About The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem is on the larger side of tandem kayaks. This sit-on-top tandem kayak that has the ability to be used as a single person kayak if desired, which is part of what makes it so interesting and versatile.
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is geared towards families and people that enjoy team kayaking, the front seat can actually be turned around which is perfect for socializing on the water, and is a popular choice on the tandem kayak market, with good reviews popping up all over the net.
So is it worth the hype? Let’s have a look at the good, the bad and special features of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem.
Positive Features and Points
It has a moulded seat base
The moulded seat bases work great with ocean kayak clip in seats. Ocean kayak clip in seats provide a little bit of padding and a lot of back support, making for a more comfortable ride. These seats are easily removable and provide lumbar support.
It has drainage holes
Like any good sit-on-top, this kayak is fitted with drainage holes. The drainage hole ensure that there will be no flooding or sinking and you don’t have to manually pump out or drain water from the kayak.
It can function as a tandem or solo kayak
As mentioned above, you are able to convert this tandem kayak into an individual seater if you want to, simply by moving the seat position. It is much easier to operate with two people but the option for individual paddling is there. This is a huge plus if you are interested in calmer water kayak camping.
It has stern and bow carry handles
The carry handles at the bow and stern of this kayak are strong and make transporting your kayak easy. The handles have a contoured grip which makes carrying the heavy kayak more comfortable.
It has a lot of leg room
Another pro of a larger kayak, there is a lot of space for you to spread your legs while you’re out there on the water, without having to get out of your kayak. This means more time spent comfortably enjoying your time on the water in your tandem kayak.
It has a patented overlapping foot rest
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two as adjustable foot rests, which means that you can adjust the rests to the perfect length for you to feel your most comfortable and effective when paddling. This is a totally unique feature to the kayak and paired with the adjustable seats, makes this kayak outstanding the comfort department.
It’s durable
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is made of thick and hard plastic. The plastic is really strong and it is unlikely to be damaged by knocks and scrapes during the moving of the kayak or any rocks or debris the kayak may be hauled over when being lowered into the water or pulled out of the water. The thick plastic makes this kayak a safe choice.
It can hold over four hundred pounds
You can safely fit yourself, your friend and all of your equipment and baggage onto this kayak without a problem. The kayak also has a lot of storage space. The kayak has multiple hulls stacking as well as dock storage. The high weight capacity and roomy storage spaces make this kayak perfect for recreational kayaking for two or even more people.
Negative Features and Points
It’s heavy, wide and slow
The reason the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two can hold so much weight and is so roomy is because it’s big and wide. This kayak is built at a width of thirty four inches. This kayak is extra wide and because of this it’s slower than other ocean kayaks and requires a lot more effort to paddle. So even though it can be used as a single kayak, it is a job best done by two.
It’s bigger and therefore harder to transport
At twelve feet and nearly sixty pounds, this kayak is not a small boat! Loading it onto a car roof rack takes some effort and cannot easily be done alone, which is not the end of the world as it is a tandem and therefore you probably won’t be transporting the kayak by yourself.
The upper deck plastic has a rough finish
This rough finish means that the surface of the plastic is quite porous. The small holes in the plastic tend to get clogged with sand or dirt and can make the surface of the kayak look dirty. Not anything permanent, but it can be annoying.
It has no bow or stern bungees
Bow and stern bungees are basically just flexible bungee cords that are woven into the stern and bow of the kayak and perform a variety of functions, including functioning as a point of grip and helping during the transportation of the kayak. The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is not fitted with bow or stern bungees which can make transportation a bit more difficult.
It does not have moulded cup holders
While this really is not any kind of deal breaker, it can be kind of inconvenient. It’s important to stay hydrated when engaging in any kind of physical exertion, and that is easier done when you have a place to store your water bottle.
It’s not a good glider
Unsurprisingly, this big, wide and heavy kayak is not a graceful or fast glider. This kayak is not built for speed and to get it to glide well would take an immense amount of power and effort.
Our Final Thoughts
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem really is the perfect sit-on-top kayak for those looking to kayak with their friends, families or dogs. While this kayak does have a few negative points, the overall reviews have been positive, and the negative points are not anything that could be considered a deal breaker.
While the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two retails between about six hundred and seven hundred dollars US, and we think that it is definitely worth the money. It’s sturdy and durable whilst also being flexible, comfortable and safe, which is exactly what you want when you’re on the water with your friends and family.
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a great kayak for those who want to learn to tandem kayak as well as experienced kayakers.