10 Best Tandem Kayaks For 2021 Buying Guide

Are you looking for the best tandem kayak ever? If you are a person who is into fun and recreational hobbies, you should definitely consider tandem Kayaks. You can either go solo kayaking or look for two or three-person kayaks. Either way, they tend to be wonderful investments and will prove to be worth every penny you have spent on it.

This guide preps you up on the various things to consider while buying so that you may be able to make a quality purchase. When you opt for the right product, not only will you be able to lay your hands on the right gears, but also be able to have quality time on your kayak for years to come.

Contents

1 Best Tandem Kayak Comparison Chart
2 The 10 Best Rated Tandem Kayaks Reviews For 2021
3 What Is a Tandem Kayak?
- 3.1 The Different Types of Tandem Kayak Boats
4 How To Choose Best Tandem Kayak
5 Tandem Kayak VS Canoe

Best Tandem Kayak Comparison Chart

Model:	Type:	Weight Capacity:	Rating:
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak	Recreational	400 pounds	4.3/5
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak	Recreational	220 pounds	4.3/5
Ocean Kayak Malibu	Recreational	375-425 pounds	4.4/5
Intex Challenger K2 Kayak	Recreational	400 pounds	4.1/5
Lifetime 10 Foot	Fishing	500 pounds	4.1/5
Sevylor Big Basin	Recreational	400 pounds	4.1/5
Airhead Montana Kayak	Recreational	500 pounds	4.0/5

The 10 Best Rated Tandem Kayaks Reviews For 2021

The items section has been chosen with the intention of making these as diverse as possible. Therefore, here you will find tandem sea kayak, ocean, inflatable, fishing, recreational & touring kayak.

1. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

This is a highly comfortable tandem kayak with inflatable seats for 2 persons. It has a very good directional stability, which is aided by a removable skeg. It comes in a bright yellow color so as to increase visibility and avoid accidents. The tandem kayak is made for smaller water bodies like mild rivers and lakes.

Specs

Dimension – 20 by 36 by 123 inches
2 separate air chambers
Boston valves that assist in quick inflation as well as deflation
I beam floor for better rigidity
Weight 31.13 lbs
Holds two people

Check Price On Amazon

2. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

This is a highly durable kayak featuring eye-catching graphics for additional safety. The kayak is inflatable and has an I-beam for better stability. Space is wide enough to offer a very comfortable kayaking experience. This is a right tandem kayak for solo paddlers. This is good for one person kayak.

Specs

A cargo net for storing extra gear
Backrest on seats
Grab line on both sides of the kayak
Aluminum oar measuring 84 inches
High output hand pump
Repair patch
Maximum capacity of 220 pounds
Weighs 27.2 lbs
Dimension – 30 by 15 by 108 inches

Check Price On Amazon

3. Ocean Kayak 12 feet Malibu Two Sit On Top Recreational Kayak

This sit-in tandem kayak offers room for or 2 people and a child tandem kayak for the family. It allows for two different seating positions for those who want to go solo kayaking, which is on the bow and middle stern. This tandem ocean kayak complete with footwells that allow for a comfortable and secure foot bracing while paddling.

Specs

Carry handles on the side for the ease of portability
Gear straps
Comfort plus seats
Easy on-dock-storage
Enough space to hold the hold legs comfortably
Stern seat width of 18.5”
Center seat width of 20.25”
Bowleg length – 44”
Stern leg length – 42 “
Weighs 62.5 lbs
Maximum weight capacity of 375 lbs
Bright yellow color

Check Price On Amazon

4. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak

The Intex Challenger K2 is one of the right tandem kayaks under 500. It has a streamlined design that allows for highly comfortable paddling. It is designed to be used over mild rivers and lakes. The kayak comes in a bright green color and sporty graphics and allows for easy inflation and deflation. It is a very good tandem kayak for 2 persons.

Specs

Measures 30 by 15 by 138 inches
Maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs
Aluminum oars measuring 86 inches
Made using super tough vinyl
UV resistant
Offers room for two people
Grab lines for easy portaging
Offers high visibility in the water
Cargo nets for storing the essentials
Comes together with a repair patch kit

Check Price On Amazon

5. Lifetime 10 Foot Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak

This Tandem kayak for fishing and offers enough room to seat 3 people at a time comfortably. It has a tunnel hull design which gives added stability so that one can stand up on the kayak without the risk of tipping over. There are many other convenient features included in a tandem kayak like built-in paddle cradles and clips, cup holders, fishing pole holders, all of which go into making this kayak.

Specs

Made of high-density polyethylene
Weight capacity of 500 lbs
The design offers superior tracking
Resistant towards peeling, fading and cracking
Different positions for footrest
Includes 2 padded backrests, fishing pole holders, 2 double-sided paddles and a six feet storage hatch

Check Price On Amazon

6. Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Kayak

This kayak for taking your family out on-water adventures. It is made using a heavy-duty PVC construct and has multiple air chambers for added safety. You can use this both over whitewater as well as in calm lakes with much comfort. This is a very good choice for 3 person kayak.

Specs

Tarpaulin bottom to avoid punctures
Boston Valve with easy inflation and deflation
Spray covers to keep out the splashes
An AirTight system with a no-leak guarantee
Movable seats that can be adjusted for maximum comfort

Check Price On Amazon

7. AIRHEAD AHTK-2 Montana Performance 2 Person Kayaks

Those looking for an inflatable tandem kayak for whitewater may find this particularly interesting. The AIRHEAD AHTK is a 12-foot long inflatable kayak with a 2 person capacity. It has a light and compact design which allows for easy portability. This is also one of the top kayaks for superior tracking and buoyancy.

Specs

Weight – 36.3 lbs
Maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs
Bright orange color
Semi-rigid PVC construction
Spray covers to keep out water
Neoprene elbow guards
3 air chambers
Grab-in handles

Check Price On Amazon

8. Lifetime 10 Foot Manta Tandem Kayak

This kayak designed for the tandem as well as single-use. This one is particularly eye-catching, for the kayak has an extra superior tracking and ultra stability that makes it the excellent sit on top kayak. It is impossible to tip over while paddling in this kayak. This lifetime tandem kayak features the following specs that you would definitely want to miss out on.

Specs

Weight 60 lbs
Carry handles on the front and back
High and dry eats to offer the tandem kayak sit on top experience
Soft backrests
Double-sided paddles
5-year warranty

Check Price On Amazon

9. BKC Single Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

This is another one of the short and highly informative tandem kayak highlighting all the features and specs to make your buying experience worthwhile. It can be used on seas, surfs, lakes, anywhere you want. With room enough for three, this is easily capable of sea kayak experience for fishing. With maximum stability, This tandem kayak paddling over all types of water bodies.

Specs

Weight capacity of 500 lbs
Weighs 72 lbs
Mount Rod holders
Tie-down straps
Paddle parks
Carrying handles

Check Price On Amazon

10. BKC UH – TK181 Kayak

There are many reasons for the inclusion of the BKC UH in this sea kayak. It is mainly a sit on top kayak used for fishing. It has everything you would want in the perception of tandem kayak for oceans. There are fishing rod holders, secure paddle parks to keep them from falling and comfortable carry handles for the ease of carrying. Give below are the specs that make valuable tandem fishing kayak an easy winner in the midst of all tandem fishing kayak.

Specs

The load capacity of 450 lbs
Measures 12 feet 5 inches long
34-inch beam
Paddle rests for comfortable paddling
Multiple waterproof storage areas
Aluminum paddles of high quality
Designed to be used for solo and tandem use

Check Price On Amazon

What Is a Tandem Kayak?

A tandem kayak is the one that allows two people to go kayaking together. Some even have room enough to comfortably allow three passengers. The first thing about a tandem kayak is that they allow the passengers to bond together and share the adventure which can make the kayaking experience even more enjoyable and memorable. These can be used for fishing, touring, recreation and various other purposes. They provide a great workout for the body while also allowing you to take the very best of nature.

The Different Types of Tandem Kayak Boats

Tandem Touring Kayak

This kayaks are long and have a very strong build. They offer great tracking even with strong currents and winds. Since they are made to be highly efficient for long-distance travel, a kayak will offer enough cargo space for storing all the gears and essentials.

Tandem Sea Kayak

This tandem sea kayak are designed for adventure junkies who would rather prefer to paddle out in the open sea. To avoid getting toppled over by the wind, these sea kayaks have a low built. They are usually as long as 15 feet but come with much smaller cockpits on a comparative basis. Since the ocean kayak tandem sits on top of open waters and is exposed to waves and strong winds, they also have rudders and skegs to maintain better stability.

Inflatable Tandem Kayak

These are meant for purely recreational purposes. They use highly efficient pumps for easy inflation and deflation. They have a sturdy built and may also have tarpaulin layers on the exterior for protection against punctures. They do not offer very high speeds and are best to be used over the shores and flowing rivers. These inflatable tandem kayaks can also be used for touring down the rivers.

Sit On Top Tandem Kayak

These kayaks are mainly built for the purpose of allowing the paddlers to stand upright while kayaking without the risk of capsizing. They are easy to get on and off of and serve excellently for fishing or to be used as a platform while swimming in the lakes. They provide enough room for storing all the essentials required for an overnight stay. There may be a few variations in design depending on the purpose of use. Therefore, it is right to go through the sit on a top tandem kayak, before you finally make your purchase.

Recreational Tandem Kayak

These kayaks are built for swift rivers and flat waters, but not for very long trips. They are very easy to turn and make for great adventurous outings. Since these are used only for short duration’s, they only have storage space to hold a few essentials. Recreational tandem kayaks come at very affordable prices.

How To Choose Best Tandem Kayak

Kayaking along rivers and beach sides can be very enjoyable. You can have a great unwinding time while taking in the most breathtaking views of nature. They are also great for taking your family out for a break or just have some quality time with your kids. However, to get favorable out of your kayak, you should make sure that you know how to distinguish between the right tandem kayaks. Going for the highly-rated kayak brands will give an assurance of quality and functionality. However, there are also many affordable tandem kayaks with highly convenient features. Given below are a few specifications of kayaks that need careful consideration as you look for the tandem kayaks.

Paddler Weight

Every kayak comes with a specific weight capacity. You should be very careful while going for the weight range as anything more than the mentioned weight can leave your kayak highly unstable and increase the chances of capsizing, which you definitely do not, especially while kayaking over deep waters. Consider the number of people that are going to be riding the canoe and also the total weight of the gears and the essentials stored in it. Considering everything, the total weight should be under the mentioned capacity. The average weight capacity of a tandem kayak is 500 lbs. However, the range is likely to vary depending on whether it is a one-person or a two-person kayak and the purpose of its use. Note that exceeding the weight capacity will make it sit too low over the water and greatly affect the paddling efficiency.

Boat Length

The length of a kayak is mainly determined by the number of seats, but also by the type of kayaking it is designed for. The paddlers should be able to sit comfortably and place their legs in comfortable positions, which naturally make the two-person kayaks much longer than a solo kayak. It should be noted that long and narrow kayaks allow for very swift paddling and make the kayaks go at a much faster speed. Hence, if you are paddling over still waters, a narrow kayak can help you cover much distance within a short time. On the other hand, a short kayak having a greater width will make it more stable but will decrease the speed quite much. Most sit on top kayaks are made to be short and wide for better stability. However, the sit-in kayaks can vary considerably in their shape and design.

Kayak Weight

There are many things that go into determining the overall weight of a kayak. The material used in its making has a very important role to play. If the kayak uses heavier materials, it can decrease the total weight capacity on board. On the other hand, lightweight materials can allow for greater weight capacity and also increase the ease of portaging. There are any solo kayaks that are designed for portaging single-handedly. You can also go for inflatable kayaks if you are looking for greater convenience while portaging.

Cockpit

The shape and size of the cockpit can vary considerably from one kayak to the other. They also have an important role to play in determining the ease of control while paddling. Larger cockpits make it easier for the paddlers to get in and out of the boat. However, a smaller cockpit allows for better protection and easier controls. Solo kayaks have small and snug cockpits so that the paddler feels more like he/she is wearing the kayak instead of riding over it. This will hold the paddler securely to his spot and increase his efficiency while paddling. This design is mostly seen in sea kayaks rather than the river or lake kayaks.

Kayak Seats

Seats are one of the most important things to consider at the time of buying since they have a great role in determining the comfort of paddling. They also have a great role in determining the price of the kayak. A good seat can easily add about $100 to the price tag. However, if you are going to be sitting in your kayak for a considerably long period, it is better to invest in a good one with adjustable seats in ergonomic design and right padding.

Width

A narrow width allows the kayak to go forth at very high speeds while a wider one may decrease the speed but offers greater stability. The one with a greater width also makes for a great tandem kayak for beginners.

Deck Height

Deck height is the height of the kayak just in front of the cockpit. The choice for deck height should depend on the height of the paddler. If the user does not have a proportionate height, the deck can easily interfere with paddling. You should remember that higher decks also have thicker leg braces which can increase the weight of the kayak. On the other hand, a low deck makes it very difficult to get in and out of the boat.

Hull Shape

There are mainly four different types of hull shapes – rounded, V shape, flat and pontoon. The rounded hulls give better speed due to less resistance. A V-shaped hull allows for better straight-line tracking. Flat hulls give better stability, and pontoon hulls can be great for both the primary and secondary stability.

Footpegs

Foot pegs are the braces to hold your legs so that you can paddle in a comfortable position without disturbing the stability of the kayak. The positioning of the footpeg should determine on personal comfort and the bode size of the user.

Rigging

You should also consider if the kayak you are purchasing can be rigged to suit your needs. Out of other things, you should be able to add a rod holder to your kayak, upgrade the seats if required and organize the gear according to use.

Hatches

Hatches are that part of the kayak that gives access to the storage area on the interior of the kayak. Larger kayaks used for touring mostly have two hatches while the ones used for recreation only have one.

Tandem Kayak VS Canoe

The main difference between a tandem kayak and canoe is that canoes are uncovered watercraft while kayaks have a closed hull. Kayaks feature a cockpit in their design which is totally absent in the canoes. The bow of a kayak comes to a V at the front. However, they are much narrower and shallower as compared to canoes. Canoes allow the paddlers to sit directly on the bottom while kayaks have fixed seats. A canoe can easily be used for solo paddling, but can a tandem kayak be used solo? Yes, however, there has to be a person seated at the back just to maintain stability even if he is not rowing. If you want to know more about the best canoe on the market. You can simply click the link.

Conclusion

Since tandem kayaks can vary considerably in shape, size, design, and purpose of use, one should be very careful while making the selection. Remember to keep the above things in mind so as to make the best value purchase. You should also check a point to consider the build and durability so that your money does not go down the drain just with a few kayaking adventures.

References

https://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandem_kayaks/

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/products/tandem-kayaks.jsp