Best Tandem Fishing Kayak of 2020 [Buyer’s Guide]
Are you looking for a great, new activity, even if it is with your wife, your kids, your friend, or just yourself? Do you want to feel a strong connection with nature but a simple park has become a boring place to go that squeezes all the creativity out of you? Are you a water lover? What about fishing? What about fishing in a kayak?
Kayaks might be your escape into a new world. Just imagine how great it is to paddle among the waves and feel adrenaline and relaxation simultaneously while being in the middle of a lake, sea, or ocean.
You could also consider going fishing while in a kayak. This perhaps will help you become calmer and more relaxed. It could help you enjoy a break from the crowded city and from your ordinary, daily work and help you to recharge your batteries.
If you have been a fisherman for a long time, you may be a boat lover who doesn’t want to consider another option for watercraft. However, you can keep reading to find out the advantages and disadvantages a kayak offers when it comes to fishing.
This might change your mind because there is such a big variety of kayaks with features that are suitable for this type of activity. This might transform your regular fishing experience into a unique one.
You may be a passionate adventurer, an angler (professional fisherman), simply fish as a hobby, or just want to try a new activity with someone. Either way, you may want to know the best tandem fishing kayaks, types of kayaks that are recommended, their characteristics, and what is important about them. So let's get to it, shall we?
Contents
- 1 Comparison Chart
- 2 Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Reviews
- 3 BUYER'S GUIDE
- 4 F.A.Q.
- 5 FINAL VERDICT
Comparison Chart
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Reviews
Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak
If you have a special person with whom you want to share beautiful memories and experiences, a tandem kayak might be a great option. The Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak offers superior performance and has a durable design.
It inflates in less than five minutes and comes with everything needed. What is more, it comes with an attractive price point, and you can easily set it up, even if you are an amateur.
Product Highlights
This kayak might be a good choice because, first of all, it is inflatable. This product is a kayak that you can carry everywhere in your backpack, so it provides great versatility and portability. Moreover, it has a lightweight design, weighing only 27 lbs. This means that it can be easily carried by just one person.
Furthermore, the Driftsun Voyager features an action hand pump that can inflate the kayak to full size in less time than you can spell the word itself. The full-size kayak measures 10” x 35” x 16”.
The kayak was created to be suitable for both calm and troubled waters. It comes with a Tarpaulin bottom made of high-quality PVC and with a “V” shape hull. Thus, it provides high performance, protection, and safety for a long period of time.
What is more, this product features Boston valves with a double-threaded feature. The tube covers are made from premium-quality nylon fabric with a tough coating that ensures resistance to tears and rips.
Lastly, it comes as a large package with everything you might need. The package contains the two seats that are padded with EVA, and they are also adjustable, removable, and have high back support.
Moreover, the adjustable paddles made of aluminum have an ergonomic grip. The bundle also contains a travel carry bag. The whole package is also lightweight. Thus, it is not going to be a problem or an obstacle on your expedition.
The Good
We think that the best advantage of the Driftsun Voyager 2 Person kayak would be that it comes in a full, lightweight package. Again, you can carry it easily wherever you wish.
When leaving for your adventure, you have to keep in mind all the accessories you need, so this is the ideal product to ensure that you never forget anything. The package makes this experience effortless and more enjoyable with your paddling partner.
The Bad
If the Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak is the version that you prefer, you have to keep in mind that it is a little short for two people. Thus, it is not recommended for people with larger body frames. If this is the case, you might want to check out some of our other models on this list!
PROS
CONS
Lifetime Tandem Sit on Top Kayak with Back Rests
The Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Sit-on Kayak seems to be a suitable kayak for a little family. Do you want your little one to enjoy this beautiful experience with you? This kayak might be your best option.
It can be paddled solo or tandem and can even transport a third small passenger in the middle seat. This is the ideal product for a small family to enjoy a sunny afternoon together!
Product Highlights
The Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Sit-on Kayak has a weight capacity of 500 lbs. It is designed to be incredibly stable and makes being overthrown impossible. This boosts safety and reliability, ensuring a great experience every single time.
The kayak comes with two padded backrests that can be moved in any of the three sitting positions. This depends on the number of people in the kayak (between one and three), and the backrests are made adjustable for different heights.
The kayak is designed with plenty of foot room for paddlers to make this product more comfortable. It has a 10-foot, compact length (as its title suggests) to make transportation and storage simpler. It also comes with the paddles included.
What is more, this product is constructed using high-quality, low-density polyethylene in a rotational mold. The ditty trays and shock cord straps are added to secure any loose items.
The tunnel hull provides extra stability and great tracking. The seats are designed to keep riders “high and dry”, keeping them off the kayak’s floor where the water can enter (one or two cups of water after use). This product also comes in two bright colors: yellow and green.
The kayak is lightweight. It weighs 60 lbs., which makes it easy to be transported and carried. A big advantage of this kayak might be the design. If you wish, you can separately purchase an electric trolling motor and install it on this product for a better experience.
The Good
One of the best features of this kayak is considered to be its capacity. It is versatile. Thus, you can paddle single or tandem, and you can have a smaller addition, too.
It is constructed from durable, polyethylene plastic, so it is easy to carry around and impossible to flip over. Another important characteristic would be the advantage of adding a motor mount accessory.
The Bad
A disadvantage of this product might be its length because it can’t be stored easily. The product dimensions are 120 x 36 x 19 inches.
PROS
CONS
Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK219 Tandem Sit On Top Kayak
Do you want to feel like you’re going on an army mission? That’s the exact excitement you get when you see the Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219. This kayak might be the most suitable one for fishing in great style.
Product Highlights
With a maximum capacity of 440 lbs., the Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219 fits two to three people, and has a hull weight of 68 lbs., making it easy to be carried by two adults easily and effortlessly.
The kayak is constructed from high-density polyethylene. It is UV-protected, durable, safe, and stable for any expedition. The product is designed with a 12.2-foot long body, so it is great for both professional anglers and beginner fishermen.
This kayak is equipped with secure paddle parks, so you don’t have to worry about losing your paddles while resting your hands. The parks are made of elastic bungee cords, and they keep the paddles fixed and stable.
This product is designed with four flush-mount fishing rod holders and another two adjustable rod holders. This can help you and your friends enjoy the paddling or keep multiple baited lines in the water at once.
The kayak has two waterproof storage areas where you can place your keys, wallet, phone, other devices, precious items, and gear. Two seats are included, along with two paddles. The kayak is created to remain stable and safe in all weather conditions or water.
The Good
In terms of supplies containers, this kayak looks like a suitable one, having a compartment capable of keeping 20 liters of cool liquids. This sounds great for a weekend vacation with your fishermen friends.
A big advantage of this kayak is that it is suitable for three tall men, and it adapts to all sorts of conditions while remaining stable and completely balanced.
The Bad
This kayak comes in only one model, so there is not much choice available.
PROS
CONS
Ocean Kayak Malibu Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak
Composed of two bright colors, the Ocean Kayak might make your experience during a sunny day more enjoyable and fun. Do you want to paddle with your friend, your kid, or even your dog? This kayak can make it possible.
Product Highlights
The Ocean Kayak is created to fit two people and a child or a pet. It has a capacity of 425 lbs., and it measures 12 feet long and 34 inches wide. The kayak comes with comfortable seats that are designed to be adjustable. That way, you can find the perfect pedaling position and make the ride more enjoyable.
The sides are flexible, breathable, and prevent you from slipping and getting hurt. The patented overlapping foot wells allow even the center passenger to have foot comfort.
It comes in four combinations of colors: ahi, envy, sea glass, and sunrise. This item is suitable for both men and women to enjoy a bright summer day in nature. The kayak also has gear straps for storage, a skid plate, and a screw-in drain plug.
The Good
The good part about the Ocean Kayak might be that it is considered a family kayak. It is also animal and kid-friendly, not only because of its look but due to the comfort and safety features.
As its name suggests, it is created for the ocean. That means that it is constructed from a triple-layer polyethylene hull, so, even if you flip over, it’s impossible for it to sink. It’s all about safety!
The Bad
The bad thing about this kayak, compared with the previous ones, can be that the price includes the seat back but not the paddles.
PROS
CONS
SUNDOLPHIN Bali Tandem Kayak
Designed for adventurous fishermen, the SunDolphin Tandem Kayak can be your support in your and your friend’s next recreation expedition. Suitable for lakes or rivers, this 13.5-foot kayak accommodates one, two, or even three people to make fishing activities more fun.
Product Highlights
The SunDolphin Tandem Kayak has a lot of good features that may fit your preferences. It is lightweight, effortlessly carried, and the seats are designed so that entering and exiting the kayak is easier than ever.
The tracks and paddles are easy to use, as they have holders that offer maximum stability. The large, comfortable sitting area also has adjustable seats.
It weighs 70 pounds overall, and carrying handles mean that transportation won’t be a problem. The kayak offers good support not only on lakes and rivers but oceans, as well.
The Good
The SunDolphin Tandem Kayak’s best characteristic might be its capacity of 500 lbs. and 13.5-foot length because it fits up to three people.
Furthermore, it has spacious storage that features incorporated compartments that are big enough to fit items for an entire trip. The foot braces are adjustable, so you can feel comfortable and enjoy every moment of your expedition.
The Bad
It seems that some products come already damaged, perhaps as a result of improper shipping operations.
PROS
CONS
BUYER'S GUIDE
A kayak is a small and narrow watercraft that should be constructed in a durable, high-quality manner. That way, you can enjoy memorable experiences with your friend or while fishing, without any injuries or unpleasant events.
When sitting in a kayak, you should immediately feel safe. Because of this, you should know that there are a lot of features that you should consider. Those characteristics are presented below.
Load Capacity
What, who, and how much you can bring “on board” is based mostly on the kayak’s capacity. Tandem fishing kayaks, those that can sustain two people who are paddling, usually range between 400 to 600 pounds. Before you leave on your trip or adventure, make sure you weigh all the equipment and your partner until the full capacity is reached.
If you think you need more equipment and additional people, you should purchase a bigger kayak that might fit your needs and preferences. As a recommendation, remember that the materials from which the kayak was built have an important role. For example, PVC can sustain more weight compared to kayaks made from polyethylene.
Another feature that you might need to take into consideration is the storage containers, especially if your kayak is for fishing trips with a buddy. Consider getting enough space for all your equipment, an additional person, some food supplies, and the fish that you wish to catch. Some kayaks already come with containers that have a cooler.
Inflated/Deflated Dimensions
First of all, there are two categories of kayaks: sit-in and sit-on-top. Depending on what is more suitable for you, they offer different levels of comfort.
Usually, most professional fishermen prefer sit-on-top kayaks because they offer more mobility and space. One disadvantage of this type of kayak is that you can get wet a lot easier compared to the sit-in model.
The sit-in kayak offers more storage space. If you want to purchase your first kayak or a new one, speed, stability, tracking, and maneuverability might be your highest points of interest.
The type of water you want to go fishing in is very important to know, as well. For example, if you want to take your kayak on a river, you don’t need to have the same size kayak as if you are preparing a trip to the ocean. On the ocean, your kayak must remain stable enough so that it can’t be flipped over by waves.
If you have enough storage space at home for a big, wide kayak, you should certainly get one with larger dimensions. Make sure that it has a place where it will not be exposed to bad weather and unnecessary wear and tear.
Hull Weight
In regards to weight, you have to take into consideration that your kayak must be easily transported. Mostly, they weigh up to 100 pounds depending on the build and characteristics. The ones that you should search for are those that are lightweight and have essential features.
Kayaks are shaped into four different models: rounded, V-shaped, flat, and pontoon hulls. The different shapes offer different characteristics. The ones that have rounded edges can increase your kayak's speed because of less water resistance.
The V-shaped hulls tend to be more precise in tracking in straight lines. Flat hulls are recognized for offering great stability. Lastly, pontoon hulls offer decent tracking and the best stability available but their speed is not that good.
Material
The added stability for a kayak is usually offered by the material it is constructed from. We recommend choosing kayaks with thick PVC, vinyl, and tarpaulin materials, combined with a semi-rigid frame if you want a more stable kayak.
The thicker and better quality the material from which the kayak is built, the less likely it is for it to be affected by sand, gravel, or debris. This is especially true when inflating, deflating, and dragging it across the shore or when paddling it on water.
However, your kayak can’t be forever untouched, if you are using it often. It's worth considering searching for a product that has a repair kit included in the package. Therefore, try to choose a kayak that is easy to repair.
Floor
The floor is a very important aspect of an inflatable kayak. Besides that, if it is damaged, it would be nearly impossible to be repaired, so it gives the manufacturers the most trouble. It’s not worth it to purchase a kayak with a low-quality floor. A high-quality floor will ensure a long-lasting life without worrying about your kayak's warranty.
A floor feature that you have to be mindful of is whether it’s self-bailing or not. Most inflatable sea kayaks are not created with this characteristic, which is vital. The self-bailing feature means that the water that comes into the boat immediately drains out. Some inflatable sea kayaks use the deck to keep the water out of the boat.
An inflatable canoe, compared with an inflatable kayak, rides higher and makes it harder for the water to get into the watercraft. It’s very risky to have a lot of water gathered into your kayak, as it can cause dangerous situations that you are trying to avoid. The water in the boats works against you when you try to steer.
The best floors recommended for an inflatable kayak are air floors. In this case, you have to keep in mind that the price reflects the quality, so don’t be stingy in this situation. If you choose to purchase a kayak with an air floor that has a higher quality, you guarantee yourself years of great service with no problems.
Do not choose a cheap version because it will produce a lot of maintenance or repair costs that will force you to buy a new kayak anyways.
Some manufactures use foam floors as a safer material. Unfortunately, foam floors absorb a lot of water over time. This adds weight to the boat, decreases its performance, and creates moisture problems when the boat is stored.
If you spend a little more money on a high-quality inflatable kayak with a high-quality floor, you may prevent a lot of costs and headaches later on.
F.A.Q.
How to paddle a tandem kayak?
An important thing to keep in mind while paddling in tandem is the rhythm. Finding a rhythm with your partner, having a lot of patience, and not getting frustrated the first time you kayaking together are key elements.
Always communicate with the person you are in the kayak with, and you’ll master the movements in just a few days or weeks. It is not simple but think about the first time you were learning to ride a bike. Until you find your balance, it is difficult, but after that, it feels like you are born to do it.
If you are paddling with a child, take into consideration that his/her hands are not as big or strong compared to an adult. Therefore, the start of your trip may be a little slower.
Who sits where in a tandem kayak? Where should the more skilled person go in a tandem kayak?
Based on how a kayak is created, there are two important seats - the front one and one in the back. Usually, the front paddler sets the pace, and the one that sits behind has to adapt to it.
It is recommended for the experienced rider that has more power to sit in the back in order to paddle with more strength. The navigation of a kayak requires experience.
How long and wide should my tandem fishing kayak be?
Usually, a solo kayak can have a length from 12 to 20 feet long, while a tandem kayak reaches up to 26 feet long. A tandem kayak has additional space for gear inside the hull. The width varies between 18 and 28 inches, and it determines the stability of the boat.
How fast can a tandem kayak go?
The speed of a kayak, of course, depends on how strong and how experienced a paddler is. An experienced paddler can reach around three miles per hour, but a lot of factors contribute to the speed, like how loaded the boat is.
What is the difference between a tandem kayak and a canoe?
The equipment you have to use in both types of watercraft might be considered a difference. A canoe is designed with an open-top, which can fit at least two people, and the kayak is usually created for one person and has a closed top.
The canoe sits higher in the water than a kayak does. An important difference between a kayak and a canoe might also be the position of the paddler. In a canoe, the passenger has to kneel or sit facing forward. With a kayak, the rider faces in front and has his/her legs stretched out.
Another difference is the paddling technique. You can choose between the two options to find which one is the most suitable for your style.
FINAL VERDICT
We saw in the article above that a kayak can offer memorable, recreational experiences while fishing or going on an adventure that includes watersports.
We also mentioned that there are several aspects to think about before purchasing a new kayak. These depend on the type of activity you want to perform with your kayak.
A product we would definitely recommend is the Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable kayak for fun experiences with your loved one. It offers high performance and an “all-included” package, so you don’t need to worry about all the accessories needed.
On the other hand, we would recommend the Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219 for fishing because it was specially designed for professional anglers. It is suitable for three adults and is easy to carry around. It has all the storage needed for fishing equipment and would transform an experience with your friends into a unique one.
Depending on your needs and the purpose of your activity, the products and features presented above might give you a good idea of what kayak would suit you best. So take a look at your budget and your needs and select the one that suits you best for your future fishing trips.