The Undisputed 7 Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks Worth The Money in 2023

Having a fishing partner is a great idea, not only because it’s safer not to go fishing alone, but also because you might want to take someone to teach you some fishing techniques or simply to enjoy their company. 

The market is saturated with many 2-person fishing kayaks. Some are actually good and will be worth your money, and others will bring you nothing but trouble. 

In this article, we’ll review the best tandem kayaks that you can currently purchase. This way, you can find one that meets your expectations and make the best of your fishing trip. So, let’s get right into it!

List of the Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks:

1. Sevylor Coleman Colorado – Best Overall 
2. Intex Excursion Pro – Best Cheap 2-Person Fishing Kayak 
3. Lifetime 10 Foot – Best for Beginners
4. Ocean Kayak Malibu – Most Comfortable Tandem Fishing Kayak 
5. BKC UH-TK181 – Best Value Tandem Fishing Kayak 
6. Elkton Outdoors 12 Foot – Best Durable Tandem Kayak 
7. Waterblade Motorized Electric Sup – Best 2-Person Fishing Kayak with Motor

Comparison table:

Kayak	Type	Dimensions	Weight	Material	Max Capacity
Sevylor Coleman Colorado	Inflatable- Sit-in	120 x 36 x 19-in.	41 lbs.	18-Gauge PVC with a tarpaulin bottom	470 lbs.
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak	Inflatable –  Sit-in	151 x 37 x 18-in.	39 lbs.	Super-tough PVC Vinyl	400 lbs.
Lifetime 10 Foot Kayak	Hardshell – Sit-on-top	120 x 36 x 19-in.	75 lbs.	High-Density, UV-resistant polyethylene	500 lbs.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Angler	Hardshell – Sit-on-top	156 x 34 x 17-in.	68 lbs.	Single-layer polyethylene	500 lbs.
BKC UH-TK181	Hardshell – Sit-on-top	150 x 34 x 20-in.	68 lbs.	High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)	450 lbs.
Elkton Outdoors 12 Foot Kayak	Hardshell -Sit-on-top	150 x 39 x 13-in.	72 lbs.	Ultra Durable Rotomold	650 lbs.
Waterblade Motorized Electric Sup	Inflatable -Sit-on-top	132 x 42-in.	Not Specified	Thick PVC	200 lbs.

The 7 Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks in 2021

1. Sevylor Coleman Colorado – Best Overall 

Our top choice is made by one of the most trusted kayak brands and meets the requirements of many professional anglers. 

To begin with, this kayak is made from high-quality 18-gauge PVC. The base is covered with a dense tarpaulin that can withstand the sharp rocks of the lakes. 

Moreover, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado features multiple airtight systems. They function to prevent any leakage, which adds to the durability of the boat. 

The kayak also features adjustable seats so that different anglers with different heights can enjoy fishing for prolonged periods. Although it’s not stable enough for oceans, the robust hull makes it ideal for both choppy and calm waters. 

When it comes to stability, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado won’t fail to impress. It’s stable enough to use in coastline conditions. However, the stability comes at the expense of speed. 

To add, the kayak is NMMA-certified (National Marine Manufacturers Association). 

Also, it comes with adjustable Berkley Quick Set fishing rod holders to allow hands-free fishing, yet, it doesn’t come with a pump despite being an inflatable kayak. Instead, it comes with paddle holders, trolling motor fittings, and carrying handles. 

We should also mention that you will get a 1-year limited warranty with the model. We highly doubt you would need it with such a high-quality kayak, but it should make you feel more confident about buying it. 

Pros: 

• Excellent construction 
• Lightweight and easy to transport 
• Excellent storage capacity 
• Allows hands-free fishing 
• 1-year extended warranty 

Cons: 

• Not the right choice for ocean fishing 
• Doesn’t come with a pump 

Bottom Line 

Sevylor Coleman Colorado is an excellent tandem fishing kayak that will certainly meet professional specifications. It has a rugged construction, large storage capacity, and the 1-year warranty proves that you can trust its performance.  

2. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak – Best Cheap 2-Person Fishing Kayak 

Intex makes top-notch kayaks that are also budget-friendly. The Excursion Pro is a convenient 2-person kayak that’s made from 3-ply laminated PVC with polyester core. Just like the previous model, it’s NMMA-certified, but you can safely use it for ocean fishing. 

It excels in terms of stability and rigidity. There’re high-pressure valves that allow you to inflate and deflate the kayak. However, what’s unique about the high-pressure inflation system is that there’s a pressure gauge that prevents overinflation. 

With the Intex  Excursion Pro, you get 2 adjustable seats, 2 removable skews for both deep and shallow water, 2 floor-mounted footrests, and 2 integrated recessed fishing holders. 

Furthermore, you get a mounting bracket on which you can attach your accessories on, including the swivel fishing rod holders, fishfinder, and GPS system. 

It offers a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs., which means that you and your fishing buddy will have plenty of room to keep your valuables and fishing gears. 

Pros: 

• High-quality construction 
• Offers excellent stability 
• NMMA-certified 
• Can be used in the ocean 
• Lightweight with excellent storage 

Cons: 

• Might deflate after few hours 

Bottom Line 

Intex Excursion Pro kayak is among the best 2-person kayaks that you can currently get. It’s easy to set up, safe to use in the ocean, and not to mention, it’s an affordable option for all the anglers that don’t want to compromise performance for the price. 

3. Lifetime 10 Foot Kayak – Best for Beginners

Next, we got you a great 2 person fishing kayak, although it can accommodate 3 people. However, it comes with only two seats, but also an incredible 500 lbs. weight capacity so, you can take your pet or child with you. 

The Lifetime 10 Foot is a decent and durable kayak. And because the company’s sure about the quality of their products, you will get a 5-year warranty with it. 

In respect of design, the kayak is made from high-density polyethylene that’s UV-protected to make sure it’s resistant to peeling, cracking, and color-fade. 

Moreover, it can offer you high stability with a robust hull and multiple footrest positions to ensure comfort. The cockpit comes with a scupper that functions to make the water drainage an efficient process. 

You can load up plenty of gear on this kayak. Also, it comes with many accessories, including 2 double-sided paddles with paddle clips, 2 padded backrests, 3 fishing pole holders, and a storage hatch.  

Pros: 

• Strong construction 
• Resistant to puncture, cracking, and peeling 
• Comfortable seats and footrests
• Efficient drainage process 
• Comes with many accessories
• 5-year limited warranty 

Cons:

• Paddles quality isn’t the best 

Bottom Line

The Lifetime 10 Foot Sport Fisher is an ideal choice for anglers who care about weight capacity. Although it was designed to be a high-quality 2-person kayak, it can accommodate 3 people. It’s more durable than many other kayaks of the same price range. 

4. Ocean Kayak Malibu XL – Most Comfortable Tandem Fishing Kayak 

Another excellent tandem fishing kayak that will help you get the best out of your fishing experience. It’s made from polyethylene, and because it’s 13-foot long, it offers great stability.

Also, it can carry up to 500 pounds, so it will easily accommodate your fishing equipment. Ocean Kayak designed this model with durability in mind. They included a skid plate that helps protect your boat against rocks and rough edges. 

The seats of the kayak are adjustable, and they feature ComfortPlus padding. In fact, they provide four-way seat adjustability so you can be sure you’ll find a good position during your long fishing trips. 

Besides all this, the footwell braces are incredibly supportive while paddling. 

In terms of accessories and attachments, it comes with 2 Scotty rod holders, 2 paddle holders, a cross lock center hatch, molded-in side handles, bow and stern toggle handles, and a deck bungee. 

The best part is that you will get a lifetime warranty with the hull so you can be sure you’re investing your money in the right place. 

Pros: 

• Excellent build quality 
• Ample storage 
• Suitable for ocean fishing 
• Lifetime warranty 

Cons: 

• Paddles are sold separately 

Bottom Line 

Ocean kayaks are known for their quality; that’s why they provide a lifetime warranty. This model is comfortable, offers high stability, and features plenty of storage space.  

5. BKC UH-TK181 – Best Value Tandem Fishing Kayak 

The BKC UH-TK181 is among the most affordable kayaks that you can currently get. 

In spite of being a budget-friendly kayak, it has many features that other expensive kayaks lack. 

For starters, it’s equipped with 7 fishing rod holders, 3 of which are adjustable, whereas the other 4 are flush-mounted. 

Moreover, you’ll get multiple waterproof storage compartments that you can use to keep your valuables away from the water. There are 8 scupper holes that help with emergency drainage. 

Another thing that makes this kayak a perfect choice for many anglers is the performance. This kayak will offer you excellent stability, but at the same time, it won’t affect the speed. You can easily tackle your fish even in choppy water. Many anglers have no issues when they stand up in the kayak thanks to this high stability, so you won’t have to worry about tripping over. 

BKC UH-TK181 offers you a great capacity of 450 pounds. It’s made from high-density, UV-resistant polyethylene. 

In terms of comfort, the seats come with extra cushions to allow anglers with back issues get to fish for as long as they’d like. 

Also, it’s equipped with 2 aluminum paddles that are secure and will stay in place even when you’re not using them. 

Pros: 

• 7 fishing rods 
• Excellent speed and stability 
• Ample storage 
• 5-year limited warranty 

Cons: 

• Not suitable for open water 

Bottom Line 

BKC UH-TK181 is a great 2 person fishing kayak. It’s worth a lot more than its actual price yet with no compromises regarding performance. It’s ideal for those who spend many hours out on the water and need a comfortable kayak with plenty of space. 

6. Elkton Outdoors 12 Foot Kayak – Best Durable Tandem Kayak 

Elkton Outdoors is a popular kayak that’s known for its rigidity and durability. It’s constructed with a rotomolded body, which makes it resistant to cracking and puncture. 

Many anglers will find this kayak convenient because it can be used in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The mounted rods will give the flexibility for fishing in different circumstances. Furthermore, it has a wide platform that can fit your ice boxes and coolers to keep your fish fresh. 

The kayak features exceptionally comfortable seats that can be repositioned and adjusted the way you prefer. Also, they come with cup holders so you can enjoy some coffee or fresh juice while waiting for the bite. 

It comes with a stern and bows cargo wells, scuppers plugs, and its own double-sided paddles. 

Last but not least, you’ll find waterproof storage hatches that you can use to protect your possessions from any damage. Meanwhile, you will find a storage compartment in the rear to keep your extra fishing gear without overcrowding your kayak. 

Pros: 

• Outstanding construction 
• Comes with its own paddles 
• Extremely comfortable seats 
• Many accessories 
• Ample storage 

Cons: 

• Seats’ quality could be improved 

Bottom Line 

Elkton Outdoor 12 Foot is another excellent 2 person fishing kayak that won’t disappoint you. It’s durable with a strong body, stable, and comes with plenty of storage space. 

7. Waterblade Motorized Electric Sup – Best 2-Person Fishing Kayak with Motor

This model is one of Waterblade’s best-selling fishing kayaks. What makes it different from the other tandem kayaks we talked about earlier is that it’s motorized. This means that you will spend more time focusing on fishing and less time paddling. 

The motor is 12V and features 5 forward speeds in addition to 3 reverse ones. There’s an adjustable head controller that can be titled vertically. 

The kayak is made from a 6-inch-thick PVC and drop-stitch. It’s equipped with an adjustable fishing rod holder for a convenient fishing experience. 

Sadly, the weight capacity isn’t the best you can get; however, its other features make up for this. For instance, it can still accommodate 2 persons, it comes with a waterproof battery box, and you’ll get a battery charger with the model. 

Other accessories are also included, like an air pump to inflate the kayak, foldable sit-on-top-chairs, a cell phone waterproof bag, a Valve wrench tool, and a 3-piece paddle repair kit. Moreover, there’s a safety cage included in the package. 

Pros: 

• Motorized kayak 
• Adjustable fishing rod holder
• Many accessories included 
• Fast with 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse ones 

Cons:

• Low weight capacity 
• Lacks a cooler 

Bottom Line 

Waterblade Motorized Electric Sup is the right choice for those who aren’t good at paddling or have a medical condition that makes paddling an obstacle when it comes to fishing from a kayak. It’s user-friendly and will help you get to your favorite fishing spot faster.

What to Look for When Buying a Tandem Fishing Kayak

1. Weight 

As you might have noticed, tandem kayaks tend to be heavy, especially the hardshell ones. For some anglers that fish from a local lake, that might not be an issue. 

On the other hand, it might be a big deal if you have to carry your kayak along a muddy path to get to the water. In that case, an inflatable kayak like the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak or the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a much convenient option. 

2. Length 

Many anglers will think that buying a shorter tandem to reduce weight is the best way to get around things. However, it’s worth mentioning that the length of the kayak significantly affects stability. 

True, this might work out for some fishermen, but unfortunately, it’s not the best option for the majority who can’t risk having an unstable kayak to get rid of the extra weight.

Another thing that’s specific to tandem kayaks is that a shorter length means overcrowding. Don’t be surprised if you ended up accidentally hitting your partner while paddling. 

The best way to settle this is to find the right balance. 

3. Type of Kayak 

You’ll find two types of kayaks on the market: sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks. 

Each of these two has its advantages and disadvantages. To cut it short, sit-on-top kayaks are generally more convenient for most anglers. 

Not only are they comfortable with many seating options, but also, they’re self-bailing, so they’re less prone to flooding. 

The opposite is true when it comes to sit-in kayaks. Besides, they offer lower storage space and a lower vantage point since you’ll be sitting below the surface of the water. 

However, it’s worth mentioning that sit-in kayaks are much safer in choppy water, and they’re also much cheaper than sit-on-tops, so you do the math! 

I have a complete Sit-in vs sit-on-top kayaks comparison here that has everything you need to know to make the right choice for any situation, so make sure to check it out.

4. Storage 

It’s crucial to think about the weight capacity, especially when it comes to tandem kayaks. It’s only because you’re not only looking for a fishing kayak that can accommodate your fishing gears but also your partner’s. 

Most tandem fishing kayaks have a reasonable capacity, so this shouldn’t be an issue. 

Nevertheless, we wanted to point this out because, with all that’s been said earlier, the Waterblade Motorized Electric Sup sounds like the best tandem fishing kayak on the list for any angler. Yet, with a weight capacity of 200 lbs., it’s the perfect choice for occasional anglers who may or may not go fishing with a partner, or for beginners who don’t use many gears.

You can also check out my guide to storing Kayaks in apartments here that will cover more situations and will explain many ideas on how to store a kayak safely in small spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How Much Weight Can a Tandem Kayak Hold?

This depends on the type of tandem we’re talking about. The bottom line is that there’s a large variety and so many models to choose from. You can always find what you need. 

Generally speaking, most tandems will allow you a maximum capacity of 400 – 500 pounds. However, some models like Elkton Outdoors 12 Foot Kayak can handle up to 650 pounds. 

Are Tandem Kayaks Safe?

Many anglers avoid tandem kayaks thinking that they’re less safe. As far as I’m concerned, you’re at least as safe as being in a 1-person kayak. On the contrary, maybe it’s safer to have a partner with you who can help you control any situation. 

Can You Use a 2-Person Kayak with 1 Person?

2 person kayaks are designed for two paddlers. Most of the time, it’ll be uncomfortable to paddle a tandem on your own. However, there are a lot of factors to consider here. 

For incidence, a motorized kayak can easily be used by one person. Also, some kayaks have a single-sliding cockpit and sliding seats, so you won’t have any issues paddling alone. Anyhow, the majority have separate cockpits, so it’s not an easy job, especially in windy conditions.

 

Final Thoughts

It can be challenging to find the right tandem, but with the right research, you can easily find what you need. 

Lucky for you, you stumbled upon our list so it should be much easier for you to find the best tandem fishing kayak that meets all your expectations. 

Sevylor Coleman Colorado is an excellent choice for the majority of anglers. It’s made of high-quality materials, offers great stability, and it has a decent storage space. 

On the other hand, the Intex Excursion Pro makes an affordable alternative that’s just as robust and offers the same outstanding performance. 

The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Angler is a perfect choice for those who prioritize comfort and spend many hours in the water. 

Whichever kayak you end up with, we’re sure none of the kayaks on this list fails to impress in its right place. So, let’s hope you just found your ideal kayak!