Hobie Mirage Oasis

Size and Weight

As with any tandem kayak, size and weight are always a concern for users who want to get the most out of their watercraft. With an overall length of 14’6” (442 cm) and a width of 33” (84 cm), the Oasis is a two-person ride that’s made for speed and tracking. Its fitted hull weight is 93 lbs (42 kg) and the fully rigged weight is 127 lbs (58 kg). The Oasis is a full-sized kayak that is still relatively easy for two people to handle both in and out of the water.

Capacity

As you might expect, the Oasis’ overall weight capacity is enough to hold two average-sized individuals and a decent amount of gear. Each Vantage CT seat is rated as having a 275-lb (124.7 kg) weight capacity while the entire kayak is capable of holding up to 550 lbs (249 kg). This means that it has enough capacity to make use of its storage spots and dry hatches for extended trips.

Features

The Oasis is powered by the revolutionary MirageDrive 180 foot pedal system. The system not only allows users to power the kayak in forward and reverse, but it also features Hobie’s Kick-Up fins which are designed to retract once they come in contact with an underwater object that might otherwise damage the fins.

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The Oasis’ rudder also has the kick-up design to help protect it in the same fashion. The rudder deployment is controlled by a string lever located in front of the bow seating area.

Unlike most tandem kayaks on the market, the Oasis offers users plenty of storage space. From the large dry storage hatch on the kayak’s bow to the three different 8” twist-and-seal hatches located in front of each seat and on the stern.

Each cockpit area features a mesh stowing pocket on either side of the kayak for quick and easy storage of tools, tackle items, and anything else. The kayak can be steered by either the front seating position or the back seat thanks to an easy-to-use navigational knob located on the left side of each seat.

The Oasis features Vantage CT seats which can be adjusted to find an optimal position for just about any paddler. The seats have a sturdy aluminum frame and padded mesh material that provides ample support for areas that often require extra support.

The Oasis also has a mount for a sail or Bimini shade, which really adds to the comfort and versatility of the boat. The kayak also comes with two paddles in case you decide to have some upper body workout.

Hobie also saw fit to include a dry bag that users can place valuables into and secure them inside any one of the hatches located throughout the kayak.

When it comes to fishing features, the Oasis has two molded-in rod holders behind the rear seat. Unfortunately, there are no gear tracks for securing extra rod holders, paddle holders, camera mounts, or other gear items. Unlike some other kayaks in the Mirage lineup, the Oasis does not include a transducer mount or scupper, which makes it very difficult to install a fishfinder.

Performance

The Oasis has great stability for a tandem kayak, although it does not offer enough deck space for either user to stand comfortably. With the MirageDrive 180 pedal system, the kayak picks up good speed and maintains it with minimal effort.

The tri-hull design gives the Oasis outstanding speed and tracking capabilities, even in rough water. Maneuverability is also excellent—especially compared to other pedal tandem kayaks. The Oasis is surprisingly agile for such a long kayak. At 127 lbs, this kayak definitely needs two people to handle it out of the water.