Hobie Mirage Oasis vs. Outfitter

Hello, new to kayaking and this forum. I am trying to figure out which model to order, the Oasis or the Outfitter? Not much price difference and they weigh almost the same. Will be pleasure cruising most of the time and maybe doing some fishing also. Guest visiting our home will be using also. This will be all saltwater use in our canal systems and bays around Cape Coral Fl. Any opinions appreciated from all. Thanks. Dan

Personal preference, but I like the Oasis. Higher side rails and bow, so better in waves or chop. Faster hull shape.

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

I agree w/Matt. When first demoing the tandems, in '08, I tried both, went with the Oasis. Easier to paddle, quicker, better in chop. Recently purchased the '11 Oasis and couldn't be happier...added a sail and it's even more fun! It's used 75% fishing, 25% recreation and by everyone who comes to visit. Great kayak!!

Try demoing both and see what works best for you.

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Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

Thanks guys for the input!! Dan

My wife and I have a 2009 Oasis with the AMA kit for stabilization. We are in our 70's and new to yakking, however, we can keep up or pass any fellow yakers, who are paddling with none Hobie Mirages.

With the AMAs it is very stable. We had a steering problem with it. The dealer and his helpers unwrapped our Oasis and never checked out the steering. I got on the internet and fixed that. Now it turns sharply and neatly 360/180/90 with just me peddling in the back

We live in an area with lot of wind and our river is tidal. So an Oasis should work for you.

Early this year for solo and our grandson going with me, I looked at the Outfitter. Fortunately, one of our superb Hobie user, tester, evaluator, Roadrunner warned me about the wind impact on the Outfitter. So I will keep our Oasis for my wife and I and our grandson when he is big enough to help load and unload the Oasis, he can go with me and fish up front.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=35673

"For example, The picture below shows a Sport running against some rather aggressive local winds. These boats have a lot of exposed frontal area and you're going to get slowed down a lot. They all pound heavily in chop and can spit lots of water which ends up showering you and your Grandson in no time. The water and wind can be pretty chilly there in the Bay area, giving you a nasty wind chill, making for a very difficult and uncomfortable situation. The Adventure, new Oasis and Revo can all handle this situation much better; this boat had to be turned around after going nowhere fast and throwing buckets of 51 degree water in 45 degree air on the poor victim who sat in the seat:"

Try to find a local Hobie dealer with some 2011 Oasis and get the older model discount, and you will be happy.

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2009 Oasis
2012 Freedom Hawk Pathfinder

I have a 2011 Oasis that I yak from eternity canal in cape coral. I have used it in the canals, the mangroves, in Matlacha, San Carlos Bay, Pine Island sound, and the Gulf of Mexico. I use it solo and tandem. I launch from my dock and go mobile with a car top carrier. I find it very capable, stable and able to cover large distances, handle pretty decent chop, and makes a pretty decent fishing platform. I have a couple of 2010 WS Tarpon 160s when I want to paddle old school but actually prefer the oasis on most days. The only exception is when I need to haul a lot if gear like rods, beach umbrella, ect. Then I take the Tarpons. Tandems by their very nature are tight on storage, plus the shorter length and drive wells cut into storage capacity compared with the Tarpons. Also not being able to store some of my rods below deck makes it tougher to get through the mangroves. At very high tides it rides too high when I need to make passage from the SW spreader to Matlacha via Punta Blanca. Even if I fold the seats down a lay down I cannot get through the mangroves on some days.

I have the older style 2010 Oasis. If I had waited a few more months I could have purchased the newer 2011 model. However, I'm very happy with what I have. I use mine exclusively in the salt water near Corpus Christi. The bays around here a generally shallow and can get quite rough in a hurry. I am convinced that this boat can handle a lot rougher water than I can. I usually get off the water when I think it exceeds my comfort level, not the boat's. I have been generally shocked by what this boat is capable of when I've been caught by surprise. I couln't think of a more capable boat that can meet several functional requirements and do it well. I've heard it said that whatever boat you choose it is a compromise for what other boats can offer. This is one boat that doesn't force too much compromise. Good luck with your choice. _ Roger

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Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle

Thanks for the great feedback, Im going to take the plunge and get a Oasis. Im really excited about it!

Congrats, imho all Hobies are great kayaks, each suits a particular need and lifestyle.

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Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

It seems like you have made your decision, but I'll through another vote for the Oasis. It looks like guys have managed to set their boats up very nicely for fishing, especially the new ones.

I too tested both, and it was not even a question. The (older) Oasis won easily, so the new one... well you know... wins.

Good luck and have fun.

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LeBron