Kayaking is a great way to get some exercise, get fresh air into those lungs and spend time in the gorgeous outdoors, and the only thing better than a kayak is a kayak made for two.
Even if you plan on using a tandem kayak alone, it’s important to buy one that can support a single paddler.
If you plan on fishing with a friend, then you should make sure that you choose a larger kayak that offers ample storage and seating that’s spaced far enough apart so that you can both cast without tangling fishing lines or getting in each other’s way.
Most manufacturers make tandems or a 2 person kayak nowadays, so the only challenge would be finding the right one.
Before buying you need to evaluate affordability, size and versatility when looking for the perfect 2 person inflatable kayak.
Some can also be customized with unique add-ons and accessories that will improve its performance.
Tandem kayaks have many things in common with their smaller cousins, but they are also different in many ways, and there are two things that you must consider first when shopping for one: storage and transport.
Besides choosing the right kayaking buddy you also need to know what to look for when buying an inflatable kayak.
There are five important factors to take into consideration, namely price, usage, materials, storage, weight and length.
There are also five types or styles of kayaks to choose from; the sit-on-top, the sit-in, the canoe type, SUP (stand up) kayaks and self-bailing.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
These look like traditional kayaks but their “cockpit” is slightly raised, giving you more room to move and easier access to get in and out. It is ideal for claustrophobic riders or if you have difficulty riding traditional kayaks.
Sit-In Kayaks
These are the most traditional types, which comprise of high walls and a cockpit where the lower body is concealed inside. It is a tighter fit but it is perfect for white-water kayaking.
Canoe Type Kayaks
These are normally a 2 person inflatable (or three) that looks more like a wide canoe. They have higher walls and deeper seats, giving more space to move around. Since they give more open space for more passengers and equipment, this is the type of kayak used for fishing.
Stand-Up Kayaks or ISUPS
These are the newest forms of kayaks and are very rigid, so rigid that they allow the rider to stand up while paddling.
They are more often used for relaxed paddling although some do use them for races and downriver rafting.
Self-bailing Kayaks
These are the typical inflatable kayak types that you find in most stores. They are designed with pot holes in the bottom, which allows water to safely pass in and out of the boat so that it doesn’t get flooded.
You’ll need to plug them for open waters, which makes this a poor choice if you’re looking for an inflatable sea kayak or inflatable ocean kayak.
You’ve talked your best buddy into kayaking with you, now you need to find a 2 person inflatable kayak that’s going to suit you both.
Below is a list of our recommendations, including a 2 person fishing kayak that’ll get you out on the waters in no time at all.
Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
When it comes to inflatable kayaks a lot of people mistake them as pool toys or commercial products simply made for amateurs.
This is so not the case with the Advanced Elements Kayak, a heavy-duty kayak that can put hard-shell canoes to shame.
This is convertible which enables you to use it as a solo kayak or as a 2 person inflatable kayak. All you have to do is switch deck covers, switch seats, and you’re good to go.
It’s also an inflatable rig, so while its main frame is made from built-in aluminium, the rest of the kayak is 100% inflatable. All you have to do is unfold, lock the frames, and then inflate.
The Advanced Elements 2 person inflatable has been very well received with on-line consumers. Most point out how sturdy it is and how well it paddles straight, a big improvement over other inflatable kayaks that tend to be slow and move in a zigzag manner when unsupervised.
The only significant con is that it’s heavier than other inflatables. Clocking in a total of nearly 60 pounds, it isn’t a light piece of vehicle to sling around your shoulder, even when it is all in the duffle bag. But you do have extra hands to carry it. Besides that’s what friends are for.
Coleman ColoradoTM 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Your testosterone levels are going spike just looking at this 2 person fishing kayak. With 18-gauge PVC, a thick tarpaulin bottom and a tough nylon cover, it’s durable enough to get you to your favorite out-of-the-way fishing hole with absolute ease.
If you do manage to damage it, though very unlikely, the multiple air chambers will help you get back to shore.
The Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders let you adjust your pole angle for the ultimate hands-free fishing experience, which means you’ll be able to show your buddy the size of the one that got away.
And for the ultimate in relaxation experience, you can add the Sevylor trolling motor and store your paddles in the convenient holders.
This is possibly the best 2 Person inflatable fishing kayak under $500 and while it isn’t perfect, good enough for us to confidently recommend it.
It’s lightweight but durable and seats two people comfortably. Some people have complained that the rod holders stick out the sides of the boat and get in the way as they paddle.
Otherwise, however, this is a minor complaint and even those who mentioned it still gave the 2 person inflatable kayak a 5 star review.
