We (my wife and I) are looking for a recreational tandem to use on slow moving rivers, small calm ponds, and protected harbors and tidal rivers. We like what we see and hear about the Wilderness Pamlico 135T. Does anyone have any other suggestions along this line?
Oh yeah, sometimes we would have our 80 lb chocolate lab with us (either together or solo).
Thanks…
Recreational Tandems
Demo’d this
I paddled both the Old Town Loon 138T and 160T with another experienced paddler. Both are nice craft. I would chose the 160T and never look back. Haven’t any experience with the Pamlico. The longer of the two Loons is heavier, but more comfortable, better handling, and less chance to smack paddles while you are learning to stroke together.
Taj
Pam 135T
We love this yak. It is fast, stable, and tracks straight (even in moderately heavy winds). The only issue is that it is much heavier than advertised- the true weight is approximately 70 lbs. (but most rec tandems tend to be heavy). Phase 3 seating is very comfortable.
old town
we paddle a old town 160t WITH A RUDDER,i added the rudder later what a difference; we paddle mainly at the mouth of the cheasapeake bay as far as i’m concern it is a great kayak
Also looking into a tandem
I have a Perception Acadia 12.5 and am very pleased with it. I also want to get a tandem kayak for my family and was considering the Perception Acadia II since I’ve had such good luck with my Perception kayak. Do any of you have the Acadia II? Is there something better? I knew once my family tried mine out that I’d have to buy another one. I mostly paddle on a big lake, but sometimes take it out on the south shore of Long Island.
Instead
of a tandem kayak, how about a canoe? In a tandem kayak your paddle strokes have to be in sync because you’re sitting so close to each other. I was out the other day with a friend in a tandem and I sure wish I’d had a canoe.
Tandem Yak
My wife and I have no trouble paddling in sync in a tandem kayak. However, it does get very tricky when you are on a very winding creek or river (at those times, I begin to understand why they call a tandem kayak a “divorce boat”).
Most of the time we are in sync, paddle swiftly, track straight and have a great time.
Another advantage is that when one of us gets tired, the other can paddle; albeit not as swiftly when you paddle from the back or the front separately.
Love my pamlico 145 t pro
I think it (and it’s plastic brother) carries more speed and more reassuring secondary stability than many of it’s would-be equivalents.
With 400 pounds in it it is as full as I want it. IN other words, the max weights are max weights not max comfy or speedy weights.
With that dog, go for the 145 or 160, I bet you’ll be glad you did
Loon 160T
As far as stability and paddling fun we love our Loon 160T. While it is a monster to portage or cartop it is great on the water.
Expecially when one of the kids are under the weather, or fishing, or taking unexperienced people out.
When soloing this boat it is easy to stand and take a look around if you need.
Just wish it was lighter.
control
when you paddle the 2 of you have to work together;my girl friend and i have been paddling a tamdem for 3 years and i have had a tandem since 98;my sons used to paddle with me when they were younger;they are very tricky in the wind if you don’t have a rudder;we paddle in the chesapeake bay and the wind and current can be strong at times,we could not paddle the way we do in a canoe;we have been out when there has been a good swell also; we also go out in the ocean;we take lots of pictures of dolphins and pelicans
Carolina II
We have a couple Acadia 12.5’s and have enjoyed them in lots of circumstances. We have a Perception Carolina II tandem and though heavy at 65 lbs. it tracks well, has a rudder which helps in the wind, and is very comfortable.
We use umbrellas to catch the wind and steer with the rudder. We went up river against the current at 4 mph without paddling. Pretty cool.
Another vote for the Loon 160T
Bought mine a year ago.
Often paddle it solo, and have taken several extended trips with it. One was 65 miles/3 days; another was over 90 miles in 4 days. And this was with a LOT of gear: tent, stove, chair, lantern, 5 gallons water, etc, etc, etc. With a 500 lb capacity, it’s tempting to load it like a barge!
When my wife and I go together, we have a great time as well. It is important for tracking that the heavier person be in back. If you’re going to be doing a lot of open water paddling, then a rudder might be handy. I don’t have one; don’t need one solo; sometimes would like one when two of us are crossing open water. Depends on your paddling experience.
I found it important to get decent paddles. I sprung about $140 each for Aquabound Seacludes. They’re not too heavy. After 4 days of paddling, my arms weren’t sore. However, my posterior was another thing. The advantages of a padded seat become apparent after a couple days on the river.
I found that buying a 220 and 230 was the best choice. The 220cm seems better for the forward paddler, and the 230 for the aft. You can also recombine them into two 225s. I use the 230 solo downstream and across lakes, but switch to the 220 upstream and against the wind.
I have a small cart to transport the boat to the water. This is imperative. Even with two people, it is a lot of boat to lug. With a cart, it’s a breeze for one.
This boat is rock stable! I feel extremely safe in it.
See the Product Reviews for more info.
Good luck!
Thanks…
To everyone that answered, let me say thanks. It was all good information, and gives me a little more to consider.