The Search for the Best Two-Person Kayak
Are you searching for something that’s different from the usual single-person kayak that you find on the market? Want to go fishing with a buddy without the hassle of hooking up a trailer? If so, you’ve probably heard about two-person fishing kayaks that you might be interested in. If you’re determined to purchase one, what are the things that you’re searching for? Do remember that having a two-person kayak may be more complicated than the single-person kayak because you do have to work in teams. They’re harder to move around when you’re on your own, but they allow you to get two people around on the water much more efficiently. If you’re not too familiar with the two-person fishing kayak, what you have to remember is that this is similar to the usual kayak but the difference is that there are two cockpits to hold two people, making the boat much longer. This article will help you find the best two-person fishing kayak for your needs.
There are various reasons why you may choose this type of kayak. First and foremost, this type of kayak can let you introduce your children or at least other people that you know to the beauty of kayaking without requiring them to paddle around independently if they’re a little worried about it. Plus, you can go fishing, and these often have fishing-specific features incorporated into their construction to help you out with that. A two-person fishing kayak can still be comfortable because of the extra space that a single-person kayak cannot provide.
Here are some of the qualities that you need to look for:
- Cost
- Quality
- Durability
- Extra Space
- Storage
Now that you know the various things to look for, your next step is to figure out the right kayaks that you can consider. Below are some of the best products that you can choose from.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Tandem Sit on Top Kayak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QILUMLC/?tag=paddlpursu-20
This model can hold one adult, two adults, or two adults and a small child. It has a 425-pound maximum weight capacity. There are two comfort-plus seats, three molded seat wells, gear straps, patented overlapping foot wells, molded-in handles, and a skid plate for easy beaching. The hull design allows you to stack these in a garage if you need more than one. It comes in green, yellow, or red for about $700.
Pros:
- Lightweight – If you want to easily move this kayak from the dock to the middle of the lake or any body of water, you can be sure that you and your partner will not have that much trouble. It weighs only 57 pounds.
- Stability – It is likely that one of the things that you’re wondering about when you’re looking to purchase the right type of kayak is how stable the kayak is out on the water. You don’t want to worry about falling, especially when you’re reeling in a big fish, and you won’t with this model.
- Comfortable – No matter what your leg length is, this kayak is highly comfortable and you and your partner can stretch out well.
Cons:
- Ungainly– This kayak is lightweight, but the overall design makes it a little difficult to maneuver onto the top of a car. The shape is rather unwieldy.
This is a great mid-range kayak and it’s really perfect if you’re just getting into kayak fishing (and your partner doesn’t have much experience, either). The seats are comfortable and your legs certainly won’t feel cramped, and what’s more is that you can easily move around in this boat while wrangling a fish and it certainly won’t get in your way. If you’re not too concerned about transporting it, this is a great option.
Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrests
You can fit up to three people on this tandem kayak, although it’s most comfortable for two adults. It has a forward cargo area with bungee cords for keeping tackle boxes secure. The tunnel hull design is crafted to provide extra stability and great tracking through the water, and the boat holds a 500-pound maximum combined rider weight. The kayak comes in a bright yellow color with two paddles for about $750.
Pros:
- Secure– This kayak provides the best stability in a catamaran-like design that will make it almost impossible for you to tip over when you’re riding it.
- High Weight Capacity – If you also need to bring some items with you, you know that the kayak will not let you down with the 500-pound weight capacity.
- Scupper Holes – These ensure that the cockpit area can be drained very easily. This means that it will not be problematic to dry this kayak out and it won’t take on water either.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable Backrests– This is one problem that you may have especially if you’re going to use it for a long time because it may be hard to stay at ease while riding. They are shorter than average and may feel like they’re cutting into your back.
This is a smart multipurpose recreational kayak that works just as well for fishing as it does for an overwater trip that requires you to bring a lot of gear. It holds more weight than the model above, which works better if you or your partner are larger or have longer legs. Everything about this kayak is comfortable, except for the backrests, but thankfully you can remove them because they’re made of stiff fabric that simply clips onto the sides.
Coleman Colorado Two-Person Fishing Kayak
This kayak from trusted outdoor brand Coleman is specifically designed for success in fishing, not just in transporting two people. It’s made of 18-gauge PVC with a 1000 denier tarpaulin bottom and 840 denier nylon cover for durable protection from punctures. Berkley quickset rod holders grace the sides, and a Sevylor trolling motor fitting means you can add a small, battery-powered motor to get around without paddling. In addition, this kayak is inflatable, so it’s easier to store and lift. It costs about $430.
Pros:
- Easy to Maneuver – Even if you’re not used to steering a kayak, this one is really easy to navigate with.
- Easy to Inflate and Deflate – If you need to bring it from one place to another, it sets up and breaks down within minutes.
- Durable – You can be sure that your rods and other equipment won’t damage this kayak, even though it’s inflatable.
- Price– This is a very reasonably priced kayak because of its construction, especially considering all of the fishing features it contains.
Cons:
- No Instruction Manual – If you want to install a motor on the kayak, you may have a hard time placing it because the manual doesn’t give any helpful information about the process.
If you’re in the market for a true fishing kayak, this is it right here. It’s specially designed for fishing and comes with all the perfect accessories to facilitate a great trip out to go after the big one. The price is excellent as well, but that’s really the tradeoff you get when you purchase an inflatable model. It probably won’t have a life as long as a traditional hard kayak, but for several years at least it can perform well for you.
Lifetime Sports Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrest
Rugged and sleek at the same time, this fishing kayak is designed especially for those days out on the lake with a buddy or two. It fits up to three riders, comes with two sport paddles, and features a dry storage compartment and ditty trays with a shock cord for tying down loose items. It weighs 60 pounds and holds riders up to 500 pounds at its compact 10-foot length. This kayak features several molded rod and drink holders at each seat and costs about $770.
Pros:
- Stable – The main reason why it is stable is because it has a UV-protected and high-density chassis. It won’t crack or degrade over time, and the flat bottom helps keep it steady.
- Fishing Friendly Features – If your main goal is to find a kayak that will allow you to fish with a partner, this is truly the best product for you.
- Wide – If you would like a lot of space to keep fish and gear, then its width is one feature you will surely value.
Cons:
- Heavy Weight – It might be a bit hard to bring it from place to place, especially if you do not have the right vehicle to use for hauling the kayak. It’s not so much the weight but the flat design that makes it a little difficult to transport.
Summary
The best kayak for you based on all the above features is the Coleman model, by far. It comes already equipped with so many fishing-friendly features, so it’s worth the somewhat higher cost. You won’t have to do any further customization with it to make it ready for the water, and the price is great. The second-best kayak is Lifetime Sports Fisher Kayak; it’s stable and great for beginners, but it’s a little expensive considering that it has fewer features than some others. The Ocean Kayak Malibu model is third in the line of top choices. It’s a bit expensive considering its lack of tailored fishing features, but it’s a sturdy, attractive model with quality that seems much higher than the price indicates.