The Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a stable, easy 12-foot sit-on-top that’s great for two people paddling calm lakes or nearshore bays, and you’ll want to load gear low in the bow and stern wells, check the QuickStash hatch seal and bungees, and practice short, vertical strokes to keep it tracking straight; bring spare bungees, roof pads, a paddle leash and a dry bag, inspect the hull for deep gouges, and keep the yak shaded for storage, and if you want more specifics I can explain.
Some Key Points
- Stable, wide sit‑on‑top hull offers strong initial stability for two paddlers, ideal for beginners and family outings.
- 12-foot length and polyethylene construction balance manageable weight, decent tracking, and easy car‑rack transport.
- Open bow/stern tankwells, QuickStash dry hatch, cup holders, and molded mounts provide convenient family gear storage.
- Best suited to calm lakes, slow rivers, and nearshore bays; not built for speed or long-distance touring.
- Inspect hull for UV damage, check hatches/bungees/YakLock, and carry roof pads, straps, and spare bungees for ownership.
Performance and Comfort on the Water : Stability, Tracking, Paddling Effort, and Seating for Two
When you hop in the Malibu Two, you’ll notice it feels confident underfoot, so start by checking how it sits with both paddlers aboard — stability is one of its strengths, thanks to the wide, sit-on-top hull that resists tipping when you shift or lean, but you’ll still want to load gear low and center in the bow and stern wells to keep that steady feel; tracking is reasonably straight for a 12-foot recreational boat, so expect a little corrective paddling now and then rather than rail-straight glide, and you can improve it by coordinating your strokes, keeping the paddles vertical in the water on each side, and nudging small sweep strokes when the boat wants to yaw. Feel the paddling cadence together, settle into a steady rhythm, and remember wind handling matters — lean into gusts, shorten your strokes when the wind kicks, and trade brief rests so you both keep pace and freedom on the water. Check our selection of Old Town kayaks to find matching gear and accessories.
Key Features That Matter for Families : Open Tankwells, QuickStash Dry Hatch, Cup Holders, and Overlapping Footwells
You’ve already got a feel for how the Malibu Two paddles and tracks with two people aboard, so now look at the small design choices that make family outings easier—start by checking the open bow and stern tankwells, which give you quick, visible spots to stash life vests, a dry bag, or a picnic without fumbling under a hatch, and keep heavier items low and centered so that stability you liked stays put. Use the QuickStash dry hatch for valuables, rely on cup holders and tankwells for snack storage, plan toddler seating near the center, and pack beach essentials smartly so family organization stays simple. The kayak’s thoughtful layout complements two paddler kayaks and helps families stay organized on the water.
Specs, Materials, and Build Quality : Dimensions, Weight, Stackable Design, Mounts, and Security (YakLock)
Since the Malibu Two is built for easy family outings, take a close look at the hull dimensions and weight first, because they tell you how it’ll handle and how easy it is to move around; at 12 feet long it’s compact enough for shorter car racks and tight launch spots, yet long enough to track reasonably well with two paddlers, and its relatively light polyethylene construction keeps carrying and stacking manageable for one or two people. Check the stackable design for space-saving storage, confirm molded mounts and the YakLock bar for gear security, and mind UV resistance and mold prevention when you store it. The site also highlights kayaks and related products for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water adventures, making it easy to find compatible gear.
Who This Kayak Is Best For : Use Cases, Rider Sizes, Pairs, and Alternatives to Consider
Look back at the hull size, weight, and features you just reviewed, and you’ll see why the Malibu Two fits a lot of casual outings—it’s made for pairs who want easy, low-stress paddling close to shore, like calm lakes, slow rivers, and nearshore bays, where stability and simple gear access matter more than speed. If you crave freedom, pick this for family days, beginner tandem lessons, or light fishing trips, keep combined rider weight and brief trips in mind, practice basic strokes and re-entry, value the lightweight portability for car-toping, and consider single kayaks or touring models if you need speed or long-range capacity. This model is a solid choice for recreational paddlers who prioritize ease and comfort over performance, and it fits well within Paddle-Ready’s range of recreational kayaks.
Buying, Ownership, and Maintenance Tips : Price Expectations, What to Inspect, Transport/Storage, and Accessory Recommendations
When you’re getting ready to buy or take care of a Malibu Two, start by thinking practically about the little things that’ll keep it useful and easy to live with: check the hull for deep gouges or soft spots where UV damage or impact might have weakened the plastic, pop open the QuickStash dry hatch to make sure the seal isn’t cracked and the bungees on the bow and stern are still springy, and test the YakLock bar and any scupper plugs so nothing surprises you on launch day. Expect midrange pricing, use calm price negotiation, set a simple maintenance schedule, inspect fittings, carry spare bungees, roof pads, straps, a small pump and waterproof bag, store stacked indoors or shaded, and add a paddle leash and comfy seat pad to make freedom days last longer. I recommend considering the broader range of kayaks and accessories available from a specialist retailer to match your fishing and adventure needs.
Some Questions Answered
Can It Be Used for Light Fishing With Added Rod Holders?
Yes, you can fish light from it if you fit rod holders thoughtfully, placing them for easy rod placement off the stern or sides, so lines clear each other; use the QuickStash dry hatch and open tankwells for tackle storage, keep gear dry and reachable, and bolt or clamp quality holders to YakLock-ready spots. Start with one holder, test balance, bring minimal tackle, and practice casting, reefing equipment as you learn.
Can Small Children Sit Between Adults Safely?
Yes, you can usually seat a small child between adults, but prioritize child safety by checking weight limits and balance, since extra center weight shifts handling; confirm combined load, leave extra freeboard, and test in calm water. Make sure there’s enough leg room for the child, consider a padded harness or child PFD with a tether, carry a spare paddle and throw bag, and practice quick exits and communication before you head out.
Is It Compatible With a Small Electric Trolling Motor?
Yes, you can fit a small electric trolling motor, but check motor compatibility for shaft length and transom or rail mounts, and plan battery placement carefully, since the Malibu Two has open bow/stern wells and stackable hulls, so you’ll want a compact, sealed marine battery in the stern tankwell or a secured crate near the rear, tied down and vented, plus a YakLock or strap for security, and test trim before paddling.
Are Replacement Parts (Hatches, Bungees) Available From the Manufacturer?
Yes, manufacturer parts like hatches and bungees are available, and you can also turn to aftermarket suppliers for alternate styles or cheaper spares. Check the maker’s parts catalog or dealer first, note hatch model and bungee length, order genuine pieces, or match dimensions with aftermarket gear, bring measurements when shopping, and carry a small repair kit on trips so you can swap a hatch plug or cord quickly and stay paddling.
Does the Kayak Sink if Capsized Without Flotation Bags?
Not usually, but without flotation bags it can sit low and hold water, so you’ll want to act fast: check buoyancy testing notes, flip and perform water evacuation through hatches and tankwells, bail or sponge out water, and strap on or install flotation bags if you plan to paddle exposed seas or do self-rescues. You should carry a paddle float, bilge pump, and practice re-entry drills, so you stay safe and free on the water.
