Best Tandem Kayaks

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 24, 2024
Tandem kayaks will let you go fishing, cruising, paddling, and touring various demanding waters. The best tandem kayaks will keep you comfortable yet maximize speed and performance. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Dimensions
Load Capacity
Extras
Supply Package
Hull Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

Adopting 1000D reinforced layered PVC, the kayak will be bouncing off obstacles like rocks and logs like nobody's business, without even thinking about puncturing. The drop-stitch floor, with its high-pressure construction, makes the kayak rigid, responsive, and stable. 

CONS

The kayak is difficult to fold. 

OUR VERDICT

The Driftsun Rover practically owns flat waters, rough waters, you name the environment. With its rugged construction, adjustable seats and paddles, and an extensive package, this kayak accommodates casuals and thrill-seekers alike, supporting up to 600 pounds all while weighing less than 30.

detailed parameters
Type

Inflatable

Dimensions

12.5" x 3.2"

Load Capacity

600 lbs

Extras

Rigid high-pressure drop-stitch floor, Removable flatwater tracking fin, 7 x rapid self-bailing drain plugs, Reinforced carry handles, Adjustable footrests, Action camera mount

Supply Package

2 adjustable EVA-padded seats with high back support, 2 adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, Deluxe double-action hand pump, Rear tracking fin, Travel bag

Hull Weight

28 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The ribs that define the aluminum bow, alongside the stern frame, enable improved tracking. The rod holders and mesh pockets make this kayak an awesome fishing option. The kayak can carry no less than 500 pounds, so you can have two burly men using the kayak without any worries.

CONS

The model's quite heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

The Advanced Elements Straightedge Inflatable Tandem Kayak treats the most dangerous waters like child's play. Featuring welded seams and the most puncture-resistant PVC bed, this kayak rides waves and calm waters with matching poise and finesse.

detailed parameters
Type

Inflatable

Dimensions

13" x 2.9"

Load Capacity

500 lbs

Extras

Aluminum bow and stern frame, 3 seating positions, Spring valve, Integrated pressure relief valve in floor, Rod holders, StraitEdge™ system, Molded rubber handles, Bungee deck lacing, Adjustable back support, Mesh pockets, Self-bailing ports, Welded seams

Supply Package

Storage bag, Two folding seats, Repair kit

Hull Weight

47 lbs

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The high-pressure inflation system ensures exceeding rigidity and awesome stability. The mounting bracket is removable and adjustable. It will be able to hold anything from GPS systems to fish finders. 

CONS

The load capacity is not that great. 

OUR VERDICT

The Intex Excursion Pro K2 will allow you to go fishing/kayaking pretty much anywhere you want. The removable skegs enable you to traverse the deepest, most shallow waters. Incorporating high-strength laminate PVC and polyester core, this kayak is lightweight yet basically immune to abrasions, impacts, and sunlight.

detailed parameters
Type

Inflatable

Dimensions

12.6" x 3.08"

Load Capacity

400 lbs 

Extras

2 specially designed removable skegs, 2 floor-mounted footrests, 2 recessed fishing rod holders, Removable and adjustable mounting bracket for accessories (GPS systems, fish finders, swivel fishing rod holders, etc.), Grab handles, Storage space in bow and stern with D-rings

Supply Package

2 adjustable bucket seats, Inflatable booster pad for elevated seating, 2 double-sided 86" aluminum oars, High-output pump, Carry bag, Repair patch

Hull Weight

43.57 lbs 

Warranty

90-day limited warranty 

PROS

The PU-coated 600D nylon construction offers considerable resistance against impact and abrasions. The I-Beam bottom keeps the kayak rigid without increasing its weight. The D-ring tie-downs will secure the fishing gear. 

CONS

The seats get unzipped sometimes. 

OUR VERDICT

The Swimline Solstice Durango Kayak, with its V-shaped bottom, detachable skeg, and directional strakes, is excellent at balancing speed and tracking. Inflating and deflating the kayak will usually take no more than 6-8 minutes thanks to the high-pressure valves from Boston.

detailed parameters
Type

Inflatable

Dimensions

11" x 3.1"

Load Capacity

440 lbs

Extras

Heavy-duty D-ring tie-downs for securing gear, Detachable skeg, Bow cover fore and aft with elastic cords, 2 soft handles, High-pressure Boston valves

Supply Package

Carry bag, Repair kit, Detachable skew, 2 seats

Hull Weight

33 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The Airtight™ leakproof system will spare you the necessity of pumping up the kayak on a regular basis. Plus, this model comes with a mount for a mobile phone, GPS navigation system, fishfinder, and other important gadgets.

CONS

The fishing pole handles can impede your ability to row directly along the sides of the kayak. 

OUR VERDICT

The COLORADO™ 2-person inflatable fishing kayak is made of quality materials, so you can count on it even in difficult situations. What is more, you can easily turn it into a full-on motor boat since it comes with motor fittings. 

detailed parameters
Type

Inflatable

Dimensions

10.75" x 3.25"

Load Capacity

470 lbs

Extras

5 PVC chambers, Boston valves, Airtight®, Removable skeg, Berkley® quick-set rod, Trolling motor fittings, Paddle holders, Mesh pockets, Adjustable seats, Carry handles

Supply Package

Carry bag, Pressure gauge

Hull Weight

40 lbs

Warranty

1 year

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Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable

Almost as Sturdy as Hardshell Models

Though still inflatable, the Driftsun Rover is almost as sturdy and resilient as hardshell models. First things first, you have the reinforced layered PVC construction, making sure that the kayak can bounce off rocks, logs, and different obstacles without you worrying about punctures. Then, the model offers the high-pressure drop-stitch bottom, providing the rigidity, responsiveness, and stability that inflatable kayaks can seldom match. Besides these two, selling the product is the removable rear tracking skeg, eliminating obstruction when detached and securing improved tracking performance when left on.

But as much as these details contribute, what sets this tandem kayak apart from the crowd is the manageable 28-pound weight that can somehow carry 600 pounds, whereas most models weigh around and above 40 pounds and cap at 400-450 pounds load capacity-wise. To some extent, this is possible thanks to the tough, corrosion-resistant hardware. That said, there are multiple factors contributing to these specs, including the high-pressure valves.

Taking into account the extensive package that ships two adjustable EVA-padded seats, two adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, an excellent double-action hand pump, the company's signature rear tracking fin, and the usual travel bag, this product becomes too attractive to overlook, fitting families and thrill-seekers alike.

Review of Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07B8D7BHC

 

Advanced Elements Straightedge

Extreme Puncture Resistance

The Advanced Elements Straightedge Inflatable Tandem Kayak fits the straight-edge crowd, casual, and experienced and inexperienced paddlers alike. With the aluminum bow and stern frame improving tracking in open waters, this is one maneuverable kayak. Plus, you have the ribs defining the bow, enabling even more improved tracking.

You can choose between three seating positions, so both solo and tandem modes are readily available. But, considering that the kayak's load capacity stretches 500 pounds and the weight reaches considerable 47 pounds, you can find more attractive solo models. That said, with its self-bailing ports and bungee deck lacing, this is one brilliant tandem kayak, making sure that two people can handle sizable waves and calm waters alike.

Even the tamest waters can be hiding dangerous obstacles. But, chances are, the kayak will not mind them, with its heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin bottom offering almost extreme resistance against punctures.

Between its welded seams, adjustable back support, easily accessible rod holders, and molded handles, this kayak will endure most conditions, all while keeping you comfortable throughout the entire ride. Also, with roomy mesh pockets, you can bring more equipment with you than these kayaks usually allow.

Review of Advanced Elements Straightedge Inflatable 2 Kayak

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $835.63
Stock In stock
ASIN B000O3AVOI

 

Intex Excursion Pro K2

Conquer Deep and Shallow Waters

The Intex Excursion Pro K2 is affordable first and foremost. Generally speaking, these budget inflatable kayaks are not that great but that's not necessarily the case here.

Sure, the product has its weak points. Before anything else, its 400-pound maximum load capacity won't be able to support two heavy paddlers. On the bright side, this thing is more tough and durable than you'd expect. The laminate PVC and polyester core make this kayak lightweight yet very much resistant against abrasions, impacts, and sunlight. Its high-pressure inflation facilities ensure excellent rigidity and reliable stability, while the high-pressure spring-loaded valves enable quick and easy inflation and deflation.

The two removable skegs that come supplied with this kayak will let you conquer deep and shallow waters. At the same time, the two floor-mounted footrests will keep you comfortable and productive. Finally, there's this nice removable and adjustable mounting bracket that lets you attach different accessories like GPS systems, fish finders, rod holders, and more to the kayak.

Bottom line, though pretty affordable, the Intex Excursion Pro K2 packs enough to make this kayak versatile and adaptable to various scenarios.

Review of Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $314.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07F88P35C

What customers say about this product

Construction

I was also impressed with the durability of the materials it is constructed from.

Key Specs

It's very roomy. Very stable in the water.

Features

It is lightweight, well constructed, durable, and moves well in the water.
 

Solstice by Swimline

The Speedy One

The Swimline Solstice Durango Kayak is the speedy one. The model can convert between solo and tandem modes, both well-thought-out and pretty comfortable, even though its 440-pound load capacity might not accommodate two stocky fishermen bringing a considerable amount of fishing gear with them. On the bright side, the PU-coated 600D nylon top, covering the triple-layer bottom, makes the kayak pretty good at resisting abrasions and impact. Contributing towards the same cause, you also have the I-Beam floors, making sure bottom rigid and strong but also keeping it lightweight, with the entire kayak weighing ~33 pounds.

While its load capacity is not the greatest, the kayak's heavy-duty D-ring tie-downs will let you secure fishing gear, so you can settle almost anywhere without worrying about an occasional wave rocking the boat and dropping the gear. Not unlike most half-decent tandem models these days, the Soltice Durango comes equipped with high-pressure Boston valves, enabling accelerated inflation and deflation.

Apart from the seats that get unzipped sometimes, this is probably the company's most complete and well-balanced kayak within this price bracket, which is no small feat considering the many impressive models the folk at Swimline have manufactured over the years.

Review of Solstice by Swimline Durango Kayak

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $695.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00LJO5ZQK

 

Sevylor Coleman Colorado

Calm Repose As Well

The Coleman Colorado belongs to the open-style kayaks and fits 2 paddlers. It measures 10.25' in length and 3.25' in width, which is the optimal size to increase water drag and slow down the speed of the boat a bit accordingly, thus, ensuring greater stability on the water. With regard to the maximal load capacity, the tandem inflatable kayak supports up to 470 lbs. So, though it is not designed to hold more than two people, you can be sure this kayak will have no problems accomodating not only your tandem but also some of your fishing equipment.

Speaking of construction, the Coleman Colorado is made to last. A thick tarpaulin bottom and a tough nylon cover make this kayak durable and ultraviolet-resistant. Plus, thanks to the 1000D tarpaulin bottom, it's resilient enough to handle pricks, so you can be sure it will serve you for many years to come. Also of note is that this kayak is fitted with double-threaded Boston valves that are known for their robustness and allow for kayak inflation/deflation almost in no time.

When it comes to the package, the Coleman Colorado includes everything you'd need for comfortable fishing. Special Berkley® Quick Set Rod Holders will hold a fishing rod when you need to have your hands free while paddle holders will hold, well, the paddles when you reach your destination and don't need to row. Multiple pockets above the deck are meant for storing your fishing gear and other "necessities". Plus, you'll find special fittings for a trolling motor, which will come in handy when you want to go slow. In regard to the seats, they are adjustable and provide excellent back support, so even you spend hours paddling in the kayak, you will not feel any discomfort. Finally, let's also mention that the Coleman Colorado is pretty portable. Weighing only 40 lbs and coming with a handy carry bag, transporting it will be easy.

Review of Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $666.21
Stock In stock
ASIN B00J0S0JGS

 

What Is a Tandem Kayak?

Tandem kayaks are kayaks designed to accommodate two paddlers. Makes sense, right? That being said, what we have here is an ambiguous term. Tandem kayaks can support anywhere between ~400 and ~650 pounds, meaning that there are kayaks that might not even be able to hold two big men but also there are kayaks that will easily support them and countless accessories.

Tandem models include both inflatable and solid/rigid/hard-shell kayaks, so you should probably read up on the differences between them and these kayaks' respective advantages and disadvantages.

More often than not, modern, half-decent tandem models come fitted with dry storage compartments where you can hide items like keys, wallets, smartphones, etc. Sometimes, these kayaks are equipped with cup holders to make drinks always accessible.

Other than that, there are various differences between different models, including the platform, paddles, seats, holders, and so on, so we would definitely recommend carefully reading the reviews to figure out the right kayak.

Oftentimes, tandem kayaks are excellent family-time fishing kayaks, so you can also look into these fishing lines and fishing rods.

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Publish Date: 2020-01-24 08:36:40