What’s the best way to explore your waterways? With an inflatable kayak! They’re quick to set up and take down, so they’re perfect for road trips or when you don’t have a lot of storage space.
And there’s a kayak for every activity, from whitewater rafting and fishing to touring and recreation. Some even have features like adjustable back support and aluminum framing.
And if you’re worried about weight, look for an inflatable kayak with a lightweight construction that’s easy to compact.
The word “tandem” means two things placed together, but when it comes to tandem kayaks, it usually refers to a kayak that can seat two or more people.
If you’re only planning on paddling with one other person, a two-person kayak should suffice, but you could always choose a three-person kayak if you want to bring along extra gear, another friend, your child, or even a dog.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an inflatable kayak. Some of the features you should look for include: the size and weight of the kayak, the type of material it is made from, the number of air chambers, the inflation time, the warranty, and the price.
How To Choose a Tandem Inflatable Kayak: A Guide To Buying
The size and shape of the kayak you choose should be based on the activity you plan to use it for. For example, if you want to use it for fishing, you’ll want a kayak that is wider and more stable. If you’re planning to go whitewater rafting, you’ll want something more durable that is made for rapids.
A slimmer and longer kayak will move more quickly through the water than a wider one.
You should consider how long it will take your kayak to dry after being in the water when choosing an inflatable kayak. The material the kayak is made of affects how long it will take to dry. Avoid kayaks with a fabric coating that goes around the inner material with a zipper.
Water can seep through the fabric between the layers and it might not dry completely, even after being left in the air to dry for months.
Weight Capacity
You’ll need to consider the maximum weight capacity before choosing which tandem inflatable kayak to buy. Inflatable kayaks have a much higher weight capacity than their hardshell equivalents. That being said, a kayak loaded with two fully grown men can get pretty heavy.
Choose a kayak whose weight limit is appropriate for you and your heaviest passenger, taking into account how much gear and supplies you plan to take with you.
If you exceed the kayak’s weight capacity, you risk sinking or damaging it.
Portability
Hardshell tandem kayaks tend to be large and heavy. Inflatable tandem kayaks are much lighter and easier to carry, and they have handles to make it easy to get them in and out of the water.
It is better to choose an inflatable kayak if you don’t have the upper body strength of Arnold Schwarzenegger. This will make things easier and you will not get a backache or sore neck from having to carry the kayak to and from the water each time you want to go kayaking.
Durability
You should be very concerned about a kayak’s durability when choosing one. They can be hit against rocks and dragged across the ground when launching, so you need something that won’t break on its first time out.
Although people often think of punctures when they think of inflatables, the materials used nowadays are much more durable. The top brands usually make them out of strong PVC or Hypalon, which are anti-puncture and have anti-abrasive qualities.
Some inflatables, like the Sea Eagle 380x, have materials that are almost indestructible.
Purpose
What are your plans for the tandem kayak? If you want to use it on lakes with your children, look for specific features that would suit that purpose. If you want to use it for whitewater kayaking, look for features that would suit that purpose.
Ensure that the kayak you choose has the features you need.
If you’re planning on using your kayak for whitewater activities, make sure to check that it’s suitable for that purpose, and find out what class of rapids it can handle.
If you’re more interested in fishing, look for a kayak with features like rod holders.
Cost
One advantage of inflatable kayaks is that they are less expensive than hard-shell kayaks. You may also save money because you won’t need to buy extra equipment, such as a kayak cart or roof rack, as an inflatable kayak can be packed into a small bag.
If you want a cheap inflatable tandem kayak, you can expect to pay around $150. However, these kayaks will not be very durable and will require regular repair patches.
If you want a better quality kayak, you can expect to pay around $1000.
Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Reviews
We’ve compiled a list of the best inflatable kayaks on the market, taking into account features like weight, size, and construction. We surveyed customers and compiled reviews from sites like Amazon and REI to create a comprehensive list.
Finally, we consulted outdoor bloggers and kayaking hobbyists to narrow the list down to six products.
In this section, we will recommend some inflatable kayaks for you, depending on what kind of activities you want to use them for.
From kayaks for whitewater rafting to ones that are better suited for calm waters, we have a pick for everyone.
Sea Eagle 380x Inflatable Tandem Kayak
This tandem inflatable kayak, the Sea Eagle 380X, is number one. It is built to hold three people and comes with two seats. If you are looking for a 3-person kayak, check out the Sea Eagle 420x which can hold three passengers comfortably.
The kayak is made of incredibly strong, inflatable material that can withstand being driven over by a 4×4, as shown in the video. It is also stable in waves and whitewater, making it ideal for those conditions. It has been certified for Class IV whitewater.
This kayak can hold two people comfortably with a bit of extra room for gear or a small person. It has three air chambers for safety and can hold up to 750lbs, which is one of the highest weight capacities for an inflatable kayak.
This is a great product that is very durable, especially for its price. It comes with a lot of extras, like paddles and a carry bag, which makes it a great deal.
Intex Explorer 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
This kayak is affordable and made to be used in lakes and mild rivers. It comes with two aluminum oars, an air pump to inflate the kayak, and the seats are adjustable for ultimate comfort on the water. It can hold up to 400 pounds.
One reviewer on Amazon stated that this kayak is stable if you exit to go swimming and re-entering is easy and the kayak will not flip.
Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak
This inflatable kayak is very durable, being made from three-ply material with laminate PVC and a polyester core. It is designed to stand up to gasoline, oil, and salt water.
It has a capacity of 400 pounds and features an I-beam floor, two removable skews, two floor-mounted footrests, two adjustable seats, and two integrated recessed fishing rod holders.
Additionally, there are stainless steel D-rings in the bow and stern for stowing bags and gear. It comes with a pump, two paddles, a pressure gauge, and a carrying bag.
Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
This inflatable kayak is a bright blue and green color, which makes you visible no matter where you are on the water. The company used a rugged and durable vinyl material to help prevent punctures and damage from the sun.
Since the kayak is very light, Sean Harris, managing editor of Swing Coaches, enjoys taking it out often. He also appreciates how rapidly it inflates and deflates. Most importantly, he feels confident and safe in the kayak, even when his dog joins him for a ride.
Intex Dakota Inflatable Kayak
This kayak from Intex is a great value for the price. It handles well on the lake and coast and is made from heavy-duty vinyl. It has three air chambers and an inflatable I-beam to keep the floor rigid. The seats are removable and adjustable.
There are also handles at each end. The package includes two 86-inch-long paddles, a hand pump, and a carry bag. There are also two skegs and two dry bags with carrying straps.
Driftsun Voyager Two-Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The Driftsun Voyager is a two-person kayak that is light and portable and fits adults that weigh under 400 pounds. It can be rolled up to a compact size for easy transport and only weighs 27 pounds. It is made of heavy-duty PVC on the bottom and thick 840-denier coated nylon oxford fabric on the top.
The shipment includes two adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, a double-action hand pump, a removable tracking skeg, and a travel bag.
Conclusion
We hope this post on the best tandem inflatable kayaks was helpful in making your decision. If you’re still undecided, we recommend the Sea Eagle 380x Explorer.
One of the reasons Sea Eagle is one of the leading brands of inflatable kayaks in the USA is the quality of the materials. The materials are almost indestructible and have loads of space for extra gear.
Plus, previous customers have given the kayaks amazing reviews.
