Favorite tandem? (for paddling, not fishing)

I'm looking at tandem kayaks for paddling, not fishing.  My girlfriend has wrist injuries and can't paddle by herself. I'm all set for fishing yaks, so this is for recreational paddling only.

What are your favorite tandems? I have been comparing the Malibu Two and Malibu Two XL. The Malibu Two XL seems better in most areas except solo paddling and surfing. Any comments? Any other tandems that you guys like?

Thanks!

How about a Hobie Tandem? 

If you aren't fishing, then why go SOT? In general, a SIK is going to be lighter for size and be faster for a given amount of effort.

The Nigel Dennis Triton is the sweetest tandem I've paddled, but you don't want to know what they cost. They're also not all that doofus friendly. But it shouldn't be too hard to find a used, not abused poly SIK tandem for under a grand.

Scott

How about a Hobie Tandem? 

Never even thought about it because I don't want mirage drive. Then I noticed the Kona is a paddle tandem. Looks nice. Ever paddle one?

How about a Hobie Tandem? 

Never even thought about it because I don't want mirage drive. Then I noticed the Kona is a paddle tandem. Looks nice. Ever paddle one?

No, not the tandem.  But I do know of a few non-mirage drive Hobie owners out there. 

I suggested it, because of what you said above:

My girlfriend has wrist injuries and can't paddle by herself.

Demo the OCean Kayak Zest 

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandems/zest_two_exp.html

If you aren't fishing, then why go SOT? In general, a SIK is going to be lighter for size and be faster for a given amount of effort.

The Nigel Dennis Triton is the sweetest tandem I've paddled, but you don't want to know what they cost. They're also not all that doofus friendly. But it shouldn't be too hard to find a used, not abused poly SIK tandem for under a grand.

Scott

The gf likes to move around and stretch out, so she prefers a SOT. The Triton fiberglass is "only" 4500 dollars! Their boats look amazing, though.

Demo the OCean Kayak Zest 

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandems/zest_two_exp.html

It looks a lot faster than the Malibu, but a bit heavy. I'll definitely demo one to see the difference.

Demo the OCean Kayak Zest 

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandems/zest_two_exp.html

It looks a lot faster than the Malibu, but a bit heavy. I'll definitely demo one to see the difference.

It will feel tippy at first but like anything else, the more you paddle it, the more you get used to it. If you decide on a zest, I highly suggest getting a rudder 

Demo the OCean Kayak Zest 

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandems/zest_two_exp.html

It looks a lot faster than the Malibu, but a bit heavy. I'll definitely demo one to see the difference.

It will feel tippy at first but like anything else, the more you paddle it, the more you get used to it. If you decide on a zest, I highly suggest getting a rudder 

Thanks Mooch. Hope you're feeling well these days.

If you aren't fishing, then why go SOT? In general, a SIK is going to be lighter for size and be faster for a given amount of effort.

The Nigel Dennis Triton is the sweetest tandem I've paddled, but you don't want to know what they cost. They're also not all that doofus friendly. But it shouldn't be too hard to find a used, not abused poly SIK tandem for under a grand.

Scott

The gf likes to move around and stretch out, so she prefers a SOT. The Triton fiberglass is "only" 4500 dollars! Their boats look amazing, though.

Gotcha.  And yeah, the Triton was awesome. Also, if memory serves, ND makes a breakdown version as well. If the regular glass boat is $4500, then the breakdown has got to be in the $6K range. If I ever win the lottery, I will buy two of them for the family, and we'll do a couple months touring SE AK.

I was actually looking at a slightly abused Zest in Craigslist today. It's got a cracked bow, but for $200, it might be something to think about.  I don't recall if it was sfbay.craiglist.org or sacramento.craigslist.org

Tarpon T13

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