Introduction:
Open top tandem kayak have an open deck, allowing easy entry and exit. They are designed to be paddled by two people and are known for their stability and comfort. They are also great for solo paddling.
Sit-on-top tandem kayaks are great for beginners or those less confident in their kayaking abilities, as they provide more stability than traditional kayaks. They also allow for more freedom of movement and comfort, making them an excellent option for longer trips. Additionally, they are easy to clean and maintain and less likely to fill with water in case of a capsize.
The purpose of this article is to review five popular sit on top tandem kayaks, providing an overview of their features, pros and cons, and a comparison of different models to help readers make an informed purchase decision.
Advantages of sit on top tandem kayaks:
Sit-on-top tandem kayaks have several advantages, including:
Easy entry and exit:
As the name suggests, sit-on-top kayaks have an open deck, making it easy for people to get in and out of the kayak.
Stability:
The open deck design also makes sit-on-top kayaks more stable than traditional kayaks, which can benefit beginners or those less confident in their kayaking abilities.
Comfort:
The open design also allows for more freedom of movement, which can make for a more comfortable paddling experience.
Flexibility:
Sit-on-top kayaks can be paddled solo or with a partner, making them more versatile than traditional kayaks typically designed for one person.
Easy to clean:
The open design makes cleaning the kayak easy after use and drying it quickly.
Safety:
Sit-on-top kayaks are less likely to fill with water in the event of a capsize, making them safer for inexperienced paddlers.
Factors to consider when buying a sit-on-top tandem kayak:
Length and width:
Consider the length and width of the kayak to ensure that it will be comfortable for both paddlers and provide enough space for gear and accessories.
Weight capacity:
Make sure the kayak can accommodate the weight of both paddlers and any gear they plan to bring along.
Stability:
Consider the kayak’s stability, especially if one or both paddlers need to be more experienced.
Features:
Look for kayaks with rod holders, storage compartments, and comfortable seating.
Durability:
Look for kayaks made of high-quality materials that will hold up to regular use and exposure to the elements.
Price:
Look for a kayak that fits your budget and offers good value for the price.
Recommended kayaks for different types of paddlers:
Beginners:
For beginners, kayaks with a comprehensive and stable design, such as the Perception Tribute 12.0 Sit-On-Top Tandem Kayak or the Old Town Castine 140 Tandem Kayak, are recommended.
Families:
Kayaks with ample space and weight capacity, such as the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 Tandem Kayak or the Dagger Stratos 14.5L Tandem Kayak, are great options for families.
Experienced paddlers:
Experienced paddlers may prefer kayaks with more speed and maneuverability, such as the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak or the Dagger Zydeco 9.0 Kayak.
Tips for maintaining and storing a sit-on-top tandem kayak:
- Rinse the kayak with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris after each use.
- Store the kayak in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
- Apply UV protectant to the kayak to protect it from sun damage.
- Check for any cracks or leaks and repair them promptly.
- Keep the kayak clean and free of mold and mildew.
- Use a high-quality kayak cover to protect the kayak from the elements when not in use.
5 Best Open Top Tandem Kayak Reviews:
Perception Tribute 12.0 Sit-On-Top Tandem Kayak:
The Perception Tribute 12.0 Sit-On-Top Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced paddlers. It offers a perfect balance of stability, comfort, and features.
Overview:
The Perception Tribute 12.0 is a 12-foot tandem kayak designed for stability and comfort. It features a wide and stable design, making it easy to handle and great for both solo and tandem paddling.
The Perception Tribute 12.0 Sit-On-Top Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for a stable, comfortable, and feature-rich kayak. Its affordable price makes it an excellent value for the money.
Features:
- Comfortable seating for two paddlers with adjustable footrests and backrests.
- There is ample storage space, bungee cords on the deck, and a large tank well to secure gear.
- Two flush-mount rod holders, perfect for fishing.
- Durable construction with high-density polyethylene material.
Old Town Castine 140 Tandem Kayak:
The Old Town Castine 140 Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for a stable, comfortable, and easy-to-handle kayak.
Overview:
The Old Town Castine 140 Tandem Kayak is a 14-foot kayak designed for stability and comfort. It’s built to be easy to handle, which makes it an excellent option for beginners or less experienced paddlers.
Features:
- Comfortable seating for two paddlers with adjustable footrests and backrests.
- Ample storage space with bungee cords on the deck and a large tank well with bungee cords to secure gear.
- Two flush-mount rod holders, perfect for fishing.
- Durable construction with high-density polyethylene material.
- Dual-position seating, which allows for solo or tandem paddling.
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 Tandem Kayak:
The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for those looking for a comfortable and stable kayak for longer trips.
Overview:
The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 Tandem Kayak is a 14.5-foot kayak designed for stability, comfort, and versatility. It’s built to handle longer trips and provide a comfortable and stable ride.
Features:
- Comfortable seating for two paddlers with adjustable footrests and backrests.
- Ample storage space with bungee cords on the deck and a large tank well with bungee cords to secure gear.
- Two flush-mount rod holders, perfect for fishing.
- Durable construction with high-density polyethylene material.
- Dual-position seating, which allows for solo or tandem paddling.
- Phase 3 Air Pro seating system, providing comfort and adjustability for both paddlers
Overall, the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for those looking for a comfortable and stable kayak for longer trips.
Its Phase 3 Air Pro seating system provides exceptional comfort and adjustability for both paddlers, and its ample storage space makes it an ideal choice for longer trips with multiple gears. Its versatility and durability make it an excellent investment for extreme kayakers.
Dagger Stratos 14.5L Tandem Kayak:
The Dagger Stratos 14.5L Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for experienced paddlers looking for a kayak with superior maneuverability and speed.
Overview:
The Dagger Stratos 14.5L Tandem Kayak is a 14.5-foot kayak designed for speed and maneuverability. It’s built for experienced paddlers who want a kayak that can handle more challenging conditions.
Features:
- Comfortable seating for two paddlers with adjustable footrests and backrests.
- Ample storage space with bungee cords on the deck and a large tank well with bungee cords to secure gear.
- Two flush-mount rod holders, perfect for fishing.
- Durable construction with high-density polyethylene material.
- Dual-position seating, which allows for solo or tandem paddling.
- Drop-down skeg for improved tracking and speed.
Overall, the Dagger Stratos 14.5L Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for experienced paddlers looking for a kayak with great maneuverability and speed. Its drop-down skeg improves tracking and speed, and its ample storage space makes it an ideal choice for longer trips with multiple gears.
Its versatility and durability make it an excellent investment for extreme kayakers. However, it’s not recommended for less experienced paddlers or those who prioritize stability over speed.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak:
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for larger paddlers looking for a stable and comfortable kayak.
Overview:
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak is a 12-foot kayak designed for stability and comfort. It’s built for larger paddlers and offers a comfortable and stable ride.
Features:
- Comfortable seating for two paddlers with adjustable footrests and backrests.
- Ample storage space with bungee cords on the deck and a large tank well with bungee cords to secure gear.
- Two flush-mount rod holders, perfect for fishing.
- Durable construction with high-density polyethylene material.
- Dual-position seating, which allows for solo or tandem paddling.
- Comfortable seating for larger paddlers.
Conclusion: Open Top Tandem Kayak
In this article, we discussed the advantages of sit-on-top tandem kayaks and reviewed popular models on the market. We also provided a buying guide and tips for maintaining and storing an open top tandem kayak.
The final recommendation for the best sit-on-top tandem kayak: Based on our research and reviews, the Perception Tribute 12.0 Sit-On-Top Tandem Kayak is an excellent option for beginners, families, and experienced paddlers. It offers a perfect balance of stability, comfort, and features; its affordable price makes it an excellent value for the money.
Encourage readers to share their own experiences and thoughts on sit-on-top tandem kayaks. We would love to hear about your experiences with sit on top tandem kayaks and any recommendations you have for others. Your feedback will help other readers make informed purchasing decisions and get the most out of their kayaking experience.
