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01-19-2012, 11:20 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member 
2007 25' Safari SS SE
St. Louis
, Missouri
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 47
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Tandem Kayak Advise Sought
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
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Hi Ho Silver
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01-20-2012, 01:10 AM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member 
2005 16' International CCD
Ogden
, Utah
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 221
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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.
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Bob
Ogden, Utah
2005 16' CCD
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4WD
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01-20-2012, 03:38 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,337
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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
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Nick Crowhurst, Excella 25 1988, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. England in summer, USA in winter.
"The price of freedom is eternal maintenance."
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01-20-2012, 03:59 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master 
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
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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.
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01-20-2012, 09:28 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,459
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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.
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01-20-2012, 10:34 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master 
2016 28' Pendleton
Currently Looking...
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 840
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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
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WBCCI 2851,4CU
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01-20-2012, 10:44 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Currently Looking...
Durango
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,112
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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.
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01-20-2012, 11:33 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member 
2005 28' Safari
saline
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 410
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Quote:
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.
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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.
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01-20-2012, 11:38 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member 
Central Florida
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 455
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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.
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Dave
2008 Classic 34
Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab CTD
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01-20-2012, 11:45 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member 
Central Florida
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 455
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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
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Dave
2008 Classic 34
Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab CTD
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03-22-2012, 02:49 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member 
1965 22' Safari
East Islip
, New York
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 120
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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
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03-22-2012, 05:40 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master 
2017 30' Flying Cloud
2008 23' International
Keremeos
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 852
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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!
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Lisa and Paul
2017 30' FC | 2002 Chinook Destiny | 2008 23' Int. CCD (written off: hail!)
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03-22-2012, 06:04 PM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
gresham
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 85
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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
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03-22-2012, 07:31 PM
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#14
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Contributing Member
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County)
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
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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.
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John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
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03-22-2012, 07:47 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master 
Currently Looking...
Corpus Christi
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 869
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Ocean Kayak
Standard 'ol "sit on top" plastic kayaks with fishing accessories work well for us. Toss them in the bed when we do not have the Airstream and put them up on the racks when we do. They can handle the punishment of pretty rough handling. Just hang 'em on the fence when we are not using them...Ours are 11 footers so I can tie them down in the bed. Much more would have had a bit too much hanging out... Not sure I would like the tandems as much. I go out often without Skye..
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Chuck & Skye
Rock and Roll Will Never Die!
WBCCI 3805
AIR 54011 Since July 2011
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03-22-2012, 09:17 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Currently Looking...
Durango
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,112
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I had the Hobie tandem and was pleasantly surprised at how well it handled when I used it as a solo kayak. It is heavy for a one person launch.
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