You’ll find the Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL is a steady, family-friendly tandem that’s built for relaxed flat-water days, with a wide hull that gives forgiving stability but sacrifices some speed and tight turns, so expect easy tracking and simple handling; pack sunscreen, life jackets, a basic repair kit, and secure gear in the bow and stern tankwells, test hatch seals and seat reach before launch, consider a center seat for a child or pet, and keep reading for more specifics.
Some Key Points
- Stable, wide-hull tandem kayak ideal for two adults plus a child or pet, prioritizing predictable stability over speed.
- Comfortable tandem seating with adjustable backrests, optional center seat for a kid/pet, and ergonomic padding for long outings.
- Good flat-water glide and straight-line tracking, with reduced maneuverability compared to narrower performance kayaks.
- Open bow/stern tankwells, QuickStash dry hatch, cup holders, and accessory mounts provide convenient storage and gear options.
- Weighs about 90 lb — plan roof-rack loading, a cart, or help; verify hatch seals and rack clearance before purchase.
Quick Verdict : Who the Malibu Two XL Is Best For
If you want an easygoing, family-friendly kayak that handles two adults plus a kid or pet without fuss, the Malibu Two XL is a solid pick, and you’ll like it if you prioritize stability, simple storage, and comfort for relaxed days on flat water. You’ll find it great for family outings and for beginner paddlers, since it’s forgiving, easy to load, and forgiving of small mistakes, so bring sunscreen, a basic repair kit, waterproof bag, and life jackets for everyone, test balance near shore first, and consider the optional center seat later if you want a third rider. Many owners also pair it with Old Town accessories to customize comfort and carrying options.
On-Water Performance: Stability, Tracking, and Speed
When you slide into the Malibu Two XL and push off, you’ll notice the hull’s wide stance gives you predictable stability—meaning you can relax about rocking too much when you shift weight, reach for a kid’s snack, or stand to stretch—but don’t treat it like a fishing pontoon, because that stability comes with some trade-offs in speed and maneuverability. You’ll find stable tracking downwind and an efficient glide on flat water, so aim for straight-line paddling when you want distance, use subtle strokes and rudder-ish sweeps for turns, and expect predictable handling with easy maneuvering around wakes and docks. It’s a great choice for couples seeking shared trips in a purpose-built two paddler kayak with roomy seating and gear space.
Comfort and Seating Layout : Tandem, Center Seat, and Footwells
Because you’ll be sharing the cockpit, start by thinking about who’s coming along and how long you’ll be out, since the Malibu Two XL’s tandem layout is built for easy, social paddling but has clear role spots for each person, including an optional center seat for a small child or pet. You’ll appreciate ergonomic padding and adjustable backrests that keep you comfortable on long runs, raised seat heights that make getting in and out easier, and lateral thigh braces that help you brace and steer, so set seats for reach, test footwells before launch, and bring a small cushion if you want more lift. The Malibu Two XL is a popular choice for tandem kayaks among outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy adventures on the water.
Storage, Convenience Features, and Deck Layout (QuickStash, Tankwells, Cupholders)
Start by checking the deck layout and storage options, because these are the parts you’ll use most on a day trip—clip your gear into the open bow or stern tankwell with the bungees for quick access, toss anything that needs to stay dry into the QuickStash Dry Hatch, and note the cup holders near each seat so drinks won’t be an afterthought. You’ll want to test hatch security before launch, snugging lids and feeling for leaks, and plan bungee organization so lines don’t tangle, while thinking about gear compatibility with accessory mounts for fishfinders or camera arms, keeping weight balanced. Paddling with a Wilderness Systems kayak can inspire weekend adventures and outfit choices.
Practical Buying Checklist : Weight, Transport, Price, and Alternatives
If you’re thinking about buying the Malibu Two XL, weigh the practical stuff first—literally and logistically—because even a great boat can turn into a hassle if you can’t move it or afford the accessories you’ll need. You’ll note the transport weight is about 90 pounds, so think roof racks, a cart, or friends to help, and plan vehicle clearance and loading angles before you buy. Do a pricing comparison with alternative brands, factor in optional Comfort Plus seating and racks, and consider family options like center seating for a child; test-fit gear, then decide. Also consider the broader lineup of kayaks and accessories from Advanced Elements when comparing features and add-ons.
Some Questions Answered
Is Assembly or Setup Required Out of the Box?
Yes — you’ll need minimal setup out of the box, mostly unpacking tips and quick cockpit adjustments; unwrap the kayak, stow packing, check the QuickStash hatch and bungees, snap on the YakLock bar if needed, and fit the optional center seat or Comfort Plus kit later. Bring a wrench and tape, test scupper drainage, adjust foot braces for comfort, and take a short shakedown paddle to fine‑tune seating and gear placement.
Can I Add a Pedaling or Electric Motor?
Yes, you can add a motor, but plan for motor mounting options and thoughtful battery placement; choose a transom-mounted electric or pedal-drive kit that fits polyethylene hulls, check weight limits, and expect to reinforce mounting points and carry straps. Mount the battery low and central in the tankwell or behind the seats to keep balance, secure it in a waterproof box with straps, bring spare fuses, a kill switch, and practice trim before heading far.
What Accessories Are Compatible With the Yaklock Bar?
You can mount anchor trolley fittings and many camera mounts to the YakLock bar, so you’ll want low-profile trolley blocks, cleats, and swivels rated for marine use, plus GoPro-style or RAM-compatible camera adapters that clamp to round bars. Look for corrosion-resistant hardware, secure quick-release clamps, and proper load ratings; carry backup straps and a small tool kit, test positioning on shore for sightlines and reach, then tighten and retest before heading out.
Is the Hull Repairable if Punctured?
Yes, you can usually repair a punctured hull, and you’ll want to act fast, clean the area, sand it, then use a compatible PE patch or consider fiberglass replacement if damage’s bigger, followed by seam resealing to stop leaks. Carry a compact repair kit, waterproof tape, and a small plastic welding or adhesive set, check repairs on a calm day, and if you’re unsure, get a pro to guarantee strength and safety before paddling again.
Does the Kayak Come With a USCG Flotation Rating?
No, it doesn’t carry a specific USCG compliance label, and the manufacturer hasn’t published formal flotation testing results, so you shouldn’t assume a certified flotation rating. You’ll want to check the hull for built-in foam compartments, carry a USCG-approved PFD for each rider, add buoyancy bags or hatch floatation if you plan offshore, and confirm with your dealer or Old Town for any updated flotation testing before venturing farther than you’d like to swim.
