Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Malibu Pedal T takes the classic Ocean Kayak Malibu tandem and bolts on two of Old Town’s PDL pedal drives. The idea is simple: a tandem that two people can pedal hands-free, with instant forward and reverse, instead of fighting over who paddles while the other fishes.
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The Malibu Pedal T takes the classic Ocean Kayak Malibu tandem and bolts on two of Old Town’s PDL pedal drives. The idea is simple: a tandem that two people can pedal hands-free, with instant forward and reverse, instead of fighting over who paddles while the other fishes.
Watch my full video review of the Old Town Malibu Pedal T below.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
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Who This Kayak Is For
This is a family and friends boat. It fits a parent and a kid, a couple, or two buddies who want to cruise and cast without coordinating paddle strokes. Each rider pedals at their own pace, and no syncing is needed, so a stronger pedaler does not drag the other one along.
It also works solo. Old Town says the Malibu Pedal T can be pedaled or paddled by one person from the stern seat, which is rare for a tandem this size and makes it a true 2-in-1 boat.
Stability and On-Water Performance
At 13 feet 6 inches long and 36 inches wide, the hull is a stable sit-on-top platform. The included rudder with a steering knob keeps it tracking in wind and current, which matters on a boat this long. You can lift the PDL drives up for shallow launches, then drop them back in.
The PDL drives are the same units used in the single Malibu PDL: quiet, low maintenance, and saltwater ready. One honest note is that this is a big boat with big windage, so you will use that rudder.
Comfort and Seating
The Element Beach Seats are framed, breathable, and adjustable, with a mesh cover that drains instead of holding water. That is a big deal on a boat you will sit in for hours in the summer. Each seat has a storage pocket, and the slide track lets you dial in leg position for pedaling.
The seats are light at 6 pounds each and pop out for transport.
Storage and Rigging
The Malibu Pedal T comes ready for action: four flush-mount rod holders, accessory tracks on both sides of the cockpit, cup holders, and bow and stern tankwells with bungees for a cooler or dry bag. The center hatch adds dry storage for phones and keys.
The PDL drives are removable, which leaves open wells you can use for extra gear or swap in the ePDL+ retrofit console if you want electric assist down the road.
What Reviewers Say
Aliex Folgueira put the Malibu T PDL through a full on-water review, testing stability at launch, speed and instant reverse with both drives, how steering works between two riders, and whether one person can comfortably pedal it solo. His big takeaway: it may be the best family fishing kayak in its class.
Honest Drawbacks
Weight is the catch. The assembled boat is 154 pounds, with the hull alone at 102. You are not roof-topping this solo. Plan on a trailer, a truck bed, or a launch close to parking. The usable capacity for people and gear is 413 pounds, so two bigger adults with full gear need to pack light.
Old Town Malibu Pedal T Recreational Kayak FAQ
Can one person pedal the Malibu Pedal T alone?
Yes. Old Town confirms it can be solo pedaled or paddled from the stern seat, and it handles about the same as it does with two riders.
How much does the Malibu Pedal T weigh?
The assembled boat is 154 pounds including both PDL drives and seats. The bare hull is 102 pounds.
What is the weight capacity?
Total capacity is 567 pounds, with 413 pounds usable for people and gear after the boat’s weight.
Do the two pedal drives need to be synced?
No. Each rider pedals independently at their own pace, so a stronger pedaler does not force the rhythm.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 13′ 6″ |
| Width | 36″ |
| Weight | 154 lbs (assembled) |
| Max capacity | 567 lbs (413 lbs usable) |
| Drive type | Dual PDL pedal drives |
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Malibu Pedal T Recreational Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Malibu PDL Fishing Kayak, Old Town Predator/BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Old Town website for the Old Town Malibu Pedal T.
