old town malibu pedal t review 2025

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Two people pedaling the Old Town Malibu Pedal T tandem kayak during an on-water test in a Florida canal.

Old Town Malibu Pedal T Review 2025 – Is This the Best Tandem Pedal Kayak?

In this hands-on review we put the Old Town Malibu Pedal T tandem pedal kayak through real-world testing as a family kayak and a serious fishing platform. We unbox it, assemble it, tow another kayak behind it, bring the kids and the dog, and then rig it for fishing to see how it stacks up against popular tandem pedal kayaks from Hobie and other brands.

Watch the full video above, then use this written breakdown for quick specs, pros and cons, and time-stamped sections so you can jump straight to what matters most to you.

Table of Contents

First Impressions & Unboxing

The video starts with delivery day – a brand new Old Town Malibu Pedal T tandem arriving in the bold lava color. Right away you can see the kayak’s volume and overall size. It has a super-sized footprint and a very solid, family-friendly look that feels closer to a small boat than a minimalist kayak.

Old Town shipped everything needed to get on the water, including paddles, life jackets, and accessories to support the channel. The initial reaction is pure excitement – this tandem clearly looks like a step up compared to the “cheap little kayak” it is replacing.

Setup & Assembly: Easier Than It Looks

Even though the Malibu Pedal T is a substantial tandem, the assembly is very straightforward. The video walks through:

  • Sliding the pedal drive into place using the alignment arrows
  • Securing the drive posts and tightening the hand nuts
  • Flipping and positioning the seats correctly
  • Installing the paddle keepers
  • Adding the rudder knob and tensioner

The only tool required is a Phillips head screwdriver (or a drill on a low setting), making this setup very approachable even for newer tandem kayak owners.

Family Tandem Test & Towing Performance

Once the kayak is built, it’s time for a family maiden voyage. The Old Town Malibu Pedal T is used as a true family tandem kayak with two adults up front, a child, and a second kayak being towed behind.

The surprising part? Even with the extra weight and towing another kayak, the Malibu Pedal T still feels powerful and efficient. The pedal system has so much power that it hardly feels like anything is behind you. In reality, one strong pedaler could move the boat quickly on their own.

This is a big deal if you plan to bring:

  • Kids in their own kayak behind you
  • Extra gear or a tow load
  • A partner who pedals less but still wants to come along
Two people pedaling the Old Town Malibu Pedal T tandem kayak during a sunset on-water test.

Comfort, Stability & Big-Guy Friendly Seating

One of the most common questions the channel gets is from bigger paddlers asking which tandem kayak can actually support their size comfortably. The Malibu Pedal T earns very high marks here.

The seats feel larger, more supportive, and more open than many tandem designs. The on-water feedback compares this directly to Hobie models with Vantage CT seating and suggests that the Malibu Pedal T is the better choice for larger paddlers unless you jump all the way up to something like a Hobie Pro Angler.

On the water, the tandem feels more like a stable platform or even a living room recliner: there is room for coolers in front and behind the seats, space under the chairs, and enough stability to stand and fish without feeling tippy.

Pedal Drive, Speed & Quiet Performance

The Old Town Malibu Pedal T’s pedal drive system is one of the stars of this review. On the water, it feels:

  • Fast and efficient – long distances are comfortable to cover
  • Easy to pedal even while towing another kayak
  • Quiet compared to Hobie fin-style drives

In the video, there is a direct comparison: Hobie drives can create hull slapping noise if you over-pedal, which can spook fish. The Malibu Pedal T feels much more stealthy for fishing. You can also lift the front drive out of the water to reduce drag, which noticeably lightens the pedaling load when only one person is driving.

Best Spot for the Dog on a Tandem Pedal Kayak

If you love bringing your dog, the Malibu Pedal T has a very natural spot for them. In this test, a 20 lb blue heeler rides comfortably right behind the seat. The back of the seat casts a bit of shade and creates a cozy nook where the dog can lie down, ride safely, and still be part of the action.

Adult pedaling the Old Town Malibu Pedal T tandem kayak while a child stands and fishes from the front deck.

Fishing Test with Red Dog: Real-World Kayak Fishing Performance

After the family day, the tandem gets turned into a full-on fishing rig. Rod holders, gear tracks, and accessories are added and the kayak is launched again with another content creator known as Red Dog, who builds lures and shark rigs.

Together they head out to a small South Florida island to chase shark and inshore species. Even though the shark bite does not happen on this particular day, the Malibu Pedal T proves itself as a capable fishing platform:

  • Stable enough for serious two-person fishing
  • Quiet enough to get closer to fish
  • Plenty of room for tackle, bait, and coolers

Along the way, the video shows some nice sea trout and highlights useful little touches like the recessed carry handles and practical hatches that make fishing days smoother.

Old Town Malibu Pedal T Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Powerful tandem pedal drive with enough efficiency to tow another kayak
  • Very stable platform for families, standing, and fishing
  • Big-guy friendly seating with more space and support than many tandems
  • Quiet drive that helps you stay stealthy around fish
  • Room for kids and a dog without feeling cramped
  • Plenty of gear tracks, rod holders, and storage for fishing
  • Recessed carry handles and hatches that are genuinely useful on the water

Cons

  • Only the rear paddler can steer, which some crews may find limiting
  • Large footprint – you will want a solid way to transport and store it
  • Premium price range compared to budget tandem kayaks (but built to do much more)

Old Town Malibu Pedal T vs Hobie Tandem Pedal Kayaks

The most common comparison people make is between the Old Town Malibu Pedal T and Hobie tandem pedal kayaks like the Oasis and Outfitter.

Based on the on-water experience in this review:

  • The Malibu Pedal T feels more stable and more relaxed for family use
  • The seats feel larger and better suited for bigger paddlers
  • The pedal drive is quieter, making it easier to stay stealthy while fishing
  • Standing and fishing feels more secure on the Malibu Pedal T

Hobie still has some excellent tandem options, but for a combination of family fun, big-guy comfort, and fishing capability, this review strongly favors the Malibu Pedal T.

Who Is the Old Town Malibu Pedal T Best For?

After multiple trips with family and friends, this tandem pedal kayak makes the most sense for paddlers who:

  • Want a true family kayak that can carry two adults plus a child
  • Need a big-guy friendly seating position with extra space
  • Plan to fish seriously from a tandem platform
  • Like the idea of bringing a dog on trips
  • Value stability and comfort over ultra-minimal weight

Kayaks & Gear Featured in This Review

If you have questions about this kayak or need help choosing a tandem pedal kayak for your situation, drop a comment on the YouTube video or reach out through the contact page.

Final Thoughts: Is the Old Town Malibu Pedal T the Best Tandem Kayak for 2025?

After using the Old Town Malibu Pedal T as both a family cruiser and a fishing machine, this kayak earns a strong vote of confidence. It is quiet, powerful, stable, and genuinely comfortable for bigger paddlers, kids, and even a dog.

Although the kayak in this review was supplied by the manufacturer, the on-water experience speaks for itself: the Malibu Pedal T is one of the most capable tandem pedal kayaks currently available and sets a high bar for other brands to match in 2025.

Old Town Malibu Pedal T FAQ

Is the Old Town Malibu Pedal T good for big guys?

Yes. The seating position and overall volume feel very friendly for bigger paddlers. In the review, it is described as more comfortable for larger bodies than many tandem pedal kayaks, including some Hobie models with smaller seats.

Can one person pedal the Malibu Pedal T?

One reasonably strong paddler can move the kayak quickly, even while towing another kayak. The pedal drive is efficient enough that you do not need both people pedaling all the time.

Is it stable enough to stand and fish?

Yes. The reviewer has no problem standing and fishing from the Malibu Pedal T and describes it as feeling solid and secure, more like a stable platform than a tippy kayak.

Can you bring a dog on the Old Town Malibu Pedal T?

There is a natural spot right behind the seat where a medium-size dog (around 20 lb in the video) can ride comfortably in the shade, making this a great tandem for dog owners.

Who steers the tandem kayak?

On the Malibu Pedal T, only the person in the back controls the steering. Some people may prefer a setup where both paddlers can steer, but with communication this layout works well for most crews.

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