Should I buy used or new Kayak?

[Natalie]

Hi guys, I just wanted to share my latest scoop on the Internet with fellow kayaking enthusiasts. I first tried it in January earlier this year and have been hooked ever since. I just came across a great blog post http://www.statricks.com/blog/renting-vs-buying-what-makes-the-most-sense-part-1.html that was about renting or buying kayaks. I have yet left to buy my own, but this post had a lot of great tips for a new beginner enthusiast like myself. I’m planning on a kayaking trip to Gold Lake, Graeagle CA later this summer with friends who’s been “kayakers” for many years, and the blog post I’m referring to gave me some good pointers on how to finally make a good deal on my kayak.

Hope this can be useful for others!

Cheers!

[Floatsup]

I bought a used Hobie Revolution 11, that had alot of features + the inflatable tires for $1600. Which was a no brainer for me, I jumped on it, due to the fact I researched all the equi8pment prior, the wheels alone were a $200 investment. The Yak was in Excellent condition, outside of the sand scratches, but hey thats gonna happen, and paint didnt look all shiny, but these thngs didnt bother me. The equipment/Drive system was in Great condition. Thats what you need to look for in used stuff. Also If there is equipment added, make sure its not going to interfere with how your layuot would be. Again though, you can alwas fill holes, and move stuff. The New Yak, you have to take into account tax. So thats a hidden fee right off the bat. In My Humble Opinion.

Cheers
TJ

[kayak1]

I wouild only rent a kayak if I was on vacation like down in the Florida keys....

Back home In Jersey if I was to rent a kayak each time I wanted to go fishing....The cost of the rental would be more then the cost of a new Yak at the end of a season.

Kayak-1

[kayak1]

Sorry thought we where talking about renting a kayak.....

If it was me I would buy a new kayak.... and one which had no fishing equipment pre-installed......Its so easy to find your own kayak equipment and make your kayak work for you.......Plus you can save a lot of $$$$$$$$.

I like to find a yak that I feel safe being in and that I can use if not fishing and just out to enjoy the day....If I'm doing a fast moving river I sure don't need my rod holder and fish finder being in my way.......... 

I'm not at all a big fan of used.....anything that looks like a patch job or hardware that was installed below the water mark.....stay away from.

If you do buy used......be sure to use it a couple times close to the beach.....The last thing you need is to be a mile out and start to take on water.

Hope this helps.......Just don't like used.

Kayak-1

[overbite]

  Kayak 1 has good advice and seems to have a lot of experience. Note Used versus New. I have had close to 8 Kayaks over time Most were very tricked out. And in top shape when I sold them. They can be Bullet proof, But some SOTs ( Sit on Tops )  can have problems Because of a closed Hull such as leaking scupper holes with cracks but were coverd under warn. . Abuse is not much a problem other then stored in direct sun. deep scratches, Gouges..  Hull repairs hardly work if not done right. Poly Plastic is ( Recycled Soda Bottles ) And similar stuff. Not much will stick to it.
The Market is flooded with many used fishing SOTs  Since the Hobbes came on the market and guys switching over, That is a issue with used Hobbes some had big problems, But a used SOT is a starting point. A bad one is not to hard to spot, Shop around Check out The Jersey Paddler Brick. ask questions then decide its much cheaper to go Used. Check out Craigs list and Kayak sites and clubs on line get involved. But beware it grows with every bell and whistle till their is a monster you created. Good Luck and ask questions many are here to help before you buy. Bill