Kayaking is a fun, and adventurous, recreational hobby. If you desire to share your hobby with your partner, kids, friends or even dog then definitely consider buying best Tandem Kayak. Tandem kayaks or doubles simply double the fun.
Typically, tandem kayaks are heavier and longer than any standard single-person kayak, but they are easy to share the workload with your companion. After all, it is a great way to get out on the water, paddle together with your friend or family member or partner.
Enjoy the challenge of collaborative paddling and spend some quality time together. Tandem Kayak are widely used for touring, fishing, and recreation and various other purposes. They offer a great workout for the body and permits you to take the very best of nature.
If you are not very sure as to how to buy the best tandem kayak, well, you are just on the right page. Take advantage of these buyers’ guide put together here and cut out all those confusions to find just the right tandem kayak that meets your needs and the budget. There is no need to get confused because of so many models and with so many different features.
First, why not have a look at the top models of the tandem kayaks that are ruling the market and are already very popular with the customers?
Get ready for your outdoor adventure experience, and all you need to do is just go through the list below.
Contents
- The Best Tandem Kayaks
- How to choose a Tandem Kayak
- FAQs
- 1. Is It Safe To Paddle Tandem Kayaks? Can One Person Row A Tandem Kayak?
- 2. How To Paddle A Tandem Kayak And What General Guidelines To Follow?
- 3. Sit-In-Kayak Or Sit-On-Kayak?
- 4. How To Maneuver And Turn When Paddling A Tandem Kayak?
- 5. Are There Any Disadvantages Of Buying Tandem Kayaks?
- 6. What Are Some Of The Best Brand Known For Making The Tandem Kayaks?
- Paddle Together On The Best Tandem Kayaks
The Best Tandem Kayaks
Find below the best tandem kayaks:
1. Driftsun Rover
For those looking for a durable & lightweight full-sized kayak, can have a look at the Driftsun Inflatable Kayak. The adventure-ready Kayak is just perfect for thrill-seekers as well as families. Made of highest quality materials, the two-person Kayak boasts of top-notch accessories and performs well in flat and rough waters. Get safety from punctures because of the heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin bottom.
You can look for unmatched stability and control in the maneuverable Kayak that can remain stablein class iii and iv rapids. Enjoy extra comfort because of adjustable EVA padded seats and adjustable 2-piece aluminium kayak paddles.
Other features include a double-action hand pump, travel bag, and rear tracking fin. The instructions are easy to follow, and you can convert the two-seater kayak to one seater easily.
Pros
- Durable & lightweight
- Thoughtfully designed
- Stable & maneuverable
- Heavy-duty PVC bottom
- Removable rear tracking skeg
- Easy to air up and deflate
Cons
- The owner’s manual could be improved with illustrations
2. Intex Excursion Pro
The Intex Excursion model incorporates the latest technology and is known for its high strength and durability. Thanks to the super-tough laminate material, the lightweight kayak ensures easy durability and high impact resistance.
Enjoy extra rigidity and stability because of the high-pressure inflation. The fishing vessel remains unaffected by gasoline, oil, and Saltwater because of its tough construction.
The professional series fishing kayak features adjustable bucket seats, fishing rod holders, and floor mounted footrests. Additional accessories include GPS systems and fish finders plus loads of storage space in bow and stern plus a carry bag and repair patch.
Buyers are very pleased with the quality of the kayak as well as its affordable price range that brings a smile on their face.
Pros
- High strength and durability
- Extra rigidity and stability
- Easy inflation and fast deflation
- Specially designed skews
Cons
- Bow and stern could use some webbing
- Crossbar is positioned at an awkward spot
3. Driftsun Teton
If you are looking for an impressive but inexpensive tandem kayak, then look no further and go straight for the Driftsun Teton 120T. With no limit to the features, this is a kayak that is sure to fall within all your budget needs.
The two-person inflatable kayak is very light and stable and is just perfect for family recreation, travel, or fishing. There is a centre seat for a child in the kayak that can easily accommodate two paddlers.
Made of high-density polyethylene material that is UV resistant, you get unmatched strength and durability. The adventure-ready kayak features capped rod holders, mounting points for accessories, and rear storage with bungee.
The package includes adjustable padded seats, anodized aluminium paddles, and scupper plugs for self-bailing.
Pros
- Tough and rugged design
- Higher-strength and durability
- Equipped with 3 seating positions
- Highest quality workmanship
- Top-notch accessories
- Built-in cup holders
Cons
- A bit heavy to handle on your own
4. Intex Challenger K2
Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak is designed for great kayaking and is sporty and fun, thanks to its streamlined design and easy paddling. This is indeed the right kayak for someone who enjoys a comfortable paddling to explore the lakes and easy rivers.
You can count on long term durability from damage and UV resistance, thanks to the super-tough vinyl material. The inflatable floor ensures maximized safety and comfort on the water.
Enjoy optimized comfort and space, and those high visibility graphics allow one to see the kayak and its passengers easily on the water. The kayak features inflatable seats and backrests, cargo net, Grab line, repair patch kit, and aluminium paddles.
Pros
- Great design for easy paddling
- Optimize comfort and space
- US Coast Guard approved
- Easy inflation and deflation
- high capacity pump
- Good for the price
Cons
- Packing up and taking out may take some time
5. Driftsun Voyager
Driftsun Voyager Inflatable Kayak does not make any compromise when it comes to safety or comfortability, and this is what makes it one of the best tandem kayaks out there. The lightweight and versatile kayak inflate and deflate quickly, thanks to the double-action hand pump.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and maneuverable on the waters. Get durable protection from punctures because of the PVC tarpaulin bottom and double threaded Boston valves.
Look forward to superior performance in both calm and rough water and enjoy comfortable cruising because of the high-back support and quality padded seats. The package includes aluminium kayak paddles, hand pump, Travel bag, and a Rear tracking fin.
Pros
- Compact & lightweight design
- Inflates and deflates quickly
- Durable protection from punctures
- Rip and tear-resistant
- Removable/adjustable padded seats
- Double reinforced stitching
Cons
- Essential to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions
6. Intex Explorer
There is little doubt that Intex Explorer Inflatable Kayak features the best combination of quality and price. It is indeed an excellent choice for those looking for great features with those on a budget. The sporty and fun and comfortable Kayak has been streamlined design for easy paddling.
Enjoy higher comfort and space because of the adjustable inflatable seat with backrest. You can easily spot the kayak on the waters because of its highly visible colour and sporty graphics.
Kayak confidently and comfortably on smaller bodies of water in this lightweight and compact kayak made with rugged vinyl construction. Get more directional stability because of a removable skeg and the Boston valve on each side ensures faster inflating or deflating.
Pros
- Streamlined design for easy paddling
- Increased visibility
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight and compact
- Rugged vinyl construction
Cons
- Customer care could improve
How to choose a Tandem Kayak
Tandem kayaks are longer than traditional kayaks. They make room for a second person to ride along to help paddle. Buying a tandem kayak is a significant investment that needs your time and some careful considerations.
Some water-based adventures are best enjoyed as a couple and with a group of paddlers. However, if you do not know what to look for and what aspects to focus on when buying a tandem kayak, you may end up making the wrong choices.
1. The Length And Width
The size of the kayak is an essential factor to keep in mind when buying. So, pay close attention to the length and width of the boat, and the narrower a boat, the faster it would paddle but can be a bit unstable. On the other hand, a broader and lower hull is steadier but can be slower to paddle.
Look for that optimum size you can handle without compromising on your kayaking experience. Use longer tandems if you intend to cover greater distances, but be careful when paddling in rough waters. Go for shorter kayaks if you plan to cover shorter distances.
2. The Comfort And The Stability
Ensure that the size of the tandem kayak is large enough to accommodate two or three people and make them feel comfortable. If you have less leg space, it would be difficult for you to paddle and maneuver the vessel, and you may have to face hours of uncomfortable paddling. There is nothing worse than paddling with your back, legs, and arms aching.
When two or three people paddle together, they are likely to use different paddling styles and at different paces. Those different movements at various angles can make a boat unstable, and if it is not stable enough, it may topple over.
Hence look for the best tandem kayak that promises higher security and stability, which is essential when paddling together.
It essential to place comfort and stability at the top level when you paddle with another person for hours. Along with ample space, look for adjustable cushioned seats and multiple footrests. The kayak seats should be made from deluxe material and padded. The cockpit should be easier to get in and out.
The paddles should be lightweight, dependable, and preferably aluminium for that ultimate paddling experience. Some of the paddled kayaks do carry the option to get upgraded to an electric trolling motor.
3. The Material
Look for a material that is tough and light and easy to maintain. Some of the best tandem kayaks you come across are made of materials like Polyethylene, wood, PVC and vinyl, ABS, wood, and composites like Kevlar, fibreglass, and carbon fibre. As each of these materials carry their pros and con, one can decide based on what are their preferences.
- Polyethylene – It is the most commonly used material to make tandem kayaks as it is cheap, durable, and abrasion-resistant. However, it can be heavy and tends to get weaker under exposure to sunlight. store them in a shade or treat it with a UV-blocking spray for safety.
- Wood – Wooden kayaks are liked because of their traditional looks. Wood is the primary construction material and has resin and fibreglass coating that gives it durability and nice look. However, wood is an expensive material and heavier too and difficult to maintain as it can damage easily.
- PVC and vinyl – PVC and vinyl material are light and cheap and commonly used to make tandem kayaks. However, as they can easily puncture, many kayaks use multiple bonded layers of the material to build the strength.
- Composites –Composite kayaks are made using numerous materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass laminates, aramid or a union of the three. We can also find some made of Kevlar and graphite composites. which are light and strong and good for making kayaks. However, Kayaks made from composites can be expensive and costly to maintain.
- ABS – ABS is resistant to sunlight, as well as durable and easier repair and maintenance. On the downside, it can be expensive. ABS offer the benefit of having a lighter kayak than the one manufactured using polyethylene plastic.
4. The Weight Capacity
Check out the kayak weight limit when looking at different models of best tandem kayaks. After all, you need to be very sure that the kayak can support the weight of the occupants as well as the equipment and other gear you might bring.
The typical weight capacity for most tandem kayaks is 450 to 500 lb. It is suggested to go for tandem kayaks with at least a 50 lb. weight capacity above the combined weights.
5. Other Features
Tandem kayaks may boast of some other features that you may need for your next water adventure.
- Spray Skirt – Most of the whitewater and touring boats carry this addition as it prevents the water and the waves from entering inside the vessel.
- Rocker – Rocker tells you about the arc of the boat and the design considerations. And the more the rocker, the easier it is to turn the boat.
- Skeg – Skeg is a detachable or retractable fin that allows the kayak to paddle straight when paddling over long distances.
- Hatches – Most of the touring kayaks are likely to carry multiple hatches. You will not find the hatches on a simple recreational kayak.
- Rudder – The rudder is used to steer, and based on where you are likely to kayak, you may or may not need a rudder. Keep in mind that not you will not come across rudders in all kayaks. And if you are sure that you would be paddling only in flat lakes and rivers, you might not need kayaks with a rudder.
6. The Storage
The best two-person kayaks boast of good storage space for two or three people who would be paddling together. Different models of such kayaks offer different storage options like bungee-storage, waterproof hatches, and others. The most common storage space in traditional kayaks is the deck lashing and shock cord.
Approximately they can hold about 1.5 more storage than a solo kayak. This is generally observed as a mix of both internal and onboard storage. They are equipped with internal storage comprehensively in a bow and the stern offering you total storage and convenience.
Look for a kayak with convenient and easy on dock storage, which is even more essential for three kayakers, two adults, and one child. The storage compartment should be ample to hold fishing gear and other essentials. Many kayaks come with a compact, watertight storage bag and removable mounting rail to hold your rods, , and other accessories.
7. Customer Care, Guarantee And Warranty
When you buy a tandem kayak, you would, of course, need to check out the customer services and the guarantees and warranties being offered with the product. Look for top tandem kayaks that promise not only quality but also professional customer care and the best warranties and guarantees.
Good customer care, guarantee, and warranty indeed offer you peace of mind that you can get support and easy replacements for any damage. The warranty period can vary between two to five years.
8. The Budget
Last but not least, the price of the tandem kayak would be a major deciding factor behind the kayak you buy. The prices of the different makes and models of the best tandem kayaks are likely to vary based on the brand, the quality, and the features.
Base your decision on what you are looking for and your budget. The costs of different styles of Tandem kayaks can be different. Tandem kayaks are considered expensive than most solo boats.
There is no need to spend a fortune on expensive tandem kayaks if you seldom go for kayaking or do not need those whistles and bells the kayak manufacturers are boasting of. You can enjoy and have a great experience, even with a simple kayak that is modestly priced.
However, if you are one of those who are out on water adventure every other day or are pro who participates in long-distance touring and on white water, it is advisable to look for tandem kayaks with special features and make a good investment.
Tandem Kayaks are cheaper when buying two solo kayaks. People who like to travel with a partner, going for a 2 person kayak is the best choice.
To conclusion the above discussion, look for tandem kayaks that are durable, stable, and easy to use and lie within your budget. Just keep the above-listed aspects in mind, and you are sure to find the best tandems on the market.
Go ahead and buy the tandems as it is a great way to not just have some good time together, but develop bonding. Buying a tandem kayak is indeed better as it is a lot cheaper than buying two single kayaks, and one can look forward to efficient paddling as your partner paddles.
Raise your level of awareness on the tandems by going through the most commonly asked questions regarding the kayaks.
FAQs
1. Is It Safe To Paddle Tandem Kayaks? Can One Person Row A Tandem Kayak?
All sorts of kayaks and kayaking are safe, based on how skilled you are and the paddling conditions. While some prefer to paddle alone, others like to paddle with a partner. Many wonders if they can get a tandem kayak meant for two people and row it alone.
Well, as the tandem kayaks are designed for two people, it may not seem so comfortable and easy to paddle is alone, and you may face trouble maneuvering it. However, a lot depends on the weight and shape of the kayak, as well as the weight of the user and his capabilities of rowing.
2. How To Paddle A Tandem Kayak And What General Guidelines To Follow?
Place the physically stronger and more capable paddler in the back seat and the weaker one in front. The stronger paddler can control and dictate the paddling pace much better from the back, while the paddler in front can adapt to the pace.
Keep in mind that you have a partner who would be paddling with you, and you two need to agree and cooperate all the time and just cannot force the other and explore the water on your own. These are just some common guidelines you need to follow and keep in mind when using tandems.
3. Sit-In-Kayak Or Sit-On-Kayak?
When looking for tandem kayaks, you might have to choose between Sit-in- or Sit-on options. So, which of the option is better for you? Well, simply go for the sit-in-kayak if you are a beginner and plan to paddle in warm weather conditions and calmer waters. A sit-in-kayak is much more stable because of the lower gravity point and will keep you safe and protected.
And if you are an expert who can paddle in rough and cold weather conditions, the sit-on-kayak is the right option.
4. How To Maneuver And Turn When Paddling A Tandem Kayak?
Most of the tandem kayaks are equipped with a rudder to keep the boat running straight and control the directions or make corrections. However, when you need to turn actively, you would require a bit of teamwork here rather than just rely on the rudder.
For example, the kayaker in the front needs to take a forward arc on one side while the paddler behind should sweep in the opposite direction and unison. Those efforts can indeed make a surprisingly fast and safe turn while stationary.
5. Are There Any Disadvantages Of Buying Tandem Kayaks?
Just like any other product, there can be some disadvantages with a tandem kayak, but they are very few. Because of the bigger size and width, tandem kayaks can be difficult to handle and carry and move a bit slower in the water.
Moreover, the two people need to work in perfect unison when paddling, and if they fail to do so, the whole trip can be a waste as you fail to enjoy the water and nature around and end up in frustration.
6. What Are Some Of The Best Brand Known For Making The Tandem Kayaks?
Some of the top brands noted for the best tandem kayaks include names like Ocean, Intex Explorer, Sun Dolphin, Vibe, Advanced Elements, Driftsun Rover, Sea Eagle, Elkton, Sevylor Big Basin, and Ztotop.
Paddle Together On The Best Tandem Kayaks
Go ahead and make a sound financial investment buy best tandem kayak available on the market today. There is no need to get confused due of those numerous models and never-ending features and lists of accessories.
Just focus on your needs and budget and find a tandem kayak that suits all your preferences. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, you sure need a kayak that is ideally suitable for you and is easy to use and maintain.
Enjoy the challenge of paddling together and outdoor water adventures together. With the quality information and tips, you are sure to make a well-informed customer and make the right decisions. Do not miss out on any ofthose outdoor fun activities and take advantage of the guide and research to make the right choices.
Now, there is no need to waste any more of your time, money, and effort, now that you have the most comprehensive information on the tandem kayaks and make the right choices as an educated customer.