You’ll like the Malibu Two XL if you want a roomy, steady two-person sit-on-top for calm bays and lakes, it’s 13 feet so it tracks well, but you’ll favor stability over speed and should stagger seating if one paddler’s heavier to avoid wobble; use the rear tankwell and QuickStash hatch to keep gear low, bring a bilge pump for drainage, and consider upgrade seats or YakLock accessories for comfort and hauling — keep going and you’ll get setup, handling, and buying tips.
Some Key Points
- Stable, roomy 13-foot sit-on-top designed for comfortable two-person paddling on calm bays and lakes.
- Prioritizes stability over speed; tracks reasonably well but may wobble if paddlers are uncoordinated.
- Approximately 90 lb hull offers ample tankwell storage, QuickStash dry hatch, cup holders, and accessory compatibility.
- Overlapping foot wells and ergonomic seats support tandem bracing; heavier paddler should sit slightly forward for balance.
- Durable polyethylene construction with stackable hull for storage; rinse after use and carry a bilge pump for drainage.
Quick Verdict: Who the Malibu Two XL Is Best For
If you’re looking for a roomy, stable two-person sit-on-top that’s easy to load, store, and use on flat water, the Malibu Two XL is a smart choice, and you’ll appreciate it most if you plan to paddle with a partner, bring a kid along now and then, or want plenty of room for fishing gear or a picnic without feeling cramped. You’ll love its open deck for beach picnics and family outings, so start by packing dry bags, snacks, and a paddle per person, check weight distribution, practice re-entry, and pick calm bays or lakes for relaxed freedom. For outfitting and accessories geared toward Old Town enthusiasts, consider browsing specialized kayak gear to match your Malibu Two XL and planned adventures.
Key Specs and Standout Features You Need to Know
When you first size up the Malibu Two XL, pay attention to the basics that’ll actually shape your trips: the kayak’s 13-foot length and 90-pound heft give you a roomy, stable platform for two people and gear, but they also mean you’ll want help loading it onto a car or a strong cart to move it from the beach, so bring straps and a set of foam blocks or a J-cradle if you don’t have a roof rack. You’ll like the tankwell storage, cup holders, YakLock bar and seat insert compatibility, and the stackable hull helps with lightweight transport, while simple maintenance tips—rinse, check scuppers, store shaded—keep it ready for freedom. Check our store for advanced kayak gear to outfit your next adventure.
On-Water Performance: Stability, Tracking, Speed, and Drainage
You’ll quickly notice the Malibu Two XL favors stability over speed, so right off the bat expect a steady, confidence-building ride for two people and a fair bit of gear, but don’t mistake that steadiness for race performance—this hull tracks reasonably well for day trips, thanks to its 13-foot length and shape, yet you’ll feel some side-to-side wobble if one paddler relaxs while the other pushes hard, so brace with your knees and use the overlapping foot wells to keep a solid center stance. Practice simple stability drills, shift gear low and centered, and bring a bilge pump for drainage troubleshooting. The roomy cockpit and accessory-friendly layout also make it a solid choice for tandem paddling.
Comfort, Storage, and Usability for Two Paddlers
Because the Malibu Two XL is built to carry two people and a fair load, you’ll want to think about seating position, storage placement, and how you’ll share paddle power before you shove off, so start by adjusting where each person sits for balance—put the heavier paddler slightly forward of center, keep gear low between the seats or in the rear tankwell, and use the overlapping foot wells to brace comfortably while you coordinate strokes. You’ll appreciate the ergonomic seating, clear gear accessibility through tankwells and a QuickStash hatch, and simple tandem coordination tips that boost passenger comfort and make freedom on the water easy. Discover more about Perception kayaks for similar water-ready designs.
Should You Buy It? Price, Alternatives, and Where to Save
If you’re trying to decide whether the Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL is worth buying, start by matching what you want to do on the water to what this boat actually offers: it’s a roomy, durable polyethylene sit-on-top built for two, with stackable storage, overlapping foot wells for tandem comfort, cup holders, and a QuickStash dry hatch, so it’s great for casual paddling, lakes, calm coastal outings, and hauling light gear. Check price comparison across dealers, watch for seasonal sales, and consider used models to save; weigh alternatives like lighter tandems or inflatable two-person kayaks, then buy where returns, warranty, and saving strategies align. This model pairs well with other offerings from retailers that specialize in Lifetime kayaks and water-adventure gear.
Some Questions Answered
Does It Come in Colors Besides Lava?
Yes, you can find other color options beyond Lava, but availability varies by retailer and batch, so check listings for “color options” before you buy; inspect photos and ask about “paint durability” or UV resistance, since bright colors fade faster, and consider a UV protectant for long life. First, confirm stock, then pick a color you’ll enjoy, bring a carry strap, sunscreen, and test fit seats before paddling.
Is Assembly or Rigging Required Out of the Box?
No major assembly’s required, you’ll mainly unload and fit a few accessories, like snapping the QuickStash hatch lid into its install location and seating pads if you bought them, so plan for basic hatch installation and padding placement. You’ll also pick a paddle choice that suits your height and tandem rhythm, bring a leash, life jacket, and tools for tightening YakLock bars, and test drainage and footbrace comfort before you head out.
Can One Person Comfortably Paddle It Solo?
Yes — you can paddle it solo, but expect different balance and handling as a single paddler, so mind single paddler trim and stability factors like weight placement and foot bracing. For comfortable solo touring, move the center paddler into the rear seat area or slightly forward, adjust or add a supportive seat for seat comfort, carry a bilge pump and paddle leash, test trim in calm water first, and shift gear to tune tracking.
What Is the Recommended Maximum Weight Capacity?
The recommended maximum weight capacity is about 500 pounds, so you’ll plan gear, passengers, and paddling technique around that limit to stay stable and efficient, and you’ll use storage solutions like the bow/stern tankwell and QuickStash hatch for balance, supplies, and dry gear. Start by distributing weight low and centered, secure items with bungees, trim gear if you’re pushing capacity, and practice solo paddling to gauge handling before heading far.
Are Replacement Parts Like Scupper Plugs Available?
Yes, you can get replacement accessories like scupper plugs, and you’ll want them for quick fixes, better buoyancy, or quieter paddling; check Old Town dealers, authorized parts sellers, or generic scupper plug kits that match the hole diameter. For maintenance tips, carry a spare set, a small tool kit, and check plugs for wear before trips, swap any cracked plugs, and store extras dry so you’re ready if water starts seeping in.
