Tandem kayak? Suggestions?

[bstreep]

OK, we are looking into kayaks, and we THINK a tandem would be fun? Just to cruise around the harbor or anchorages. We are in the windiest area of the country, though, and get some waves at anchor. So, needs to be reasonably watertight.

Looking for comfort, ease of use. Also, if anyone has had experiences with inflatables, that would be helpful.

TIA

[Snore]

A word if warning....Tandem paddling requires a coordinated effort. I usually ask folks if they could hang wallpaper together. If not there is the inevitable sound of crashing paddles, followed by some degree of grumbling, the boat end up being a very large single kayak.

That said, except for my Mustang....PFD, I've never been a fan of inflatables.

Bill

[Blue Crab]

I suggest you don't buy a tandem. Rabid paddlers would be looking for a kevlar boat but you guys won't want to part with that much money. You will go for a poly boat. It will weigh too much. Twosome fun for awhile but too much boat for just one of you. Soon, it will sit in the backyard. Dirty. Forlorn. For sail. Forgotten. But have a nice day. You just saved serious dough.

You're welcome!

[Bash]

Tandems are great for expeditions where you need to carry a hundred pounds of gear and provisions. Otherwise, they are useful when a strong paddler needs to team up with a weak paddler. Beyond that, I can't imagine why anyone would want to own one.

In the kayak world, if a single is a sports car, a double is a mini-van.

[bstreep]

OK, some answers: Yes, we've wallpapered together. Heck, we painted the deck of this boat together (2 years and 47 feet in that project). We have canoed quite extensively together, including whitewater. We are both in our late 50's, however she is a recently retired PE teacher, and I have a hard time keeping up with her.

Inflatables have dramatically improved in just the past few years. The good ones (and not necessarily high $$ ones) perform nearly as well as the best hard shell, and better than some of the hard shell kayaks. Here's one we are looking at, that can handle Class III whitewater (and self bailing), stable enough to paddle standing up:

Fast Adventure Inflatable Kayak | Inflatable Kayak World

[Snore]

Originally Posted by Bash

In the kayak world, if a single is a sports car, a double is a mini-van.

As in all generalities, there are exceptions. I've seen some tandem teams (including husband/wife) who can make a tandem fly. All comes down to the two paddlers being in synch...

[Greenhand]

Kayaking is different than canoeing. The seats are closer together and the double ended paddles require a different kind if sync.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Snore

As in all generalities, there are exceptions. I've seen some tandem teams (including husband/wife) who can make a tandem fly. All comes down to the two paddlers being in synch...

Yeah, and I suppose there have been situations where minivans have actually passed sports cars on the highway, but really....

[thinwater]

I hear you, I've done lots of stuff with my wife.

1. Get 2 singles. If you disagree with every response, then go rent both hard singles and a hard double. I don't like doubles. Can't paddle alone, can't fit in tight spots, can't "play" so well. Do you have a tandem bike? Most don't like them, some do. However, on a bike, they keep the speed differnce from being important. I can't bike with my wife, but paddeling is different and the speed difference matters less.

2. Get hard kayaks. It's not even close in my expereince. But if you've paddled an inflatable and liked it, then by all means.

[Khagan1227]

I have a self-built 22' Sea Kayak II (tandem) that is difficult when the wind gets up. It only weighs 67lbs, but the windage can cause problems, and it gets "exciting" if the wind and waves are from different directions.

I'm pretty sure an inflatable would have a similar profile, and probably similar issues. I'd read a lot of reviews before sinking a bunch of money in one.

Just my two cents.

[rossad]

bstreep
The Fast Adventure inflatable kayak you have posted
this kayak is just perfect to what your wanting.
I cannot recommend it enough to anyone.
I couldnt suggest a better boat for your application with a yacht.
It will give you many more options than you realise.
This kayak you are thinking about. it will serve you well and better than what anybody actually knows..... and no i dont know this company but have huge experience with sea kayaking with running an adventure kayaking company for more than 25 years.

The double kayaking option along being a single or triple scenario gives a safety facter it also is faster and is low windage.... i like it alot.

[Red Charlotte]

I'd like to get a Sea Eagle kayak when I have the cash. I like Windtraveler's review here: Windtraveler: The Sea Eagle Kayak

[SVNeko]

Crazy people suggesting getting 2 hard kayaks to be stored on a boat. Pricey, but you need a Hobie i14T inflatable. It's da bomb.

[Red Charlotte]

Yep, we have no more room topsides for hard kayaks.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by SVNeko

Crazy people suggesting getting 2 hard kayaks to be stored on a boat. Pricey, but you need a Hobie i14T inflatable. It's da bomb.

Not really. I bought the kayaks first, and then found a sailboat to carry them.

It's all about priorities.