Newbie - Advice, direction and general information
 

New to Kayaking and looking for a tandem kayak to be used on lakes / rivers and possible inter coastal (Hilton Head, SC type). Will be used for fishing plus general recreational use (Kids)

Looking at Tandem (trying not to go Canoe)

Sit on top vs. sit in kayaks?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Budget conscious so please no .. Hobie responses. I would love to get one if I could. I can't.

Has anyone hear of Crescent Kayaks? There is a local outfitter in my area that can outfit to include flush mounted rod holders and more for a reasonable price.

Thoughts, reviews, experience?

Thanks in advance

Re: Newbie - Advice, direction and general information
 

I don't have a tandem kayak but have used one, in fact my dad and brother rented one this weekend and loved it, it was their first time out let alone fishing from one. There are lots of options out there, I wouldn't recommend spending the extra money getting the flush mount rod holders installed. Most kayaks now have them already there!! If you plan on taking kids out on it I definitely don't recommend a sit in one. If it does happen to tip, you don't want to worry about them being stuck, besides that, sit on tops are typically more stable due to their width. Here are some good options:

Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL
Wilderness Sys. Tarpon 130T
Native Watersports Magic 14.5 (best but most expensive...IMO)
Native Ultimate 14.5
Future Beach Nexus 160T

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Re: Newbie - Advice, direction and general information
 

Go SOT for sure. This will allow you to paddle the boat as a solo if desired assuming you get one of the boats that is designed this way. Wilderness 130T, OK Malibu 2 and Malibu 2xl, and Malibu Kayaks Pro2Tandem all offer a single seat position.

For your best value its really had to beat a Wilderness 130t at $850 INCLUDING 2 seats.