Many Thanks for advice on water ballast from this forum.

I just purchased a new Oasis a few weeks ago. So far I've only had it out three times. The first time out was solo. The next time was with a neighbor. Today I went out alone. During my first voyage I had an issue with balance as my weight was causing a significant elevation of the front of the boat. Aside from expanding the width of the bow wave, the elevated stem caught the wind and I had to feather the rudder to compensate when going cross wind.
After reading these forums I discovered that this was a common problem when going solo in a tandem kayak. Someone recommended using water containers that could be filled on site and placing them in the front of the boat. I followed that advice today and cannot tell you just how great that works. Today I used about five gallons worth of water which amounted to about 40 pounds of weight. What a difference! The use of water also means that you don't have to pack any extra weight to and from the launch site. I will probably be adding extra containers until I find my optimal balance point. However the point remains that these forums are a real gift to newbies like me as we go through our learning process. I can't remember which forum had the water ballast suggestion but thanks to whoever it was that placed it there. You are helping a whole bunch of us have a better experience in these wonderful boats. - Roger

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Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle

I hear ya. I use the same technique, which I also learned here in the forums. I also really appreciate the fact that I don't have to lug weights around with me.

I use two NRS Tuff Sack Medium Dry Bags that are 22 liters each. Each one filled with water on site equals about 42 pounds. They are too big to go into the hull, so I just throw them in the foot well of the front passenger area.

The first time out I used both bags, and that actually seemed like too much weight. The bow would actually plunge through boat wakes rather than ride over. So the last couple of times out I've just been using 1 bag.

Seems like the optimal weight might be achieved by filling both bags 2/3 full, but 1 bag is just simpler.

You don't have to share your beer..

You can dump the water if you catch a 42lb fish.

You can add another 42lb when you drink all your beer.

Or just put the beer up front, then add 12 oz of water every time you drink one. Or just catch a lots of small fish.



Its been a long day.

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I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.

...a bit focused on beer, ain't we.

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Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.