Tandem Kayak Advise Sought

[Jim Pona]

Hello All,

We will eventually purchase a tandem kayak to carry along on our Airstream sojourns. Is there anyone out there who has one of these, we'd like to hear about your setup: Brand, length, etc. Thank you!

James

[RDM16CCD]

We have used a folding Kayak called a Klepper. They are available in both 1 and 2 seat versions and are worth considering as you sort through your options. The big advantage is they are easy to transport on the road - fit in to 2 duffel bags. Takes 15 to 20 minutes to set up, and a little longer to take apart since I clean and dry the pieces before storing. Very sea worthy, fine materials & workmanship, and last a long time. Our oldest is 25 years old and still is in excellent condition.

[nickcrowhurst]

If you go to the advanced search facility under the search tab, and insert +tandem +kayak, you will get 57 hits, which will give some useful discussions. Different tandems are good for different uses, so you first need to define your use. Some are 22 feet long and are for extended sea expeditions for highly experienced paddlers. Some are 12 feet long and suited for kids on a pond.
We use a Current Designs Double Vision, which might be totally unsuited for your purpose.
Nick

[dwightdi]

We gave several kayaks. Which one is best depends on what kind of water you intend to use it on. You can go with sit on's for open water ($1,000). Rotocast material can take a lot of abuse, but are heavier and not as easy to paddle. Kevlar boats ($3,000) are light but you would hate to wreck them on the rocks. Blow up boats are light and easy to carry but are subject to wind. Long, Sea going Kayaks stay in a straight line, but are not good on creeks. Short Rodeo sit ins kayaks are good for creeks but get off track easily. Wide kayaks are stable but slow. Narrow Eskimo kayaks are tippy but fast. The choice is a compromise. We have Perception sit on, Phoenix Vagabond sit in, Wilderness system Rascal sit in, Minnow sit in.

[Wayne&Sam]

Tandem kayak advice? Tandem anything (yak, bike, etc.): Make sure you have a good relationship with your partner!

As I told someone who suggested I buy a tandem bike: "No thanks. I've been happily married for 35 years and I want to keep it that way!"

As noted there are many designs of kayaks, each suited to a different type of paddling and water. Try to test drive if you can.

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from GA . . . we started the same quest several years ago and decided to rent kayaks to see what we liked, what others used 'out there', etc,etc. We are still renting as needed. We find that they usually have what works in that location, and we're not carting one around. Just a thought, and regards, Craig

[Denis4x4]

Went with a Hobie as it was also the easiest to use solo. Another plus for the Hobie. is the number of accessories available for kayak fishing Photo shows grandsons on Mission Bay.

[Kosm1o]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

Tandem kayak advice? Tandem anything (yak, bike, etc.): Make sure you have a good relationship with your partner!

As I told someone who suggested I buy a tandem bike: "No thanks. I've been happily married for 35 years and I want to keep it that way!"

As noted there are many designs of kayaks, each suited to a different type of paddling and water. Try to test drive if you can.

I agree mostly, but disagree about sit-on tandem kayaks. Ours is a Hobie tandem sit-on. It is very easy for the two of us to keep it straight.

[Bluebird]

James:

We are considering a Hobbie Tandem Island because, in addition to being kayak, it can also be a trimaran sailboat with two outriggers and a trampoline.

Hobbie also has accessories to make it a confortable fishing boat.

The "flipper" propell system also looks interesting. However the Hobbie is not inexpensive.

[Bluebird]

Here is a youtube video of a couple fulltiming in an Airstream who have the Hobie Tandem Island with the sailing kit. They also have a youtulbe of their system to get it on top of their tow vehicle.

Video - Sailing the Hobie Tandem Island - Riveted

[HHaase]

I didn't keep the tandem, just because I needed a solo, but for a short time I had a Folbot Greenland II that I picked up used. I was impressed enough that when I sold it, I used the money to fund a brand new single Folbot. I'd strongly suggest looking into Folbot, Klepper and Feathercraft folding kayaks. They fold down to about the size of two big suitcases, are extremely stable, and you'd be surprised how strong they really are.

Personally, I've been extremely happy with my Folbot Yukon, and with Folbot the company. They've been around just as long as Airstream, offer a lifetime warranty, and the customer service is phenomenal. A big suggestion would be to track down the twitter feed from the owner, as he puts some great instant sales up from time to time. I snagged a 25% off deal when I bought mine. They also have a lot of sales via their e-mail list.

-Hans

[bolerama]

Thanks Bluebird for posting the Hobie video by Riveted. That's the same one we're considering. We like all the accessories for it. It sure gets wet inside . . . maybe our little dog isn't going to like it as much as we do. Uh-oh!

[herrick51]

Suggest you investigate the HOBIE inflatable i14t which can be paddled or pedaled with mirage drive which leaves both hands free for photo/fishing ect. In addition there is the torqueedo elec mirage drive .
Pete

[Pahaska]

I'll second the referral for the Folboat Greenland II. I had one for a time with the optional single paddler kit. I finally sold it when I couldn't get my wife to participate. The only problem with the Greenland II was in windy conditions when I was solo.

I sold the G II and bought a Folboat Aleut. I had the Aleut for about a dozen years until I sold it recently. I'm 79 and could not get in and especially out gracefully any more.

I have been in some pretty rough conditions in both boats and they are really seaworthy.

The kayaks travelled under the bed cover of my truck and usually took about 20 minutes to assemble and about half that to disassemble.

Folboat, as a company, is great.