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solo in an Outfitter
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=42506		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  knowltoh [ Thu May 03, 2012 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  solo in an Outfitter
I am going to get set up for kayak fishing on Florida's Indian River. I am 67 years old and will be fishing alone much of the time. There are times when I will want to have a fishing partner. My main question is how do the Outfitter or Oasis tandems paddle when solo? I know I will need to try it out, but am interested in others opinions.

I am also looking at purchasing 2 Outbacks or Pro Anglers, but if the tandem would work, I could save a bunch of money. :) I will want to use a trailer to transport and don't know if two singles by trailer would work.

Appreciate any input you might offer.

Thanks,

Herb Knowlton
Author:  Harleyreefer [ Thu May 03, 2012 2:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: solo in an Outfitter
Hi,
I just bought an Outfitter as my first ever kayak, so I can't help much with a lot of information, but I have pedaled solo with the turbo fins and haven't lost much speed by not having a partner up front. The back end does seem to sit a bit lower in the water, but I plan on carrying the ice chest up front when fishing alone.
Author:  Roadrunner [ Thu May 03, 2012 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: solo in an Outfitter
By using the "search" feature (upper right of the forum page), you can pick up lots of information on soloing and ballasting tandems. Here's a start:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=30997&hilit

The Outfitter and the Oasis would share the same ballast principles. 8)
Author:  stobbo [ Sun May 06, 2012 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: solo in an Outfitter
Just a thought and a bit off-topic but: if you and your partner are big guys/gals you might want to carefully consider the Oasis tandem.

For my part I found that the Outfitter was a bit overloaded with me and my better 3/4 on board... an all up weight of ~365lbs. It tended to sit rather low in the water but still moved along OK under pedal power - largely thanks to the power of the Mirage Drives. It definitely needed the larger rudder. Sailing with the standard rig was pretty much a waste of time - in light winds it was hardly able to shift us and in winds strong enough to move us along at anything like a worthwhile pace the mast bent off like a noodle and the sail lost all shape and most of its motive power (Staying the mast and adding a jib definitely improved matters but not every sailor wants to fiddle around making these modifications to the standard rig).

My kayaking buddy has an Oasis and it carried our combined weight rather better due to its extra length & volume and it felt like a completely different boat.
Author:  charlief [ Sun May 06, 2012 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: solo in an Outfitter
Quote:
I will want to use a trailer to transport and don't know if two singles by trailer would work.

We own an Outback and a Sport that we transport without problems on a standard 6'x4' garden trailer. I merely made up a rack out of 2 2"x4" pieces of timber that I bolt on to the side rails of the trailer. Cost me $20 and a drill bit. The advantage for me is that the Outback is easier to handle on my own and Anne can go off for a sight see if she gets sick of fishing when we are out together.
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