Kayaking is one of the most well-liked outdoor pursuits for explorers worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or someone who is just starting to explore kayaking, a tandem kayak can add a whole new level to your experience.
A tandem kayak is an excellent choice for spending time on the water with a friend, family member, or significant other. Unlike a single kayak, tandem kayaks are designed for two people, making the experience considerably more collaborative. They’re also a good option if storage space is limited since you may purchase one kayak for two individuals. A tandem kayak is also useful for experienced kayakers who want to paddle with a newbie or parents who want to participate with a child.
Finding the best tandem kayak for a particular paddler is crucial. For example, professional kayaking guides often note that kayakers’ most satisfying experiences have been with paddlers who are not experienced enough to operate a kayak independently. On the other hand, for small children, those with mobility challenges, or those concerned about keeping up with the group, a tandem kayak might be ideal, especially for those who enjoy kayaking with a loved one or a child, or a friend.
Just like single kayaks, tandem kayaks come in many sizes and shapes. Some tandem kayaks are designed for lengthy travels, others for fishing, casual paddling, or white water. Following is a list of the best tandem kayaks to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
- Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak
- Driftsun Voyager Inflatable Kayak – Tandem Kayak
- Lifetime 10-Foot, Tandem Fishing Kayak
- Perception Rambler 13.5, Sit on Top Tandem Kayak
- BKC TK122U 12′ 6″ Tandem 2- or 3-Person Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak
- BKC TK181 12.5′ Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak
- How To Buy The Perfect Tandem Kayak?
- Final Thoughts
Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak
The Rover 220 is a Tandem Inflatable Kayak from Driftsun that performs remarkably well in calm and turbulent water conditions and is also one of the best tandem fishing kayaks available. The tandem inflatable kayak has paddle holders designed, built, and tested by paddlers who love the sport.
With its front and back rocker profiles, created with a traditional river runner outline, the Driftsun Rover 220 Tandem Kayak allows you to navigate through calm or turbulent water easily with minimal tracking. In only nine minutes, the Tandem Inflatable Kayak inflates to its maximum capacity and comfortably seats two persons.
The package includes a Rover 220 Inflatable Kayak, two adjustable EVA cushioned seats, two adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, a double-action inflation hand pump, a detachable tracking fin, and a spacious travel backpack for all kayaking supplies.
With its strengthened double-layered PVC construction, the Driftsun Rover Kayak can withstand the rigors of rocky rivers without being punctured due to its high-pressure drop-stitch floor’s superior sturdiness.
If you’re looking for good stability in turbulent water, don’t go further than the Driftsun Rover Inflatable Kayak. Class III and IV rapids are no match for these kayaks in terms of speed and precision. The tandem kayak features include eight self-recovery ports, many tie-downs, and a front-mounted action camera attachment.
Further, with an interior designed to carry two adults and a child and additional gear or pets, this kayak can comfortably hold up to 600 pounds. It weighs 28 pounds and is 12.6 feet long by 38 inches wide by 13 inches high (floor).
Driftsun Voyager Inflatable Kayak – Tandem Kayak
The Driftsun Voyager is a recreational kayak that can accommodate two people and is 11 feet 2 inches in length, 35 inches in width, and provides a stable platform for casual paddling.
The heavy-duty tarpaulin bottom of the Driftsun Voyager is one of its outstanding features. Its sturdy foundation keeps you from directly touching the riverbed and provides you with a stable platform that seldom ever bends.
The Driftsun Voyager is a comfortable and robust inflatable tandem kayak that tracks well in the water and has many thoughtful elements that set it apart from other inflatable kayaks.
The paddles provided have comfortable handles; the D-rings and paddle straps make storing and using your gear simple; the EVA foam seats are more comfortable and durable than inflated chairs, and corrosion-resistant hardware assures longevity. This level of precision and quality appeals to customers who desire the convenience and mobility of an inflatable kayak but the durability and quality of a hard shell.
It comes with two adjustable and cushioned seats, aluminum paddles, a hand pump, a backpack, and a removable skeg that may be attached to the bottom to improve tracking.
Lifetime 10-Foot, Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak can carry a maximum of three passengers weighing up to 500 pounds, even though its claimed capacity is only for two. In addition, the watertight foundation helps keep the kayak stable. This breakthrough will benefit families with a child and a pet.
The use of high-density polyethylene in the construction of the hull contributes to improvements in the vessel’s tracking, rigidity, and stability. The rigid kayak includes fishing rod holders along with space for fishing gear. It is a great kayak broad enough to allow standing or sitting while fishing without tipping over and is highly sturdy.
The numerous footrests on this fishing kayak provide excellent comfort as you go across the water to your preferred fishing location. It has holders for fishing poles, so you won’t have to waste time juggling them while paddling the kayak. In addition, it contains a 6-foot-long storage hatch, three holders for fishing poles, two comfortable backrests, and two paddles with two sides.
You can fold this kayak into a compact 10 feet for easy transportation and storage. It also includes a back storage hatch.
The Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak is equipped with an oar attachment to store oars, while the kayak is not used for kayak fishing. A dry storage box, a plate for random storage, 6 inches of back capacity, and bungee cord straps are included on the Lifetime 10 Tandem Fishing Kayak as additional features. This kayak will also hold a trolling motor.
This inflatable boat is great for those who like the outdoors. The high-density polyethylene frame is built for durability and comes in a color similar to olive green but not quite as dark. The item’s low weight makes it convenient for transport to almost any location. You can drain the cockpit area’s surplus water via the scupper holes to help prevent capsizing.
Perception Rambler 13.5, Sit on Top Tandem Kayak
Paddlers of all skill levels and ages experience excellent stability and fun in the Perception Rambler line of sit-on-top kayaks. The paddler enters through an open cockpit and sits inside the kayak hull with his legs under the deck. The Perception Rambler 13.5 offers the most secure paddling experience, is the easiest to enter/exit, has a steady on-water feel, and has added stability that keeps you drier.
Additionally, this ocean kayak boasts a leak-proof one-piece structure and built-in buoyancy that enables you to unwind and enjoy yourself. Additionally, the distinctive hull shape tracks straighter for effortless course maintenance.
In the Perception Rambler 13.5, anyone can easily get in, and out of the roomy, molded-in seat, an additional center seat with mold for the children or the dog, and a padded seat and backrest removable and have adjustable support. In addition, the room design, which can accommodate two people, has increased stability without sacrificing the maneuverability of its more compact sibling.
Passengers will have maximum comfort when traveling together on the water thanks to accessible storage compartments and chairs that are oversized, padded, and adjustable. In addition, seat-centering mounts on this tandem kayak make it possible to set up for solo paddling.
The Perception Rambler has product dimensions of 162 inches in length, 34 inches in width, and a deck height of 15.5 inches. Weight is 78 pounds. The maximum load is 550 pounds, and there are six scuppers available. The Perception Rambler is a sea kayak rotationally molded from a single piece of material and designed for paddlers of varying skill levels.
The Rambler 13.0 Tandem Kayak is molded and hand-assembled in the United States; it also comes with a five-year warranty.
BKC TK122U 12′ 6″ Tandem 2- or 3-Person Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak
With dimensions of 12 feet 8 inches in length and 34 inches in width, the BKC TK122U tandem kayak can comfortably accommodate two people and one child. The BKC TK122U tandem kayak has a remarkable maximum load capacity of 770 pounds while weighing just 74 pounds. Even with three people on board, the kayak can handle the substantial additional weight, such as fishing and camping gear.
Because of its size and flat-bottomed hull, the vessel is difficult to knock over, which means that, when you reel in that big fish, you won’t have to strain to control your weight to avoid capsizing.
If you’re acquainted with BKC, you’re probably aware of how comfy the solo kayak’s aluminum upright seats are. They are straightforward to adjust and may be removed with only a few clips.
Four accessory mounts are on each side for attachments like phone holders, fish finders, and cupholders. In addition to the accessory attachments, there are D-ring mountings for paddles, paddle keepers, and anchor cleats.
The BKC TK122U tandem kayak includes two articulating rod holders for the front passenger and two flush-mounted rod holders for the back passenger. Once you begin fishing, the paddler can place the paddles into their respective paddle parks on each side of the boat. Due to its 34-inch beam, this recreational kayak will remain stable even in stormy seas or rapid currents. It also provides exceptional stability for fishing in any situation.
There are three-level footrests on each segment of the kayak for ideal sitting. Each section’s base has waterproof pockets with dry bag inserts. In addition, each piece has four drain ports, enabling this fishing kayak to empty itself effortlessly.
Equipment not requiring a dry environment may be loaded in the rear cargo space, supported by bungee tie-down straps. The storage space can also accommodate a 20-liter cooler.
Overall, the BKC TK122U tandem kayak is ideal for extended tandem kayaking trips and, thanks to its big load capacity and wide luggage storage space, is perfect for lake vacations with the family.
BKC TK181 12.5′ Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-TK181 Sit-On-Top Tandem Fishing Kayak weighs around 68 pounds and is 12.5 feet long, with a 34-inch beam width. This sit-on-top tandem kayak can also carry a substantial amount of weight and large equipment due to its two waterproof storage hatches BKC TK181. Each seat has one, and the open cargo area has tie-downs.
From rough to crystal calm water, the BKC TK181 maintains its stability. It provides a solid platform for casting, trolling, paddling, or simply lounging on lazy river floats. With the BKC TK181 multiple fishing rod mounts, you may troll for fish while keeping your hands free for other activities like eating, folding your arms behind your head, or paddling.
The BKC TK181 soft, cushioned chairs include straps that you may adjust to accommodate various seated postures. A tiny paddler may even participate while seated in a storage area. Additionally, it is sturdy enough to handle two adult kayakers and their equipment since it can support up to 440 pounds. With the kayak’s three flexible fishing rod holders and four flush-mount rod holders, you’ll have an unbeatable advantage when fishing. It also comes with two watertight containers for storing and protecting your belongings. You may load large or heavy items in the rear cargo space. If water enters the kayak, the eight drain holes will allow it to escape.
The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-TK181 sit-on-top tandem kayak has two 86-inch aluminum paddles and two cushioned seats at no additional cost. Paddle rests enable you to enjoy the view without holding the paddles. In addition, this tandem sit-on-top kayak has three articulated rod holders and four flush-mounted rod holders, which allows you to cast several lines into the water simultaneously.
The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-TK181 also includes two chairs. The seats of this tandem kayak are luxurious, cushioned, and long-lasting, and provide the highest level of seated comfort. The sides also include adjustable straps for several sitting configurations. There are watertight storage compartments on a tandem kayak. These storage boxes are conveniently located between the legs of the kayaker. There is space for your wallet, small accessories, keys, water bottle, snack bars, and other small items.
The rear cargo compartment includes a high-end bungee tie-down mechanism for additional security. In addition, it allows you to store bulky accessories, other gear, and huge clothes ensembles. The tandem kayak comes in green camo, grey camo, desert sand, blue, red/yellow, army green, and yellow. The double kayak also comes with a five-year warranty.
How To Buy The Perfect Tandem Kayak?
If you are serious about buying a tandem kayak, you already know how and when you will use it. Touring kayaks, folding kayaks, leisure kayaks, fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and modular kayaks are all options depending on your intended use. Their names speak for themselves, which aids you in selecting which variety best suits your requirements.
Because a tandem kayak is an investment, you should choose a model that will last you at least many years. Whether or not the manufacturer provides a decent guarantee, the kayak’s material must be of excellent quality, solid, and lasting. Tandem kayaks are often composed of plastic or PVC and feature paddle bars, handles, and other parts made of aluminum or steel.
Although most tandem kayaks are propelled by paddling, others are entirely automated and motor-driven. The most sophisticated tandem kayak models may be outfitted with an electric trolling motor, giving them an endless source of power. If high-tech kayaking does not appeal to you, staying with traditional paddling equipment is OK.
Tandem kayaks of various lengths and widths that fulfill various requirements are available. For example, if you want to kayak with a second person and need storage room for food or fishing gear, a longer kayak makes sense. This way, you can paddle for hours at a time without stopping. Furthermore, you’ll have greater stability on the water, which shorter kayaks do not have.
The greater the weight capacity of your tandem kayak, the more likely you will enjoy your kayaking adventure. It must be able to hold both your and your kayaking partner’s weights while providing enough room for fishing or other supplies. Otherwise, the boat can tip over, and instead of being in the moment, you’ll constantly be worrying about making the wrong move.
Final Thoughts
There are several important factors to consider before purchasing a tandem kayak. To guarantee value and safety, and keep your budget and preferences in mind, you’ll want to be sure the material utilized to make the kayak is sturdy and of great quality. A kayak constructed of high-density polyethylene is a fantastic choice as it is heavy-duty and durable. You may also opt for kayaks constructed of fiberglass, which are lightweight yet strong and long-lasting.
A tandem kayak is an excellent option if you want to paddle alongside a friend, family member, or significant other. When a stronger paddler wants to paddle with a weaker paddler, such as a rookie kayaking with an expert or a child paddling with a parent, a tandem kayak is an excellent option.
Whether you are new to kayaking or an experienced paddler looking for a new tandem kayak, hopefully, you will find the best kayak from our list above to begin your next tandem paddling adventure!
