AMA kit on Mirage Oasis

I am mounting an AMA kit on my mirage Oasis. I am thinking that the optimal mounting spot is toward the center of the kayak rather than behind the rear seat. My thinking is that the pontoon would tend to affect steering more toward the rear of the kayak if it heeled over enough to have the pontoon enter the water. I am new to sailing and maybe this would not matter. I would be a bit easier to mount behind the rear seat due to the witdth of the tandem. I would appreciate info. from someone with a similar boat. Thanks in advance.

Behind is probably best. The pontoons tend to throw water at you.

I’ve used the ama kit and have sailed all over the place with it mounted behind the seat it has not caused any issues as long as I’ve had the sailing rudder. When I mount the kit I’ve used through bolts or an old style molly wall anchor if unable to reach inside the hull. Both mounts have been rock solid 12 years and counting. AMAs are way better than trying to sail upside down.

Soylent, did you mount it in the rear? If so, how’d it turn out? I foolishly mounted mine in the center, where it sometimes interferes with the front seat, and the crossbar is a little too short to fit properly between the mounts-it makes it hard to insert the amas. I’m considering moving it.

I have been using sidekicks on my Oasis for several years now. I mounted them behind the rear seat and am quite happy with them. I did NOT use the well nuts, and secured properly with washers and locknuts. The only minor issue is they do limit your paddle stroke if paddling from the rear seat. I just use a half paddle with tee handle and that makes quick short strokes a lot easier, plus we don’t paddle often or far preferring instead to use the Mirage drives and rudder-mounted eVolve (Torqeedo). I originally thought I would only use the amas occasionally or when sailing in heavier winds but we pretty much use them all the time now.

Peter

Thank you, Peter. I think I’ll be moving them!