2 person kayak?

[bmc]

My wife and I have been kicking around the idea of getting a 2 person sit in type kayak. We'd mostly be using it for day tripping, exploring the numerous carry in type lakes around here. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but want something dependable and economical, if that makes sense? I'm also looking for other people's experiences and opinions. I'm wondering how hard it would be for one person to paddle a 2 person kayak with 2 people in it. (in case the wife gets lazy LOL). Maybe we would be better off getting 2 1 person kayaks? Soooo many questions? LOL

Brian

[straydog]

Sorry to butt in but I would like to here the same, also how would a 2 person Kayak be with only one person to carry it or to use it?

[Quetico]

I've always been told tandem kayaks are divorce boats.

[yakfisher]

Old town makes tandem boats that are 14-16ft long. I have a 14 foot one person old town predator that is based on a tandem hull, it weighs about 60lbs. I carry that boat plus a duck blind for it with a paddle and a shotgun laying inside it by myself in the dark. So I would think you could carry just a tandem by yourself easily. The length does make them a little awkward to handle but they are light enough.

[Powerstroke]

Don't be detered by the length. Tripping canoes are frequently over 16ft and we portage them all over the BWCA. It also seems that many reviews made by kayak owners list boats over 60lbs as heavy. As far as kayaks are concerned, it is a bit heavy, but again, canoers know that a 60lbs canoe is a pretty average weight and I've got one thats over 80lbs. I can still load it on the car and portage it by myself. I'm not a bodybuilder either.

I don't know much about kayaks in general, but after checking a couple places that sell them, it looks like a new tandem kayak will generally start in the $800 range. Many of them are designed to be paddled by one person or two, but some are set-up to be tandem only. My wife and I are interested in getting a tandem kayak too someday. My sis-in-law has one and her and her husband love it. If he's not along she paddles by herself.

If the price is a bit scary try looking for used boats from outfitters and places that rent boats.

[primetime49]

we have 2 old loon two Old Town kayaks

they weigh a heavy 96 pounds each

they are great

I have another loon 2 that I have unbolted the front seat and simply slide the rear seat to position for paddling.

The whole family and freinds love these

Good luck and enjoy as paddling together is a great deal of fun

[Quetico]

If you intend on doing any portaging at all aka doing the BW thing with your kayak, get a canoe instead. We took a lighter tripping kayak for 9 days. It was the worst mistake we could have made, portaging kayaks is not fun. Plan 2 people to get a kayak over any BW portage.

[titelines]

We have a tandem kayak - a Wilderness Systems Pamlico. Here is my $.02, taking into account that everything I say is based only on this particular model.

This model can be paddled solo or tandem. My wife loves to go solo, but it's nice to have the option of tandem paddling when needed. We had to get a rudder for ours, but only use it when going tandem. We have different strokes and I have a stronger stroke, which tended to throw us into circles so a rudder was necessary. It is not needed for solo paddling. If my wife takes a break, she can rudder while I paddle.

Our model doesn't allow for a skirt, so our paddling is usually pretty tame, on calm water.

There is not a lot of room inside for storage. Two singles would probably have more storage.

I would not recommend this particular craft for any heavy portaging. My wife and I can handle it fine, but I could not carry it around by myself. It would be much easier to get the wheeled portage carrier, but that would work best on well travelled portages only, no big hills or rocks.

IMO - For portaging and traveling in the BWCA, a canoe is the way to go. Our kayak is a lot of fun and we love it, but it is limiting when it comes to where you can take it, simply because it is not that easy to carry around. It is dependable, durable and affordable (depending on your definition). Like I said, in calm water, rivers etc. you can't beat it. It tracks easily and is FAST.

Hope this helps a little. Let me know if I can provide any other opinions.

[Jim43]

Been using a Perception Keowee 2 since 99. Converted it into a

fishing platform I take my son fishing with.

Complete build and guide to the Keowee 2

 Originally Posted By: bmc

My wife and I have been kicking around the idea of getting a 2 person sit in type kayak. We'd mostly be using it for day tripping, exploring the numerous carry in type lakes around here. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but want something dependable and economical, if that makes sense? I'm also looking for other people's experiences and opinions. I'm wondering how hard it would be for one person to paddle a 2 person kayak with 2 people in it. (in case the wife gets lazy LOL). Maybe we would be better off getting 2 1 person kayaks? Soooo many questions? LOL

Brian

[NCLaker]

The wife & I decided to go with 2 9'6" kayaks instead of a tandum. Really glad we went this route:

- Easier to carry

- both fit in the back of our minivan

- much more flexiblibilty to explore individually

- I think we would drive each other nuts if we were in the same kayak

Make sure you sit in it for a little while before you buy - seat comfort is very important. Drain plugs & carrying handles on the ends are a nice plus.