You can’t afford the purchase price of the latest and greatest design. You might turn to the local boating shop to see what deals they have, look in the classified ads for a cheap kayak, or even get one off of eBay. These are all viable options but you need to make sure you get the best for your money, and don’t purchase a cheap used kayak just because someone says it is in good or excellent condition.
One of the first things to look at when buying that second-hand kayak is to check if it has been patched before. Many boat repair jobs will do an excellent job at patching a hole in the kayak, but if it is done by an amateur it might be a shoddy or ineffective job. Even if the kayak was repaired professionally the damage may have caused structural damage that might have been easily overlooked. When getting into a kayak you’ll want one that is safe and a damaged, then repaired, kayak might not be your best option.
Another factor to look at is if all the parts work properly. If the kayak has a rudder or a skeg you should ask to try it out on a lake before you agree to purchase. If the seller is reluctant or refuses to allow you to take the kayak on a test run then that should raise some warning bells.
Now that you know what to look for, where do you look? A lot of research can be done online. Make sure when you begin shopping you have set a budget. Know what you are willing to spend and don’t go over that limit. Make sure you know what you will intend to use your kayak for.
Kayaks come in various styles and types for very different purposes. If you are planning on fishing solo you will not necessarily want a tandem kayak, for example. You will also want to consider the various materials used. Most kayaks now are built using fiberglass or Kevlar materials, but you can also find some very nice kayaks built with wood or aluminum.
The last decision you will need to make is how you intend to transport your kayak. If you have a larger SUV than a wooden or aluminum (heavier) kayak would be useable. But if you have a regular family car these might be too heavy to transport.
Whatever your choice, as long as you do your research and know exactly what kind of cheap kayak you want, you will very quickly enjoy your new found sport of kayaking! |
