How to Buy a Used Kayak
Kayaking as a sport is increasing in popularity. The opportunity to get some healthy exercise in the beautiful outdoors is often too attractive to pass up. There are very few recreational sports that allow for a great upper body workout, so kayaking is on the rise.
Of all the recreational water sports, kayaking is really the most intimate. Just the water and you forming a relationship that can be spiritual or adversarial. Whichever the case, kayaking is undeniably more popular.
If you are already smitten with the sport of kayaking then it might be time to purchase a boat. A kayak can be an expensive investment and a new boat is the most expensive alternative. Just like a good used car, a good used kayak can be purchased at an reasonable price giving you high quality at entry level pricing.
First, determine what type of kayak you need. Kayaks come in five classifications based on intention of use: expedition styles, day touring and general recreation, whitewater and surf models. In each of these classifications you will see folding, inflatable and rigid kayak models.
Rigid kayaks are made of several materials. A plastic kayak is the most durable, least expensive and heaviest option. Wood kayaks are often beautiful. Many kayakers build wood kayaks from a kit, but they do need regular maintenance. The fiberglass kayak is the most expensive option and the lightest style. They can be damaged more easily than the other two options but are the easiest to repair.
You must give some thought to your needs to determine which class of kayak you should be looking for. If you hand the boat on your own, you may want to look for the fiberglass versions. If storage and transportation are tight, you could consider the canvas folding style or inflatable model. If your kayak excursions are all day touring affairs, you must consider on board storage capacity to take necessary supplies.
Just as you would a used car, always inspect a used boat carefully. Look for any damage that may need repair or damage that has already been repaired. Plastic kayaks are tough, but since repairs are difficult you may want to steer clear of any suspicious body work. Fiberglass is easy to repair so look for paint patches and check the soundness of the repair. An inflatable boat repair can be tricky and should be considered carefully before purchase. An inspection of the hull looking for uneven areas or divots is important to determine overall safety.
Look for the high end big name kayaks on the used market. You could get lucky and find a really high quality boat at a fraction of a new kayak price. This approach can get you a boat that is better than you could have afforded if buying new and makes a better investment. If you don’t intend to race the boat, then a quality used kayak can really put you in some great equipment.
