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Double the Fun: Best Tandem Kayaks for Your Next Adventure

Tandem Kayak

Tandem Kayak

Updated on 4/22/2024
Abigail ScottBy Abigail Scott
Hi, I'm Abigail đź‘‹ Since embarking on my kayaking and boarding adventures in 2010, I've navigated rivers and lakes across North America and beyond. With over a decade of experience and countless waterways explored, I'm here to help enthusiasts like you embark on unforgettable water adventures!
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Tandem kayaks are great for spending time on the water with a friend or family since they can accommodate more than one person. It has also been shown that they are more stable and faster than single-person kayaks, so you can go farther than you would otherwise. In addition, we cannot undervalue the sense of camaraderie and fun that comes with participating in joint activities.

In our review today, we will be examining an incredibly versatile tandem kayak that Ocean Kayak produced:

At Malibu Kayaks, they design recreational kayaks for families, fishing kayaks for professional anglers, and diving kayaks for the more adventurous kayaker. Initially, they were kayak retailers before moving into the manufacturing business. Their move was motivated by the belief that they could create better kayaks than what was available on the market after analyzing their customers' needs, unique preferences, and regional needs.

Product tested by Board and Kayak
Our Overall Review
4.4

Things we like:

  • The seat rests relatively roomy, making it possible for paddlers of varying heights, weights, and builds to enjoy themselves while using this kayak.
  • Lifetime guarantee is priceless.
  • With the purchase of Malibu Two XL, you are entitled to a limited warranty of a lifetime.
  • It has an extra-comfortable cockpit with comfortable seat backs and foot braces.
  • Throughout the kayak, there are plenty of storage options.
  • Carrying and transporting Malibu Two XL kayak is easy.
  • Malibu Two XL has the capacity to accommodate two people at once.
  • Besides being durable, it is also made of a rigid material that is resistant to abrasion.

Things we don't like:

  • Paddles are not included.
  • Separately from the comfort plus seatbacks, they have a cost.
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With their start in kayak production in 1999, they introduced the Pro Explorer, Extreme, Pro 2 Tandem, X-Factor Mini-X, Sierra 10, and the more recent Ranger series. Although the Sierra 10 and the Ranger Series are sit-in-side kayaks, all Malibu kayaks are constructed for dry seating, stability, and versatility, including sit-on-top models.

Features

    Tandem sit-on-top kayakSeating capacity of 2 adultsIt is 12 feet long.A Malibu tandem kayak measures 34 inches wide.It weighs 57 lbs.A Malibu tandem kayak can carry 425 pounds of weight.

Related Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Review

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Buying Advice

The following are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing a kayak:

  • Choosing the right kayak length is essential. Longer kayaks tend to be faster on the water, while shorter kayaks are easier to turn. Because it has two seats, the Malibu is on the longer side.
  • A kayak must have a wide width to provide more room and comfort to the kayaker while being more stable in the water. Because it is streamlined and does not encounter much resistance, a narrower one will be faster. Since the Malibu is 34 inches wide, stability should not be an issue.
  • Capacity: When choosing a boat for your expedition, you will have to consider the number of paddlers it can accommodate, their maximum weight, and the gear you need to carry. Almost all kayaks have their limits. With the Malibu, there are two occupants, a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs., and since the kayak's width makes it very stable, it can accommodate two people. Therefore, if you are riding by yourself, you will have the option to bring plenty of gear with you if necessary.
  • You need to know if you plan on using your kayak for fishing (professional or recreational), diving, ecotourism, or recreational adventures. You need to consider the type of kayak you choose and the gear you will need to carry, depending on your needs. If you're fishing by yourself, the Malibu Two is great but can be very difficult to store if you're fishing with your partner, something you should consider.

Why Does Ocean Kayak Malibu Stand Out to Us?

 

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Has a Lifetime Warranty

With every Malibu Kayaks product purchased from an authorized Malibu Kayaks dealer, you will have a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty ensures your kayak has no manufacturing material defects or artistry issues. So, whether you consider investing in one or not, you have peace of mind. You will find details on their website or in the owner's manuals accompanying the purchase.

Ocean Malibu Two Is Very Durable

Ocean Malibu Two kayak contains linear polyethylene plastic, which is ultra-high density, durable, and recyclable (once the kayak has completed its journey). As a standard feature, kayaks come with skid plates to protect the bow and stern stems against impacts and abrasions. You can use an inflatable kayak for maneuvering through rough waters or when a kayak runs aground.

Storage Options Are Plentiful On Ocean Malibu Two Kayaks.

In accommodating extra paddlers, tandem kayaks typically lose out on storage space. Ocean Kayak worked around this obstacle by making creative use of other sections of the Malibu Two to get around it.

Three round Gaspachi hatches can be installed on the Ocean Kayaks Malibu 2 and Malibu 2 XL; one has an oval cross-lock hatch at the center. You may also find bow and stern straps or bungee storage compartments to hold your gear on the boat. On the bow left and the hard right side of the boat are two side bungee handles with paddle holders.

An Ocean Malibu Two-kayak Set Made For Comfort

As a result of their molded-in seat wells, the Malibu 2 has a lower center of gravity than other sit-on-top kayaks, making it easier to balance the kayak. Your comfort seatbacks can be hooked up in either of these seat wells, either in the middle of paddling solo or in the stern and bow seats when you are paddling in tandem. A patented overlapping footwell design ensures that the paddler has a comfortable foot brace that is crucial to making paddling easier.

You can control the water accumulation in the cockpit from the drain by inserting a screw-in drain plug into the hole, which is watertight and provides a watertight fit. It is essential to have this drainage system on board to help cool the cockpit on sweltering days. The water can become very uncomfortable in freezing temperatures, and a watertight plug can significantly assist.

Ocean Malibu Two-kayak Is Very Portable.

The molded-in handles provide added convenience on both sides of the kayak, as do the bow and stern toggle handles. For the size of the kayak, the superlinear polyethylene plastic is also relatively light in weight. Its size, weight, and ergonomic handle design make it easy to handle both on and off the water.

Finally,

Ocean Kayak's Malibu Two is an excellent initial investment since it is an all-around kayak. You can use it for various expeditions such as diving, recreational paddling, snorkeling, and angling. This option will allow you to go out with family or friends while still having the possibility of a solo mission. There are other options like the Stealth-9 that you may want to check out for those looking for a fishing-specific kayak.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ocean Malibu Kayak suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ocean Malibu is a great choice for beginners due to its stability and ease of handling.

What is the weight capacity of the Ocean Malibu Kayak?

The weight capacity of the Ocean Malibu Kayak varies depending on the specific model, but most have a maximum capacity of around 375 to 400 pounds.

How is the Ocean Malibu Kayak constructed?

The Ocean Malibu Kayak is typically constructed from durable polyethylene or rotomolded plastic, making it both lightweight and impact-resistant.

Does the Ocean Malibu Kayak come with any accessories?

Some models of the Ocean Malibu Kayak come with accessories such as paddles, backrests, or footrests, while others may not. It's best to check the product specifications to see what is included with each model.

How is the stability of the Ocean Malibu Kayak?

The Ocean Malibu Kayak is known for its stability, making it a great choice for recreational kayaking, fishing, and other activities. The wide beam and flat bottom design help to provide a stable platform, even in choppy conditions.