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After considerable research including incorporating various models into our (previous) tour fleets, we have narrowed it down to just a few double sea kayaks that we feel come up tops in terms of features, performance and overall value for money. Below we have listed the kayaks according to length. The longer the kayak in relation to the width, the faster and more efficient it is to paddle. But first let's look at the fibreglass vs plastic debate......
Fibreglass vs Plastic
Traditionally most kayaks were made of fibreglass (composites) but more recently plastic has become more and more popular. Many of the traditional old fibreglass kayaks and canoes were very heavy and not all that efficient, but now-days the fibreglass kayaks are usually lighter than their plastic counterparts.
Kayak design will play a large role in determining the speed, weight, stability and strength of a kayak, these features cannot be determined based on construction materials alone. For the purpose of comparison let's assume two kayaks of identical design, one made of plastic and one made of fibreglass. The difference between these two kayaks can then be summarised as follows:
- The plastic kayak will usually be cheaper
- The plastic is more durable
- The fibreglass is usually lighter
- The fibreglass kayak will have a gloss finish and be slightly more efficient through the water (faster)
- The fibreglass is marginally more rigid in surf and swell, giving slightly better performance.
Most fibreglass models are also available in carbon and or carbon / kevlar, which are lighter and stronger than fibreglass but more expensive. If you can afford it and believe that you know how to look after your kayak then a carbon / kevlar kayak will make you the envy of your paddling mates.
Remember though that even carbon / kevlar have nothing compared to plastic when it comes to durability. I learned the hard way when one of my plastic kayaks fell off it's vertical stand onto a carbon / kevlar sea kayak. Well, you can guess the result ... the plastic was unscratched while the carbon / kevlar kayak was fractured in four places and had to be repaired (never to be the same again).
At the end of the day you need to decide what you want, there is no wrong or right. The majority of people these days choose plastic as it is carefree and robust. You can slam into rocks laden with oysters, drop it while trying to load it onto your car, pull up alongside other kayakers, pontoons and even rocks without fear of 'hurting' it.
To put it another way, if you buy plastic you can rest assured that you will most likely NEVER have to repair your kayak whereas, if you buy composite (fibreglass or carbon / kevlar) you need to accept the fact that you WILL need to undergo repairs at some stage or other.
If you are the competitive type, wanting to enter it into races or are somewhat fanatical and want every ounce of efficiency you can get out of their kayak AND know how to be extra careful and mindful that a composite kayak is fragile, then perhaps composite is the choice for you.
UPDATE - with the recent introduction of THERMOFORMED PLASTIC KAYAKS many of the above arguments in favour of composite kayaks have fallen away. THERMOFORMED KAYAKS now offer the weight and visual appeal of a carbon kayak combined with the durability of plastic. Also...some Polyethylene kayaks are now constructed in 3 layers - this allows the kayak to have much thicker walls without adding weight, resulting in an overall stiffer, more rigid shell.
D.A.G. Biwok (5.3m) - 3-layer Polyethylene construction - The Biwok is our overall best selling double sea kayak. Simply put, the Biwok has all the features of a high quality double sea kayak, but at an exceptionally good price. The Biwok is lean and fast. The only limitation is the cockpit size, which are not well suited to large paddlers over 100kg.
Trinidad (5.4m) - Polyethylene construction
The trinidad is well decked out, has comfortable covered seats, thigh braces and an easily adjustable pedal / rudder system. The Trinidad has storage front, middle and rear for even disbursement of your gear.
Barracuda Beachcomber Duo (5.8m) - Thermoformed construction - The Beachcomber Duo is the much anticipated double version of our best selling single kayak, the Barracuda Beachcomber ultralight. Take the Trinidad and then take off 15kg and you have the Beachcomber Duo.
Point 65'N Double Shot (6.1m) - Composite construction - The Double Shot is our longest, largest sea kayak double. Lean and fast and boasting 4 storage compartments this kayak is a pack-horse, capable of carrying food and gear for multi day expeditions.
Looking for something a bit shorter?
We hope that this interactive guide has been useful to you and that you realize that we are dedicated to ensuring that you get the right kayak for your specific needs. We suggest that your next step should be to pop into one of our kayak stores where one of our qualified staff will be able to assist you with any further questions that you might have and also help you choose the most appropriate gear and accessories for your needs and budget.
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