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My wife an I went rented a tandem kayak during a vacation in big bear this year. We both loved our experience and decided to buy our own. We have 3 children so we both bought tandem kayaks so the entire family could enjoy sometime on the water. I purchased the Abaco 13.5 tandem from West Marine. I started my research by selecting all the features that I wanted in a kayak, then taking that list and narrowing it down by reviews and finally cost. I'm not an expert by any means but I really like the Abaco kayak.

I purchased the kokanee Kayak for my wife over the weekend from sports authority. they had it on sale for $349 and with my points and discount it came out to $289. for a low cost kayak i have to say it is very nice. It is wide at 36" so very stable. This sit on top rides high on the water and is difficult to tip.

Pros - Stable - I was able to stand up in this kayak not comfortably but didnt feel like i was going swimming at all. Plenty of room - this kayak is only 10.5 ft but was able to sit my wife and 2 sons with lots of room for gear. Easy to paddle - my wife was able to navigate this kayak easily and had no issue getting around the lake with my two boys (11 and 9).

Cons - Carrying - this kayak ghas a strap in the front but just a little finger groove in the back which is useless once wet. Seats - the seats are comfortable but they pop out of the clamps a little to easily. Slow - it maneuvers well enough but this kayak isn't winning any races.