Before I get into my comment above.
First of all I want to thank you for your excellent hands on advise/recommendations re the various Hobie Mirage Units.
You have saved me money, time and aggravation.
However, when it comes to the reality of how hard it is for some of us to load and on load the Hobie's on our trucks, suvs and trailers, you are a often on the cavelier side and separated from the realities many of us face.
I can just see some California lawyer showing pictures of you showing easy it is to pick up an Oasis or what ever and load it on or off a vehicle.
Then, when a patient screws up their back, rotator cuffs, bicep heads and is a candidate for some 6 figure surgery and the pain/recovery aspect showing those picture to 12 unemployed jurors on simioliar disabilities and nailing you and Hobie for what they consider false and dangerous advertising.
It won't be me or my relatives nor friends as we have never had a law suit nor plan to have one. However, we are rapidly becoming a big minority
Yesterday, we were at one of the Orthopedic offices for my right knee. Knee trouble often comes in twos since we were given two at the same time. My left knee was the culprit two years ago.
In the office waiting room, there were apparently case workers Medical/Care and apparently some insurance/hmo companies discussing the injuries that brought the patients in to see the doctors. The case workers were looking for someone or a company to pay for the costs of the injuries.
One asked me if I had a few minutes to discuss my injury and I told him to subpoena God for giving me two knees which wore out over 70's.
Be careful of our litigious world, my friend.
Quote:
Roadrunner wrote:
hacktorious wrote:
My Fiancee suggested getting a two seater so I she can go fishing with me. I also have an 8 year old who I expect I'll be taking quite often.
This depends on several factors. It might be a little tight having two fishermen on one tandem, depending on how much gear you bring, whether you cast, drop or troll, etc.
On the other hand, a tandem would be great with your child -- he would have much more room to spread out and room to grow in his own cockpit. It gets a little cramped after awhile in the cargo well.
For solo work, a single would be easier to transport and launch, but has no advantage in the water. Ideally it would be ideal to get one of each if you're considering the option of getting 2 boats -- single for solo, tandem with child and 2 boats with the fiance. Shoot, that way, all three of you could do some family fishing together!
Grampa Spey wrote:
The Oasis and Outfitters are beasts for solo use, unless you are buffed/sturdy and adept. Don't buy the how easy they are for solo use.
Here's my "buffed" friend (the guy on the right) cruising his tandem Oasis solo along with an Adventure
Her he is again cruising at about 5.3 MPH last weekend, with me tagging along (he's "towing" me with his boat wake) also in my tandem Oasis. BTW, I'm running solo as well and must me every bit as "buffed" as my friend (but not as fast)!
Notice we both take full advantage of the new dual control system to operate from the front seat. BTW, we both have Hobie singles that we use as well, so soloing the tandem is by choice, not necessity.
Here's another "buffed" friend with the older single control hull who has to operate from the back seat (shown without ballast). He runs solo regularly and occasionally tandem with his daughter.
Here's another solo (without ballast) on his Outfitter waiting for his fishing buddy. The Outfitter is a good flat water fishing boat, but slower and noisier (lots of hull slap) than the Oasis. Weighs about the same.
Finally, here's another "buffed" friend who fishes solo and with his lovely custom ballast (shown here) on his Oasis. She reads while he pedals and fishes.
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...the [2011 and up] Hobie Oasis ... have dual steering, which I'm not sold on.
Having actually tried the dual rudder control system, I didn't waste much time selling my older Oasis to get it. I can say it's fantastic -- adds enormously to an already incredibly versatile kayak: being able to solo from either seat, either can steer while the other takes a break to bring in a fish, take a picture, etc. Both the new Outfitter (2012) and Oasis (2011 and newer) have this feature.