Tandem Kayak Reviews

Buyers Guide for a Tandem Kayak

It is easy to agree that everything is double the fun when you are doing it with your partner in crime. When it comes to whitewater rafting, open water fishing, or just river and lake tours, tandem kayaks are the absolute joy and ideal for the times you need to explore the vast waters with the one you hold dearest. They are also ideal for beginner peddlers scared to go out into the waters on their own. It is also a suitable choice for anyone going at it alone and prefers a stable kayak for the job. (Read more about our motorized kayaks here)

Stability is the top reason most kayakers go for tandem kayaks. This is because tandem kayaks are wider, making them more stable, allowing for easy paddling by experienced kayakers or even a beginner. With so many tandem kayaks available in the market today, you can easily get overwhelmed when out looking to invest in one of these watersport accessories. Whether you need it for an occasional day in the waters or for regular use, here are tandem kayak reviews for the best three in the market.

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

The ocean Kayak Malibu tandem kayak allows you to enjoy sun and surf with a friend or a furry companion thanks to the kayak’s three seating positions. This kayak id ideal for solo, tandem, or tandem paddling with a child or pet.

It comes fitted with a pair of Comfort Plus seats that provide four-way adjustability, generating a custom fit and greater slip prevention over molded seats. The patented overlapping foot wells allow center-seated paddlers to settle in and brace their feet comfortably for comfortable paddling. It also has open, sit-on-top hull that makes it easy for kayakers to get on and off the kayak, and includes a pair of molded-in handles and skid plate.

This tandem kayak come with a maximum capacity of 425 pounds and measures 12 feet long and 34 inches wide. The feature you will love most about this kayak is the wrap-around seatback style. This feature contours the body thanks to the taller backside, which is unusual in most kayak seat rests. The sit-on-top design is an added benefit for comfort for paddlers. It also included a 3rd seat in the middle for your furry friend or a child.

This boat comes with an abundance of storage space molded into the foot wells, in the rear and front. It also has built in paddle holders, which are a unique added feature together with the front, middle and rear handles.

Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

If you are looking to invest in a state of the art tandem kayak on a tight budget but not willing to settle for the mediocre kayak quality, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado fishing tandem kayak is exactly what you are looking for. This kayak is from very tough PVC material, including a sturdy Tarpaulin bottom, and a strong Nylon cover. This is the kayak you need to survive any storm.

This reliable and highly durable Kayak comes with adjustable seats for added comfort, and has air chambers to safely bring you back to the shore whenever you need to. The manufacturer has also fitted it with rod holders that can be used along with the trolling motor when ‘on the road’.

With the rod holders, you can take a break from paddling and actually enjoy fishing as you enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the water. With this hand’s free capability, you can also comfortably reach for your gear, enjoy eating or setting up your entertainment to keep yourself company throughout the day. This kayak comes with D-rings, pressure gauge, and a carry bag to help you with the task.

Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak

This is a 3 person/650 lb capacity tandem kayak that weighs 32 lbs, suitable for up to Class III whitewater excursions. The 370 Deluxe Kayak Package features two movable, super comfortable Deluxe Kayak Seats for improved back support and 2 paddles, foot pump, and a carry bag. It utilizes 2 AB30 7’10″” 4 Part Paddles with asymmetrical blade and aluminum shaft for easy paddling and stability plus two skegs on the bottom for better tracking & speed. Another added feature is the open and close drain valve, and 5 deluxe 1-way inflation/deflation valves.

This tandem kayak is made from heavy-duty polykrylar material, which is very sturdy and durable, ideal for this inflatable kayak. This is a highly stable kayak even when used by a single individual. If you plan to paddle solo, you can use the rest of the space to fit your gear and even a furry friend.

Benefits of using the Sea Eagle 370 Pro include its durable make, it is highly suitable for beginner peddlers, and come with paddles includes and has a very high weight capacity.

How to choose the best tandem kayaks

When looking for a tandem kayak, there are a few factors you need to consider. These include:

Where it will be used

The water source you plan to paddle your tandem kayak is an important consideration to make when choosing the best tandem kayak for your needs. For river tours, you will require a stringer and much more durable tandem kayak because of the water current in rivers. Lakes are much calmers than rivers, but they are wider therefore requiring more effort to paddle. This is because of the absence of waves and zero push factor for kayaks.

If you plan to kayak in larger water bodies like the sea or ocean, you will required a balanced kayak that can be used in a river or late without comprising on the performance. Your kayak choice depends on the type of water body you plan to paddle on.

Weight

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tandem kayak is weight. You need a boat that is easy to move around from your home to the waters. The best kayaks should be made from lightweight material without compromising on its sturdiness and quality. Any of the options in this article are made from lightweight yet high-quality material that can easy to lift and move around for one person or a group. A lighter kayak is also easier to paddle faster compared to a heavy one. This is an especially important factor to consider if you plan to paddle alone. With a lighter kayak, you paddle much faster without using too much energy.

Length

How long a tandem kayak is an important factor to consider because it shows how stable the equipment it. While short kayaks are incredibly easy to maneuver, they are not as stable as longer alternatives. Tandem kayaks should be at least 14 feet long for better maneuverability and balance.

Bottom line

Choosing the best tandem kayak should not be as hard as most people peg it to be. With this guide, you can choose the best tandem kayak for your needs.

 

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