Oasis or Outback

Alright fellas. I'm looking to get my first kayak and I've decided on a hobie. I see many of you run outbacks and I've done a lot of research on the hobies and here's why I'm considering the oasis. I'd be grateful for any input either for or against.

For starters I'm 6'5" @ 250#. Doesn't leave much room for gear or fish on an outback. I've read a few posts saying that the oasis is still easily manageable for one person. I also like the idea of having the extra capacity and room for camping gear if I even wanna take a multi-day expedition.
 Secondly, I want to be able to take a friend or family member out fishing with me and as much as I'd like to have a fleet of various kayaks I only have room to keep one. And I won't have to worry about them becoming entangled in their own boatload of unfamiliar gear.
Let me know your thoughts.

When I was in the market for my new kayak I was trying to decide between the Outback and Outfitter.  I wanted the Outfitter so I could take my son out with me fishing but the more I thought about it, I realized that, for the time being, my son could ride on the back deck with me on the Outback and once he got bigger (he's 9 yrs old now) I could invest in a used cheaper paddle yak and just tie it onto mine (maybe utilizing an anchor trolley so I could pull his boat up next to mine or run it back and pull him with my boat) and later teach him to paddle it on his own.  Also I figure he'll be with me maybe 30 to 40% of the time so for the rest of the time I would have to deal with the extra weight and other struggles of a tandem by myself for no reason.  I just couldn't justify the extra expense of a tandem for those reasons.  Even if I buy a second kayak it'll still be cheaper then the $1100 difference between the Outback and Outfitter.

I haven't had an opportunity to test drive either of these boats yet, but I wonder if the extra 2.5' and 10# +/- makes that big a difference. And I considered the oasis instead of the outfitter due to the better capacity to hull weight ratio.

Its all in what you feel is important.  Lifting a 13 foot boat weighing 70+ lbs over my head by myself didn't seem doable (at least for me).  Spending an extra $1100 (after just buying a new house) wasn't going to happen either.
For me, those were my thoughts but it will be different for everyone.  I just wanted to let you know what my thinking was.  Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong either way.   

They'll both have about the same amount of usable storage when you're solo.  Oasis storage will be the empty seat in front of you and outback behind.  The biggest difference in performance will be speed and width.  If I remember correctly, oasis is the tandem version of the revo....so, faster with less effort.  Very key if you think you're gonna troll all day or go on a long range trip.  Outbacks are great, but damn those things catch wind and are not fun to paddle.  You can stand up in an outback, but you'll be worn out after a long day trolling or on long range trips.

I'd go oasis if you want the ability to go tandem

I test rode the oasis and the bow was riding pretty high.  I'm 6'5" 200 lbs.... Figured I'd need at least 30lbs of ballast in the front hatch (which eliminates a bit of that storage space you're after).  Also, as much as I liked the idea of taking someone out... I don't think I would enjoy the experience in a tandem... I'm very comfortable in my outback... Can roll with the seas... I think it would be annoying to have to deal with someone else's unexpected movements and shifts all day long.  I decided having two outback a was more my style.   The thought of multi day trip capacity also factored in and I probably sacrificed on that front by going with the outback... But I'll find out how adequate the outback is in May when I take it out on a 4-day.  Good luck deciding.  Either way you'll love your choice and will advocate for it on the forums:). Human nature:)

Thanks for the feedback, gents. And I'm always willing to listen and learn more. Now onto the harder part. Finding a good used one. I've noticed that second hand hobies are a rare find up here, but that would be ideal. I've seen several oasis for sale on the west coast in the low to mid $2K range as well as some below that. Any ideas on what freight would cost?

Just got a new revo that is being shipped up.  Kayak shed has a sweet deal for shipping new ones.  you may check with them to see if they have a 2014 model on sale.

Got quotes from UPS ~$350 ground to kenai and Linden Freight ~$400 to ANC terminal + another $200 to kenai.  Have some friends that got outbacks shipped last year for $295 each through American Fast freight.

expect to pick it up at a terminal unless you have a business address you can ship to, not many companies will ship kayaks to residential addresses.

The Oasis has almost zero usable storage compared to a single kayak, UNLESS you're solo, then you have the whole front cockpit to strap gear into if you want to. If simply moving gear to and fro for camping were my main concern I would recommend against the Oasis, because I don't think you'd really be gaining that much, and the Outback handles big guys as well as any boat from what I've read.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Oasis, and for me it's the perfect tandem boat. I fish in it alone because I fish so much with my wife that it makes sense for my situation. But if I weren't fishing in the same boat as someone else 75% of the time I would get a solo Hobie.

As far as the bow bobbing around when pedaling solo, there are a few options. I keep a couple of empty milk jugs in the front hatch. If it looks windy I fill those up, cap them, and put them back in the hatch. At 8lbs each that pulls the nose down pretty quickly. I'm ~170lbs and 2 jugs works fine for me.

Another option, which several forum Oasis guys I know do, is to ride in the front position. This has its own trade-offs, but works well for them.

I don't want to discourage people from getting the Oasis, because I really think it's an awesome boat. But I'd bet you'd be happier in the long run with the Outback, unless a lot of your trips will be with someone else. The extra $1100 (or whatever) could go towards a used single paddle kayak to lend your buddies for trips. JAT.

For those contemplating fishing the Oasis solo, try the front seat as well as the back. Your trim will be much closer to normal from the front. I fished from the rear cockpit until I tried launching at Pacific City - the breakers pushed the nose off sideways too easily, even with added weight in the front. I got knocked down twice, then re-rigged for the front and made it out through. I have fished from the front ever since, and have no desire to go back.

I agree with Captain Redbeard - unless you think you're going to be going tandem a lot get a solo Hobie. In my case I have a wife who loves to get out in a kayak but doesn't want to be solo and doesn't fish. This means I go out on a lot of pleasure cruises with her, but also fish solo quite a bit. I wish I had a Revo for the solo fishing trips...