Tandem kayaks have been all the rage in the last couple of years. As for those who wish to spend more time with their family and loved ones this type of kayak could be a very appropriate option. The ability to seat a child in the front of the kayak while having an adult at the back provides a perfect opportunity for the child to learn the ropes of how a kayak maneuvers.
But regardless of this fact the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a lightweight and portable boat suitable for all sizes of persons and is very flexible when it comes to its uses. From paddling on lakes to two-day trips down a river this kayak will stand the test of time.
Thus, If you are looking to learn a bit more about why tandem kayaks are a great option for purchasing then please refer to our in-depth guide found in the tabs above. However, if you are set on purchasing and kayak and do not know which one to go for then feel free to read our review of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two below.
Specifications of Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
- Length: 12ft
- Width: 34in
- Weight: 57lbs
- Capacity: 375-425lbs
- Type: Tandem
- User/s: Two or Three (including a child)
Why Choose the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two?
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a simplistically designed kayak which, helps in keeping the weight of the kayak to a minimum. This assists those who are looking for a boat that is portable as the main problem associated with tandem kayaks is the lack of portability due to both the weight and the length of the kayaks.
Thus, the length of the Malibu Two is sufficient and the weight is light therefore allowing consumers to mount the kayak either to a roof rack or strap to the back of the pick-up truck.
Malibu Two’s simplistic design also assists in terms of the ease of use aspect. As for those who consider themselves kayaking novices this kayak provides low barriers to entry in terms of technical ability.
The wide width of the hull provides for a stable ride and ease at which you can board and sit down on the deck due to sit-on-top design leaves this kayak open to a wide range of consumers.
Advantages of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable seats both front and back
- Plenty storage space at the bow of the kayak
- Tracks well on flat water
- Stability is second to none due to wide hull design
- Very portable considering the type of kayak
- Sturdy design suitable for most types of kayaking
- The industrial heavy-duty plastic used means the hull is very durable
Disadvantages of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
- A simplistic design does mean it does lack certain features
- It would benefit from a bungee mesh front and back instead of straps.
- The padding on the side carrying handles isn’t the best.
- The inclusion of adjustable foot braces would help provide users with better posture and comfort
- With any good kayak comes a cup holder
Features of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
One of the most important aspects when it comes to tandem kayaks is the seating used by them. This can be a make or break for a lot of them as many users wish to use the kayak for an extended period of time.
As such, the Ocean Malibu Two seats provide a comfortable ride in which they give the user ample back support and seat cushion. The seats are also adjustable in terms of their positioning allowing for changes dependant on the combinations of adult and adult or child and adult. To adjust for better stability and traction when paddling.
The seats also have molded footrests built in along the side of the hull which help keep users postures in the right place. But we do feel the kayak would benefit from adjustable footbraces instead as you do tend to slip off the foot rests due to lack of grip.
Though overall the seat and the footrests are sufficient in terms of providing users the flexibility of options when it comes to who is using the kayak all while maintaining their good posture and stability while paddling on the water.
Extra Features of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
It is again worth pointing out that if you are looking for a kayak with very little frills but a great price then the Ocean kayak Malibu will probably the one for you. The kayak is designed so that it looks professional and appealing to the eye thanks to a range of colors.
But, the design team at Ocean Kayaks has made sure that their priority was to design a kayak that performs well regardless of its bells and whistles.
Storage Features of the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Although this is mainly supposed to be utilized as a two seater sit-on-top tandem kayak. It can also be adapted so that it can be used for fishing purposes quite easily. If you disregard the area for the child at the front of the kayak this is the perfect location to store a cooler and or fishing equipment you may need.
The Malibu Two does provide gear straps at the front and back but we feel buying a small amount of mesh bungee and attaching that would help in better secure your load.
Small changes at relatively inexpensive prices could change this kayak into a fully fledged angler tandem kayak pretty easily by further installing gear mounting rods and paddle holders.
However, this does not take away from the fact that with two users this kayak has plenty of space on the deck and between people’s legs to store all the gear you need for a day paddling.
Summing It Up
The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 is a great all-round kayak that provides those that wish to experience tandem kayaking at a relatively inexpensive price point. The boat is lightweight and portable compared to that of its brand competitors. Finally, small changes could be made in terms of fishing gear in order to easily turn this kayak into a tandem angler.