What you Need to Know Before Buying a 2 person Kayak

In episode #14 #AskNorth40, Blake with NuCanoe, jokingly refers to hearing complaints about how two seater canoes and tandem kayaks are called "divorce boats"... because they don't work very well. He is quick to clearly point out that it doesn't have to be that way.

Blake is an owner at NuCanoe. NuCanoe, an excellent company based out of Bellingham, Washington, that manufactures kayaks and kayak accessories.

On their website NuCanoe explains, "Fishing in a kayak with your spouse, child, or friend is an awesome experience... if you have the right tandem fishing kayak!"

The Most Important Issue when Looking at 2 Person Kayaks

So, when you are shopping around for a two seater kayak what is the most important thing you need to make sure you have? Blake states, that with two people fishing out of a kayak, the main and most important issue to consider is space.

You need to be able to move one way or the other without losing your center of gravity is. There has to be room for yourself, your gear, and the other person.

Stability is also an important factor when considering a two person kayak. Followed then by, the ease of paddling. You have to figure out how you are going to get around once you are out there on the water. Blake offers that he and his wife take one paddle and then take turns paddling. However, some kayaks like NuCanoe's Frontier 12 can also easily be fitted with a motor.

The great thing about NuCanoe's Frontier 12 is that it's possible to customize your model with a wide range of accessories including this Nucanoe Slide Mount. Adding a Freedom Track into the kayak enables you to add seats that provide 360 degree seating, where sitting in any direction helps you maximize your fishing.

Also, don't forget to ask yourself if you need accessories like casting bars that offer support. Casting bars not only let you steady yourself while standing, they also act as a support to lean against when casting.

The Bottom Line when it comes to buying a Tandem Kayak

The bottom line is, as Blake puts it, "You have to consider your comfort and fishabilty--so that you can maneuver, turn, twist, and cast as you need to."

He adds, "You want to focus on what you are doing so that you don't have to be tending to your kayak, or managing your balance, or constantly readjusting--because your back isn't feeling good."

You can check out our selection of kayaks and other watercraft we have online right here.

In the end, make sure the two seater you get has the space you need, is stable, and offers you ease of paddling. Blake points out that you should have confidence on the water so that you can focus on what you are there for. Fishing!