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It can be tricky to find a tandem kayak that meets all your needs.
Why is that?
There are so many different types of models out there that come with longs lists of features to compare.
Worry not! We have done enough research to bring you the tandem kayak of your choice near you to satisfy all your paddling needs.
Here are our top tandem kayaks. Check them out!
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Tandem Kayaks
- VERY SPACIOUS: Ocean Kayak
- Most Durable: Intex
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Lifetime
- Sea Eagle
- Advanced Elements
For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.
6 Best Tandem Kayaks
If you’re looking for a tandem kayak that can accommodate a child or pet, then the Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 is what you need. It comes with a two-plus-one-feature that carries a third person as long as you maintain its maximum weight stability of 425 pounds.
Are you a couple with a child who wants to go for a boat riding? If so, then the Malibu 2 is what you need to have as your tandem kayak.
The Malibu 2 has three seating positions that are well molded in and has patented footwells. When it comes to convenience and comfort, this model is not left out and gives the maximum satisfaction for anyone looking for the ideal tandem kayak.
For added comfort, it has footwells that overlap each other and thus can accommodate any leg’s length. You don’t need to worry about buying a kayak that won’t fit your legs perfectly. It also comes with gear straps, molded-in handles as well as a hull and deck design. The design itself makes it possible to stack as many hulls you may want for convenient and easy on dock storage.
The Malibu 2 is everyone’s go-to-kayak, and it has advanced features to hold at least two people. You can use it for fishing while still relaxing as you enjoy some cool breeze from the water bodies. It has a streamlined body design that makes any maneuver easy and safe at the same time.
It has sufficient space for all your fishing gear, rods, as well as the fishing crate. But for a two-person ride then you can do away with the fishing gear for maximum comfort and safety.
If you want to ride in fast and rough water bodies, then you need this kayak since it can be easily controlled. The Malibu 2 has every detail that you may require in a tandem kayak.
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Pros
- Hold up to 3 people
- Comfortable seats
- For increased comfort, it has overlapping foot wells
- Large adjustable seat rests
- Very spacious
Cons
- No paddles included
- Some users claim that it’s slightly heftier than other double kayaks
A new model from the Brooklyn Kayak Company (BKC) that incorporates the latest and modern technology features in a tandem kayak.
You’ll cough up some more money as compared other models in our review. As long as you’re ready to hit the water with your significant other and have the modern kayak with you, then you must have the TK219 tandem kayak.
It’s also a 3-person kayak that can comfortably hold a maximum weight of 440 pounds. It’s a bit lightweight since it weighs about 70 pounds.
The TK219 is spacious enough to hold all your fishing gear because it has two adjustable holders and 4-flush mounted rod holders. Do you want to go fishing? If so, then now you know which kayak to use with your partner in crime.
It has a back paddler and a large gear vestibule for plenty of deck lashing. What are you waiting for? The TK219 is the safest as well as the most stylish tandem kayak that you can get on the market today. The features make it top rated on Amazon and a must-have boat for all your kayaking adventures.
For maximum comfort, each paddler comes with a built-in footrest thus providing adequate leg room no matter your leg’s length. Also, it has two kayak seats made from deluxe material and very lightweight aluminum paddle for ultimate paddling experience. The TK219 is wide enough for a stable ride, and you can move your legs over the side as you paddle.
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Check Price and Rating on Amazon.com
Pros
- Can accommodate three people
- Comfortable deluxe seats
- One deck lashing
- Provides a smooth sailing experience
- Ample space for all your fishing gear
Cons
- It’s slightly expensive
- It does not provide the third person seat
Do you want an inexpensive kayak? Then look no further. We have the Explorer K2 that costs less than $100. It’s a model that suits all your budget needs, and that does not at all limit its features.
It’s a two-person inflatable kayak that can hold weights up to 300 pounds. The Explorer K2 is very light and weighs about 41 pounds. The feature that is more recognized is the fact that it has a wide beam that offers maximum tracking ability as well as stability.
The Explorer K2 has a high back seat that comes with lumbar support to improve your comfort as you paddle. Even though it’s cheap, this model does not sacrifice its overall quality.
The rid frame is made from a patented material that is multi-layer to make it withstand any test of time. This makes it the best kayak for people who spend a lot of time on the water either for fishing or just relaxing.
For extra durability, it has multiple air-chambers and abrasion pads. Thus the Explorer K2 always stays sturdy even when the chambers are punctured.
It’s very spacious and provides a lot of storage options. The options include two paddle holders and rod holders. You can customize the kayak since it has a removable mounting rail. You can also customize with fly tying vise, rod holders, fish finder and other accessories.
With the Explorer K2, you have a great kayak with extra features that offer maximum safety and comfort without sacrificing your paddling experience.
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Pros
- Very cheap
- Superior tracking as well as stability
- Durable
- Includes paddles and an air pump
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideally meant for rough waters
- Removes a lousy odor when stored wet
If you want to go kayaking on your own, then you need the Lifetime 10 Foot Manta. It can even hold up to 3 persons but offers versatile options that do not sacrifice its safety or comfortability. Its lightweight with a weight of 60 pounds and can comfortably carry 500 pounds.
It comes with two paddles as well as two backrests for maximum comfort. It has a design that is tunnel-hull like for guaranteed maneuverability and stability. And this explains why the Lifetime Manta does not tip over easily.
The Manta is a convertible tandem kayak that apart from holding three people, it has a large cargo area where you can put all your food as well as fishing gears. The seats are also high and dry, which means that it allows its users to ride comfortably while staying off the floor of the boat.
What makes this kayak to stand out among its competitors is the fact that it’s very durable. The polyethylene plastic material that makes this boat is very durable, and the company offers a 5-year warranty. Thus it’s the best tandem kayak for sailing, fishing, and surfing.
The Lifetime Manta comes with innovative built-in features that make it ideal for solo kayaking. It has a paddle cradle, large cargo area, fishing rod holder, mast receiver receptacle, side carry handle, shock cord straps, and a bottle holder. It’s a budget-friendly kayak that offers much more than other high-end priced models.
For maximum comfort, while paddling, the Manta has overlapping foot wells. Note that it does not come with paddles and you’ll have to buy your own. You can even upgrade it by installing electric trolling motor known as lifetime power mate.
Check Price and Rating on Amazon.com
Pros
- Best for solo kayaking but can even hold up to 3 people
- Easy and convenient to use
- Overlapping foot wells that offer paddling leverage
- Stable design that makes it difficult to tip over while on water
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Does not include paddles, and you need to buy your own
- Weak tracking
When we talk about inflatable kayaks, the Sea Eagle SE370K comes into our minds. It’s proud of its NMMA certification and lightweight. Another thing to note is that it will take you about 8 minutes or so to fully inflate it. Thus the fact its inflatable does not mean you have to use a lot of time to have it fully functional and ready to go kayaking.
It’s a boat like no other that offers you the option of either sitting back and relaxing as you cruise on calm waters or race down the turbulent waters. Thus the SE370K is what you need for all your overall kayaking needs that is suitable for advanced users or beginners.
If you want to go solo, then you should consider owning this kayak. Why is that? Its ideally meant for three people but due to its lightweight of 32 pounds, makes it the best for a single person kayaking. It has more advantages in its holding capacity more than other models on our reviews. It can comfortably hold a weight of about 650 pounds.
The space in this inflatable kayak is overwhelming, and you can even bring along your dog. And if you’re worried about dog scratches, the SE370K is built to withstand the scratches since it has a PolyKrylar hull feature.
You can also carry fishing and camping gear, food, and other small essentials since it has an ample storage space. What makes the SE370K the best tandem kayak on the market is the fact that once its deflated you can easily store it in a compact storage bag, which makes its transportation easy and less tedious.
If you want a convertible kayak that can easily be used as a solo or tandem, then look no further, the Advanced Elements is what you need. And the conversion takes seconds to either use it as a single or double deck.
The advanced Element comes in a sleek gray and either green or red design, which gives it a fine and a cool design. It has three seat locations that offer maximum support and comfort to riders as they convert it to a solo or tandem.
It can hold up to two people and has a holding capacity of 550 pounds. So, if you’re with your buddy and wants to go fishing, then this kayak is what you need. It will comfortably hold both of you as well as all your fishing gear and other small essentials.
The Advanced Element comes with customized deck configurations, which makes it last longer and thus adds to its durability. With this model, you don’t need to keep on repairing or replacing with a new one since it will serve you for a good number of years.
It’s a tandem kayak that is paddled even in rough waters since it comes with an extra-durable hull that makes it safe to ride in roughest bumps as well as scrapes on water. The hull is built with aluminum ribs that are sturdy, and three-layer construction adds to its durability, tracking, and overall boat performance.
It comes with a duffel bag used for carrying the deflated kayak and thus makes its transportation easier. It also has a repair kit, and therefore it adds to its safety while on the water.
Great article and nice selection of tandem kayaks. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Tandem boats are great for going out with a kid or a dog. With a wife/husband/partner, I’d rather have two separate kayaks. There’s a reason tandem kayaks are sometimes called “divorce boats”. Too often, couples end up ruining their adventure by yelling at each other for not paddling “properly”. Just my opinion.
Take care out there!
Alex