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Best Tandem Kayaks Reviewed
When it comes to kayaking, going solo can be a lot of fun. However, when you want to paddle with a friend or family member to share the fun, then you might want to consider a quality made tandem kayak.
While being alone on the lake or ocean can be a good way to relax, kayaking is definitely more fun if you bring someone along for the ride. You want to get it ‘just right’ when you are choosing the best tandem kayak for your next waterborne adventure.
Choosing the wrong 2-person kayak, or one that is uncomfortable and lackluster when it comes to performance, can have a big impact on your enjoyment.
It’s important for you to make some important considerations when looking into a quality 2-person kayak. Sorting through the options in order to find the best tandem kayak for your needs will ensure your boat provides enjoyment for years to come.
Doing all of this becomes much easier if you keep in mind those features that you prefer to see, as well as your particular paddling style. Our buying guide can help get you pointed in the right direction, and help to ensure all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself, and having the best 2-person kayaking experience on the water.
A tandem kayak makes paddling much easier because you are sharing the load, and it also greatly increases your options when it comes to fun water activities. There are even reliable options to bring your kids along on a fishing trip using a fishing tandem kayak.
To help you avoid the buyers regret of an uncomfortable and poorly designed kayak, we reviewed 5 tandem kayak models that offer solid performance and enjoyable features. You can check out the comparison chart for an easy look at the details, and see our top finishers for the best tandem kayaks in our reviews below.
Check out our favorite Tandem Kayak:
We love a fun tandem kayak outing as much as anyone, and the Rowing Inc team has done the work to find a 2 person kayak that you’ll love. Our tandem kayak reviews will undoubtedly clarify the options available, and help you decide which one may be the right choice for you.
Top Tandem Kayaks Comparison Chart
Best Tandem Kayak
1. Intex Excursion Pro Tandem Kayak
Intex Excursion Pro 2-Person Kayak
Everything comes with this kayak, making it possible to get you on the water fast. It’s made from high strength 3-ply high molecular PVC material, which has been laminated over a polyester core. This careful construction enables this inflatable tandem kayak to serve you for years without showing much effect from normal wear and tear.
One big plus with this design is that the material used doesn’t get affected by oil, salt water, or gasoline, while also resisting impact, and abrasion very nicely.
For average use in calm to moderate waters, the durability of the Intex Excursion Pro is downright excellent.
Storage and transportation can be a challenge with any boat. Inflatable tandem kayaks address that issue head-on, which leads many new kayak owners to settle on a 2-person kayak with an inflatable design. We must admit, they are convenient and prove to be the right choice for a huge number of kayakers.
If you’re concerned about tipping over, this tandem kayak can put your mind at ease. The Intex Excursion Pro Tandem Kayak is wide and stable enough to truly minimize any risk of capsizing. At over 3 feet wide, this kayak has certainly been designed to provide high levels of stability. In fact, we found the Excursion is really somewhat difficult to tip over.
And it really moves easily through the water, and doesn’t require you to have any special skill-set to glide around your favorite body of water. The performance is top-notch.
This model is also designed to carry up to 400 lbs, which goes to show it would take a lot to destabilize this kayak!
The Intex Excursion Pro Tandem Kayak also has 2 skegs that contribute a lot in terms of maneuverability and tracking in a straight line while you paddle. One of the skegs is shorter, making it ideal for shallow waters. A tracking fin makes it much easier to maneuver any kayak, so these are a welcome feature.
You definitely get a lot of options to play with on this tandem kayak. Between fishing rod holders, and the ability to easily transport your tandem kayak anywhere you’d like, this kayak can help you explore new territory any day of the week.
2. Perception Rambler Sit on Top Tandem Kayak
Perception Rambler Tandem Kayak
It’s a very popular option for recreational kayaking as a light-hearted water sports activity. The Rambler is one of the best from the Perception line, and it can also be used for more than just recreational kayaking too.
This tandem model comes in a few flashy color options, and it comes with two comfortable molded seats and backrests. They are removable and adjustable making it very easy to set up and get going in comfort.
With this 2 person kayak, you get plenty of footrest options so it’s able to accommodate people of any size. There is also some very useful bungee storage at the back for any needed equipment.
Transportation is simple for two people, thanks to the multiple carry handles. If you are planning on using this with small children or furry friends, there is an additional built-in seat at the center, making it perfect for all the family.
Whether you prefer slow-moving rivers, lakes, or a light surf in the sea, the Rambler has all your needs covered for the perfect ride. With its open cockpit, it is comfortable to exit and enter and it is also fully US Coast Guard compliant with its hull identification number.
If you’re seeking a secure and fun paddling experience with your close friends and loved ones, then this 2 person kayak is a fantastic option. It’s really a good value for your money, and if you’ve been waiting for a good tandem option, you’ll find a lot of bang for your buck.
3. Vanhunks Voyager Deluxe Tandem Kayak
Vanhunks Voyager Deluxe Tandem Kayak
It has two deluxe aluminum seats that can be adjusted for comfort, these should be considered a great feature on this kayak. These seats enable you to sit higher in the kayak, which is certainly beneficial for kayak fishing and visibility.
The package that you get with this kayak comes with two paddles and it also comes with swivel fishing rod holders so there is no need to purchase extras, perfect for when you want a ready-made tandem fishing kayak to get you started. Boasting two internal storage hatches that allow you to store dry bags, tackle boxes, coolers, and any other gear you may need it’s definitely a kayak that delivers on weight and space.
As well as being able to accommodate two adults, this kayak can also be adapted to include the third seat in the middle if needed. This is perfect is you want to bring a pet or child along on your adventures.
The Voyager Deluxe is constructed using thick rotomolded plastic that is resistant to punctures and sun damage, great for long fishing trips in the open water. When you are transporting it, the molded side handles make it much easier to move around, which is a good feature because of this kayak’s 77 pounds of weight.
The only downside to this kayak is the heavyweight making it less mobile and the extra length as it require more storage than other 2 person kayaks. However, if you’re looking for the perfect tandem fishing kayak then these two negative are probably seen as positives instead.
4. Saturn Pro-Angler Ocean Inflatable Tandem Kayak
Saturn Pro-Angler Ocean Inflatable Tandem Kayak
The kayak floor is made of a high-pressure inflatable deck that becomes very rigid when filled with air, however, it is still flexible enough to be rolled up when not in use. Perfect!
It is designed with ease in mind and the design focuses on delivering smooth ride and way use with rigid high buoyancy tubes that provide enough stability so that you can even stand up on it while fishing. When dealing with a tricky fish this certainly comes in handy.
The Pro-Angler Saturn is portable and very handy. It should be a must-have when you go on a fishing or camping trip and you’re looking to enjoy the water.
When you buy this 2 person inflatable kayak, you will get two removable benches made of aluminum that you can use in a range of different ways like mounting for your rods, gadgets and other items.
Because of its stability and durability, the Saturn Pro-Angler can be used in many ways. You can use the free aluminum benches and paddle your way through the waters or you can attach the optional motor to get your around quicker. This is great if you’re doing a long day fishing.
This kayak isn’t designed to be self-bailing, therefore this kayak is best for slow rivers, lakes, oceans, and bays. With a maximum weight of an impressive 700lbs, it’s easy to see why the in one of the best tandem kayaks for fishing going.
5. Sevylor Fiji Inflatable Tandem Kayak
Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak
The Sevylor Fiji 2 person inflatable kayak is made with 22-gauge PVC and boasts multiple air chambers. This design acts like a safety mechanism. Even if one chamber was to get multiple punctures, you are still going to remain floating.
Quality construction means you won’t find leaks around the seals thanks to an airtight system that is guaranteed not to leak. These are just a few of the reason that this 2 person kayak makes it on our best tandem kayak list.
This kayak is one of the best options for even the most novice of paddlers. It inflates and deflates easily because of the mini double Lock and double dock valves, which function very easily and keep the tubing in place while inflating.
This kayak also comes with spray covers for each person so you can stay comfortably dry. If you prefer to take a solo trip every now and again, you can also remove the middle seat and make room for any gear that you might have. And if you want to travel with another, this kayak will allow you to carry up to 400 pounds.
Although this is a full-sized kayak it is still very easy to take with you on any outdoor adventure. It is lightweight at only 23.8 pounds when deflated. It also comes with a 5-piece touring paddle and a travel bag making it very easy to carry this kayak on camping and hiking trips.
Top Tandem Kayak Features To Consider
When looking for the perfect 2 person kayak, whether it’s a sit on top option, a fish tandem kayak or an inflatable tandem kayak, you want to make sure you are choosing the right options for you. Have a look below at some of the best tandem kayaks that are on the market at the moment.
There are some key features that you need to think about when you are searching for the perfect 2 person kayak. Have a look at some of them below:
Materials
There are several materials a tandem kayak can be made of. The material affects the weight, durability, and functionality of the rig, meaning it is a key factor to consider when choosing between different kayaks. The three most common material you have to choose from are Polyethylene (durable and lightweight), Composite (high-end material and fiberglass), and PVC which is very commonly used in kayaks.
Hull Shape
The hull shape is what will determine how the kayak performs in the water. There are three main types of hull shape that you will find:
On beginner boats, you will usually find a flat bottomed hull. It allows the paddler to have maximum stability when they are in calm conditions. However, it isn’t recommended to take this type of hull onto rough water or the ocean as it will struggle to cut through the water.
If you want to do this then you are better going for a rounded bottom hull, it will allow you to ut through the water and increase your speed. You will sacrifice some of the stability for this choice.
If you have the need for speed then you will want to choose the V-shaped hull. It will propel you at the fastest speed and is also great for long-distance travel. They may be less stable but they are very reactionary to turning and are maneuvered easier than the other two types.
Weight Capacity
Every tandem kayak has a different weight capacity. Tandem two-seater kayaks will usually range from 400 to over 800 pounds. The weight allowance will often determine some of the vital aspects of your adventures like how many people can ride with you, whether you can carry kit, and whether you have space for fishing gear. The materials you choose often affect this so make sure you do some research.