I would like to ask opinions for kayaks that can efficiently & effectively accommodate an adult and a 5 year old (as squirmy as they may be). I’ve been looking at a Wilderness Commander 140 and a Native Ultimate 14.5. Any thoughts or related experiences?
Thanks.
I use a tandem hobie with mirage drive. I forget which specific model I have, but I can look it up. It is fairly stable and I can stand in it. More imporantly, the mirage drive is KEY when trying to move two people around. Especially against a current.
I have the Native 14.5 and it’s a great boat to fish with children from. I have twins that are six and one that is 8. The best feature about the 14.5 is the seating. You can put one seat in the middle when you go by yourself or put that seat and the rear and add the other seat. The biggest advantage to me is being able to position that front seat so that one of my younger kids can face me. As you know when fishing with kids that young they need a lot of help. Having them face towards you is a big advantage. Super stable and easy to navigate. I highly recommend.
Good luck,
I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing…
Sundance Skiff B18, 60hp Johnsnon 4-stroke
Native Ultimate 14.5
The Ultimate 15 Tandem and the Jackson Big Tuna are great family boats. Both are equally at home as tandems or singles!
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and Be Happy!
Customers take there kids out all the time with our 12ft or 14ft Malibu Stealth kayaks
Our Gator hatch has a child seat on it
See photo
Capt Dave
www.facebook.com/FishingKayaksSC
SC Malibu Kayak Dealer
I think all these newer, wider kayaks hitting the market will accommodate a kayaker and a small child, in some capacity. The most important thing is to make sure the kid has a good quality PFD! Bring snacks and drinks…when my little ones tired of fishing, I found that if I kept them eating and drinking, they would sit for hours 
Lowcountry Kayak Anglers - http://www.lowcountrykayakanglers.com