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September 12, 2008
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Can a single touring kayak accommodate two adults and two dogs?
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Malibu Two XL Kayak (courtesy, Ocean Kayak)
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My wife and I want to take our two dogs, a miniature poodle and a 70-pound lab,
kayaking with us while we fish the marsh and inlet creeks of South Carolina. Am I
dreaming, or is there a single kayak that would accommodate us?
— Jeffrey
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Do you have a question of your own?
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 Well, at least you didn’t say, “…and our cat, Chloe.”
I’d say it all depends on the big dog. The little one doesn’t take up much space,
although you have to take care not to bait your hook with it in the heat of the
moment. But if the lab can be persuaded to sit still, then you should be OK.
What you want to buy is a tandem sit-on-top kayak. Boats such as that are easy to
manage, work well when fishing, and have the space to accommodate human
passengers plus a pet…or two. Take a look, for instance, at the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL
($800). It’s a large, stable boat that’s designed for paddling around quiet
water, which seems to be what you have in mind. Where the pooches sit is a bit of
an open question, but there should be room for each to sit between your knees.
The big dog may also be able to sit in the center seat.
Wilderness
Systems’ Tarpon 130T ($800) has a very similar layout. You might try to look
at both, sit in each, and imagine what it would be like with two canines. Also shop around for a NuCanoe, which is designed to be ultra-stable when fishing and is a nice mix between a sport canoe and sea kayak. They start at $799.
Given the dogs and the fishing poles and so on, there is something to be said for
getting a boat that you paddle with your feet, like a bicycle. Such a boat is the
Hobie Mirage Oasis, which
has two sets of pedals for operating its flipper-like propulsion system. You also
can use oars, of course. The Mirage Oasis is a little longer than the other two
boats I’ve mentioned here, so can carry a bit more. And it’s easy to add rod
holders and other fishing-specific accessories. Down side is the price at $2,500.
Have fun!
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