5 Best Tandem Kayaks of 2018

Looking for the Best Tandem Kayak on the market today? We got you covered. Tandem Kayaks are also referred to as two person kayaks. Anywhere there is a beautiful body of water, there are those of us who can’t just sit on the sidelines.

Not everyone is as hardcore about kayaking as our team at SeaKayakerMag.com. A lot of people just enjoy kayaking as a way to soak in a little sun, enjoy the water, and keep themselves fit.

Of course, if having a little fun on the water is your goal, then what better way to enjoy this activity than with a friend (or a loved one)? While I love doing solo trips with single kayaks, I also love cruising in a two person kayak over a beautiful body of water.

Features of a Tandem Kayak

When determining which tandem kayak will be the right fit for your next adventure, there are a few things you should probably take into consideration while on your hunt for the best.

Size and Weight

Tandem kayaks are usually a lot bigger and heavier in size than your standard kayak. This means getting the tandem kayak to your desired location may prove to be more difficult than at first assumed. If this is the case for you, then you should consider trying to find a shorter tandem kayak to help reduce the kayak’s overall weight and see if it is easier to handle.

Materials

The materials that are used in the tandem kayaks construction may also add to the overall weight of the boat. Fiberglass tandem boats are often a lot lighter, while plastic will prove to be a much heavier material.

Fiberglass tandem kayaks are not as durable as fabric with frame kayaks and even inflatable kayaks with plastic material. However, they are much more efficient in the water because they are lighter. Which material you choose should depend on the kind of usage you expect and the type of water conditions.

Other Features

With so many different types of tandem kayaks available, it may be good to learn about the different features you can get with each to help make your decision easier.

Hatches, rudder, and the overall length of the boat are all considerations to make regarding the features. If you expect to move faster through the water, then you want a hull with more of a V-shape. However, this type of design may prove to be much less stable than that of one designed to be much bigger and even longer.

A rudder is not a feature that is standard on all tandem kayaks. The rudder is a feature that can assist a kayaker with steering, but if you plan on kayaking on calm and flat water, then it really won’t prove to be a necessary feature.

Paddling Skills

Finally, your paddling skills are also of some importance when you are choosing the best tandem kayak. Tandem kayaks are operated by two different people, so the learning curve is much different than if you were kayaking alone on a solo trip in a single kayak in which you can correct any mistakes you make right away.

On tandem kayaks with two paddlers, you will have to determine which paddler is at fault in order to correct the mistake, so you will want to find a tandem kayak that falls in line with your current paddling skills to help make paddling and steering much easier for you and your partner.

 

Below are SeaKayakerMag.com’s 5 top rated tandem kayaks for the year, along with links to individual two-person kayak reviews.

5 Best Tandem Kayaks of 2018

While finding the best five tandem kayaks on the markets lends itself to being somewhat subjective, there are a few front runners that merit inclusion. They include:

RankPrice RangeImageItemPrice
1

$$$$

Ocean Kayak Malibu

Check Price

2

$$$

Lifetime Manta

Check Price

3

$

Intex
Challenger K2

Check Price

4

$$$

Lifetime Sport Fisher

Check Price

5

$$

Sevylor Big Basin

Check Price

1. Ocean Kayak 12 Feet Malibu


The Ocean Kayak Malibu is a tandem, sit-on-top recreational kayak that works very well for one person or two people and can even support two adults and a small child along for the ride. Maximum weight capacity is 425 lbs.

The Ocean Kayak Malibu has three seating positions on top of the hull. They are located at the bow, stern and middle for paddling solo. It includes two comfort seats, one extra molded in well seat for child, carved out wells for the feet, safety straps and skid plate. It is made from a very durable plastic material and is easy to store.

The length of this two person kayak is 12 feet long with a width of 34 inches.


>> Find out more about the Ocean Kayak 12 Feet Malubu here <<
 

2. Lifetime Manta


This light two person sit-on-top kayak is made from a durable polyethylene plastic material, which is perfect for kayaking and paddling through rocky water streams. It sits up to three people with two wells carved out for primary seating. These two seats come with comfortable back support.

It also has a cargo area on the bow, which is perfect for carrying camping or fishing gear. Two 2-piece paddles are included at an affordable price as well as backrests. This kayak is very easy to carry and store.

The Lifetime Manta has an overall length of 10 feet and weighs a manageable 60 pounds.


>> Find out more about the Lifetime Manta 2 person kayak here <<

 

3. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak


If you’re looking for a very affordable tandem kayak, this is one of the best and most affordable on the market. It is made from a durable, puncture-proof, UV-ray proof vinyl material that is perfect for trolling through calm waters. Yes, it’s an inflatable tandem kayak, but its very well made and a perfectly capable vessel for any paddler.

The Intex Challenger measures 30 by 15 by 138 inches with a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. Two comfortable, built-in cushioned seats provide maximum comfort for two people.

This inflatable tandem kayak comes with a cargo storage net that attaches to the bow, two aluminum oars, air-pump and fast and easy repair kit.



>> Find out more about the Intext Challenger K2 here <<
 

4. Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak


This two person kayak is easily adaptable for use for one or two persons with mid-range pricing. Great for fishing in deep water with a large hull that provides optimum balance.

It comes with two-seat wells (middle and stern) with comfortable cushioned seat-backs. The large storage area with shock cord on the bow is perfect for carrying a large number of camping and/or fishing supplies, or could be used as a sitting area for a third person.

It also come with two 2-piece sports paddles and is easy to carry and store.

The Lifetime Sport two person kayak has an overall length of 10 feet with a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds.


>> Find out more about the Lifetime Sport Fisher here <<

 

5. Sevylor Big Basin(TM) 3-Person Kayak


This is an article with more focus and emphasis on two person or tandem kayaks, there are times you may want to carry a third person along for the ride. This 3-person inflatable kayak is, as the name suggests, suitable for three paddlers!

It is known to be pretty snug with 3 adults, but is still a great option if you are trying to get your kiddos on the water with you.

This inflatable kayak is made from durable, heavy-duty PVC material on top with a puncture resistant Tarpaulin bottom; all of which provides maximum stability and durability and allows for the extra weight of a third adult.

Multiple secluded air chambers allow for protection against sinking should one chamber become punctured. It comes with three adjustable seats and splash covers. Air pump not included.


>> Find the best price for this Kayak here <<

 

RankPrice RangeImageItemPrice
1

$$$$

Ocean Kayak Malibu

Check Price

2

$$$

Lifetime Manta

Check Price

3

$

Intex
Challenger K2

Check Price

4

$$$

Lifetime Sport Fisher

Check Price

5

$$

Sevylor Big Basin

Check Price

 

Identifying Tandem Kayak Types

As indicated above, tandem kayaks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are also used for a variety of reasons, which will often dictate what the buyer wants to look for in a kayak. Here is a guide of the different types of tandem kayaks available on the market.

Tandem Fishing Kayak

Tandem fishing kayaks are usually designed for two people and outfitted with special features that would make fishing from a kayak a bit easier.

They are made from durable material to prevent punctures from hooks and other fishing equipment. They usually come with a large storage area around the bow to allow for the carrying of both fishing and camping supplies.

Most of the popular brands come with fishing pole holders, a shock cord to hold supplies in place and comfortable seating for at least two anglers.

In this category, the Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak is the best on the market. It provides all the necessary features and provides a stable and comfortable outing.



>> Find the best price for this Kayak here <<
 

Tandem Sea Kayak

If heading out to the ocean for fishing or sightseeing is the objective, a kayak specifically designed to endure the pounding of waves and rougher waters would be in order. They usually come with convenient seating built into the hull for maximum comfort and protection.

Tandem sea kayaks also have overlapping foot wells to help provide extra protection from being tossed about and slipping out of the seat while paddling. These kayaks are made from durable materials that are proven waterproof and sea-worthy.

The larger model tandem sea kayaks provide the most stability is rough water conditions, while the smaller ones are designed to get across the smoother waters found in the harbor.

Several varieties of a Pelican tandem kayak should do the trick. The Pelican Pursuit 126T Kayak is one of the most popular models due to handling capabilities in choppy waters and a cockpit that covers almost the entire length of the vessel. With an extra drop-down storage hatch to secure supplies, this tandem kayak is both sea-worthy and affordable.



>> Find the best price for this Kayak here <<

Two Person Inflatable Kayak

For those people with limited storage space, a tandem inflatable kayak saves the paddler much space while providing the same functionality as kayaks made from plastic or other heavier materials. Aside from the benefits of easy storage and transporting, inflatable kayaks tend to be safer due to the extra buoyancy provided by the air bladders.

The only real downside to these types of kayaks is the time it takes to inflate the vessel, but this can be minimized by the use of standard, high-powered air pumps that are available in most outdoor specialty stores or department stores.

Note: If price is an issue, you can find an inflatable tandem kayak from $100 and up. The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak comes with a classic design and is suitable for on or two people.



>> Find the best price for this Kayak here <<

2 Person Sit On Top Kayak

With these types of kayaks, the seating wells are position right on top of the hull with seat-backs fastened behind. Structurally, two person sit-on-top kayaks provide a good deal of protection from capsizing and are easy to return to normal riding position if they do capsize.

Two person sit-on-tops are also very easy to get into and exit without hassle. The main negative of these types of kayaks would be the complete exposure to the water for both the passengers and supplies. While it may be on the more expensive side of the spectrum, the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak has proven time and again to be worth the investment for a true sportsman.



>> Find the best price for this Kayak here <<

Conclusion

Kayaking is one the most exciting water sports on the planet. The secret to having a great time and maintaining optimum safety is to choose your kayaking equipment wisely.

As is the case with other tandem kayak reviews, the goal here is to identify the best tandem kayak and/or best tandem fishing kayak available on the market. It is worth noting that a two person kayak can be built from a variety of materials (inflatable rubber, plastic, etc.) and be used for a variety of purposes (recreation, racing, fishing, survival, etc.).

The key to finding the best two person kayak is to find the one that best suits your needs at the most affordable price. By choosing one of the models mentioned above, you should be set to get the most out of your kayaking experience.