Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak Review (2026)

Who this tandem kayak is for

The Malibu Two XL is built for two paddlers who want the option to bring along a small child or a dog in the extra space the XL version adds over the standard Malibu Two. Old Town and Ocean Kayak are established names in rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks, which gives buyers a track record to rely on for hull durability and parts availability. It suits families and casual paddling partners on lakes, calm rivers, and sheltered coastal water rather than solo paddlers, since the tandem layout and weight are built around carrying two people plus extra gear or passengers rather than one. A solo paddler could use the center position, but the boat is sized primarily for tandem use.

Size, capacity and construction

The kayak measures 13 feet 4 inches long and 35 inches wide, with a single-layer polyethylene hull that is standard construction for this class of recreational sit-on-top kayak. Assembled weight comes in at 90 pounds, and the boat carries a total weight capacity of 581 pounds with a usable capacity of 491 pounds once the hull's own weight is factored out. That capacity comfortably covers two adults plus a small child or a dog, which is the boat's core use case, though paddlers loading heavy gear alongside two adult passengers should keep the usable capacity figure in mind.

Seating and onboard features

Contrary to the idea that seating is an afterthought on this kayak, it ships with adjustable AirComfort seats as a standard feature, with a seat back height of about 14 inches for real lower-back support rather than a bare molded seat pan. The boat includes a QuickStash dry hatch for waterproof storage, an open bow and stern tankwell with bungees for securing loose gear, cup holders at each seat, and a YakLock locking bar. Improved scupper drainage keeps the cockpit from pooling water during a session. Paddles are not included with this kayak, so buyers should budget for a separate paddle purchase to go with the boat.

Handling and everyday use

As a sit-on-top design, the Malibu Two XL is easy to get on and off compared with a sit-inside kayak, which matters for families getting kids or pets aboard from a dock or shoreline. The stackable hull design helps with storage when the kayak is not in use, letting owners nest it with other Old Town or Ocean Kayak hulls if they own more than one. Tri-hull styling on this line of boats generally favors stability over speed, which fits a family or casual paddling use case better than performance touring, where a narrower hull would track faster but feel less stable with passengers aboard.

Weight and transport considerations

At 90 pounds assembled, the Malibu Two XL is heavy enough that carrying it to the water alone is difficult, and most owners will want a second person or a kayak cart to move it any distance. This is a direct trade-off for the boat's generous capacity and roomy tandem layout, since a lighter hull could not support the same 581 pound total rating. Buyers without a second person regularly available to help load and carry the kayak should plan around this weight, whether through a roof rack with an assist device, a beach cart, or simply choosing a launch point close to parking.

Frequently asked questions