HELP!! we keep capsizing

We just bought a hobie oasis mirage drive tandem kayak. We just took it out on the lake today, and to our horror we kept tipping off the boat. It feels incredibly unstable and like if someone turns their head we are going to capsize. What are we doing wrong? I've been on an ocean kayak, and it felt very stable. We are both pretty heavy people and tall, but our weight capacity does not exceed hobie's recommendation (although we are to the max). Right now taking the boat out past the lake shore does not feel safe. Please help any advice would be great.

if you are pushing the cap. it will feel unstable but i have a few ideas:
-Each of you try taking it out solo a couple time, then try it tandem.
-When your not peddling try putting each leg over the side like your straddling the yak, this is probably the best way to increase stability on a SOT yak.
- Hobie sells outriggers called sidekicks (i think??) that may be your ticket until you get the balance down.
-If you're still unhappy its time to move up to the outfitter, it is much wider and should support the weight better. I actually have an outfitter that i fish regularly and have had close to 500lbs on it more than once, it seemed pretty stable but it was all camping gear that was tied down which is kinda different than a human

Correct... max weight will be less stable at the hull has not secondary stability. The Outfitter is actually a little less stable at high weights. As with anything though... as you get used to it, it will become second nature and feel much more comfortable.

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

Really? I find this hard to believe.

I currently own a 2009 Kona, and I bought it because it is, by far, the most stable kayak that I have ever used. I've never even felt the smallest hint of instability. I am 210 lbs, and I normally carry my son with me (~75 lbs).

I am considering purchasing an Outfitter in order to enter the world of Mirage. It looks clear to me that the Outfitter is built upon the Kona "chassis" if you will. My current quest is to find out whether the Oasis or the Outfitter is the right choice for me. The unfortunate capsizing of the original poster steers me CLEAR away from the Oasis.

Stability is my #1 criteria, so your comment above makes me question my initial assessment.

This was according to our factory manager who does a lot of design work and testing on these as well.

The Oasis has a capacity of 550. The Outfitter is 450. So for the above crew, who is pushing max on the Oasis... they would be over the limit on the Outfitter. I believe he was saying that at max on either... the Outfitter was a little less stable at its max.

Again, this is all opinion and personal experience. I feel like a rock in my kayak when in the surf, but others may simply fall out with a small wave in the water.

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