2-Person Inflatable Kayaks allow people to go anywhere and enjoy water adventures. Paddling into the open water provides a different level of serenity and tranquility. However, conventional kayaks seem heavy to carry around.
If you love outdoor adventures with your spouse, friend, or even canine, a 2-person inflatable kayak is perfect for you. It enables you to explore different kayaking destinations, go fishing, navigate narrow outlets, and tour in open waters with someone.
However, if it is your first time buying an inflatable kayak, you may find the shopping process overwhelming. That is especially true with so many options on the market. But, do not fret! Check out the best inflatable kayaks below and choose which one is best for your needs.
The 8 Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks
Sea Eagle 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle Two-Person Kayak guarantees a lot of fun and excitement. Besides the relaxed and recreational whitewater paddling, it also tackles up to Class III whitewater. The hull is made of top-quality PolyKrylar PVC that guarantees durability and safety even in rougher conditions.
The floor boasts I-beam construction for top-notch rigidity, while all the seams are expertly welded to avoid leaks. The entire kayaking experience is not stressful, even for long hours, with the two comfortable deluxe seats. This kayak is fitted with a double skeg to ensure better tracking. Plus, the self-bailing drain valve is handy when taking rough waters.
Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
The Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak is ideal for thrill-seekers. This adventure-ready inflatable kayak is suitable for whitewater, thanks to its 1000D reinforced PVC material combined with a high-pressure drop stitch floor. So, it guarantees puncture resistance and rigidity.
This inflatable portable kayak features Halkey Roberts valves that help prevent leaks. It has a reliable nose and tracking, so it cuts through the water with high precision. It comes in a removable deep fin that keeps the kayak pointed straight, even in choppy water. With the V-shaped hull, additional stability is expected. It also features seven self-bailing plugs that enable it to open when navigating open waters to drain the cockpit quickly.
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
The AIRE Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak is best for whitewater, distance paddling, and rivers. It has a robust hull designed for rapid response and fast movement. It comes in self-bailing drain holes to easily focus on paddling rather than floating. This feature is beneficial when taking on river rapids and choppy water.
This kayak also excels in durability. The floor and outer tubes are made of two-layer denier outer PVC fabric and then fitted with airtight welded seams to achieve extra strength. It includes. The backrests have large storage pockets for securing gear or luggage. The seats are easy to adjust or even be removed to make it a roomy 1-person kayak.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Inflatable Kayak is made of ultra-durable tarpaulin, nylon, and PVC materials to ensure reliable protection against being ripped open. It has multiple air chambers to prevent leaks and get back to the short with ease, while the D-ring handles for easy dragging once inflated. The meshed pockets and fishing rod holder keep items well secured.
If the paddlers want to go hands-free, the paddle holders are an interesting feature. When taking a break, the trolling motor can be connected to the rear. The stability of this boat makes it ideal for beginners. The adjustable seats guarantee comfortable paddling throughout the trip.
AQUAGLIDE Navarro 145 Inflatable Kayak
The AQUAGLIDE Navarro 145 Inflatable Kayak is famous for its strength and portability and handles the most demanding kayaking conditions. It is made of long-lasting and durable HexShell 600D polyester material. It has stern decks and a non-removable bow equipped with zippers to ensure quick access.
The seats are made of heavy-duty materials and are attached to the kayak. They are attached using robust D-ring straps, running along the bottom of the seats and kayak floor. Overall, this kayak guarantees versatility and durability at an affordable price.
Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Inflatable Kayak is perfect for recreational paddling. It is easy to use and durable for taking out rivers and lakes. Paddlers benefit from lightweight, stable, and comfortable padded seats. It features pockets and bottle holders for the convenient storing of items.
This inflatable kayak has 400 pounds capacity. It comes in bungee rigging and covered storage located at the bow and stern. The front and rear carrying handles help make lifting to the water a lot easier. It is reliable when it comes to tracking in the straight line. This compact tandem kayak enables the paddlers to get in and out effortlessly. Even beginners find it easy to maneuver.
Solstice Swimline Durango Kayak
The Solstice Swimline Durango Kayak is perfect for family adventures at the beach, rivers, or lakes. It guarantees durability, rigidity, and versatility. Since it handles up to 400 pounds, it is an excellent choice for camping trips that need extra gear. The covered bow and stern storage keep the gear dry. The D-rings secure all items, while the bungee cords on top of the covers give extra cargo space for storing equipment.
The removable skeg is useful when paddling on open water because heading straight becomes a lot easier. It is also easy to maneuver this kayak, even in small spaces. Besides being built for recreational use, it is also a smart choice for beginners.
Sea Eagle 380X Explorer Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle 380X Explorer Inflatable Kayak guarantees stability, making it an excellent choice for beginners. This stable and versatile inflatable kayak is great for rivers and class III and IV rapids. It performs efficiently in flat water conditions. It features a removable skeg that helps enhance the tracking performance.
This high-quality kayak has room for furry buddies. The durable high-pressure drop stitch floor gives a stable surface for a dog. That floor also helps enhance speed and provides a more rigid feel. Overall, this kayak is best for tandem fishing trips, touring, flat water adventures, and river trips.
The Pros And Cons to Have An Two-Person Inflatable Kayak?
There are numerous benefits and drawbacks to owning an inflatable kayak. Some people love them, while other people hate the idea of having an unpowered vessel sitting in their garage all year round just waiting for that one or two times a month that they will get out onto the water.
Owning your own inflatable kayak is not for everybody, but there are some good reasons why somebody might want to own one.
Pros To Owning Your Own Inflatable Kayak:
#1 – Ease of transportation.
If you drive around in your car with kayak racks toting your hard-shell kayak, then you know that it takes up a large amount of space when transporting. An inflatable is designed to be compact and small so the storage issue is not an issue at all.
#2 – Portability.
Once you get to your launch site, it’s very easy to inflate the kayak, load up all of your gear and be on your way in no time. They are lightweight enough that one person can carry them if needed too. This makes it easy when there is a group of people going out onto the water who each have their own inflatable kayak.
#3 – Inflation time.
Inflatable kayaks generally take roughly 20-30 minutes to fully inflate, whereas a hard shell can easily take an hour or more on some smaller-sized kayaks depending on the type of pump you have and how many people are there to help you.
Cons To Owning Your Own Inflatable Kayak:
#1 – Durability.
Inflatables are not as sturdy as a hard shell kayak, so you have to be careful with them on the water. They can be punctured and if that happens, you’re going to be swimming! So it’s best to use them on smooth water with no rocks or other things that might puncture the material.
#2 – Price.
They are not cheap boats, but you will get what you pay for. The cheaper models are not going to last long and the higher-end kayaks can cost thousands of dollars just like hard shells do.
#3 – Storage.
Inflatables do not take up much storage space at all however once they are deflated they do take up a lot of space so keeping them in a storage room can be hard if you live in an apartment or something like that.
Owning your own inflatable kayak may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly nice to have the option available when you want to get out on the water and don’t feel like breaking down your hard-shell kayak just yet. Please keep in mind that inflatables are designed for flat-water, smooth surface kayaking. They will not work well on any moving water like rivers or the ocean when there is any kind of waves at all.
Inflatables Are Good For?
There are several reasons why somebody might want to purchase an inflatable kayak. Many people buy inflatables for fishing or hunting, while others just use them for relaxation and getting out on the water when they want to be by themselves without anybody else around.
How To Choose A Two Person Inflatable Kayak:
Choosing the right inflatable kayak for you can be a little bit tough. There are so many different manufacturers out there, along with so many different models that it may seem impossible to choose the perfect one.
Generally speaking, you should look for an inflatable kayak that is made of high-quality material and has good reviews on the various selling sites. You also want to make sure that it comes with a high-quality pump so you’re not stuck trying to blow it up with your own lung power all day long.
Do you need a Kayak for fishing?
If that is the case, then getting an inflatable kayak with extra storage compartments might be beneficial. You can store all of your fishing gear inside of the compartments and get to it easily when you’re ready.
Do you want an inflatable kayak that comes with a rudder system?
If you plan on doing lots of fishing or hunting, then getting one with a rudder system could be beneficial for your future adventures. The rudders help steer the kayak much like the rudders on a hard shell kayak. You can choose between manual and electronic rudders that will give you the ability to easily steer around obstacles if needed.
Do you want your inflatable kayak to come with a skeg?
If so, then look for an inflatable model that has this feature as it helps control the kayak and keeps it on the right path.
Do you want additional flotation?
Some inflatable kayaks come with additional flotation inserts that help keep the kayak afloat if it becomes punctured or even flips over in the water. You can also get a secondary manual air pump that helps you re-inflate your boat in case something happens while you’re out on the water.
Do you want your inflatable kayak to come with a spray skirt?
If so, then look for one that comes with this feature as it will help keep water from entering the kayak while you are paddling along in strong winds or rough water conditions.
What To Keep In Mind When Paddling An Inflatable Kayak?
If you are not used to paddling an inflatable kayak then it’s important that you know what to keep in mind when paddling along through the water. You want to make sure that you don’t paddle too hard as well as you should try to stay on the surface of the water as much as possible. If you start to go under, then it will make it harder on you as you try to get back up and into an upright position.
Inflatables Can Be Less Stable Than Hard Shell Kayaks:
Inflatables are good for some people, but they can be a little bit less stable than hard-shell kayaks. If you tend to be a little bit on the clumsy side, then it might be best if you don’t purchase an inflatable kayak.
If you are big-time clumsy and like to take spills when you’re doing things, then it may be better for you to get yourself a hard shell kayak because they are much more stable.
Also keep in mind that if you do happen to flip the inflatable kayak over, then your body weight will cause it to sink rather quickly. This can be a problem for some people as they try to get back into the boat since their feet may drag along the bottom of the water and it can be very hard to pull themselves back up.
You should wear a life jacket at all times when you’re out on an inflatable kayak, especially if you are not used to the stability of the boat. You always want to take safety precautions and make sure that your body is protected in case you do happen to flip over while paddling along the water’s surface.
Durability and Lifespan
It’s important to consider how long you are going to be using this kayak before you purchase it. If you’re just looking for an inflatable kayak that you can use every once in a while, then it may not be worth your time and money to get a more expensive model.
However, if you know that the inflatable is going to be your primary mode of transportation, then you will want to make sure that you get a model that is built with the highest durability levels possible.
You should also keep in mind that an inflatable kayak can have a shorter lifespan than hard-shell models because they are more susceptible to tearing and punctures when being stored or transported.
It’s very important that you purchase a high-quality inflatable kayak because the cheap ones may not be built to last and can end up costing you a lot more money in the long run if they keep tearing after being used for just a couple of kayaking trips.
Can two people ride in an inflatable kayak?
Yes, provided they have paddles. But only one of them has the paddles. The other person has a fishing rod. That person is trying to stick it into the water and hook a large fish that will then leap from the water and plop down on top of the inflatable kayak, causing it to capsize and roll onto one of the people.
How long can I use an inflatable kayak?
About as long as it takes the person with the fishing rod to realize that they’re supposed to stick it into the water and hook a large fish, rather than simply wave it around above their head.
What are inflatable kayaks made of?
Inflatable kayaks are made of “high strength reinforced fabric” – this is the same material used to make inflatable boats. This material is a strong woven PVC and makes inflatable kayaks extremely difficult to puncture.
These kayaks, whether recreational or whitewater models, can be inflated to several different pressures depending on the intended use. Higher pressure makes for a more rigid vessel that will track better and will perform better in moving waters. Lower pressures are used for leisurely paddling on placid waters, and for easier storage.
Can you leave an inflatable kayak inflated?
Once inflated, inflatable kayaks can stay inflated for weeks at a time. If you puncture the vessel while out on the water, however, it would be recommended to bring your deflated kayak back to shore and repair the hole before putting more time on it.
If you are storing an inflatable kayak for several weeks in a row, you can keep it inflated to keep the hull properly stretched. If you choose to leave your inflatable kayak inflated for storage longer than two or three weeks, however, there is a chance that mold and mildew could grow on the inside of the vessel.
When should you deflate an inflatable kayak?
There are two seasons in which it might be advisable to deflate your inflatable kayak: winter and summer. When winter rolls around, water temps can drop very low. If you are paddling on a body of cold water, the coldness will transfer through your vessel into your core faster than if you were in a fiberglass kayak. This could lead to your muscles cramping up. If you are planning on storing an inflatable kayak outdoors, it would be wise to drain the air out of the chambers for winter storage.
Conversely, the summer heat can also put stress on your kayak. Extreme sun exposure can cause the material used to make an inflatable kayak (a strong woven PVC fabric) to stretch and weaken. If you plan on leaving your kayak inflated outside, it would be best to drain the air out of your chambers for storage in the summer months.
Do you tip inflatable kayaks?
An inflatable boat will capsize in the same way as a traditional kayak. If you choose to paddle on moving rivers, be prepared for some capsizing, but if you are paddling on still water be careful not to tip.
To prevent tipping your inflatable kayak:
- Get into your kayak correctly the first time . Using a paddle to prevent capsizing is much more difficult, and will take away from paddling enjoyment.
- The most likely way you will tip an inflatable kayak is by leaning too far in a direction with your paddle. If you are going to lean left, keep your left arm straight and let your weight go to the left.
- Never lean towards one side with only one arm . This makes it much more likely for you to tip over.
- Don’t stand up in an inflatable kayak, ever . It will sink if you do this!
Is there special equipment needed for inflatable kayak fishing?
All that you need for fishing from an inflatable kayak is yourself and your watercraft. You can use rod holders or any other device to hold the fishing pole in place. Some people will rig up their own trolling motor, but there are plenty of models with sterns for electric trolling motors right out of the box.
How do you paddle an inflatable kayak?
Paddling an inflatable kayak is no different than paddling any other traditional kayak. Once your vessel is on the water, just sit down and begin paddling normally. The only difference between fishing in one of these vessels and a fiberglass boat is that you will be able to move into the water much more easily, due to how lightweight they are.
Can I use an inflatable kayak on a river?
You can use an inflatable kayak on any body of water that you would feel comfortable paddling in. Because they are so lightweight, however, these vessels do not handle rapids very well. They also tend to be shorter than other inflatable kayaks.
How difficult is it to repair an inflatable kayak?
Repairing an inflatable kayak is the same as repairing any other piece of equipment. With a little bit of know-how and an investment in patch kits, you can keep your kayak on the water for many years to come. The thicker PVC material that these boats are made out of will hold together well if they run into a rock or anything else. The only downside is that the inflatable chambers may develop pinches or punctures, but these can be patched as well.
Are inflatable kayaks slower?
Inflatable kayaks are slower than traditional kayaks from a factory. Most of the reduced speed comes from the increased drag on the hulls.
However, there are many ways to increase your speed. You can use a motor or a paddle, and inflatable kayaks with larger chambers will move through the water much faster.
Conclusion
You can carry a two-person craft anywhere you want in a compact backpack, thanks to inflatable kayaks. These kayaks are compact, so storing them is never a challenge. Switching to inflatable ones gives you easy storage without sacrificing quality and durability. Plus, they are also easy to deflate with the right features. Hopefully, the above reviews helped to decide which one best suits your next water adventure.