The Best Tandem Kayak – Reviews, Ratings, Info

The BKC UH TK219 was an easy choice when we thought of a good overall tandem kayak that would give a person everything they wanted while weighing in features, design and price. Sure there were more expensive models with more features and even better designs but once we came down to it nothing could beat the lifetimes price tag.

The bkc comes with different scupper holders for any fishing rods you may have. It comes with a very sturdy design that even allows your to stand up while kayaking. The seats are made of extra firm plastic that gives extended comfort and the storage space includes mesh at the front of your extra gear. The weight capacity is more than ample as-well.

When you’re looking for a tandem fishing kayak, a 12-foot size is the standard. And in that market, nothing beats the Brooklyn Kayak Company UK-TK219. Even though it comes with two seats and paddles, it’s a sit-on-top, which allows you to set it up for three people as well. Talk about versatility. With five fishing rod holders, you can be sure that all of your fishing gear will be safely mounted on it.

There’s also no lack of storage – all of your extra gear can come along on the trip. While you’re fishing, you can rest assured knowing that the BKC UH-TK219 is extremely stable, and very easy to maneuver. And once you’re done with your trip, you’ll easily be able to get back home – the kayak is just as stable when it’s completely full. It doesn’t get any better than this. Our best tandem kayaks this year.

(Last years Winner) This kayak is one of the best multipurpose kayaks on the market today it can be used for any type of water including lakes and calm rivers and works great with two people without causing any speed of maneuverability problems. You can even rig this kayak for fishing. This tandem kayak tracks well, paddles smoothly and works great with an anchor or trolley. If your looking for something a step up from the normal tandem the Ocean Kayak 12 ft Malibu should be your go-to kayak.

If you’d rather keep things a bit smaller, you might want to take a look at the Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem. It comes in at a mere 10 feet, which makes it extremely easy to maneuver. That size won’t be an issue for you and all of your items, since the inside space is extremely well organized. You’ll never feel like you’re sitting in a 10-foot kayak, except when you need to turn it. It’s actually made for three people, so you can be sure it’s comfortable.

The material of choice is high-density polyethylene, which is the go-to material for durable, yet not extremely expensive kayaks. There are three fishing pole holders for fishing, as well as two paddle clips for the two included double-sided paddles.

Storage is taken care of by a 6” storage hatch that can easily store your gear. When you take everything into consideration, if a smaller kayak is your forte, this is a great choice.

If you like the UH-TK219, but would prefer a few more rod holders instead of those three seats, this is another option by the Brooklyn Kayak Company. An extremely good runner-up, this is another sit-on-top. Like the top choice on our list, it comes with two paddles and two seats. The paddles have two paddle rests, which allow you to easily keep your hands free when you want to focus on fishing.

As we mentioned, the UH-TK181 has a lot of rod holders. Seven of them, to be exact, four of which are flush mounted, and three articulated.

You have waterproof storage hatches between the paddlers’ legs, which let you store your precious essentials. For any extra gear, you have one more cargo area at the back which fits quite a lot of things. Transportation to and from the water is made by the multiple carrying handles, which we have to say, really come in handy when you want to get in the water, or get out of it.

A slightly larger option than the Skipjack, the Yellowfin 130T comes in at 13 feet. That one extra foot means it can fit three people comfortably. Well, provided their combined weight with all their gear doesn’t exceed 500 lbs. This also means one more thing – for solo paddlers, that center paddling position is impeccable. Regardless of which setup you go for, you get adjustable foot rests, so you can set things up just as you like them, comfortable. Like its smaller brother above, the Yellowfin also comes with only two flush mount holders, and has the same four mounting points.

For smaller items, you get two sealed hatches that also have bag inserts – a nice touch. The rear tank is huge, and the bungee cord keeps things in place.

You’ll also appreciate the bow cargo storage area, too, which also has a bungee system and adds a bit more storage. The Yellowfin 130T is a great buy if you want a larger kayak.

(Inflatable Option) An inflatable model of tandem kayak that does not disappoint. Many know the sea eagle brand as a leader in inflatables and the 330 is their flagship tandem bestseller. The Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable kayak provides a super smooth ride on lakes and rivers and bounces off rocks without any damage to the boat. The boat tracks decently and meets all of the demands of whitewater as-well

Switching things up, next on our list is the Sea Eagle SE370. We say “switching things up” because this isn’t a hard-shell kayak. If you don’t have enough room to store one, an inflatable kayak is a great alternative, and that’s where the SE370 comes in. With a weight of 26 lbs., it can comfortably fit three people. And the most impressive thing? It’s not only great for fishing, but for up to Class III whitewater, too.

If you opt for the Pro Package, you also get two inflatable, adjustable seats, as well as two AB30 paddles. A pump and carry bag round out the package, so you have just about everything to get you started. The kayak’s valves will let you inflate it quickly, and deflate it even quicker. The drain valve will make sure no water stays inside, and for good tracking and speed, you’ll find skegs at the bottom. If you don’t mind an inflatable solution, the SE370 can be a great choice.

Yeah, we know purists hate pedal-powered tandem kayaks. But for people who actually appreciate how easy it makes fishing (as well as people who just want a 14-foot kayak), the UH-PK14 can be perfect. Brooklyn Kayak Company’s dual propeller propulsion system is excellent, and it allows you to keep your hands free when you want to fish and move at the same time. The UH-PK14 is quite honestly, built like a tank.

Being a BKC product means it has a reputation to live up to, and boy does it do that. The hand-operated rudder helps you with steering, and for a 14-feet behemoth, the kayak feels surprisingly nimble and responsive. If you aren’t a purist, and actually want something that makes your fishing trips more enjoyable, do give it a shot.

In case an inflatable tandem kayak doesn’t sound so reassuring to you, you might want to reconsider when you take a look at the Sevylor Coleman Colorado. The 18-gauge PVC makes it rugged for use in a variety of environments, and the 1000D tarpaulin at the bottom is as puncture resistant as they come. The top is made out of 840D nylon, which is also puncture resistant so no, you don’t have to worry about that. And if the worst does somehow happen, the kayak has a multiple air chamber construction that won’t let you sink. For fishing, you have Berkley Quick Set rod holders that work admirably.

You don’t have to look for a place for your paddles – there are paddle holders that take care of that for you, without the paddles getting in your way.

Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that it’s compatible with Sevylor’s trolling motors. You know, just in case you want to make things that much easier.

Yes, we’re noticing the trend of inflatable tandem kayaks being a bit smaller. The Driftsun Voyager is in line with that trend, coming in at 10 feet. There’s an included pump with it, that lets you have it fully inflated in a bit under 5 minutes. The PVC bottom is heavy-duty, for peace of mind and puncture resistance. The top, just like on the Sevylor Coleman Colorado, is covered with 840D nylon oxford fabric, one that is both rip and tear resistant.

Tracking is simply excellent, thanks to the pointed bow and the rocker profile. Whether you’re going through calm waters, or choppy ones, it will be great.

You have a fin at the bottom that you can remove, but it does help a bit with responsiveness. 

Draining is done via the rear drain plug. Last but not least, the seats have a very high back support, and are extremely comfortable, even when you spend hours in them!

We’re wrapping up the list with a tandem kayak by Old Town Canoes & Kayaks – one of the most reputable brands in the world. It’s an extremely high-quality kayak that has a versatile feature set and is among the most comfortable kayaks we’ve tried. The polyethylene hull will last for a good while, and it has a great shape that quickly cuts through water. You get contoured, cushioned seats, so they’re as comfortable as they come.

The Dirigo has a foot brace system that makes it very responsive, and really helps with maneuvering. You can easily bring all of your gear, since there’s quite a bit of room for storage.

And if you also want to bring your little one along for the ride, you’ll find a removable jump seat. To round things out, the Dirigo is compatible with an optional rudder system, to make turns a bit easier when fishing. A great kayak to finish our list with!