Best Inflatable Tandem Kayak

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You saw all the social media posts and cool YouTube videos, and now you want to try it for yourself. You’ve saved up, and you are ready to put some money down on equipment but might be a little confused by the dizzying number of options available.

There are a lot of factors to consider when thinking about what makes the best choice for an inflatable tandem kayak. You have to consider inflation levels, state laws wherever you live, the water type you are kayaking on, and even the size of your kayaking partner. Not to mention there’s all this new vocabulary you have to learn! Well, don’t worry, I’m here to help. 

Your next question might be, “Who the heck is this guy, and why should I listen to him?” That’s a fair question, and I’m glad you asked. My name is Derek, and I have extensive kayaking experience in Canada’s Ontario and British Columbia regions.

I am passionate about kayaking and have learned a lot about it in my 20 years of participating in the sport.

If you want to try the sport, I will help you make the perfect selection for your particular tandem kayaking needs. This article dive into different factors such as waterway appropriateness, tracking ability, size accommodations, and construction materials. 

Below we go through different price points to accommodate your budget and needs.

Table of Contents

Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks $500 and Below

If you want an affordable tandem kayak, these are your best options.

1. Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Kayak – (Top Rated Budget Pick)

sea eagle 370 kayak with people and dog in it

Specs:

  • Length: 12’6″ 
  • Width: 2’10”
  • Materials: Extra thick 33 mil PolyKrylar & I-Beam Construction Floor 
  • Weight: 32 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 650 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

Measuring 12.5 feet long, the Sea Eagle 370 easily accommodates two people, and you can adjust the seating position to suit your preference or leave more room for luggage.

Also, the 650-pound weight capacity is enough to handle two people and some camping equipment.

The i-beam construction of the hull offers extra rigidity, which allows novice users some room for mistakes if they happen to run into shallower than usual water.

On-Water Performance

The sea eagle 370 has skegs on the underside to help with tracking, which refers to paddling in a straight line. This feature makes it easier to navigate the boat, especially in rough waters. Although truthfully I’ve heard that this is not the best tandem inflatable for tracking.

Self-bailing drain valves are also vital for on-water performance because they allow one to rid the kayak of the water that splashes on board quickly. Beginners will find this feature handy.

Kayak Design

There are three chambers in this boat: one on the floor and two on the sides. These allow for redundancy if a puncture occurs. The other two will help the kayak stay afloat when one chamber gets punctured. 

Spray skirts keep water out of the cockpit (the space in which the paddler sits), and the Sea Eagle 370 has spray skirts at both the front and rear ends. 

Storage pouches on the seats add to their functionality, allowing you to keep tools, repair kits, and personal items within close reach.

Accessories

The sea eagle 370 inflatable kayak comes with two collapsible paddles, a repair kit, a carry bag, and a foot pump.

Sea Eagle offers different packages for a wide range of budgets. The starter package comes with the above while more advanced packages like the pro, deluxe, Sport fishing and Quicksail.

  • Deluxe Package: 2 paddles, pump, 2 seats, repair kit,bag
  • Sport Fishing Package: multi purpose storage box with 2 rod holders. 1 seat, 1 paddle, pump, bag repair kit
  • Pro Package: 2 deluxe seats for better back support , 2 seats, 2 paddles, pump, repair kit, bag
  • Quiksail Package: Sail, 2 deluxe seats, 2 paddles, pump, bag, repair kit

What Customers Think

There is a consensus that the foot pump supplied with the Sea Eagle 370 is very efficient, allowing you to inflate the kayak in 7 to 10 minutes fully. However, the weight of the folded-up kayak in its carry bag might be a little too heavy for users with smaller frames.

Most customers suggest getting the pro package which has deluxe seats. These seats have higher inflation levels than regular seats, which provides more rigidity and back support.

Pros

  • Paddles break down into smaller pieces for easy transport
  • Easy entry and exit
  • Rugged underside
  • 4 Different Packages to choose from

Cons

  • Inflatable seats can be uncomfortable
  • The bonding agent for the repair kit requires 160 degrees of heat to set
  • No D-Rings On Side For Securing Gear

2. Intex Excursion Pro – (Best Budget Tracking Pick)

intex excurison 2 people fishing

Specs:

  • Length: 12’7″
  • Width: 3’1″
  • Materials: Laminate PVC with a polyester core
  • Weight: 44 lbs
  • Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

Rated the best cheap inflatable kayak, the Intex Excursion Pro’s easily maneuverable design requires less paddling strength and allows tandem paddlers to conserve energy while on the move. 

It is also lightweight, allowing you and your kayaking partner to carry it in and out of the water hassle-free.

On-Water Performance

The i-beam hull construction feels solid and will not flex easily in the presence of small-to-medium wakes.

Additionally, the combination of long and short skirts allows this kayak to track very well while remaining highly responsive. As such, it is easy to turn quickly.

Underneath, the boat features two removable skegs that deliver decent tracking in deep and shallow waters.

Kayak Design

The Intex Excursion Pro features an inflated booster pad that lifts the paddler above the kayak floor. This design takes a significant amount of strain off the hamstring and quad muscles.

There are also grab handles on both ends for easily carrying/dragging the kayak out of the water, while high-pressure spring-loaded valves enable quick inflation and deflation. 

The bow and stern contain extra storage space, with steel D-rings to tie down bags and gear.

Accessories

The Intel Excursion Pro comes with a two-handed “hi-output” pump, two collapsible aluminum oars, a carry bag, a repair pouch, and two fishing rod holders. It also has an auxiliary rack for 3rd party mounts.

One standout feature of the Intex Excursion Pro kayak is its fishing pole holders. Their positioning is such that you can kayak with the poles tilted backward and a fishing line dragging behind you.

This ability to do light trawling is great, but some customers have complained that the pole holders are too shallow.

What Customers Think

Many customers also appreciate the accessory rack, which is not common on inflatable kayaks at this price range. It comes in handy as it allows you to mount extra accessories such as GPS devices, fish finders, or hold your cell phone.

However, customers have expressed dissatisfaction when it comes to the provided seats. They have no cross strap for extra support and do not feel very rigid. Luckily, they are not a permanent fixture. You can upgrade them with aftermarket seats.

Pros

  • 3-ply laminate material with a polyester core for high strength and durability
  • Gasoline, oil, and saltwater resistance
  • Stainless steel D-rings for hanging extra accessories
  • Tracking skegs for both deep and shallow water
  • Footrests provide enough support for heavy paddling

Cons

  • Non-universal valve size
  • Non-standard Halkey-Roberts nozzle
  • Hand pump requires some energy to use
  • Relatively low weight capacity

3. Intex Challenger K2 – (Budget Pick)

Intex Challenger Inflatable kayak

Specs:

  • Length: 11’6″ 
  • Width: 2’6″
  • Materials: Rugged, super-tough 30 gauge PVC vinyl
  • Weight: 35 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

The boat is easy to carry around and folds down into a very compact package that can fit in the trunk of most cars. 

While its not the most spacious of inflatable kayaks it is good for 2 smaller paddlers or a paddler and his child/ pup. 

On-Water Performance

The Challenger K2 maneuvers well and tracks decently, thanks to its skeg. However, this component is prone to falling off, so new buyers should keep that in mind.

Seasoned paddlers may find the Challenger K2 is less than adequate. It reacts slowly to changes in direction and requires a lot of input from the paddler in the back. Also, it starts to feel wobbly when paddling at more than 3.5 mph.

Kayak Design

Described as fun and sporty, the Intex Challenger K2 kayak features a sleek, streamlined design that makes paddling easier. It is also painted bright green for easy visibility in the water.

The seats on the boat have an extra strap that ties into the sides of the kayak walls to provide additional lumbar support. This design also allows for higher inflation levels in the chair, improving its rigidity and comfort.

If you have extra luggage, there is a cargo net on top of the bow, where you can hold an extra dry bag or two.

Accessories

The Intex Challenger K2 ships with two 86 inch aluminum paddles, much like the other kayaks on this list. It also comes with an Intex high output pump for easy inflation and deflation.

What Customers Think

Customers mostly talk about the “booster seat” in this kayak. While the intention is to keep the paddler dry, some users have found it too high. They recommend pumping the backrest portion of the seat only, leaving the bottom part flat.

Taller users will likely find it difficult to sit comfortably in the Challenger because there is not enough legroom, especially with two people on board. 

Pros

  • Webbing for extra gear atop bow and stern
  • Pet-friendly thick vinyl construction
  • one-way airflow Boston cap valve
  • Inflatable booster seat
  • Efficient pump

Cons

  • Lower weight capacity than some of the options on this list
  • Sub-par carrying bag
  • No purge valves 
  • Can be a tighter fit for taller people

Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks $1000 and Below

If you have a little bit of extra money to spare, these kayaks offer performance that is closer to hardshell tandem kayaks. 

1. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible – (Top Convertible Pick)

AdvancedFrame Convertible

Specs:

  • Length: 15′ 
  • Width: 2’8″
  • Materials: Heavy-duty 30-gauge PVC vinyl, PVC Tarpaulin with 1000 denier polyester outer fabric, high-density polyurethane-coated polyester inner cover
  • Weight: 52lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 550 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

The AdvancedFrame Convertible is a good tandem pick because it has features that make two-person paddling easier. For instance, there is extra storage atop and beneath the bow & stern and optional add-ons for two-person seating configurations.

Second, the efficient hydrodynamic design makes it easier for a tandem team to coordinate how they expend their energy better. It results in a more pleasant, less tiring kayaking experience.

On-Water Performance

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible kayak is ideal for speed. It has a distinctly tapered bow and stern that cuts through the water very efficiently, so you can quickly accelerate to the top speed.

Kayak Design

Unlike most other kayaks on this list with three chambers, this has six. As such, it can withstand multiple punctures and still get you back to shore safely. After all, it is better to have five backup chambers versus only two in a cheaper kayak. 

AdvancedElements has made accommodations for a modular system of convertible conversion decks. These conversion kits allow you to modify the kayak to suit your needs. For example, the double-deck has D-rings and extra mesh pockets for increased storage capacity.

Lastly, it has drop stitch floors and a “back bone” hull with aluminum reinforcement, which enhances the rigidity and tracking performance of the kayak.

Accessories

Accessories included with the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible are: 2 folding foam mesh seats, a carry bag, repair kit, and owner’s manual.

If you want the drop stitch floor to come with the Convertible check out the AdvancedFrame Elite Convertible Package

What Customers Think

Customers mention that the semi-rigid shell provides the advantage of durability and toughness, while the inflatable design still allows for easy breakdown and transportation after kayaking.

With this design, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible is like a hybrid kayak, combining the tracking advantages of a hard shell traditional kayak and an inflatable version.

Pros

  • Options for add-ons like spray decks
  • Convertible to solo kayak mode
  • Streamlined rigid hull
  • Stable design
  • Includes a nylon carry bag with heavy-duty handles

Cons

  • Limited space for taller (6’2″ +) paddlers when tandem kayaking. 
  • Long set-up time, especially with the extras
  • Upgrades are expensive

2. Sea Eagle 380X – (Top Capacity Pick)

sea eagle 380x

Specs:

  • Length: 12’6″ 
  • Width: 3’3″
  • Materials: 1,000-denier, polyester-supported, high-pressure fabric
  • Weight: 40 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 750 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

Sea Eagle’s 380X is the first kayak on this list that comfortably seats three people. While that may be overkill for some potential buyers, it just means that there’s more space for a tandem pair of paddlers and the extra luggage that they may bring with them.

On-Water Performance

The boat tracks very straight and picks up decent speed in the right water conditions. Additionally, the extra rigid hull provides improved stability and resistance to rolling over.

This is a jack of all trades kayak that can tackle almost all water conditions including Class IV Rapids.

Maneuvering without the skeg is rather challenging, and some users report the boat going around in circles when the skeg is off.

Although you must remove the skeg in shallow waters, the vessel’s reinforced hull allows it to go where other inflatable kayaks cannot. You can glide through water that is as shallow as six inches.

Kayak Design

So confident are the manufacturers in the toughness of the Sea Eagle 380X “crocodile hide” hull that they offer a 3-year warranty.

There is a lot of versatility displayed in the design of this kayak. One of its key features is the convertible drains, which suit both wet and dry conditions.

If you’re going down rapids, for example, where there’s always water splashing into the kayak, you wouldn’t want a fully enclosed cockpit because it would take on water and start to sink.

Conversely, while sailing on a calm lake or river, you want a fully plugged kayak to ensure you stay dry.

The purge valves on the Sea Eagle 380x work in both these conditions, staying either fully open or fully closed depending on your preference.

Accessories

The Sea Eagle 380X set includes two 8-foot double-ended paddles, an inflation pump, storage bags, and a repair kit.

It features several different packages that you can choose from including the solo, deluxe and pro package.

  • Solo Package: 1 deluxe seat, standard paddle, pump, bag, repair kit
  • Deluxe Package: 2 deluxe seats, 2 standard paddles, pump, bag, repair kit
  • Pro Kayak Package: 2 Tall Back Seats, 2 High Performance Paddles, pump, 2 decl storage pockets, bag, repair kit

What Customers Think

The large carrying capacity of the boat allows customers to plan for more elaborate trips as they can bring more camping equipment aboard. 

But the stock seats do not provide adequate back support. Most customers recommend getting the option with high-back seats.

Pros

  • High carrying capacity
  • Rated for Class IV rapids and whitewater
  • Convertible drains
  • Three-year warranty

Cons

  • Non-standard Halkey-Roberts nozzle
  • Footrest sold separately
  • Seams may fail to hold together in warmer climates.

3. Sea Eagle 385 FT Fast Track (Touring Pick) 

FastTrack 385

Specs:

  • Length: 12’6″
  • Width: 3’
  • Materials: 1100 Decitex reinforced with quadruple overlapped seams
  • Weight: 62.8 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 635 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

Kayaks in Sea Eagles’ fast track range are lightweight, fast, and super stable. What’s more, they maximize the touring factor and ease of use for both kayaking intermediates and seasoned professionals alike. Its one of the easier inflatable kayaks to set-up!

The performance rivals what you would get from rigid-hull kayaks while still giving the user the storage and transportation advantages of an inflatable. 

On-Water Performance

The 385FT features an inflatable bow keel to provide more buoyancy for easy riding over waves while maintaining high speed.

Also sporting a unique shape, this kayak can handle rougher sea or ocean waters due to its combination of a narrow bow and wide stern. These features allow it to punch through waves while keeping the occupants upright. 

Kayak Design

The kayak has four chambers on the port, starboard, keel, and floor, one more than the standard three found on cheaper options. As stated earlier, this provides for more redundancy if the kayak gets punctured.

Accessories

The accessories that come standard with this kayak are a nylon carry bag, a foot pump, a repair kit & printed instructions. However there are 6 different packages that you can choose from

  • Deluxe Solo Package: paddle, deluxe seat, pump, hose, bag
  • Deluxe Package: 2 paddles, 2 deluxe seats, pump, bag, repair kit
  • Pro Package: 2 Tall Back Seats, 2 high performance paddles, bag, pump, repair kit
  • Quiksail Package: Sail, 2 Tall Back Seats, 2 high performance paddles, bag, pump, repair kit
  • Pro Motor Package: 1 Water Snake ASP T24 Motor, 2 Tall Back Seats, 2 high performance paddles, bag, pump, repair kit
  • Pro Carbon Package:  2 Tall Back Seats, 2 carbon paddles,2 deck storage pouches, bag, pump, repair kit

What Customers Think

The Sea Eagle 385 ft has a patented inflatable keel, which allows it to keep a straight course even under heavy paddling. Some users feel that this is a blessing and a curse because new paddlers might not have what it takes to make this boat turn. As such, the kayak is less forgiving to rookie mistakes. 

Pros

  • Improved cargo space
  • Front & rear spray skirts
  • Elastic rope lacing for additional storage above bow and stern
  • Bow and stern grab handles 
  • Skeg retaining clip increases stability 

Cons

  • Not ideal for whitewater
  • Failure of seams to hold together in warmer climates
  • Not the best option for beginners

Best Tandem Inflatable Kayaks $1800 and Below

Pick one of these two if you’re going for a high-end tandem inflatable kayak.

1. Sea Eagle 473RL (Premium Speed Pick)

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 RL

Specs:

  • Length: 15’5″
  • Width: 2’5″
  • Materials: 1100 Decitex Reinforced
  • Weight: 44 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 750 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

Sea Eagle’s revolutionary technology allows it to cut through the water like a knife through butter. Also, it has a lot of space for two passengers and a pet, plus storage for gear. 

On-Water Performance

The 393RL lives up to its “RazorLite” moniker because it can be quick. It achieves this performance by having tapered sidewalls on the bow & stern, which create a double concave design.

As the kayak gains speed, pockets of air get forced into the space between the hull and the water creating lift and reducing drag. As such, the kayak is ideal for intermediate to expert use only.

Kayak Design

The Sea Eagle 473RL is a touring Kayak that shrinks down into the size of a backpack. The unique thing about its construction is the use of Drop Stitch Patented RazorLite™ all around. 

The rigid bow and stern molds further enhance the supreme engineering because they create what sea eagle calls a “razor-sharp speed entry and exit system.

As the bow mold cuts through the water effortlessly at a high velocity, it creates lift while reducing friction and drag. The kayak then exits just as fast as it cut through at the stern mold leaving little to no wake behind.

Other than that, the 473RL features three chambers at the port, sides, and floor for redundancy in case of puncturing. Also, there is a large removable rear skeg for superior tracking performance.

Accessories

Sea Eagle 473rl has 2 packages that come with these kayaks.

  • Pro Tandem Package: 2 high back seats, 2 pro paddles, pump, bag, repair kit
  • Pro Carbon Tandem Package:  2 high back seats, 2 pro carbpn paddles, pump, bag, repair kit

What Customers Think

Customers mostly acknowledge the remarkable durability of this kayak, comparing it to more traditional rigid hull alternatives. Buyers have also noted that the weight of this kayak makes it a tad difficult to carry around and set up.

Numerous users have also reported difficulties installing the supplied foot braces, often requiring DIY style interventions or having new parts sent from the manufacturer.

Pros

  • Two open & close drain valves
  • Fully adjustable ergonomic foot brace.
  • Lots of room for extra passengers and gear
  • Comparable durability to rigid hull kayak

Cons

  • Vague instruction manual
  • Requires decent kayaking experience to handle it
  • Pumping gets more difficult as more chambers get filled

2. AquaGlide Chelan 155 (Premium Portable Pick)

Specs:

  • Length: 15’1”
  • Width: 3’
  • Materials: Duratex™ (reinforced PVC) tube construction with a drop-stitch, hard-bottom floor
  • Weight: 38 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 600 lbs.

Why is it a Good Tandem Pick?

A very roomy cockpit makes the Chelan 155 perfect for tandem kayaking. Also, some of the boat’s features, like maneuverability, get enhanced when two people are paddling. 

On-Water Performance

The Chelan 155 has a long waterline and sleek, narrow tubes that increase the kayak’s gliding ability and speed. 

On top of that, it has superior tracking performance provided in part by the lower rocker at the stern. Features like these make the kayak good at maintaining its course while requiring less correctional work from the paddler. 

The bow rocker at the front angles upwards, which lifts the kayak over waves while keeping the occupants dry. Drop stitching in this kayak’s floor protects it from elements that may puncture cheaper inflatables. An added advantage of this is the reduced weight which translates into faster speeds on the water when compared to rigid-hull kayaks of the same durability.

Kayak Design

The Chelan 155 consists of highly reinforced PVC specifically made to take a beating from the elements. 

It is also roomy enough for two passengers plus sizable gear, especially considering the storage space under and on top of the bow.

If you find yourself in rougher than usual waters, the vessel contains purging valves that allow you to drain water quickly.

Accessories

The AquaGlide Chelan 155 comes with a repair kit, two seats, an extra child seat, a fin, and a storage bag. Unlike the other entries on this list, it does not come with a pump and paddles.

What Customers Think

Upon getting this kayak, you immediately get a sense of the high level of engineering and materials used in its crafting. 

Buyers have also noted how much the extra room combined with numerous attachment options enables customization. These attachment options include the D-rings lining the side of the boat, the webbing on the bow, and the molle (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) plates on the side tubes.

Pros

  • 2-year warranty
  • Surprisingly lightweight
  • Stainless Steel D-Rings allow attachment of extra gear
  • Universal accessory mounts for mounting cup holders, POV cameras, or rod holders
  • Very durable, high-quality construction materials
  • Very roomy

Cons

  • Halkey-Roberts Valve adaptor is not very common
  • Susceptible to yawning (side-to-side swaying) if the front seat is empty
  • The kayak comes without accessories for pumping or paddling.

How to Choose The Best Tandem Inflatable Kayaks

Before buying a tandem inflatable kayak, you need to consider the following tips below. We also have a massive guide on how to look for and inflatable kayak here.

Where Are You Paddling?

You’re likely not using your kayak in your above ground pool, so you better read on to learn more about the waters you’ll be on.

aquaglide kayaking lake

Lakes vary in intensity, but the weather tends to be fair, and the wind shouldn’t be too strong depending on the time of day and the season. In a situation like this, the lower-end inflatable kayaks should suffice

Taking it up a notch, you may want to enjoy kayak rides on rivers. Here the water is not as still as it is on lakes. Therefore, tracking becomes less of a priority, while maneuverability becomes more critical. A kayak that tracks too well may make for a frustrating experience as you try to make quick turns flowing with river currents. 

Even the length of the kayak comes into play here. Short vessels are more maneuverable compared to longer ones. You may also want kayaks with multiple skeg attachments. Use a longer skeg when you want better tracking in deep waters and a shorter one for better handling and maneuverability, especially in shallow waters.

If you are kayaking along the coast, you have to consider how your boat handles when faced with wind waves, tides, currents, and adverse weather conditions. You also run the risk of running aground, so the durability of your kayak’s hull comes into play.

Your Budget

Fancy features on kayaks are great, but you have to weigh the benefits against the amount of money you’re willing to spend. 

Decide which features are deal-breakers and which ones you can forego. After that, you can go through our list and decide on the perfect kayak for your situation.

One of the great things about this is that the cheaper kayaks are getting better with advancements in technology, so there are more varieties in the lower and mid-range price tiers.

Types of Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks can be classified into 3 types of different kayaks. Admittidly I did not come up with this classification system (I wish I did!). To fully understand whe differences between the different classifications of inflatable kayaks check out the video of the Jack Baikoff below.

Category I Kayaks

Kayaks rated category 1 are fine for smooth water, clear passages, and gentle curves. They are typically made of vinyl or similar materials, making them the most delicate. Therefore, they require extra care, and you should not use them to go up against bad weather.  A prime example of a category I kayak is the Intex Challenger K2.

Category II Kayaks

Category II Kayaks can handle medium to quick water, such as rapids and regular waves. The bladder on Category II vessels usually contains vinyl enclosed in fabric to maximize sturdiness.

Kayaks in this category typically require the paddler to have some experience under their belt. It may be a waste of money to spend more on a category II kayak when you do not fully understand your paddling style and needs as a novice user. An example of this kind of kayak is the AdvancedFrame Convertible

Category III Kayaks

Category III kayaks are the toughest of the three categories and contain thick PVC, some with additional drop stitch floors. They are very durable and can last for 10 to 20 years.

These vessels can handle moderately-difficult waters, characterized by high and irregular waves, narrow passages, the risk of hitting rocks, and the risk of overturning. With these advantages, these kayaks are usually the choice of watersport veterans. An example of these kinds of kayaks would the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 RL or the Sea Eagle 380X.

2 or 3 Paddlers?

How many passengers do you want with you? The most common kind of tandem kayak typically accommodates one extra passenger. However, some can take two more passengers bringing the total number of occupants up to three. 

You need to make considerations not just for the number of paddlers but also the height of the paddlers. Some of the kayaks in the lower price tiers may be inadequate for taller users. Conversely, if there is one adult and two children, you may be able to get comfortably away with having three paddlers in a kayak.

Portability and Set-Up

One of the main draws of inflatable kayaks is the portability aspect. Being able to deflate your kayak means that you don’t have to worry about extra storage in your house or buying accessories such as roof racks for your car. However, keep in mind that the softest, most foldable kayaks are the most vulnerable to punctures.

The set-up time is also a key consideration when deciding which kayak to purchase. Usually, it takes anywhere from 7 to 12 minutes which is not too bad. Generally, the set-up time is more or less standardized across the board, but the shorter, the better.

So What’s The Best 2-person Inflatable Kayak?

For $500 or less, I would recommend the Intex Challenger K2 due to its ability to track well and provide good maneuverability depending on the skeg you attach to the kayak. The additional lumbar support is also a big plus.

In the sub $1000 category, I would recommend the Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track. Sea Eagle has a good reputation with kayak building, and they integrate modern technology to make their vessels as efficient as possible. The riding style for their boats cuts out unnecessary energy use. 

For the sub $1800 category, I would recommend the Sea Eagle 473 RL due to its customization options and increased cockpit space. If you’re paying that much for a kayak, you might as well get the best of the best.

Photo of author
Author:
Hey, there! My name is Derek and I have been around kayaks and canoes all my life. The last 5 years I recently turned my attention to inflatable kayaks and my world has been a lot more portable since! When I'm not kayaking I like to watch motorsports, play hockey and work on this site!