Kayaks, Kayak rack rack, and periferals (sp?): Best time to buy for least expense?

Question

I am interested in purchasing kayaks (enclosed, stable: float if we flip), rack (such as Thule) and the necessary equipment (paddles, jackets...). When is the best time of year and where to buy these items for least price?

Answer 1

Hi, The other poster is right.  If you're in an area where the water is frozen in winter, then winter will be the best time of year.  You can get lots of reseources online, like at paddling.net.  Use their guidelines section on the site and select the "buying a boat" link.  You can learn a LOT from there.     For additional info, search the messageboard archives for personal advice from the 55,000+ members of the site.  

The classified ads there are great, but realize that the people on "P-Net" are well aware of what their boats are worth. I'd peruse craigslist and ebay, and don't forget your local garage sales!

Answer 2

It can depend on where you are at, but Kayaking is typically a year round sport.  Here in NoCal you can boat during the rainy season, spring melt, summer dam release, or lake and ocean/surf paddle, so there is typically no off season to score a good deal on gear, its pretty much the same year round.  

The best place to get good gear and advice on boating is your local paddling club.  I learned to Kayak by joining a club. It's a good way to network with other boaters, get free lessons, and is usually an excellent source for finding affordable boats and gear.  Do a google search of any local kayaking and canoeing clubs in your area. Boating clubs typically have a newsletter or a website with affordable used gear.

Also try craigslist. There you can find a local seller, so that there are no shipping costs. Kayaks are very pricey to ship.

You should also check the want adds of your local newspaper. I've bought and sold a couple of used boats there as well.

Good luck, and happy boating.