tandem family/fishing recommendations - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

pbb · 07-02-2014, 12:03 AM

So I have a single fishing kayak for myself, but I am thinking of getting a tandem, mostly for the family, but also for possible occasional use as a solo fishing yak for friends.

I'm looking for your suggestions. I'm not interested in spending a lot of money and I'll be looking for something used, so I'm looking for models that are commonly available. So no, I'm not going to get a Jackson Big Tuna. Or for that matter a Hobie. I'm not looking to spend any more than $500. I know I can get a used rental Malibu Pro 2 with seats and paddles at that price.

Since I'll be looking for a used one, feel free to suggest models which are discontinued, if they are still commonly available used.

So I guess I'm asking which general purpose tandem would make the best "loaner" solo fishing kayak (without major modifications)?

Malibu Pro 2?

OK Malibu 2? Malibu 2 XL?

Cobra Tandem?

Others?

Anyone have any intel on when the next OEX Malibu blem sale will be?

inbx3 · 07-02-2014, 06:42 AM

Years ago when OEX was in Point Loma, I got a used, and I mean USED, Hobe Kona for $350. Nothing fancy, no seats, paddles, or hatches just a kayak. It was right after DATD and they had some special going on. Used that as my fishing kayak for a while until I got a "real" fishing kayak. Now the kids use it and love it. I just recently installed 2 Scotty flush mount rod holders and my nephew used it for the HOW MB tourney a few months ago.

roby · 07-02-2014, 07:16 AM

Only a few of the tandem kayaks can go solo. And by that I mean, the solo kayaker doesn't have to sit in the back seat. Instead, he can ride in the middle, which makes for a more balanced ride and you can put a bait tank or crate behind yourself. Check the attachments and the hardware on the used tandem kayak you plan to buy and see if you can move the back seat to the middle.

I owned an older Malibu Pro 2 tandem that converted like this. The newer Malibu Pro 2s don't have this conversion (ask Andy from OEX to verify).

In reality, all the major brands have tandems that will do what you want. Just check the layout and see if it suits your fishing needs. I forgot to mention - some of the tandems can ride three people as well. You typically can add a small kid or pet in the middle section.

Iceman · 07-02-2014, 08:07 AM

The 3 you mentioned are all good options and depending upon the year, all do allow solo center seating, MK reverted back to this design a couple years ago. $500-$600 with seats and paddles is what you should expect to pay.

pbb · 07-02-2014, 05:52 PM

Thanks for the responses...

Sdspeed · 07-02-2014, 06:28 PM

here ya go

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/spo/4549123987.html

07-02-2014, 12:03 AM	#1
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	tandem family/fishing recommendations So I have a single fishing kayak for myself, but I am thinking of getting a tandem, mostly for the family, but also for possible occasional use as a solo fishing yak for friends. I'm looking for your suggestions. I'm not interested in spending a lot of money and I'll be looking for something used, so I'm looking for models that are commonly available. So no, I'm not going to get a Jackson Big Tuna. Or for that matter a Hobie. I'm not looking to spend any more than $500. I know I can get a used rental Malibu Pro 2 with seats and paddles at that price. Since I'll be looking for a used one, feel free to suggest models which are discontinued, if they are still commonly available used. So I guess I'm asking which general purpose tandem would make the best "loaner" solo fishing kayak (without major modifications)? Malibu Pro 2? OK Malibu 2? Malibu 2 XL? Cobra Tandem? Others? Anyone have any intel on when the next OEX Malibu blem sale will be?

07-02-2014, 07:16 AM	#3
roby CEO of Team Roby Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 905	Only a few of the tandem kayaks can go solo. And by that I mean, the solo kayaker doesn't have to sit in the back seat. Instead, he can ride in the middle, which makes for a more balanced ride and you can put a bait tank or crate behind yourself. Check the attachments and the hardware on the used tandem kayak you plan to buy and see if you can move the back seat to the middle. I owned an older Malibu Pro 2 tandem that converted like this. The newer Malibu Pro 2s don't have this conversion (ask Andy from OEX to verify). In reality, all the major brands have tandems that will do what you want. Just check the layout and see if it suits your fishing needs. I forgot to mention - some of the tandems can ride three people as well. You typically can add a small kid or pet in the middle section. Last edited by roby; 07-02-2014 at 07:22 AM.

07-02-2014, 08:07 AM	#4
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	The 3 you mentioned are all good options and depending upon the year, all do allow solo center seating, MK reverted back to this design a couple years ago. $500-$600 with seats and paddles is what you should expect to pay. __________________

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07-02-2014, 06:42 AM	#2
inbx3 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: san diego Posts: 144	Years ago when OEX was in Point Loma, I got a used, and I mean USED, Hobe Kona for $350. Nothing fancy, no seats, paddles, or hatches just a kayak. It was right after DATD and they had some special going on. Used that as my fishing kayak for a while until I got a "real" fishing kayak. Now the kids use it and love it. I just recently installed 2 Scotty flush mount rod holders and my nephew used it for the HOW MB tourney a few months ago.

07-02-2014, 05:52 PM	#5
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	Thanks for the responses...

07-02-2014, 06:28 PM	#6
Sdspeed Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 732	here ya go http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/spo/4549123987.html