A tandem Kayak for 1?

I'm looking for some general advice.
My time on the water will probably be split equally between solo and two person paddling (and peddling). I'd also like to be able to do solo weekend trips. Am I better off with a tandem or a solo boat? If I am out by myself on a tandem boat, should I be in the forward or aft seat?
Thanks

The question you ask is a good one. I have an Oasis tandem that I just purchased this past May. Prior to buying it I had the very same questions as you. When I purchased it I thought; "Well if I buy the tandem then I'll be ready for anything (e.g. go solo or go tandem)." Since buying it I have discovered that I usually go solo. Now I'm not so sure that I'd put out the extra money for the tandem. When I use it solo I usually put ballast (water jugs) in the front to balance out the boat. Now believe me the boat works great. However there is a little extra work and a little extra weight going solo that wouldn't be there had I gone with a solo craft from the start. It would definately cost more to purchase two solo boats to gain the same net effect but in some ways it might be worth it. That being said, I absolutely love my boat. It is one great watercraft that is stable, able to handle really big water and even by myself go at very respectable speeds. I guess the best thing to remember as you make your decision is that any boat ends up being a compromise between the ideal and the reality. The closer you can bring those two together the greater will be your satisfaction with the boat. Good Luck in your decision. I'm glad you're thinking Hobie because I don't think you can get a better all around practical kayak. - roger

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Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle

RPL makes some good points. The tandem is a little heavier, awkward to handle and more expensive, but but every bit as much fun on the water IMO. Everyone's needs are different. I find it invaluable for those times the wife or kids want to go out and don't want to be left behind. It's also great or friends, pets and heavy loads (tons of space and capacity) for expeditions. In fact, I would describe it as the most versatile kayak if you're going to have just one.

The new '11 Oasis has dual steering, so you can solo from the rear cockpit (with ballast highly recommended)...


...or the front cockpit with half the ballast, or none at all:


Enormously popular for the community clean-ups as well!