Best Tandem Kayaks Reviewed

Tandem Kayak Comparison Table 

Tandem Kayak styles Explained

Benefits Of The Tandem Kayak

In terms of quality, the tandem kayak will be bigger and more expensive than a single kayak if it is made from the same quality materials. However, you might need one to make a family day out of it and to treat your wife or kids on the water. Once you have one, you will notice a couple of benefits that the tandem kayak will offer you over the regular option.

Choosing Top Quality Tandem Kayaks

Not all of the tandem kayaks you see will be the same, but you are definitely not looking for something cheap that is not worth your time. To help you find the best kayak, we have done some digging to look at all the critical features. With these features as your buying guide, you won't have any troubles finding the best options on the market today.

Usage:

Tandem Kayak Style/Type:

Materials/Durability:

The materials of the kayak will directly refer to the overall durability of the unit. The more strength the kayak has, the better it will be, but this can also make it more expensive. Here are a couple of the most common materials that you will need to choose from when selecting your brand new tandem kayak:

Hull Shape:

As you shop around or look for kayak, we generally find three different hull types that you will need to choose from. Choosing the right hull shape can make a massive difference to performance and allowing you to do what you intend for the kayak.

Sizing:

It is hard to recommend one specific kayak size that will work for everyone. No matter the size you choose, they all have their benefits and their drawbacks. Longer kayaks are commonly narrower, and this gives them faster speed. However, you need something with more width and perhaps even slightly shorter for stability. 12-feet can be seen as the average length for a commercial kayak. However, many are longer as well.

Weight and Weight Capacity:

Aside from the weight of the kayak that you need to look for, you also need to keep the capacity in mind. The overall weight of the unit works with the size if you look at how easy it could be to move the unit or to transport it from one location to another. Heavier kayaks might need more carriers, while one person can carry the inflatable options.

For the weight capacity, it is best to find the weight of the people that will be using the unit. Once you have found the overall weight of everyone that will be on the kayak at the same time, you know what you need to look for. It is best to add about 40-pounds to the total weight of the users if you can, just to be sure if any other additions are added while kayaking. 

Storage And Comfort:

You will need to have something comfortable, and having enough legroom can make a difference. Generally, the legroom is indicated by the manufacturer when they advertise the kayak. However, this is only for kayaks that force you to sit inside. If the cockpit has been raised to the top of the kayak, you have more space to relax and be comfortable.

Having a few hatches and waterproof compartments can aid you. You will need to carry a few medical supplies for in case anything happens, and your electronic devices also need to remain safe from the water. Avid anglers will need some storage for their fish and fishing gear if they plan to go out fishing.

Propulsion:

Setup/Inflation:

When it comes to a kayak, you have some setup that also needs to be done. This is often minor and can only be the seat that needs to be installed on the kayak. Generally, the instructions are simple, and the work is simple. Additionally, you have an inflatable kayak that needs to be inflated. Doing this by mouth is one of the hardest tasks, and you might need a pump.

Additional Accessories To Look for:

Since the kayak itself can be expensive, there are a couple of other things that you can look for to make your life a little easier. These accessories are not mandatory, but they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Here are a few additional accessories to look for in your next kayak:

Budget And Warranty:

The last thing to consider is how much the kayak will cost you. While we cannot put an exact price on the kayak, the prices will vary depending on the quality and the features we have mentioned in this guide. Since they can be expensive, having some sort of warranty can go a long way to give you some peace of mind with your purchase. 

1. Perception Pescador

2. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame

If you don’t like to carry a heavy kayak everywhere you go, the best inflatable tandem kayak will make life easier for transportation. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak is a durable tandem kayak that can be inflated and offers you highly padded seats for additional comfort.

To control the kayak, you have a lot of benefits, and this includes the aluminum bow and stern that helps with maneuverability. At 15-inches long, it gives you more rigidity and will increase the speed of the kayak through the water. Six independent air chambers need to be inflated, and this means that 5 will still keep you afloat if one of them punctures.

Once you have the kayak, the assembly is minor, and you only need to insert the seats. With an added layer of material, the kayak is versatile and can be adjusted to be open or closed. You can modify the kayak for tandem kayaking or have a solo experience. The unit has a small storage area in the front, but this is not entirely waterproof.

3. Driftsun Rover 220

Made from 1000D reinforced PVC, the Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak is one of the most durable options on the market today. The kayak is 12.5-feet in overall length and features a class 3 and class 4 white water rating for rapids. EVA-molded seats are used that have an ergonomic feel with padding for your back.

The kayak has one of the best rocker profiles with a flat water-tracking fin that can be removed. Once removed, you will have more speed, but reduced maneuverability of the kayak. With a massive 600-pound weight capacity, you might even be able to squeeze in a third person on this kayak. Additionally, it only takes 10-minutes to be inflated.

Even though the price on this kayak is a little higher, it does include a double-action pump as well. A camera mount has already been installed at the front and allows you to add your GoPro Camera when needed. Multiple drain plugs are spread across the kayak for draining once you are done and with this durability, you can definitely use it in the ocean.

4. BKC TK219

5. Sea Eagle 370 Pro

6. Intex Explorer K2

A kayak list would never be complete without a great brand like Intex. The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is one of the more affordable options on the market, while still offering a lot of features. The kayak has a Sit On Top style and is only 10-feet in length. It might not be much but does give it a lot of stability and maneuverability.

Both of the seats can be removed and adjusted if you plan to go on a solo adventure. Once a seat is removed, it can be converted to a fishing kayak with ample space. The kayak also has a removable skeg for more maneuverability, or to increase the speeds that you achieve on straights. Multiple grab lines with serve as handles to carry it out of the water.

Much like some of the other inflatable options, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak does include a decent pump for inflation. It should not take more than a couple of minutes to have it fully inflated and ready for the water. With aluminum oars added, you have additional durability to combat some of the obstacles in the water.

7. Ocean Kayak Malibu

Hitting the water for a day of fun and sitting at the lake is something that appeals to all kayakers. Now, you can find the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Kayak that stands around 12-feet long and puts you in a prime position to see what is going on around you. It has been constructed from polyethylene with a UV protective coating for added durability. 

One of the main features is the seats that have been carefully padded for the best possible comfort. These seats can be adjusted in 3 different positions depending on the amount of comfort you are looking for. Unfortunately, the kayak tends to be a little heavy, and you might need more than 2 people to carry it.

Compared to some of the top brands like Hobie is one of the more affordable ones for the features. It might not really accommodate anglers, but the storage compartments are plentiful. You also have a waterproof storage compartment for valuables. We would definitely recommend it to recreational kayakers that love touring.

8. Driftsun Voyager

If you plan to go out on the ocean, you need something with a lot of durability and stability. The Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak is only 10-feet in size, and it features 840D coated Nylon outer structure that should keep the waves at bay when combined with the PVC materials that has been used for the hull.

Pointed bow ensures that you can penetrate the waves with ease and the rocker profile will keep the kayak from tipping over if the waves manage to hit you from the sides. EVA is used for the seats, giving you comfort and an ergonomic feeling, while multiple adjustments can be made for the seats if you want to have a different position.

The kayak includes a removable skeg for calm waters and will give you some additional speed, but one of the downsides is the lack of legroom for tall individuals. A benefit is a powerful pump that is added, and according to the manufacturer, it should have your kayak inflated in around 5 minutes with minimal effort.

9. Sun Dolphin Bali

If you love kayaking, the chances are that you also like to go camping. The SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak is an extremely versatile polyethylene tandem kayak that is durable enough to work in numerous water bodies. It also features a length of 13.5-inches for added speed and touring activities along the lake.

The kayak features seats that are held in place by shock cords. These durable cords can be adjusted to accommodate for size and provide some comfort for users. The seats can be removed or moved around, which allows you to convert the kayak into one for three people or leave it as is for two. For solo kayaking, one can remove one.

For a kayak with all these features, the SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak is not all that expensive, and it has a compartment that can hold all your valuables as well. Unfortunately, it does not have any rod holders or features for anglers that like camping. 

10. Perception Cove

Most recreational activities do not require you to move around or stand on the kayak. The Perception Cove Sit Inside Tandem Kayak is designed for the user to sit inside and paddle along the river comfortably. It is 14.6-feet in total, and this gives you ample legroom in the cockpit when you have taller kayakers.

The kayak tends to be quite heavy, and this does make transporting it harder. However, a skid plate is added to make it possible to drag it along. This skid plate can be replaced, and it helps reinforce the hull from obstacles in the water. Bungee cords are used at the front of the kayak for added storage space, but it does not have a waterproof compartment.

This kayak has been specifically designed for traveling around, and it offers you a lot of versatility. The seats are really comfortable, and they can be adjusted for even more comfort. Small paddle holders are great for when you want to float. Unfortunately, the weight makes it hard to move around if you don’t have help.

Top Tandem Kayak Brands

The kayaks we have mentioned are some of the best on the market today. However, brands are also something to keep in mind if you want the very best. The top brands offer you some great value for your money. Here are some of the best kayak brands that you can consider when looking for a tandem kayak:

1. Ocean Kayaks

Ocean Kayaks have been designed for calmer water, and the brand has been designing gear for the ocean since 1971. Starting with surfboards, the Ocean Kayaks brands moved on to convert surfboards into kayaks. This led to sit inside kayaks that can scale waves in the sea like a surfer would on a board.

2. Sun Dolphin

Sun Dolphin is not as old as Ocean Kayaks, but they opened their doors in 1981 and have since been designing kayaks with the help of top experts. These experts ensure that fewer kayaks have flaws, and it takes a lot for a unit to make it through the strenuous process that enables them to be sold to the market.

3. Intex

Intex is not as old as some of the other brands, but they specialize more in portability. Most of the Intex kayaks will have some sort of inflation added. Their kayaks include decent warranties that are often lifetime on the hull. These kayaks are generally inexpensive and backed up by excellent customer service.

4. Sea Eagle

Sea Eagle is similar to Intex, and most of their kayaks have an emphasis placed on the portability. Some of the kayaks tend to be longer, but they have an affordable price. The one downside is the lack of great warranty, but this should not be an issue for those that need a cheap recreational kayak for exploring.

5. Perception Kayaks

If you want some versatility for your Kayak, Perception Kayaks can be your best friend. The brand has more than 30 years of experience in the watersports industry. These kayaks often have some of the best rod holders and skegs that can be removed.

6. Sevylor

Sevylor is one of the older brands with more than 66 years of experience when it comes to designing kayaks. The brand specializes in inflatable kayaks and serves as great competition for Intex. Their kayaks might be slightly more expensive, but you will get a lot of expert features that accompany these kayaks.

7. Old Town Kayaks

Many Old Town Kayaks are designed for recreational activities, and they are quite affordable for the quality. The brand spans a history of more than 100-years, and this includes canoes and kayaks. While they can be hard to find, they do offer you a lot of reliability.

8. Hobie Kayaks

Based in California, Hobie was founded in 1950 and has since been one of the most trusted developers of high-end kayaks. Their prices can be a little hefty, but the quality is perfect for serious kayakers. The brand mostly specializes in solo kayaking, but you will find the odd tandem kayak in the mix with a little searching.

Tandem Vs. Single Person Kayaks

Tandem kayaks and single kayaks are pretty much the same aside from the design on the inside. Contrary to popular belief, some solo kayaks are longer than tandem kayaks, but a tandem kayak can hold a little more weight. Some tandem kayaks have a lot more free space and can also be converted into solo kayaks when needed.

Inflatable Vs. Hard Shell Tandem Kayaks

The hard shell and inflatable kayaks are both perfect for the water. While the hard shell kayak does not have the same portability, they might have a little more durability for you to work with when you are white river rafting. The inflatable kayak is lighter and easier to transport, but it is recommended that you have a decent pump and puncture repair kit on hand.

Paddling With a Tandem Kayak

To use your tandem kayak, you will first need to look at the kayak. If it needs to be inflated, you will need to have a pump ready and attach it to the valve. Once the kayak has been fully inflated, it is vital to check the valves and the sides for any leaks or punctures. We recommend leaving it for a short while to see if the kayak deflates or not.

For your hard-shell kayak, you will generally have handles that can be used to carry it to the water. If not, the skid plate is located near the skeg and can be used to drag the kayak. This part of the kayak is reinforced and can be replaced often. Once you are in the water, you can take turns to get inside before paddling on your way.

Paddle Effectively With Your Kayak

Many people still believe that you need to be perfectly synchronized to paddle with a tandem kayak. However, this is not the case. As long as you are paddling in the same direction, you can still paddle as you please. Synchronization does help improve the speed, but it is only essential when you are turning in a specific direction.

Kayaking Safety Tips

Understanding your kayak and making sure you are prepared is one of the best ways to have the optimal safety on the water. While there are many safety tips that you can choose to follow, we have found a great video that will explain essential safety tips and checks to be made for a tandem kayak.

Kayaking Gear & Accessories

If you buy a new kayak, the chances are that everything you need will already be included to make your life easier. However, some of the gear is not included and recommended. If you are not sure what gear or accessories you need for the best experience on your kayak, this guide should efficiently help you to find all the gear you will need:

Care & Maintenance: Taking Care of Your Tandem Kayak

Unfortunately, you won’t be using the kayak every day, and this means that it needs to be stored and maintained. Since the materials can become brittle, especially from exposure to the sun, it is recommended that you keep the kayak out of the sun as much as possible. Storage should be in a cool area.

Additionally, you should coat it as much as possible with something that will protect it from the UV rays of the sun. For an inflatable kayak, you should check it for punctures and wear that could have taken place naturally during the time it was not used.

People also Ask (FAQs)

What kind of paddle should I get for a tandem kayak?

When selecting a paddle for your kayak, you should use the sizing chart that is provided. The paddle is not related to the kayak, but much rather to the individual that will be using the paddle on the kayak.

How do you steer a tandem kayak?

The notion of synchronization is not as important as simply having the same goal for your kayaking experience. As long as you both have the same goal, you don’t need to be perfectly synchronized when paddling.

How do I determine the best length for a tandem kayak?

To understand the right length, you need to keep in mind which type of kayak you will be using.  Sit on top kayaks have more space while sitting inside a kayak requires some legroom. This means you need to keep the length of an individual in mind.

Is it easy to transport a 2 person kayak?

It is much easier to transport and an inflatable kayak. However, you can make the transport even more comfortable with a kayak cart.

Is it possible to paddle a double kayak solo?

While it might be harder depending on the length and width of the kayak, solo paddling on a tandem kayak is much similar to paddling a solo kayak.

How much weight can a tandem kayak hold?

The amount of weight will vary from each kayak and the durability of the materials used in the construction.

Is it easier to fish in a tandem kayak?

It does not make any difference unless you compared it to a sit-inside kayak. Generally, stand up kayaks are better for fishing and offer more storage space.

Are tandem kayaks faster?

Since the tandem kayaks hold extra weight, they tend to be a little slower than you standard solo kayaks.

Conclusion

Tandem kayaking is something for the family and a great way to break away from the rush of everyday life. All of the kayaks in this article have been designed for kayakers with a lot of ambition. However, the Perception Pescador offers the best versatility and includes all the features needed to be our pick for the best tandem kayak on the market.