Thinking of buying a tandem kayak is a choice wise because of its cheaper cost, easier transport, and more efficient paddling than it is in two single models. It’s great if you want to get some opportunities for teamwork. While learning how to choose the best tandem kayaks is quick and easy, it also helps to avoid ruining down your joyful trip. So, why not? This ultimate buying guide will give you a hand! Read more:
- Top 15 Best Inflatable Kayak Reviewed [Buyers Guide]
- Top 10 Best Fishing Kayaks under 1000
- Top 7 Best Recreational Kayaks Reviews
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Tandem Kayaks Reviews in 2021 Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
(Best Overall)
- Lightweight (30.6 lbs.)
- Compact size
- Easy to transport
- Decent maneuverability
At the same time, it features perfect and rich for all instances. My first impression is its wild affordability. And next, is superbly directional stability coming from the removable skeg and wide hull. Comfort is another of my priority when choosing a kayak and I’m glad that the two seats of this Explorer K2 are inflatable for extra comfort. They are also adjustable to help you find out the best seat position during the ride. While other inflatables seem a bit flimsy and easy to punctured, the I-Beam floor equipped to this kayak makes it more rigid and sturdy to stay stable against light waves. However, with sharp rocks, saltwater, or UV rays, prepare your mind that it’s prone to get damage. So, as a piece of advice, use this kayak for lake or river only.
Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
(Best Sea Kayak)
Lifetime 10 Foot Fishing Kayak
(Best Solid Tandem Kayak)
- Flexible in a decision between soloing or fishing with one partner or taking your kid/dog along
- Easier for transporting
- Better tracking
Contrast to its modest dimensions is a huge weight capacity of 500 lbs. – enough for maximumly three people and their essentials. The only notice you should keep in mind is the open storage space that I highly recommend to tie your gear carefully to the boat. Or, at least, waterproof the valuable stuff, such as smartphone and wallet.
Lifetime 10 Foot Sit-on Kayak
(Best Tandem For Beginners)
- 500-pound weight capacity
- Dimensions
- 2 adjustable seats with backrests
- Rear handles
- Hull Shape
- Cargo area
- Included paddle design
You can tell it, the only difference between two of them is this doesn’t have three fishing rod holders. Ah, colorways as well! But this one is preferred by beginner kayakers than the fishing boat above. You can remove two seats and then use the middle one for soloing. This is also my favorite place for my son to sit in front of me, between my legs and join the kayaking trip in his way. If you’re a light rider, try the forward seat when sailing solo. Thanks to the shorter length, it’s easier to maneuver or turn than other 11 or 12-foot boats. So, some learning curve with this baby is great. Crafted from high-density polyethylene, it’s robust and durable enough to withstand salt water, UV rays, and other impacts like a breeze. So, for ocean kayaking, I don’t think you will have any trouble.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame
(Best Convertible Tandem Kayak)
Sea Eagle SE370
(Most Convenient Kayak)
- 650-pound capacity while the total weight is just 26 pounds
- Utilize 38 mils PolyKrylor material with High-frequency welded seam and I-beam construction floor to make it one of the most durable kayaks
- Feature 3 deluxe one-way valves that only take 5-10 minutes to complete inflating
It also eases my mind with 3 air chamber construction that can prevent the boat from sinking if one is punctured. When unboxing the SE370, you will find a carry bag, a foot pump, a sport kayak, 2 inflatable and removable seats, and 2 AB30 paddles. Setting up this boat is never such easy. All you need to do is pumping the kayak, adjust the seats, and done. In general, it is perfect for two riders (available for both beginners and pros) with their gear or a kid/dog along. But what actually makes it as “deluxe” as its name defined are the additional accessories, including Bow & Stern Grab Line, and lashed down inflatable spray skirts. Combining these two components will excel the boat’s stability and with the sun & saltwater resistant hull material, you can rest assured to ride it on Class III whitewater.
Ocean Kayak Malibu
(Best Fishing Tandem Kayak)
BKC UH-TK181
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Tandem Kayaks In 2019
Kayak Style
Two common styles for you to consider when choosing a tandem kayak are:
- Sit-in (the traditional model)
- Sit-on-top (the modern)
As their name defines, sit-in kayaks are the style where paddlers will sit down inside a narrow, enclosed cockpit and usually, lower the water level. On the contrary, the sit-on-top is designed with an open cockpit that you will sit on top of the vessel, which gives a higher center of gravity. Inherently, nothing is perfect! Each of them will provide specific pros and cons: In a nutshell, to choose the best kayak style, you need to think about the paddler type you are as well as the purpose of use.
Hull Shape
This element will determine how your tandem kayak performs in the water. That’s why you should consider which of these three major shapes is the best for you:
1. V-shaped hull
- Easier to maneuver and turn
- Propel you at the fastest speed
- The least stable (but still avoid tipping efficiently)
2. Rounded bottom
- Easier to get in/off the boat
- More stable than the V-shaped hull kayak
- Can cut through the water to reach a moderate speed
- Don’t work its best at any aspects
3. Flat bottom
- The most stable hull shape out of the three in calm waters
- The slowest
- Can’t ride in the ocean or rough waters
Material

Kayak Length and Transportability
There’s a matter of the fact – Tandem kayaks are longer than the traditional models. They may vary in length within 12 to 16 feet, which leads to two biggest consequences:
- Harder to turn when you’re in the water
- Harder to transport
But with good teamwork and lightness, I believe they are not bothering. Just ensure your vehicle can handle such a long boat.
Gear Storage

Inflatable or not?
Next up is the element that people ask me a lot – inflatable or solid? Commonly, this question comes from the confusion inflatable kayaks as junky gimmicks. From my experience, this kind of boat is truly reliable and easy to use, especially with modern models. There has been much improvement now on the valve construction to avoid air leaking, the multiple air chambers to avoid the whole boat from sinking if one is punctured, or even the more heavy-duty material. Some high-end models even perform as excellent as a solid kayak. The best thing I’ve found in the inflatable is its superior portability that you can deflate when not in use and place in the passenger cars without taking space up. The only gripe is their higher cost, which is not the good news for tight-budget riders.
Weight & Weight Capacity

- You and your partner’s bodyweight
- Amount of gear you intend to carry along
FAQs
1. What is the best 2 person fishing kayak?
A 2-person fishing kayak that’s considered the best should meet these criteria:
- Huge weight capacity
- Closure gear storage
- Ultra-durable and scratch-resistant
- Equipped with supportive features for fishing like fishing rod holders, paddle holders, and UV-stabilized material
From that point, my picks are:
- Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
- Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak with Paddles
2. What is the lightest tandem kayak?
For the lightest tandem kayaks, my selections are:
- Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
- Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak Deluxe Package
3. What is the best kayak for older adults?
A kayak that’s best for older adult riders should at least have extra comfortable seats and roomy leg room so that they can find the best sitting position. Besides, it should be lightweight and portable enough to easily transport on their own. So, my recommendations are:
- Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Sit-on Kayak with Padded Backrests
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
- Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak Deluxe Package
4. Can 1 person use a 2 person kayak?
Absolutely yes if the boat has removable seats to center it in the middle of your boat for better balancing. But you should take note that soloing on a tandem kayak is a different story from on a single model. It will be harder to turn and handle in the wind or waves. Also, it will be bulkier to get you stuck in some water spots.
Conclusion
The last words I would like to talk to you are tandem kayaking requires lots of teamwork. It means you need to ensure successful communication with your partner from the smallest things during the trip. For example, where to you, how and when to turn. The fact that tandem kayaking can be frustrating and hard, which is the best way to make enemies with your friends. So, make sure both of you have enough discussions on this trip. And patience is my advice to you.
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