Rigging Hobie Oasis Tandem & a Malibu Mini-X - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FishNinjaY · 03-24-2013, 07:28 PM

I got a new Hobie Oasis Tandem, and took it out on the water 2 days ago. I also have a Malibu Mini-X Fish-n-Dive.. for solo adventures. I figure the large boat, the Oasis, will be fished solo with me in the back about 40% of the time, and the other times, will be with my son in front. We're both right-handed.

Mounts, Rails, Rod Holders?

I'd like to use the same fishfinder for both yaks. Thinking one of the Lowrance models?, and get 2 transducers to put 1 in each yak. Ideally, I thought a center position on a RAM mount arm, like the Lowrance Ram Mount would be good, but on the Hobe Oasis, there doesn't seem to be anywhere to place it in the center, unless it's right up against the forward seat back? I wonder if the Mirage Drive pedals and my knees & feet would be blocking my view of the screen? How do you guys have yours set up? I'm thinking I might need to mount it on my LEFT side instead? I struggled with the 2 molded in rod holders way behind me, and need to put some kind of extension tubes in those rear ones. (might also help if I get more flexible and less thick in the torso!

)
Likely, I need something more forward, near my hands and rudder control areas, like rocket launchers or Scotty/RAM/Cannon rod holders? One on each side?

I think I'm pretty decided on installing some Yak Attack rails on the Hobie for sure, the narrower small profile ones? I think near the rear seat (mine), I'll put a 6" & 8" on each side, or maybe just a single 8" on each side.

Up near the Oasis front seat, which will usually be my 10-year old son (and hopefully eventually one or both of my younger daughters). I'm thinking just a 4" rail on either side.. mainly for some type of rod holder, like the Scotty or Cannon? Ideally, I would only put a center one and he could move it from side to side, but because of the Mirage drive well, there doesn't seem to be much center real estate to work with. The front hatch is way too forward for him to reach, so that's pretty much useless.

I think the Mini-X will be fine. I have a center cup holder I can put the Lowrance RAM Mount inside, or just in front of that. In front of the fishfinder mount, I can put a single Scotty or Cannon Rod holder which I can swing left or right. It might be a bit of a reach for me, and more so for my son.. not sure. I might not need any yak rails on either side. I already have 2 flush-mount rod holders front & back on each side (4 total). Unless you guys see something wrong about this plan, I think I'm probably set for the Mini-X. Yes?

Electronics:

Both yaks, I decided on a bow hatch battery in a Pelican Box or dry bag. I'd like to run TWO sets of wires back towards the main seat area. One wire set for the fishfinder. Another wire set to go towards the rear along the left side, for my livewell I'm making. Are there any special battery considerations? I was thinking of even a Pelican box, inside a drybag, suspended or velcroed up under the front hatch, and wires running back along the left side. The battery I have is a 12V 9Amp.. (courtesy of Raskal311

) Can I run a Lowrance fishfinder, and my Livewell? My livewell will either have a Johnson 500-750gph pump, or the Rule 350 submersible pump, likely on an OEX timer to conserve power.

Transducers:

Hopefully, these won't be too expensive, but I'd like to get one for each yak, and just do the foam block Marine Goop install thru the hull. This way, I can just detach the main unit and move it from yak to yak. Reading here, it sounds like I want the 50/200 'ducer, right?

Fishfinder:

Which one should I get? (let the debate begin...)

OK... help me set up my yaks. I'd love to hear back, and see pics of what worked (and didn't) for you guys.

Teach me something before I start taking a drill to plastic!

03-24-2013, 07:28 PM	#1
FishNinjaY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 428	Rigging Hobie Oasis Tandem & a Malibu Mini-X I got a new Hobie Oasis Tandem, and took it out on the water 2 days ago. I also have a Malibu Mini-X Fish-n-Dive.. for solo adventures. I figure the large boat, the Oasis, will be fished solo with me in the back about 40% of the time, and the other times, will be with my son in front. We're both right-handed. Mounts, Rails, Rod Holders? I'd like to use the same fishfinder for both yaks. Thinking one of the Lowrance models?, and get 2 transducers to put 1 in each yak. Ideally, I thought a center position on a RAM mount arm, like the Lowrance Ram Mount would be good, but on the Hobe Oasis, there doesn't seem to be anywhere to place it in the center, unless it's right up against the forward seat back? I wonder if the Mirage Drive pedals and my knees & feet would be blocking my view of the screen? How do you guys have yours set up? I'm thinking I might need to mount it on my LEFT side instead? I struggled with the 2 molded in rod holders way behind me, and need to put some kind of extension tubes in those rear ones. (might also help if I get more flexible and less thick in the torso! ) Likely, I need something more forward, near my hands and rudder control areas, like rocket launchers or Scotty/RAM/Cannon rod holders? One on each side? I think I'm pretty decided on installing some Yak Attack rails on the Hobie for sure, the narrower small profile ones? I think near the rear seat (mine), I'll put a 6" & 8" on each side, or maybe just a single 8" on each side. Up near the Oasis front seat, which will usually be my 10-year old son (and hopefully eventually one or both of my younger daughters). I'm thinking just a 4" rail on either side.. mainly for some type of rod holder, like the Scotty or Cannon? Ideally, I would only put a center one and he could move it from side to side, but because of the Mirage drive well, there doesn't seem to be much center real estate to work with. The front hatch is way too forward for him to reach, so that's pretty much useless. I think the Mini-X will be fine. I have a center cup holder I can put the Lowrance RAM Mount inside, or just in front of that. In front of the fishfinder mount, I can put a single Scotty or Cannon Rod holder which I can swing left or right. It might be a bit of a reach for me, and more so for my son.. not sure. I might not need any yak rails on either side. I already have 2 flush-mount rod holders front & back on each side (4 total). Unless you guys see something wrong about this plan, I think I'm probably set for the Mini-X. Yes? Electronics: Both yaks, I decided on a bow hatch battery in a Pelican Box or dry bag. I'd like to run TWO sets of wires back towards the main seat area. One wire set for the fishfinder. Another wire set to go towards the rear along the left side, for my livewell I'm making. Are there any special battery considerations? I was thinking of even a Pelican box, inside a drybag, suspended or velcroed up under the front hatch, and wires running back along the left side. The battery I have is a 12V 9Amp.. (courtesy of Raskal311 ) Can I run a Lowrance fishfinder, and my Livewell? My livewell will either have a Johnson 500-750gph pump, or the Rule 350 submersible pump, likely on an OEX timer to conserve power. Transducers: Hopefully, these won't be too expensive, but I'd like to get one for each yak, and just do the foam block Marine Goop install thru the hull. This way, I can just detach the main unit and move it from yak to yak. Reading here, it sounds like I want the 50/200 'ducer, right? Fishfinder: Which one should I get? (let the debate begin...) OK... help me set up my yaks. I'd love to hear back, and see pics of what worked (and didn't) for you guys. Teach me something before I start taking a drill to plastic!