Tandem vs Buying Another Boat

I'm looking to pick up another boat in the next year. I'm going to stick with pedal drive boats because I am pretty thrilled with their performance and I already have two paddle boats (10' each). The primary reason I'd like to pick up another boat is I'd like a boat for my wife, family, and friends to use. I've listed out the pro and cons of buying either another single person boat or buying a tandem boat. I was curious if anyone else has ever faced this dilemma, what they decided, and how happy they have been with that decision.

Tandem Kayak

Pros
Only have to load and unload one boat
I can help them net fish, tie up gear, or deal with tackles issues
Less kayak experienced people will feel more comfortable on a large boat like a tandem
Longer boat and double mirage drives should result in more power so higher speed potential

Cons
Expensive
Bigger boat could create storage issues
Less storage available in tandem boat
Harder to load and unload by myself if I needed to

Single Person Boat (probably Outback)

Pros
Provides a backup or alternative boat for myself
Easy to load and unload
More storage
Less expensive

Cons
Fishing partners must be more independent & competent at dealing with kayaks & fishing gear
Would need to upgrade roof rack to carry two kayaks on Subie
Takes longer to prep and launch two boats than one[/li][/list]

I would appreciate any additions to these lists and any advice you might have.

I got a tandem so I could take my kids on the water.  If it was just adults that I wanted a loaner for I'd get a single seater.  You aren't going to surf launch or hit a swift river with a first-timer anyway. 

I hate to say "It depends" but it does.  If you're thinking that you will be taking out kids, a tandem might be a better way to lean.  If you're thinking about taking out mostly people who can handle themselves in their own kayak, a single person kayak might be a better way to go.  I personally like having two single person kayaks. 

If you're taking your wife out to fish from a tandem, make sure you have your patience hat on.

I don't have much to add but to say that your tandem pros/cons list looks about right to me.

I am kind of surprised how little usable storage there is on the Oasis for how big it is - I'd die without the between-the-legs hatch. That is the trade-off for the mirage drive, which makes a significant portion of the deck unusable for storage. It barely fits a 12x12 basket in the rear well, and the front hatch is not accessible at all when on the water (which is according to expectation). So you pretty much have your side mesh pockets, between-the-legs hatch, and whatever you can fit in a 12x12 crate (or similar sized device) if you're in the back position. This is plenty for 1 person, but if you're out all day with two people, and you have layers of clothes, food, water, gear for multiple species, etc. you run out of space pretty quickly, especially once the drybag balloons up with clothes/coats/etc. On a non-mirage drive tandem there is a lot more room around your legs/feet for overflow.

It is big and heavy too. Since I don't prefer to drag mine over the ground my options are limited to use it myself without a cart. With a cart it would be doable, but difficult to load alone if you're car-topping it.

All that said, it's a heck of a lot of fun, stable, fast, and reasonably nimble (for its size) in my opinion. I just clocked it with my GPS for the first time Saturday and with Christine and I kicking at a hard (but sustainable for a while) pace with 2x turbo fins, we maintained ~5.5mph for a stretch. A more sustainable pace is ~4mph, and you don't even have to be trying to maintain 2.5mph.

I've had no problems fishing in the tandem (getting tangled, etc.). It is true that you have to agree on where to go, when to ditch a drift, etc. I guess they have a reputation for being "divorce boats" but my wife and I love fishing together; I guess we're lucky.

If you're taking your wife out to fish from a tandem, make sure you have your patience hat on.

She'll need the patience hat  She is a very competent fisherwoman and a damned fine summer steelhead sleuth. She outfishes me on many days!

"It depends" is very true. The right thing to do is try out a tandem and see what you think. I know of 3 guys here in Portlandia that have and Oasis, including me, that might let you borrow one for a spin.

For my situation, the tandem is great. If I had my druthers, I would have bought two Revos, but my wife does not want to be self-sufficient in her own kayak, so tandem it is.  I also have a Revo in the garage (my son's) and like to use it, but the Oasis works well solo, so you could still have independent boats. Also, by adding an Oasis (I wouldn't really consider the Outfitter if I was you) 3 people could go out. I am very happy with the Oasis as my main boat.

Redbeard's comments are all right on the money. The weight thing is not bad, but a Revo seem featherlight in comparison.

PM me if you would like to try my boat.

Yeah I should have said that too - PM me if you want to meet up sometime to try it out.