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PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 3:54 am 
'She who must be obeyed' has suggested that we invest in a family mirage drive tandem - in addition ot our outback, we all love.

But I am bemused by the choice of tandems– even though there are only two to choose from.

There are no test drive facilities here (UK), so I would appreciate views from the Hobie community.

Does anyone have an opinion on the pros and cons of the tandem and the outfitter?

In particular how do they each perform in the tandem and single mode?

We will be using it in the sea, and the main reason for purchase is as a family kayak.

I have noticed that the outfitter does not appear to have foot rests –would we slip off the seat when paddling.

The tandem does not appear to have mid ships handle- difficult for a one person lift on a roof rack?

The outfitter has very little bow – will there be excessive wash over the front passengers?

Any comments gratefully received - before she changes her mind!

Regards Shaun


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PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 2:14 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:10 am
Posts: 21
We have a tandem. This thing ROCKS with two people pedalling, but not when paddling, 'cause you cant keep it straight.

With one person pedalling, it's good, but you have to ballast the front to get the trim, and again, paddling sucks..... the straight thing again....

The tandem has a serious hull shape for rough water, but it's secondary stability is ordinary, I have tipped it a few times.

We have HEAPS of fun on this thing. I also have a Quest, and another Sit Inside Kayak, and they all get the same amount of use, but the Tandem is a good fun craft, talk, mess around, fall out, simply a good two person craft.

Wolfie


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PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:13 pm 
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Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
We also have a Tandom and I concur with Lone Wolf's assessment. I'm not sure what Hobie had in mind with the Outfitter. It is shorter, fatter, looks more cramped, has a (100lb.) smaller payload and is probably slower. On the other hand, I think it has the capability to reposition the aft seat forward for single paddling and may have a more stable hull design. I have not tried it.

The Tandom is easy to handle solo, but works better with some ballast in the bow so it's less wind sensitive. I've made up some ballast tubes for such purpose.

The Tandom is managable with one person, but it takes a little practice to discover the best way to handle it. I lift it by the drive slot (from the bottom) with one hand and the cockpit bulkhead with the other. How you set it on your roof rack depends on what you have. I have kayak mounts for my truck's lumber rack -- no trunk (boot?) to worry about!

The wife really likes it, by the way. When she's happy, I'm happy! 8)


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 Post subject: Outfitter
PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 11:35 am 
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Site Admin

Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15027
Location: Oceanside, California
The Outfitter is like a tandem Outback. More utility than the original Mirage Tandem. Trays, rod holders. More stable, likely slower and may not be as good in rough water as the Mirage Tandem due to the lower bow. Flat cockpit floors for potentially standing in it.

We have learned over the years... the hull shape has less to do with performance on a Hobie Mirage kayak than other paddle kayaks. The Mirage drive can push a brick through the water with ease! Stable is good.

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


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PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:32 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2005 9:43 pm
Posts: 7
We have an Outfitter and enjoy it. It is very stable, I think it is pretty fast, my son and I have hit 6.5mph with the gps. The person in front does get splashed when heading into the wind if it has a little chop. I plan on making a splash cover over the front using the rod holders. It handles well with one person, but should have some additional weight in front(ice chest or dog). It paddles ok too, I like to paddle and pedddle at the same time. I fold up the rudder and use the paddle to steer when doing both.
Good luck.


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PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 3:01 pm 
Gents

Thank you for your replies.

All very helpful.

I will probably go for the outfitter due to stability for the kids - oh and its also got all those fishing bits!

Regards Shaun


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