10 Best 3-Person Kayaks To Buy In 2024

With recent and constant breakthroughs in science and technology, watersports adventure has grown over the years, and of the major advanced water adventure vessels, you will find are the inflatable kayaks.

Over the years they have gone through different designs and through constant innovations have become more durable and stable just like the hardshell kayaks. They’re particularly good for traveling on the waters or just for casual kayaking outings.

Perhaps you started kayaking with a single-person kayak, but as your family grows, you see a need for everyone to go have some fun on the waters together. This calls for a kayak that is large enough to contain you and strong enough to support all your weights, including your gear.

For a family of three, you will need a 3-person inflatable kayak that will maintain its stability when loaded up with a weight of around 400 pounds or more. You’ll need to consider this to avoid turning over into the water with your family.

To save you the trouble of finding which inflatable kayak is best for you and your family, we have compiled a list of the 6 best 3-person inflatable kayaks on the market. Although the list extends beyond this we hope you find one that suits you on this one.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Kayak

We have put together a few important tips for purchasing the right 3-person inflatable and tandem kayaks for you and your family:

Transportation

Ensure you check the dimensions, weight, and weight capacity of the kayak you want to buy to know if you have an appropriate transport device for it.

Kayak Legroom

Ensure you check for legroom and entrance space in the kayak. You and your kayaking partners should be able to do a little leg stretching then and then. It is important.

Kayak Width

The more wide a kayak is, the more stable it is and the narrower it is, the faster it runs on the water. You need to select the one that best suits your adventure needs.

Kayak Length

Kayaks with large lengths tend to be more stable and good for calm, slow-moving, waters. However, they are difficult to maneuver. On the other hand, shorter ones have more stability while moving faster on the water but can easily turn over into the water if caution is not ensured.

Kayak Portability

Will you be able to carry the kayak you’re choosing? If yes, how? You need to ask and answer these questions to know if transport will be easy when leaving the water.

Weight Capacity

This is an important factor in knowing if you and your paddling partners will be safe on the water or not. What is the maximum amount of weight the kayak can support?

What is the approximate weight of the three of you intending to enter it? What is the approximate weight of your gear and accessories?

Does the weight capacity exceedingly exceed the total weight of the potential occupants with their gears and accessories? Does it not exceed 75% of the kayak’s capacity?

You need to ask and answer these questions correctly to avoid tripping into large, cold, water says, during winter.

Onboard Space for Storage

Most kayaks don’t come with storage space at all, some come with little storage space while some come with enough space for storing all the gear brought onboard by all occupants in the kayak.

You need to check what category the kayak you’re purchasing falls in. Does it have bungee deck rigging,  waterproof hatches, storage compartment, etc? Remember food and water are essential, especially if you’ll be staying on the water for a very long time.

Design Materials and Construction Quality

The choice of design materials and construction quality is important to stay safe even in the roughest of water conditions.

Making an adequate budget to purchase the best quality of the available kayaks on the market is a good move and a long-term investment. When discussing the construction material options for modern-day kayaks, we narrow the list down to:

Roto-Molded Polyethylene

Incredible material choice for tandem kayaks, the roto-molded polyethylene provides strength and is easily affordable.

However, kayaks made with roto-molded polyethylene are generally susceptible to damage by UV rays. Using a UV-protection spray on your kayak can help reduce this effect.

Composite Materials

Composite materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass are a type of synthetic materials. They’re often used for kayak construction because of their strength, toughness, and lightweight properties.

Kayaks made with these synthetic fabrics are often fast on the water hence, why they’re the top material choice. Composite materials, however, come at the highest price.

Thermoform Abs

Thermoform ABS plastic with a long-term acrylic coating is often strong and resistant to impact, lightweight, easy to maintain, and UV-resistant. This makes it a good material for tandem kayaks. Although it degrades with time, it can be recycled.

Wood

Tandem kayaks can be built at home using wood as the construction material by DIY, and surprisingly they mostly turn out lightweight and durable on the water.

A wooden tandem kayak often stands out on the water due to the beauty that naturally follows wood. However, if you’re hiring a technician to help build a wooden tandem kayak for your home, you’ll have to prepare to pay extra costs.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is usually the common construction material for 3-person tandem kayaks due to its lightweight, affordability, and maintenance properties.

It is often reinforced to provide extra resistance to tear and puncture. Even when there’s a case of a puncture, it can be easily patched up. Now let’s delve into our list of 5 Best 3-person inflatable kayaks.

6 Best 3-Person Inflatable Kayaks

1. Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe 3-Person Inflatable Kayak

Specifications

• Self-Weight: 32 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
• Dimensions: 150 × 33.6 inches

The Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe is one of the best 3-person inflatable kayaks on the market and the favorite of many kayakers who love to go to the waters with their families. Designed using a K80 PVC material, the kayak can withstand rough waters and sudden impacts with rocks.

It also comes with an I-beam floor and three air-filled chambers. These chambers help to hold the kayak from capsizing in case of a sudden puncture. The ‘yak is 12.5 feet in length and comes with a beam of 34 inches in width for extra stability.

With a self-weight of just 32 pounds, the kayak can be compactly folded into its storage bag and is capable of supporting up to a weight of 650 pounds.

You really can’t get enough of this kayak, the Sea Eagle’s 370 Deluxe comes with many technical features such as two seats that can be adjusted to contain three passengers with ease, a one-foot pump, and two skegs, and two paddles made with aluminum shafts.

The 370 Deluxe comes with only a downside and that’s the onboarding storage. There’s not enough space on the ‘yak to store your gear, so you’ll have them placed in your cockpit.

Aside from this downside, the 370 Deluxe is a perfect option for your next kayaking adventure, and it is surprisingly affordable.

Pros

• Portable and Lightweight Design
• Made with a highly durable PVC material which ensures safety in case of punctures.
• Three air chambers help keep the kayak floating in case of deflation.
• Rated up to Class III rapids
• Two adjustable seats to contain 3 kayakers
• Improved tracking performance thanks to its removable skeg
• Compact design, with a storage bag for easy transport.
• Comes with the inclusion of two paddles, and a foot pump.

Cons

• The seats when adjusted to accommodate one more person, become uncomfortable to sit on, and you may have to replace them with a more comfortable one.
• There’s not space enough for gear storage when on the water.

2. Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Inflatable Kayak

Specifications

• Self-Weight: 8 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 490 pounds
• Dimension: 4 × 37.2 inches

A big name in the game. The Sevylor Big Basin is a big name in the game and has great features in line with its name. It is so spacious and provides excellent stability with 37-inch beam.

With a self-weight of 34.8 pounds and a weight capacity of up to 490 pounds, it can comfortably support 3 occupants who are looking to enjoy a great day on the water.

The body is made of a durable PVC material with a tarpaulin base for extra sturdiness. It also comes with adjustable seats and a multiple-chamber design to protect against sinking in case your kayak hits a rock.

The downside of this inflatable kayak is that although it theoretically has high weight capacity, it fails when you start to load it up with your family and equipment on the water.

Plus, you will have to purchase your paddles separately as it doesn’t come with those. Looking past these downsides, the Sevylor Big Basin three-person inflatable kayak is worth every penny

Pros

• Features three comfortable seats for three occupants.
• Easy to fold and packed away.
• It is relatively spacious with a beam of 37 inches which ensures stability.
• Portable and lightweight design
• Included in the design is a multi-chamber that ensures safety in case of puncture.

Cons

• It doesn’t fare well in the aspect of weight capacity
• The Sevylor Big Basin three-person inflatable kayak doesn’t come with paddles, you’ll have to purchase those.

3. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Kayak

Specifications

• Self-Weight: 33 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
• Dimension: 174 × 39.6 inches

The Driftsun Almanor inflatable kayak is popularly recognized and ranked among kayakers as the best for families. Although with its 14.5 feet length, it only takes two adults and a kid- or a pet- at once yet, there’s no doubt it is deserving of that title.

Think of the Driftsun Almanor kayak as the toughest and most durable there can be on the water. It is designed using 600-denier reinforced polyester fabrics and an ultraviolet radiation protection layer.

Its floor is made with an I-beam PVC material that protects the bottom from damage and prevents water from entering. It is strong enough to support up to a load of 600 pounds and has a self-weight of 33 pounds.

Unlike many other 3-person inflatable kayaks on the market, the Driftsun Almanor comes with all necessary accessories such as a carry bag, quick-release fin, pump, two paddles, footrests, and double adjustable EVA foam seats.

Although the price is on the high side compared to the rest on the market, the kayak is worth every penny you spend on it, given all the specs.

One major pitfall of the Driftsun Almanor is that is quite expensive for an inflatable kayak. Aside from that, it is a perfect option if you’re looking to make kayaking your new family hobby.

Pros

• Truly designed for 3 kayakers- 2 adults and a child or a dog
• Extra stability, thanks to its large hull size.
• Portable and lightweight in relative comparison to others in the market.
• Features a carry bag, quick-release fin, paddles, footrests, and double EVA foam seats for comfort.

Cons

• It is often difficult to handle and maneuver in tight spaces due to its extra width.
• It is more expensive when compared with the prices of other similar options.

4. AQUAGLIDE Chinook 120 Inflatable Kayak

Specifications

• Self-Weight: 29 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
• Dimension: 144 × 40.8 inches

Third, on our list of the 5 best 3-person inflatable kayaks is the AQUAGLIDE Chinook 120. With up to a weight capacity of 500 pounds, the kayak is constructed to accommodate you, your wife, your child, and your pet.

And as a father or mother, you can choose to go on the water adventure with only two of your kids. It comes with enough legroom to fit whatever choice you make with your family.

What’s more, the AQUAGLIDE Chinook 120 is designed using a PVC-like material for bottom protection, and a HexShell 600D polyester fabric. Both give it an impressive structure.

Moreover, the kayak is incredibly lightweight with just 29 pounds of self-weight and an impressive width of 41 inches which gives it a lot of stability.

The only disadvantage of this ‘yak is that due to its relatively large width, you may encounter difficulties in reaching top speed and maneuvering in tight spaces.

Pros

• Lightweight with an impressive self-weight of 29 pounds.
• The ‘yak is an excellent choice for families looking to get a casual day on the water.
• Has a detachable child seat that is perfect for casual family trips.
• Extra stability, thanks to its extra-wide beam of 41 inches.

Cons

• The AQUAGLIDE Chinook 120 doesn’t do when it comes to speed.
• Difficult to maneuver, especially in tight corners, due to its extra-wide beam design.
• Doesn’t come with paddles and a foot pump, so you will need to buy those separately.

5. Sea Eagle 465 FastTrack 3-Person Inflatable Kayak

Specifications

• Self-Weight: 44 pounds
• Weight capacity: 795 pounds
• Dimension: 180 × 36 inches

Another 3-person Sea Eagle inflatable kayak is on our list. It has almost the same structural design as the others but if you take a critical look at the hull shape, you’ll see that this is distinct.

It has an asymmetrical design with a wider stern and a narrower now. The sharp bow enhances its movement on the water by allowing it to easily cut through.

Moreover, the 465 FastTrack comes with great handling and glides, through and over the waters. It ranks highest compared to other options in the market when it comes to great tracking and speed.

Designed using a reinforced material- 1100 Decitex, the FastTrack is strong and can withstand even the roughest of waters. It also comes with a floor made of high-pressure drop stitch. It is amazing to know that with its self-weight of 44 pounds, it has a load capacity of up to 795 pounds!

One of only a few in its category to boast of being able to accommodate three grown kayakers. In addition, it is easy to carry around despite its load capacity of almost 800 pounds.

The Sea Eagle 465 FastTrack is indeed a great inflatable kayak option to consider for your next adventure with your spouse and your adult child.

Pros

• An inflatable Needle Knife vessel with 20 D-ring tie-downs.
• Can support up to 3 adult kayakers, thanks to an incredible weight capacity of 795 pounds. The highest in its category.
• Features an asymmetrical design that improves its speed as well as its stability on the water.
• With a length of 15 feet, the ‘yak has enough space for occupants.

Cons

• The price is on the high side
• You may have to buy an electric pump
• It is relatively heavy when compared with other options in the market.

6. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Specifications

• Vinyl kayak
• Self-Weight: 6 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
• Dimension: 123 × 36 inches

If you’re a beginner kayaker who is conscious of the budget as you seek the best tandem kayak for 3 persons, Intex Explorer K2 is a perfect choice. Although it may not have many sophisticated features that doesn’t mean it is any less functional.

With a banana-shaped 10-foot hull made with vinyl, an I-beam floor, and a multi-chamber design for efficient rigidity, the kayak stands well among its pairs. Moreover, it features a detachable skeg, and a starter kit for beginners- a pump, paddles, repair kit, and a carry bag.

The Intex Explorer K2 has an impressive self-weight of 30 pounds and can support up to 400 pounds weight. It would be a great choice as your first tandem kayak for occasional kayaking trips as a beginner.

Pros:

• A perfect choice for beginners due to its budget-friendliness
• Its yellow color offers improved visibility.
• Multi-chamber design for more stability.
• Features a kayaking starter kit.

Cons:

• Poor back support from the seats.
• The carry bag is of low quality.
• It is only suitable for use on small water bodies.
• No space onboard dedicated for gear storage.

4 Best 3-Person Kayak Hardshell 

In the world of humanity, only a few things transcend having to get a taste of nature first-hand. One of the ways to experience the true beauty of nature is a day of utter relaxation on a kayak on the water.

While you lie, relaxing, you can behold the beauty of the sun and the brightness it exudes, or the tall, leafy, mountains as they allow water to pass through them. However, this experience is oftentimes enjoyable when you have someone beside you to share them with.

You’re wondering how this is possible for your family? It is through a heavy-duty, high-quality, 3-person tandem kayak. A 3-person tandem kayak helps enhance your entire kayaking experience.

It allows you to do things you wouldn’t normally do and makes you navigate where you wouldn’t normally go when exploring the waters alone, as you share the paddling workload with your partner.

Sounds interesting? I see you feel you need one for your family for your next kayaking trip. Don’t worry, if you’re interested in having the best there is of the tandem kayaks, all you need to do is read on.

What does a tandem kayak mean?

“Tandem” as the name gives it means the kayak is designed for more than one person, the equivalent of a tandem bicycle.

If going on a paddling trip with your friends or family members has been your wish, with a tandem kayak, you can have all the best time available on the water. It is not good that one is alone.

Not only can tandem kayaks be for more than one person, but they can be for three too! With recent breakthroughs in designs, inflatable tandem kayaks now come with features that make them more stable and stronger enough to support as much weight as possible without turning over into the water.

1. Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 130T

Specifications

• Single-piece roto-molded polyethylene design
• Self-weight: 80 pounds
• Weight capacity: 500 pounds
• Dimension: 156 × 36 inches

First on our list is the Vibe Yellowfin 130T tandem kayak, a roto-molded polyethylene-designed kayak with a self-weight of 80 pounds, length of 13 feet, and load capacity of up to 500 pounds.

Although these properties may seem similar to a few others on our list, Yellowfin stands out because it can be used for family fishing as well as as a family recreational tandem kayak. In addition, it can conveniently transport two adult paddlers and a child.

Moreover, the kayak features two adjustable, breathable, mesh seats for adults and a middle child seat. There’s also enough onboard storage plus two sealed hatches of 8 inches and bungee cords.

It also comes with a reserved fishing gear holder and 12 scupper drain holes. The Vibe kayak Yellowfin 130T doesn’t disappoint. What’s more to ask for in a tandem kayak for a family water adventure?

Pros:

• Sturdy construction, and fully customizable.
• Easy convertible from recreational family kayak to fishing kayak
• Generous space onboard for storage, with bungee cords and two sealed hatches.
• Two seating positions with comfortably adjustable and breathable mesh seats.
• Extra seat for a child or pet

Cons:

• The Yellowfin 130T is quite heavy for a tandem kayak.
• No skid plate is present in this kayak.
• It doesn’t rate well in speed and agility, particularly during solo paddling.

2. Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Sit On Top Kayak 

Specifications:

• Sit-on-top kayak
• High-density polyethylene with UV resistance
• Self-Weight: 70 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
• Dimension: 162 × 34 inches

The Sun Dolphin Bali tandem kayak is another big name in the world of kayaks. A perfect option for kayakers who are looking for quality mixed with affordable price.

The 13.5-foot-long kayak comes with some amazing features to satisfy every one of your needs. The device comes with high-end maneuverability and tracking capacity. The adjustable footrests provide flexibility for you and other occupants.

Although the kayak can accommodate three grown adults, the middle seat is best reserved for kids because of its small size, and to gain more stability.

Another interesting feature is the available storage space. With two large waterproof hatches imputed between the kayaker’s legs, you get to keep your gear and accessories.

Moreover, there’s an extra seal hatch for your drink and snacks storage in the kayak, and another at the rear with bungee cords for more gear storage.

Pros

• High durability
• Made with high-quality material
• Comfortable seats

Cons

• As a sit-on-top kayak, there have been reports of water sinking due to the entrance of water into the kayak.
• Uncomfortable when more than one person sits on it.

3. Perception Rambler 13.5 Kayak

Specifications

• Self-Weight: 78 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 550 pounds
• Dimension: 162 × 33.6 inches

The Perception Ramber 13.5 is the best 3-person tandem kayak for beginners who are looking to enjoy a timeout on the waters. It is recommended for slow-moving rivers or the sea where the waves or currents are not huge enough to turn the kayak over.

With a self-weight of 78 pounds and up to 550-pound load capacity, this roto-molded polyethylene construction can support three persons- 2 adults and a child. Stable and versatile, the Perception Rambler is a good value for money.

In addition, it comes with transportation handles, a footrest that makes sitting a little comfortable for tall kayakers, and a bungee cord to safely secure your additional gear at the rear of the kayak.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly, and easy to use.
• Constructed with strong roto-molded polyethylene material.
• Multiple handles for easy paddling
• Multiple-position footrest for comfort for taller kayakers
• Spacious and stable enough to support two adults and a child.
• It is relatively affordable for beginners

Cons:

• Storing additional gear by the three paddlers can be difficult as there is no space other than the kayak’s deck rigging.
• Not suitable for long-term paddling as the included seats aren’t comfortable.
• There’s a need to make a separate purchase for the middle seat.

4. Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus Recreational Kayak

Specifications

• Sit-inside hardshell kayak
• Self-Weight: 72 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
• Dimension:6 × 30 inches

Old Town is popular in the kayaking world for its Dirigo kayak series. This is a tandem version of the series. And it is the first and best sit-inside kayak model on our list of best 3-person tandem kayaks.

The reason is not farfetched, read on to know more. The kayak weighs 72 pounds, which is a good sign considering it is designed using a triple-layer roto-molded polyethylene. It has a non-restricting cockpit that makes your entry into the kayak easy and comfortable.

Moreso, it is wide enough for three occupants to kayak in it- two adults and a child. The child seat is removable to create more space when your kid’s not on the trip with you.

The device is equipped with storage space with a small glovebox, a larger quick-seal hatch at the rear, and a bungee to safely secure your gear.

One downside of this kayak is the guarded cockpit area, although it’s still free for easy access. Aside from that, the product has a surprisingly low load capacity of 475 pounds- too low for a 3-person tandem kayak.

The implication is that you may not be able to safely store all your gear, especially when you’re already up to three onboard. Above all, the Old Town Dirigo tandem plus recreational kayak is a good choice if you’re looking for a sit-in kayak that can take an occasional third person.

Pros:

• Non-restricting cockpit for easy entry.
• Hull has a stable-form design for more stability
• A detachable middle child seat allows for a third person.
• Has glide-track braces for your feet, and thigh pads for control and comfort.
• Features a quick-seal hatch at the rear, and bungee to safely secure your gear.

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with paddles, so you will have to purchase them separately.
• Old Town’s Dirigo tandem doesn’t fare well in speed.
• Suitable and ready for rudder use but the device doesn’t come with one.