If you’re interested in buying a kayak, now is the time of year to take a closer look, especially, if you’re OK with a used one.

Kayaking season comes to an end around the end of September on the west coast. The majority of tour operators put their entire fleet on sale. Why? Because sea kayaks start at $1,200 and can cost as much as $5,000. Businesses do not want to tie up that much capital on equipment over the winter. It is cheaper for them to sell off the old fleet and buy new every year. Every touring company is also a kayak dealer, enabling them to purchase their new fleet at dealer’s prices.

You can save approximately 25% to 40% depending on the age of the kayak. But Richard Anton, owner of Alberni Outposts, cautions buyers, “ Make sure you chose the right kind of kayak. It’s like buying shoes, if they don’t fit, then it’s not a bargain at any price.”

So how do you know which kayak to buy?

First, determine where you are going to be kayaking. Kayaks are designed for different types of water. A lake kayak is much different and more stable than a white-water kayak. If you are planning on tripping or camping, you will need a kayak with more cargo space.

Second , set a budget. Kayaks are not cheap. Establishing a budget will dictate the type of kayak i.e. roto mode or fiberglass you can afford. Also, budget about $500 for the extras, see Tips on Buying a Kayak to learn what additional equipment is required.

Kayak Construction

There are four major materials that kayaks are made from. Below is description and comparison:

Rotationally Molded Plastic (Rotomold) - made from plastic, these kayaks are the cheapest and are practically indestructible. This material is most widely used among kayak manufacturers. It weighs 10% more than fiberglass. They are the best selling kayak.

Thermal Form Kayaks – this is a new technology and it is getting some pretty good press. They are 30- 40% cheaper than fiberglass, yet very quick. More to come on these kayaks.

Fiberglass – It is lighter than rotomold, but you are going to pay more for it, typically double in price. Fiberglass requires more maintenance, especially if you are in salt water. Fiberglass will rip, so be prepared to patch. They are durable, but avoid rocks and gravel.

Kevlar – This is the lightest material, 21 pounds less than fiberglass, and as strong as a rotomold kayak. But better bring your gold card, they are also the most expensive.

If you are just looking for a recreation kayak for the lake, a smaller used boat will start at $350.

Necky, Current Design, Wilderness Systems and Seaward Kayaks are all good places to start to get acquainted with the manufactures. Once you have decided on the make and style of kayak, the following are just a few of the sites currently featuring used boats:

Alberni Outpost, outforadventure.com, bcseakayak.com and kayakbc.ca.

Happy Paddling.

Cheers,

Julie

This entry was posted on Monday, September 17th, 2007 at 9:33 pm and is filed under Kayaking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.