Sharing a kayak with a partner changes the math. You need enough beam (hull width) for two paddlers, room to mount a trolling motor without an awkward balance, and seating that won’t punish you after a four-hour drift. This lineup pulls together tandem inflatables, sit-on-top recreational hulls, and pedal-drive platforms that all play well with a small electric outboard or trolling motor. Anglers who split weekends between calm lakes and slow rivers, beginners bringing along a friend or a kid, and couples who want the platform to handle both fishing and casual touring should find something that fits.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
TIGERXBANG 10.2′ Inflatable SUP-Kayak with Detachable Seat
BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Fishing Kayak
TIGERXBANG 12.8′ Inflatable Tandem Kayak for Fishing
TIGERXBANG 11′ Inflatable Fishing Kayak with Camera Base
Goplus 11.5′ Inflatable Tandem Kayak
Old Town Malibu Two 12′ Sit-on-Top Kayak
TIGERXBANG 12.6′ SUP-Kayak Set with Detachable Seat
TIGERXBANG 13.8′ Inflatable 2 Person Kayak
Sea Eagle 437ps PaddleSki Inflatable Catamaran
Why These Options Stand Out
This is the most entry-level item in the lineup, and the hybrid SUP-kayak design is what sets it apart. A SUP, short for stand-up paddleboard, is a flat-deck board you paddle while standing; pairing that platform with a removable kayak seat turns the same hull into a seated craft, which is how this TIGERXBANG reads in the specs.
The 10.2-foot length and 35-inch width give it a stable feel that forgives the kind of weight shift you get from a first-time paddler. For a couple figuring out whether tandem kayaking is even a thing they want to commit to, the included hand pump, aluminum oar, and backpack kit mean the only real upfront decision is where to put it.
Practical Pluses
- Doubles as a paddleboard, giving you two activities for the storage footprint of one
- Wide 35-inch beam keeps the platform forgiving when a passenger shifts weight
- Backpack-style carry bag makes it a fit for apartments without roof racks
- Bow and stern straps let you lash a dry bag or tackle box without rigging
Things To Consider
- The 10.2-foot length is short for two adults with a trolling motor mounted; expect sluggish tracking (the ability of a hull to hold a straight line) in any current
- Inflatable PVC owners commonly report that valves need occasional checks before each launch
Best Suited To
New paddlers or couples sharing a single kayak on calm, sheltered water where a motor is rarely used.
Consider Something Else When
The BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Fishing Kayak is the better match for anglers who actually want to deploy a motor on long fishing days.
The BKC Brooklyn is the only rigid-hull tandem in this roundup, and that matters once you start thinking seriously about motor compatibility. A 13.5-foot rotomolded (rotationally molded, a process that produces a seamless, durable plastic shell) hull with a wide beam gives it the displacement and buoyancy to mount a small trolling motor without the bow riding high.
What really sets it apart is the dual flipper pedal drive, a pedal-driven fin system that lets both riders contribute to forward motion while keeping their hands free for rods. For a partner team that wants to cover water, fish standing up, and still have the option to clip on an electric motor, the platform is purpose-built for that scenario.
Advantages To Know
- Hands-free propulsion means one person can fish while the other steers or pedals
- Stable enough to stand and cast, which most inflatables in this list cannot promise
- 13.5-foot length tracks well with or without a motor helping out
- Rigid plastic shell resists the kind of puncture anxiety that comes with inflatables
Worth Noting
- At 13.5 feet, you need a roof rack or trailer; it does not fold into a closet
- Pedal systems tend to require occasional flushing to keep grit from grinding the cables
Right Fit For
Serious tandem anglers who want pedal-and-motor flexibility and have the storage space for a hard-shell craft.
Skip It When
The TIGERXBANG 12.8′ Inflatable Tandem Kayak for Fishing suits you better if you do not have a roof rack and need a hull that packs down.
If the BKC Brooklyn is the performance pick, this TIGERXBANG 12.8 is the family-room option. At just over 12 feet long and 37 inches wide, the deck has enough floor space for an adult paddler up front, a smaller paddler or kid in back, plus a cooler that doubles as a seat.
The PVC construction is the same heavy-duty material category you’ll find on most inflatables here, but the tandem-specific layout, including a second seat and adjustable paddles, means there’s no piecing together accessories after the fact. For weekends where the priority is getting the whole crew on the lake with a minimum of gear fuss, this lands in the right place.
Where It Delivers
- 12.8-foot length gives genuine two-adult legroom without feeling cramped
- Wide 37-inch beam makes tipping unlikely when the dog hops aboard
- Comes with two paddles and a repair kit, so you skip accessory shopping
- Deflates into a manageable bag for a sedan trunk
Room For Improvement
- Not as rigid as the BKC Brooklyn, so motor mounting requires a more careful transom plate setup (a flat panel attached to the stern that supports the motor clamp)
- Setup takes longer than a hard-shell, roughly 15 to 20 minutes from bag to water
Made For
Families with mixed-size paddlers who want a stable inflatable that handles passengers and gear without drama.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Old Town Malibu Two 12′ Sit-on-Top Kayak is a better match for paddlers who want a hard-shell and plan to fish standing regularly.
The 11-foot length and 47-inch beam make this the widest hull in the roundup, and that extra width reads as stability on the water. Where it differs from the other TIGERXBANG inflatables is the camera base accessory and lightweight folding design, which together position this as a content-friendly kayak for anglers who like to document their trips.
For travelers, renters, or anyone storing their kayak in a closet rather than a garage, the included backpack and efficient hand pump cut setup down to roughly ten minutes. You will trade some tracking performance for that portability, but the trade is reasonable for the use case.
What Earns Its Place
- 47-inch beam gives exceptional primary stability (the initial steadiness felt when sitting still)
- Lightweight fold-down design fits in a small apartment closet
- Camera base mount is a nice fit for anglers who shoot their own trip footage
- Comfortable seats with back support reduce fatigue on long days
Points To Keep In Mind
- The wider beam makes it slower to paddle than longer, narrower inflatables
- Inflatable seating tends to lose firmness over multi-hour trips and may need a quick top-off
Who Will Love This
Renters, apartment dwellers, and traveling anglers who need a packable kayak that still handles two paddlers comfortably.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The TIGERXBANG 13.8′ Inflatable 2 Person Kayak is a better fit if you want more length for tracking and longer touring days.
Goplus brings a different material emphasis than its TIGERXBANG neighbors. The reinforced heavy-duty PVC construction in this 11.5-foot tandem prioritizes durability over weight savings, and the 352-pound weight capacity tells you the hull is built to take two adults plus a day of gear without bottoming out.
For anglers who treat their kayak more like a truck than a sports car, that extra material weight is the right call. The included aluminum paddles, two inflatable backrests, and a footrest round out a kit that doesn’t require accessory shopping.
Notable Gains
- 352-pound capacity handles two adults plus a cooler and tackle with room to spare
- Reinforced PVC resists the abrasion you get from rocky launches and oyster beds
- Two inflatable backrests and a footrest give a more relaxed seating posture
- Aluminum paddles are stiffer and more durable than fiberglass entry-level options
Honest Caveats
- Heavier than other inflatables in this list, so the carry bag gets noticeably heavier on the hike to the launch
- Inflatable footrests sit lower than rigid molded foot pegs, which tall paddlers may find under-supported
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Practical anglers who want a heavier-duty inflatable that handles two adults and a full day of gear.
Look Elsewhere When
The TIGERXBANG 11′ Inflatable Fishing Kayak with Camera Base suits you better if lighter carry weight and packability are the priority.
Old Town has been in the rotomold game long enough that the Malibu Two feels like the conservative choice on this list. The 12-foot sit-on-top platform is a familiar shape on rental fleets nationwide, and the patented overlapping foot wells let a solo paddler center themselves when the partner skips a trip.
The stackable hull design, which lets multiple Malibus nest together, makes this the kayak for someone storing two or three at a rental property or family cabin. Padded seats with backrests and large cup holders at each station sound minor until you’ve spent a day on a kayak without them.
The Good Stuff
- Rotomolded polyethylene shell is harder to damage than any inflatable in this list
- Overlapping foot wells let one person paddle solo from the center position
- Stackable hull design saves serious space in a garage or rental fleet
- QuickStash dry hatch keeps phones and keys out of splash range
Some Limits To Know
- Requires a roof rack or trailer, which adds to the total cost of ownership
- Heavier to cart to the water’s edge than any inflatable option
Who Should Grab It
Recurring weekend paddlers who want a long-service-life hull and have the storage and transport for a 12-foot hard-shell.
Swap It Out When
The Goplus 11.5′ Inflatable Tandem Kayak is a better fit if you lack roof storage and need a hull that packs into a closet.
The 12.6-foot length and 40-inch beam put this hybrid SUP-kayak right in the sweet spot for two paddlers who also want to stand and fish. The “SUP-Kayak” label means the deck sits higher than a typical sit-inside kayak, which translates to better visibility and easier casting from a standing position.
The two removable fins deliver the directional control that wider inflatables usually lack, and the multi-functional base mount is the standout accessory. You can swap in a fish finder, a camera, or a rod holder without permanent rigging.
Notable Upsides
- Multi-functional base mount accepts camera, fish finder, or rod holder without drilling
- Two removable fins improve tracking, which is a weak point on most wide inflatables
- 12.6-foot length handles two adults comfortably while staying under 35 pounds in carry weight
- Side handles and bow/stern grab lines ease the carry from car to water
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Hybrid SUP-kayak seating sits higher than a traditional sit-inside, which lowers center of gravity benefits
- Accessory mounting points add complexity if you prefer a stripped-down setup
Built With In Mind
Anglers who want the standing visibility of a SUP plus kayak seating, and who plan to mount electronics.
Not Your Match When
The Old Town Malibu Two 12′ Sit-on-Top Kayak is a better match if you prefer a low-profile hard-shell and do not need accessory mounts.
This is the longest inflatable in the roundup at 13.8 feet, and that length is the headline feature. A longer waterline (the length of the hull touching the water) means better glide and tracking, which matters most when you clip on a trolling motor and let the hull do the work for hours.
The included foot pedals are the unusual accessory here, giving passengers something to do with their feet on long runs and improving bracing power when the water gets choppy. With the double paddles, hand pump, and multifunctional accessories in the box, this is the most touring-ready inflatable in the roundup.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- 13.8-foot waterline gives the best glide of any inflatable on this list
- Foot pedals add bracing and reduce leg fatigue on multi-hour trips
- Multifunctional accessory bundle covers paddling, fishing, and mounting needs
- Still packs into the included backpack despite the longer length
Possible Compromises
- Larger inflated footprint takes more garage or closet space to stage before launch
- Longer hulls can feel less responsive in tight, twisty waterways
Key Attributes
The Right Fit
Touring-oriented tandem paddlers who want the longest, fastest inflatable that still deflates for transport.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Fishing Kayak suits you better if you want a rigid hull and a built-in pedal drive system.
The Sea Eagle 437ps is the only catamaran-style hull in this roundup, and the two widely spaced inflatable tubes give it a kind of stability that single-hull inflatables cannot match. The “4-in-1” framing means it ships ready to paddle, motor, sail, or fish, which is unusual.
The self-bailing feature, which lets spray and water drain through the deck rather than pool up, is the kind of detail that saves a trip when weather turns. For someone who wants one watercraft that handles weekend fishing, casual sailing, and paddle exploring without owning three boats, this is the one to weigh.
A Few Strong Suits
- Catamaran twin-tube design resists tipping in ways single-hull kayaks cannot
- Self-bailing deck keeps water from pooling during chop or rain
- Configurable for paddle, motor, sail, or fishing without buying a separate hull
- Inflates from a packed bag, so no roof rack is required for transport or storage
Potential Sticking Points
- Wider beam means it does not fit in narrow waterway access points or skinny marsh channels
- Multi-configuration rigging takes more setup time than a single-purpose kayak
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Versatile water-sports households who want one craft that swaps between paddling, motoring, sailing, and fishing.
Another Choice May Suit
The TIGERXBANG 12.6′ SUP-Kayak Set with Detachable Seat is a better fit if you only need paddle and fishing modes.
What To Weigh Before Choosing A Tandem Fishing Kayak
Length and beam matter more than people expect. A longer waterline tracks straighter under motor power, which means less correcting and less drift when you’re lining up on a fish. A wider beam adds stability for standing casts and passenger movement but costs you glide speed and makes the hull harder to paddle in tight channels. For tandem use with a trolling motor, 12 feet or longer with at least a 34-inch beam is the practical floor.
Material dictates ownership cost. Rotomolded polyethylene shells like the Old Town Malibu Two resist damage and UV better than any inflatable, but they need a roof rack and weigh more to carry. PVC inflatables pack into a closet and store in a small apartment, but expect occasional valve checks, fin checks, and a small puncture kit as part of routine ownership.
Motor compatibility is where the spec sheet matters most. A small electric trolling motor in the 30 to 55 pound thrust range is the realistic match for almost every tandem on this list. Verify that the kayak has a transom plate or motor mount attachment point before adding a motor to your cart. Inflatables usually need an aftermarket bracket, while the BKC Brooklyn’s rigid hull accepts standard clamp-on mounts directly.
Seating and layout drive comfort on long days. Padded seats with backrests, footrests or foot pedals, and cup holders sound like small things until you’ve spent four hours on the water. Tandem-specific layouts that put each paddler in a defined zone tend to feel less cramped than solo kayaks repurposed for two adults.
Common Buying Slip Ups And When The Upgrade Pays Off
Pitfalls Worth Dodging
Choosing the shortest hull that fits two people leads to cramped decks and poor tracking under motor power. Look at the waterline length, not just the “fits two paddlers” claim. Skipping motor-mount verification is the other common miss; not every inflatable has a transom plate or the rigidity to clamp a motor without flexing. Check the kayak’s motor-mount specs before you commit.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier tandems earn their cost through hull rigidity, more included accessories, and tougher PVC grades. The Sea Eagle and BKC sit at the top because they replace other watercraft rather than just adding to your garage. If you fish more than ten weekends a year or want pedal or sail modes, the upgrade pays off in versatility. Casual weekend paddlers who store their kayak in a closet will find a mid-tier TIGERXBANG or Goplus delivers everything they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any of these kayaks handle a trolling motor?
Most can with the right mount, but you need to verify transom plate or motor bracket compatibility before adding a motor to your cart. Inflatables usually need an aftermarket bracket, while rigid hulls like the BKC Brooklyn accept standard clamp-on mounts.
Are inflatable tandem kayaks safe for two adults?
Yes, when the listed weight capacity covers both paddlers plus gear. The Goplus 11.5′ and the TIGERXBANG 12.8′ both list capacities that handle two average adults with room for a day of gear.
How long does it take to inflate these kayaks?
Plan on roughly 10 to 20 minutes from bag to water with the included hand pump. A separate 12-volt electric pump cuts that to a few minutes and is a common accessory add-on.
Do I need a roof rack for any of these?
The inflatable options all deflate into a carry bag that fits in a car trunk. The Old Town Malibu Two and BKC Brooklyn are rigid 12-to-13.5-foot hulls that require a roof rack or trailer.
What is the difference between a SUP-kayak and a traditional kayak?
A SUP-kayak uses a higher deck that lets you paddle standing like a stand-up paddleboard or sit on the included removable seat. Traditional kayaks use a lower deck with molded-in seating and a covered cockpit.
The Takeaway
The right tandem fishing kayak depends less on specs and more on how you store, transport, and use it. Apartment dwellers and renters will find the inflatable options friendlier. Anglers with a roof rack and a serious fishing habit will get more from the BKC Brooklyn or Old Town Malibu. Pick the hull that fits your car, your closet, and your usual water, and the motor choice will follow naturally.