Kayaking is slowly becoming a more and more popular sport. However, like many water sports, a kayaker usually has to spend a good amount of money purchasing the necessary equipment. This includes the boat itself, which can sometimes cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
For this reason, many kayakers opt for second-hand boats, as they are much more affordable than purchasing new models from expensive suppliers. For the same budget you can either get a new, lower-quality kayak or a second-hand higher-quality option.
With that being said, not every bargain that you find online or at second-hand stores is a good purchase. In this article, we will be discussing a few factors to consider before spending your money on a used kayak. More so, we will mention what you should look out for when inspecting a second-hand product.
So without further ado, let’s get into it so you can get to making your decision.
Who Are You Buying The Kayak From?
The first thing that you should consider when looking at a used kayak is who you would be purchasing it from. If the product is advertised on a phony-looking Facebook account, the chances of the deal being a scam will be much higher. On the other hand, if you found an advertisement on eBay or Craigslist, you should look more into the kayak.
Many people prefer purchasing second-hand products from actual stores or pawn shops, as they are usually more trustworthy. However, it is essential to note that not every online seller is a scam artist. For this reason, it is always a good idea to message the seller in order to get a better feel for their authenticity.
Always View The Kayak Before Purchasing It
If you are going to be purchasing a second-hand kayak, you should always view the product beforehand. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are willing to lie in order to gain some extra cash. Instead of falling for these tricks, make sure that you know exactly what you are purchasing before spending your hard-earned money on a faulty boat.
More so, if you ask to view a kayak and the seller comes up with excuse after excuse, you should take that as a red flag and look elsewhere. In the long run, noticing strange behavior could end up saving you a lot of money and time.
Things To Look Out For When Purchasing A Used Kayak
Many people do not know what to look out for when viewing a used kayak. For your convenience, we will be discussing a few key signs that can indicate if a product is faulty or not worth the money.
How Is the Kayak Being Stored?
One of the first things that you should look out for is how the product is stored. For example, if the kayak is made out of plastic, storing it on the ground can cause severe damage. More so, if exposed to the elements, the plastic can warp.
If the kayak that you are viewing is stored outside and on the ground, you should look for any signs of warpage on its lines. For example, if the hull of the boat has been altered in any way, this will drastically affect the boat’s performance in the water, meaning that you should look for a different product.
Inspect All The Fittings
On top of storage, the fittings of the second-hand boat should also be thoroughly inspected. These parts are likely to be affected by usage. It is important to note that most fittings can be replaced – however, if they are badly damaged, you should ask for a lower price.
If Possible, Take The Kayak For A Test Run
Lastly, if at all possible, you should ask the seller if you can take the kayak out onto the water for a proper test run. Even though you can inspect the boat for any damage or warping on land, you will only really know how the boat performs once it is in water.
Once in the water, be sure to look for any signs of leakages or faulty fittings. More so, take note of how easily the boat turns and moves in the water. With that being said, many second-hand sellers are unwilling to do this, as it takes a lot of time.
Final Thoughts
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a used kayak. In order to ensure that you will not be wasting your money, you should always consider who is selling the product. More so, do not purchase anything without thoroughly inspecting the boat. You should also take note of how the boat is stored and the condition of all the fittings. If possible, always take the boat out for a spin on the water before committing to the purchase.
So should you buy used kayaks? It really comes down to the above information and your gut feel too. Consider all of your options and make the best purchase possible.