Advice on buying a used hobie

[Revoguys]

Yea doing a sea trial on a kayak is not gonna happen! Lol but thoroughly inspect the hull for cracks, make sure the drive doesn’t have rust and moves freely and that’s pretty much the core of it. The rest is small stuff, like my Hobie was scratched on the bottom form surf launching but that’s minor scuffs

[StumpFisher]

Thanks!

[Salty]

Originally Posted by Revoguys

Yea doing a sea trial on a kayak is not gonna happen! Lol but thoroughly inspect the hull for cracks, make sure the drive doesn’t have rust and moves freely and that’s pretty much the core of it. The rest is small stuff, like my Hobie was scratched on the bottom form surf launching but that’s minor scuffs

When I sold my last kayak, I took the guy out for a 6-hour fishing day off the buoy at Dana Point! That said, there were some special circumstances and I would say that probably isn't the norm. At best you might get to paddle around in a harbor or bay somewhere. Maybe more than that if you're serious about buying and are respectful and honest to the seller.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Salty

When I sold my last kayak, I took the guy out for a 6-hour fishing day off the buoy at Dana Point! That said, there were some special circumstances and I would say that probably isn't the norm. At best you might get to paddle around in a harbor or bay somewhere. Maybe more than that if you're serious about buying and are respectful and honest to the seller.

Seems pretty exceptional to give a demo prior to a sale for used. I have dozens of friends that have purchased used, and never had a seller give a demo. Many of the dealerships in my area will have demo days either monthly, quarterly, or at boat shows in a swimming pool. People borrow friends' kayaks to see if they like them. I have owned 8 and sold 5 kayaks and have yet to experience a demo during a transaction.

[kevbeer]

take a look at the drive fins and where these fins meet the drive...you might be able to tell if the fin booms are bent, also see if fins are damaged. Fins and fin booms are most exposed part of the Hobies in my opinion. However, if these are damaged, usually a relatively cheap fix and so would only low ball over it.

[fishnfoool]

Check the scupper holes for cracks.

If the kayak has more holes than it is supposed to, then that is a red flag too.

[SoCalEDC]

If you are looking to buy your first kayak and you may sell it within a year or two go and demo a few kayaks you are interested in at a demo day to get an idea of what you like/dislike and then shop around on the used market accordingly. I like to check the hull by shining a flashlight inside and seeing if there is any bleeding light where a crack or hole could be. A for the drive they are fairly simple mechanisms with nearly no internals, everything that makes the drive go is externally visible. If the cables or pullies look shitty and old like they've been baking in the sun you mat have to replace them but that's not a huge deal.

With all that said though, if this is going to be a long term investment I think buying new is the way to go. You get a warranty and you get the backing of the dealer who you purchase it from. You also get the piece of mind of knowing that what you get **should** be safe and sea worthy without having to worry about other considerations that typically come with a used kayak.

[StumpFisher]

A big thank you to everyone! Fantastic advice!! It sounds like the difference between $500 and having a new warranty may be the way to go since I plan on keeping long term. Thanks again!!

[Salty]

Originally Posted by SoCalEDC

If you are looking to buy your first kayak and you may sell it within a year or...
...that typically come with a used kayak.

Unless you're lucky and find a trustworthy seller on BWE