One person in a Outfitter or an Oasis

I am a new member in Agoura Hills, California. I am thinking of buying an Outfitter or an Oasis. My question is, how does it handle/perform with only one person in it? Is it safe?

Salty Dog

One of the main reasons I selected a Hobie kayak was the tandems' suitability for solo use. They are excellent! I own a 2010 Oasis and use it solo (mirage, sailing, fishing) about 90% of the time. It's nice to have the option to bring a friend or family member along.

The only "quirk" with running a tandem in solo mode is the need to add ballast to the front of the boat. It's not really required, but it trims the boat up nicely. Everybody has their own method of adding ballast. Personally I bring along a medium-sized dry bag. When launching the kayak I fill the bag up with water and throw it into the front footwell. I estimate this adds about 40 pounds, which works great!

When I'm done for the day I just dump the water out of the bag. No big, heavy weights to carry around.

Hi,
I am a new member here also from So Cal. I am thinking of getting a 2-seater Mirage drive Hobie as well. I think I will be buying from a Dana Point Jetski dealer who is also an authorized Hobie distributor.

Adding a ballast is good info. Wonder if a couple of 6-packs would work?

Kawiski

Skadar,

Do you use the hobie yellow dry bag that came with the yak?

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Currently own: 2012 AI, 2 - 2012 Revo 13's, 2012 Revo 11,
Sold: 2-2011 Oasis, 2010 Outback, 08 Outback, 08 Adventure, 06 Kona

I didn't receive a dry bag with my kayak.

I use a Medium red NRS Tuff Sack. I actually bought two for this purpose, but only ever end up using one of them. I also carry another NRS clear dry bag for lunch and supplies while on the water. The clear bag makes it easy to locate items within.

I also own a 2010 Oasis. The use of water ballast works great. Being the cheap guy that I am I use 2 gallon Kitty litter jugs and put them in the front foot and seat area. On Sunday I went out on Corpus Christi Bay when it was really blowing. The weight in front kept the nose down and I was able to hold a very steady course through significant wave action on all points and direction of movement. I especially appreciate the longer water line of the Oasis in rough conditions. It's a great boat in heavy water. - Roger

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Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle