Submitted: 11-25-2011 by Gary
2011 Hobie Oasis: Location; Indian River Bay, Delaware. Generally, pleased with the kayak but it has limitations. As another reviewer noted, the Oasis can be unwieldy in a cross wind or current. The rudder can only do so much; keep those paddles handy when the wind is blowing and you need to make a tight turn. Under ordinary conditions the rudder is sufficient by itself so long as you understand the turning radius.
The Oasis can handle waves up to 2 feet without much difficulty but is happiest at 1 foot or less. My wife and I (we're both 59) can cover a 5 or 6 mile round trip in a couple of hours with ease. Our longest trips have been to the Indian River Inlet (to Atlantic Ocean); a round trip distance of almost 18 statute miles. These trips have taken us about 5 hours including a rest stop. We were barely able to make headway against a tidal current at the narrow inlet. That's the penalty for stability; even with 2 peddling, the boat is only going to go so fast. Still, this is a great recreational toy that anyone can use with a little training. Pedal-power opens the audience. Properly installing the mirage drive while seated in the kayak takes some practice and one liter of water each isn't enough on a hot day. |