My 10 Best Tandem Kayaks (Comparison & Buying Guide)

MY BEST TANDEM KAYAKS COMPARISON:

MY BEST TANDEM KAYAKS REVIEWS:

BKC TK219 FISHING

• Length: 12.2 ft
• Type: Sit-On-Top
• Kayak weight: 70lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 70lbs
• Features: Impeccably soft and well-padded seats, Includes 2 paddles and paddle holder, Enough room for three people, Two waterproof hatches to store your things
• Advantages: comes with two paddles, roomy, comfortable seats, enough storage
• Inconvenient: Not stable enough for anglers

 

LIFETIME 10 FOTT SIT ON KAYAK

• Length: 10 ft
• Type:  Sit-On-Top
• Kayak weight: 60lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 500lbs
• Features: Hull shape, Equipped with a rear handle, UV protected Polyethylene, Designed for one person or tandem use, 2 soft backrests, Two double-sided paddles
• Advantages: Maneuverable, robust, roomy and comfortable
• Inconvenient: N/A

 

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS TARPON 135T

• Length: 13.6 ft
• Type:  Sit-On-Top
• Kayak weight: 88 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 600 lbs
• Features: Tons of storage space, Two watertight hatches, Back and front bungee, Carry handles both back and front, Equipped with adjustable footpegs for more comfort, Fully breathable, Adjustable seats and built-in leg cup holders.
• Advantages:  Impeccably comfortable, tons of luxury features, handles for easy carrying, lots of storage space
• Inconvenient: A little bit heavier than most alternatives

 

SEA EAGLE SE370

• Length: 12.6 ft
• Type: Inflatable Sit on top
• Kayak weight: 26lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 650 lbs
• Features: Inflatable, High frequency welded body, 5 to 10 minutes to complete inflation, 3-person boat, Thicker hull materials, Top-rated one-way valve
• Advantages: Amazingly stable, durable, reliable, packs down really small, easy to handle, lightweight
• Inconvenient: A small hole can render this boat useless

 

SEAWARD KAYAKS PASSAT G3 KEVLAR

• Length: 22-ft
• Type: Rigid Sit-In
• Kayak weight: 90 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: N/A
• Features: Several Bungee Tie Down for storage, Incredibly stable than most single kayaks, Well padded braces to keep your legs feeling comfortable, Solid rudder control, Rescue straps, Center hatch for your child
• Advantages: Incredibly comfortable, a seat for your kid, tracks well, stable, great storage space
• Inconvenient: A little bit heavier

 

INTEX EXPLORER K2 KAYAK 2-PERSON INFLATABLE KAYAK

• Length: 11.5 ft
• Type: Inflatable sit-on-top
• Kayak weight: 30lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs
• Features: Deployable skeg, Inflatable seats with great backrest, Includes two paddles, Bright colors to enhance visibility
• Advantages: Incredibly comfortable, super stable, it is highly visible because of bright colors, affordable
• Inconvenient: Its shape tends to make it zigzag in water

 

ADVANCED ELEMENTS CONVERTIBLE

• Length: 15-ft
• Type: Inflatable Sit-In
• Kayak weight: 52 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 550 lbs
• Features: Several air chambers, Multi-layered constructions, Adjustable seats for transitioning from single to tandem, Numerous tie-down for great storage
• Advantages: Great storage space, can be used as single or tandem, sturdy
• Inconvenient: Not great for speed

 

OCEAN KAYAK MALIBU TANDEM KAYAK

• Length: 12-ft
• Type: Rigid sit on top
• Kayak weight: 70 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 425 lbs
• Features: Big, adjustable seat rest, Includes a skid plate and two molded-in handles, Three seating positions, Sit on top style
• Advantages: Stable, maneuverable, comfortable, easy to handle in and out of the water, best for long trips
• Inconvenient: A bit short for tall riders

 

PERCEPTION PESCADOR

• Length: 13 ft
• Type: Sit on top
• Kayak weight: 69 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 500 lbs
• Features: Adjustable backrest to enhance comfort, Molded seat right at the center for your kid or dog, Plenty of footrest positions for different paddler sizes, Cupholders, Front and back Storage hatches
• Advantages:  All about speed, stable, it tracks really well, ergonomic seats, enough room for your legs
• Inconvenient: Doesn’t come with other accessories like paddles, and plugs

 

AQUAGLIDE COLUMBIA 145 XL

• • Length: 15-ft
  • Type: inflatable sit-in

• Kayak WEIGHT: 43 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 600 lbs
• Features: Tough, reinforced floor, Both ends are equipped with bungee toe down for great storage, Includes a backpack and a fit, Can be used as single or tandem, Splash guards to keep you dry all day long
• Advantages: Versatile, can be used as single or tandem, features to keep you dry, solid construction
• Inconvenient: Boat is said to bend underweight

 

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TANDEM KAYAK :

As when you are shopping for any other types of kayak, there is a lot that go into buying the best Tandem kayak. The market is packed with several of these and if you don’t know what to look out for, you can easily be spoilt for choice. Here is what to consider.

SIT-IN OR SIT ON TOP KAYAKS?

Well, there is no right answer to this. We can’t say one is better than the other. However, there are a few things that could allow you make a determination.

• Weather and water conditions: If you know you will be using your tandem kayak in cold weather/waters, a sit in kayak with make a lot of sense. Since most of your body will be covered, you will be kept warm all through the ride.
• Beginners: When getting started out, obviously, you will be worried about tipping over. For this reason you need a sit in kayak. With such a boat, you will be seated right at the lower end and will have the much needed lower center of gravity, giving you more stability.
• Warm weather/ waters: For this, you really don’t have to worry about cold; sit on top kayak would give you some warmth.

MATERIAL

The kind of material that has been used plays a crucial role when it comes to making a choice. It is one thing that determines how durable and lightweight that particular boat is going to be. We have three main types of materials.

• Polyethylene: It is the cheapest of all the three. However, it comes with one major issue; it doesn’t come with UV protection. So be sure it will fade and wear off within a very short period of time.
• Composite: This can be either fiberglass, Kevlar or fiberglass. They are usually expensive and you will find boat made from this material sit right at the top of the price range. However, they come with a few benefits. First it all about great performance and also lightness.
• ABS Plastic: Compared to Polyethylene, this one comes with superior durability and UV resistance. This one is also easy to repair.

WEIGHT CAPACITY

This is another thing you need to consider when shopping for the best tandem boat. Most of these boats come with a weight capacity ranging from 35 to 80 lbs and you might want to factor in a number of things before you settle on any of them. Normally, you need to consider your weight and that of your partner and the amount of gear you are planning on transporting. All of these should not be more than the manufacturer’s weight capacity specification of that boat.

WEIGHT

The weight of your boat is also important and must be considered, as well. With these boats coming with weight ranging from 30lbs to even 90 lbs, you might actually want to take consider a few things before buying one. Normally, portability comes first before any other thing.  You might want to settle on the lightest of all, but without necessarily compromising on its performance. In the end, you should be able to carry the boat on your own to the water without asking for any help.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE

One of the key reasons you are buying a tandem boat is because you need something that can accommodate more than one person. So when buying these types of boats you might want to consider the number of people that particular boat can take in. If you are 2 or even three, you need a boat that can accommodate all of you. 

GEAR STORAGE

The length of the trip, normally, determines the amount of storage you need. For example, if you know you will be out there kayaking for hours or even days, you will need a boat that can carry a lot of essentials. For this very reason, a boat with a lot of storage will make a lot of sense. On the other hand, if you are looking for something to take on those short afternoon trips, you will just be fine with less storage space.