Can't decide

[Mad Daddy]

Can't decide to buy new or used. Looking at buying an Outback but am struggling with buying new or used, (of course new would be from OEX). Only ever had bad experiences with used anything but it seems that there are a lot of opportunities to save hundreds buying used. Can anyone share there results with used kayaks, Outbacks in particular.

[makobob]

Picked up used 2012 outback on this forum less than a month ago. Awesome boat in good/great condition. They are out there. Newer is better, less beach rash, check the drive, and rudder system. Good luck.

[bus kid]

If money is not a issue by all means new it is. For me having 3 kids,2 car payments, mortgage and all the bills associated with the home,and only 1 income I have bought used. If you are only interested in a Hobie then there is a 3rd option you may not know about, Demo boats. call OEX and ask about any Demos the have that they may be willing to part with. I have had no issues with the yaks I have bought over the years and my current revo was a demo yak.

[The pelican]

Used is a bit of a gamble but it's worked out well for me. I agree w Mako Bob that you want to check the drive and rudder for sure. One benefit to a good used kayak is finding one that includes the extras (bait tank, fish finder, turbo fins, PFD, etc.). That stuff adds up quickly if you're buying a new kayak and many used include the extras.

[kayachapi]

When I decided to finally get the boat I'd been dreaming about for years, I was prepared to do whatever it took to get it.
Scraped up all the money I could and planned on financing the rest. After years of dwelling on it, Hobie made sense to me. Then my wife threw me a curveball, and said why don't you get two, so you always have someone to fish with. Craigs list had two Outbacks an hour from me. I made an offer and got both for $2300, fish finders one with GPS, a Hobie bait tank and other misc. gear. They are older boats, not shiny but in great shape. Used boats can come with a lot of equipment that adds to your overall cost. A new boat would have been nice, but I am very happy to be able to get out and fish with my boys. No regrets

[CKallday71]

I bought my 2013 Outback from a guy on this forum and could not be happier! I took it down to Andy at OEX and had him instal the Square Tackle Box holder from the PA12 just forward of the seat and in my opinion for the money it can't be beat. I bought it with the FF/GPS, Bait Tank, Seat, Paddle, 2XRam mounts, ect for $2000 and it's the best money I've spent on a toy EVER... Well I spent about the same on my AR-10 but it's a close tie!

[CKallday71]

BTW,
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=19864

Looks like a bargain to me! If I were in the market for another single Kayak I would jump on that. I'm in the market for a Tandem though.

[alanw]

I bought a used yak to save money. It's almost as good as a new yak if it was well taken care of and kept out of the sun and is not more than a year or two old.

Just look for cracks, sun damage (brittleness, fading) and avoid that. You can usually get a good deal because of extras that come with the yak.

One thing to remember is that a plastic kayaks life span is about 10-15 years max if taken care of, so even a 3 year old yak is just about 1/4 of the way done and the price should reflect that.

[Mad Daddy]

Thanks for all the advice. I just missed on one opportunity by procrastinating about buying used. With most of you seeming to by used where do new kayaks come from? I think I will for another GREAT deal on a LOADED used 2013 Outback for a month and if nothing floats by I'll treat myself to a new 2014 for Christmas.