Hobie Mirage Outfitter tandem kayak for solo use?

[Saba Slayer]

I don't think you'll be happy trying to fish out of a Hobie Tandem...only our PA 17 (the beast) is set up for solo use...since you'll be sitting in the rear of the tandem the bow will raise up in the air and catch every bit of wind available...some guys add weight or a bait tank to the front of the yak to try and counter the effect....but it's still not a perfect ride.
The old Malibu II was a great solo tandem because it had a molded seat in the middle of the yak as well as the one on each end...a lot of yak manufacturers tried to copy the design but OK had the patent on it for many years.
While selling boats at the Fred Hall shows I tried to steer couples away from the tandem unless the wife was a fishing fanatic too...most couples are happier with their own boat...we sometimes call the tandem "the divorce boat".
LOL
Frank Santiago tried using the tandem solo and finally gave in and bought a PA...he's much more comfortable and happy now.
I'd keep the single yak for your personal fishing if you have the room...maybe store it on a pulley system in the garage and get it up and out of the way...
Good Luck...

[cris]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

I don't think you'll be happy trying to fish out of a Hobie Tandem...only our PA 17 (the beast) is set up for solo use...since you'll be sitting in the rear of the tandem the bow will raise up in the air and catch every bit of wind available...some guys add weight or a bait tank to the front of the yak to try and counter the effect....but it's still not a perfect ride.
The old Malibu II was a great solo tandem because it had a molded seat in the middle of the yak as well as the one on each end...a lot of yak manufacturers tried to copy the design but OK had the patent on it for many years.
While selling boats at the Fred Hall shows I tried to steer couples away from the tandem unless the wife was a fishing fanatic too...most couples are happier with their own boat...we sometimes call the tandem "the divorce boat".
LOL
Frank Santiago tried using the tandem solo and finally gave in and bought a PA...he's much more comfortable and happy now.
I'd keep the single yak for your personal fishing if you have the room...maybe store it on a pulley system in the garage and get it up and out of the way...
Good Luck...

I have a Hobie Oasis which is the 14' Tandem pedal yak. It's not ideal from a pure fishing point of view, definitely no Revo or ProAngler.


I do love the extra storage up front. Balance is the biggest problem when surf launching because it is very tail heavy when I sit in the back. 40lb of drinking water in the front hatch usually does the trick though.

The best part is being able to take out friends. I've taken out close to 30 friends in the bays and harbors, La Jolla, Lake Powell, June Lake, etc. It's been awesome and I don't regret getting the Tandem one bit.

[monstahfish]

I'd sell both kayaks and get a compass duo! There's scuppers in the front seat location so you can put your livewell up there and a fish bag in front if you're rolling solo. Also much more efficient through the water than an outfitter.

[CardShark]

Originally Posted by cris

I have a Hobie Oasis which is the 14' Tandem pedal yak. It's not ideal from a pure fishing point of view, definitely no Revo or ProAngler.


I do love the extra storage up front. Balance is the biggest problem when surf launching because it is very tail heavy when I sit in the back. 40lb of drinking water in the front hatch usually does the trick though.

The best part is being able to take out friends. I've taken out close to 30 friends in the bays and harbors, La Jolla, Lake Powell, June Lake, etc. It's been awesome and I don't regret getting the Tandem one bit.

Thank you, being able to take out friends is definitely a plus.
I figured launching in the surf would be quite a bit tougher.

[CardShark]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

I don't think you'll be happy trying to fish out of a Hobie Tandem...only our PA 17 (the beast) is set up for solo use...since you'll be sitting in the rear of the tandem the bow will raise up in the air and catch every bit of wind available...some guys add weight or a bait tank to the front of the yak to try and counter the effect....but it's still not a perfect ride.
The old Malibu II was a great solo tandem because it had a molded seat in the middle of the yak as well as the one on each end...a lot of yak manufacturers tried to copy the design but OK had the patent on it for many years.
While selling boats at the Fred Hall shows I tried to steer couples away from the tandem unless the wife was a fishing fanatic too...most couples are happier with their own boat...we sometimes call the tandem "the divorce boat".
LOL
Frank Santiago tried using the tandem solo and finally gave in and bought a PA...he's much more comfortable and happy now.
I'd keep the single yak for your personal fishing if you have the room...maybe store it on a pulley system in the garage and get it up and out of the way...
Good Luck...

Thank you for the insight.

I didn't realize the back seat in the Hobie tandem was set that far back that the front lifting would be an issue.