New kayaks and canoes are getting very expensive! The cost of importing - shipping, duty and taxes, the cost of materials and labour, cost of commercial/retail space and staff costs (especially weekends when most want to go paddling). If you are buying a kayak that is coming from overseas, what happens if it arrives damaged? Importers should carry (very expensive) insurance policies to deal with these circumstances. Kayak shops are disappearing as the cost of living increases.
Secondhand is a great option that really should be considered!
Why would you buy a new kayak? - it takes time to find the right kayak - it might not be perfect but I am yet to find the perfect craft and I personally have at least 15 craft! They all do something different, depending on who, what, where.
Types of Paddle craft
For example if I am paddling my true love it will be a canoe; for work: a sea kayak (touring kayak) which now has become my passion as well. When I was young and a little crazy I did white water river running, playboating, creeking and slalom. Trying to get fit now so a surf ski/ocean kayak is comparatively easy to get out on the water. Surf kayaking… because dreams are free, to rip down to the local wave before work....and the family get out of bed. Stand up paddle boards (SUP) because they’re cool, great for fitness, easy to load/unload and carry to the water. Rafting was a big part of my early work here in Australia and around the world. I have now found pack rafts which are so much fun, great to take away on a family holiday and a great way to introduce people to moving water. Let's not forget sit-on-top kayaks (SOT) as they are the gateway for the commercial program and now the safe way for me and my family to get out on the water. The journey begins again - the kids love to explore and fish. I have been paddling and have loved it since I was 16…1993!
Buying second hand, you generally will get more than just the craft. They may come with paddles, life jacket, carts, fish finder, spare paddles, tow line, roof racks, pump and sponge. Some items might not fit you, but you can on-sell items on social media sites these days. Otherwise it does get very expensive if you have to buy everything at full RRP.
Before you buy…
Training
Can you swim (are you comfortable in the water)?! I actually think the first step to purchasing the right craft is knowing if you get back on if you fall off! Imagine you are in the water! 90% of people can't get back on their craft. * It’s a real problem - we strongly recommend you undertake training from the qualified Paddle Australia instructor and then join a club these are the best places to test paddle heaps of different craft.
*80% of stats are made up on the spot!
Ultimately determining what type of craft is right for you may take a couple of craft but this will point you in the right direction, but you will also learn the key safety aspects.
The key to safety in paddlesports, whether kayak, canoe, raft or SUP, is understanding:
Weather Interpretation (including Lee & Fetch, Tides)
Basic Skills and Strokes
Safety Equipment - everyday gear you should be carrying - have it accessible and know how to use it
Rescue Kits - essential whitewater gear for your canoe/kayak/packraft trip or rafting trip.
Buying Second hand
At the start of your search, research the craft for suitability for your size, skill level and where you want to paddle it. Where is it made and how long ago? This may affect availability of spare parts. (My heart sinks when some one says “I just bought this kayak without hatch covers but the seller said you could help me…”)
Test Paddling
Test paddling is difficult, privately and if you are looking at new craft commercial dealers are reluctant to have kayak demos as they instantly become used / second hand kayaks. It is not affordable to offer test paddles! Ihave always said a kayak shop that is away from the water sells more kayaks as people purchase with their emotions. Then when you eventually get to the water you find out it is more difficult than you thought! Which means you must know what you want before you buy a craft… this is where we open Pandora’s box, there are so many types to choose from. Generally you buy 2 craft before you start working out what is actually right for you unless you want just a basic recreational kayak - just floating around and there is nothing wrong with that!
Or you buy just one craft and if you have a misadventure, sell it or it is hidden under the house for the next generation to sell / free to good home and never go paddling again which is very common…. The best place to test paddle is when undertaking a class with a Qualified Australia paddle instructor and then later as a club member!
Don’t get Yakked off…!
Don’t get Yakked off is a ripper Youtube from Perception Kayaks. Check it out! Perception is one of those brands that has been around since the early days and they make good quality craft for paddlers.
Craft retailing under $600 are generally sit-on-top craft that look like a kayak but not kayaks. We will refer to these as Yak-offs. They are still perfectly good for floating around and some still paddle alright! But if you really want to go paddling, look at kayaks designed and managed by people who kayak and have been around for some time, like the classic big brands (see the list below)! You can purchase these second hand starting around $600 for a decent used sit-on-top.
The second hand Yak-off kayak should be free to a new home or up to $150 - over $150 you should just buy a new Yak off!
Places to Buy Second Hand Paddle craft
Online Marketplaces (be careful of scams):
Facebook Marketplace: A great platform for finding local sellers.
eBay: Useful for a wider selection, including shipping options.
Gumtree
Specialty Websites eg.GearTrade.com: Focuses on outdoor gear, including kayaks.
Local Kayak and Canoe Shops - many shops sell used or consignment kayaks, especially at the end of the season.
Kayak Rental Businesses - rental companies often sell off their older stock at a discount.
Club Websites - club members selling off spare craft, but generally the marketplace section of their websites is visible to non-members
Community Boards - check bulletin boards at local marinas, parks, and recreation centres.
Questions to Ask the Seller
How old is the kayak? What is its history?
Where has it been stored (inside or outside)?
Has it ever been repaired? If so, what was repaired and by whom?
Why are you selling it?
Are there any known issues with the kayak?
What accessories does it come with (& their condition)?
If you are unable to inspect in person, request photos of the kayak and accessories. Pay particular attention to the hull and seams for cracks, gouges and signs of wear.
By following these tips and exploring these places, you can find a good deal on a secondhand kayak that suits your needs. Happy paddling!
$$$$$$$$ What does a second hand used kayak or canoe cost $$$$$$$
Well… what is someone prepared to pay for it, and how unique it is… how long is a piece of string…
Well if it is a Yak off and RRP was approx. $600 or less you may see second hand prices from $0 - free to a good home and up to $300 - you can currently find a good Yak off kayak for less than $300 retail! If that is what you want just get a new one!!!! And get out and float around, perfectly fine. But if you want to go paddling a little further you have to consider a quality craft. See the list at the bottom of the page of a broad range of quality craft you should consider.
I personally would prefer to buy a well-used brand name I can trust, who have been building kayaks for years and who actually do R & D, so you're not getting yakked off! Try to find one of those listed below. I would be prepared to pay $600 and up to almost full RRP for any of the brands listed below, as they usually come with accessories as well. Factor in the transport - get a quote , and then contact the Kayak Courier. This allows you to widen your search, looking in places like Perth WA, VIC, NSW, QLD and even FNQ even off the beaten track.
Getting it home
Look over a wider area for your second hand paddlecraft as there are now many options for freighting it to your home from interstate - NSW, VIC, QLD and even WA. Some options may require a wait as they are small services with only one or two vehicles.
Transport: Couriers specialising in Kayaks and Canoes, SUP, Rafts, Boards
We use and recommend The Kayak Courier - It is worth the wait…..Give Danny a ring (0414 889 499) to pick up and drop off your dream paddling craft: kayak, canoe, SUP, board, dinghy, and anything else…. They are based in Vic (Bells Beach), running between Perth WA, Adelaide SA, Melbourne ViC, Sydney NSW, Northern Beaches QLD, Cairns FNQ, and off the beaten track.
Why The Kayak Courier?
Using The Kayak Courier has many advantages over a general carrier. First, your freight is only handled by ONE person, meaning no forklifts, no in and out of trucks and vans and only handled very carefully by Danny himself or his small team of drivers. You will be pleasantly surprised at the very competitive price and items rock up in one piece.
Other Transport Options:
North line
UShip
Other groups moving kayaks can be found at: Canoe/Kayak Transport Australia (Facebook)
I now have the kayak, but what if it needs some work?
You will be very fortunate to find your dream kayak in perfect condition!
Depending on how they have been stored, your new second hand paddle craft may just need some maintenance or smartening up, or it may require some professional help. The three main types of commercial kayaking material are Polyethylene (rotomolded kayaks), ABS (a lightweight plastic) and composite (fibreglass, kevlar, carbon fibre etc.).
Polyethylene (RM kayaks) - big gouges, holes, cracks or rubbed through keel lines require plastic welding. A good quality PE plastic can be readily welded but if you have been Yakked Off you may find the plastic too thin or soft to fix - it will just melt away. Duct Tape is a field repair until you get home. See list below of plastic welders who do kayak repairs.
Composite Kayaks - a professional can make it look like new and down to matching the colour. For a rough & ready repair FG chop mat and resins are readily available in marine shops. Duct tape & Knead-it for field repairs. Car polish and a buffer can really bring the colour back to life (remove decklines first!)
Again, see list of repairers below. Australian manufacturers of kayaks will often have a refurbishment service as well.
ABS - this is a bit tricky and it will depend on what the damage is if it can be repaired. There are flexible epoxy products that may be useful. Search Youtube for help.
Refurbishing your paddle craft:
There are a lot of small DIY projects that can make your second hand paddle craft like new. Kayak Shop Australia has an extensive range of spare parts that ship Australia-wide.
Keeleazy keel tape
Hatch Covers (available for many kayak brands but perhaps not if you are Yakked off!)
Deck lines (reflective rope) and bungee cord (shock cord)
Rudder cable (2mm Spectra cord or stainless steel cable)
Skeg blades (with cable)
Rudder blades & whole rudder systems
Foot brace systems & some foot pedal spares
Bung plugs for sit-on-top & fishing kayaks
a wide range of plastic deck fittings
List of repairers:
This list is not exhaustive and is a work in progress. Contact us if you are a repairer and would like to be listed.
You may need to make use of the Kayak Courier if there is no-one in your area!
Fibreglass:
Xplora Kayaks (Melbourne, Vic) - 0450 323 173
Mirage Sea Kayaks (Gosford, NSW) - for refurbishing Mirage Sea Kayaks only
PE plastic:
David B. aka Plastic Dave (Melbourne, Vic) - 0402 996 769
Polytank Repairs (NSW, QLD) - 0480 226 919
Some reputable paddle craft brands that you might find second hand
Recreation / Fishing / Fitness - this is not an exhaustive list!
Perception Kayaks https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/
Wilderness Systems kayaks https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks
Dagger kayaks https://www.dagger.com/us/kayaks
Ocean Kayaks - Old Town Ocean Kayaks
Native Water Craft https://nativewatercraft.com/
Hobie Kayaks https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/
Mission Kayaking https://www.missionkayaking.com/
Delta Kayaks https://www.deltakayaks.com/
Riot Kayaks https://riotkayaks.ca/