold the rudder in place. Most certainly the boat would do left turn loops without the rudder fully deployed. Contact your dealer for a refresher on the function of the steering system and possibly correct anything that might be wrong.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)