rapala
valued Member
Posts: 101
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Post by rapala on Jan 23, 2007 8:52:29 GMT -1
Hi all, and many thanks for responses to my thread about best boat for a starter.
I am going to get one but may try and bag a bargain second hand, it being the time of year when people clear out their garages, and sea kayaking is far from peoples' minds.
So are there any things I should look out for? I assume just check for obvious gouges, holes etc and that the boat is not obviously bent or dented?
Thanks in advance. Ian.
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Post by george on Jan 23, 2007 21:28:21 GMT -1
I think you have hit on most the obvious structural points there Ian. Here's my view for what it maybe worth to you. Maybe something to remember about older boats( not much over a year and a half old maybe) is that there was a batch of Ocean Kayak boats (Prowlers were mainly mentioned) that were of poor manufacture in general and had leaking scuppers in particular boats with this fault maybe on the second hand market now . Feel into the scupper holes, they are narrower than on later models (made within the last year or so) and if the plastic welding/moulding seems badly uneven and almost off set (it should be quite smooth) then such a boat maybe of that batch and should be treated with a little caution- question the owner carefully about how much water he tipped out after each trip.- more than a litre or two might be cause for suspicion. Apart from that negative- look for benefits- someone may have rigged up a decent anchor system or rod holders and such like these are all benefits that could save you the time and trouble of putting them in. Pick a nice bright colour as well for the visbility on the water side of it . The main thing in the end though i suspect is to not to be persuaded by a bargain used boat by its price- select the boat by the model you want first then try and find that boat as a bargain. A boat that does not suit you or perform what you want it to do is obviously going to be a disappointment or even worse. Here ends the sermon All the best.
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Post by boomphat on Jan 24, 2007 6:51:25 GMT -1
The gospel according to St George.
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rapala
valued Member
Posts: 101
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Post by rapala on Jan 25, 2007 10:50:04 GMT -1
Thanks George, sound advice and I agree entirely. I am planning to get a new one specially for fishing (prowler 13 seems favourite at the mo, but I'll come to one of the meets before deciding) but may try and grab a smaller one 2nd hand (e.g. a frenzy) for messing around in meantime, plus I have a 7 year son..... Thanks for the tips. Ian
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Post by ZEBRA on Jan 26, 2007 8:00:36 GMT -1
before you buy second hand phone brookbanks they oftern have second hand or realy good deals on kayaks .you know its been checked by them then and will be covered by them for major defects the second hand market for kayaks is not much cheaper than a new one and for the sake of about £40/£50 you will be getting a guarantee and all the backup if you should need it . www.brookbankcanoes.co.uk/ one of the nice things about brookbanks is that they have all the kayaks on display so you can have a good look at all the models side by side well worth a visit .
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rapala
valued Member
Posts: 101
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Post by rapala on Jan 26, 2007 9:42:17 GMT -1
yes, I'll check out Brookbanks but I still think my best option is to come to a meet and pick all your brains re. kayaks. Incidentally did I read somewhere that forum members get 15% off at Brookbanks?
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Post by ZEBRA on Jan 26, 2007 9:57:55 GMT -1
its definitely the way to go come to a meet if you bring yourself some clothing you don't mind getting wet we can lend you a pfd and i know there will be no shortage of people very willing to give you a paddle in their boats you will be sure then you have got the right boat in fact if you tell us when your coming i am sure someone will bring along a spare boat for you to have a fish off .as for the discount i think your right i am talking to mark the boss from brookbanks today so i will clarify the discount situation with him while i am at it and put it on the forum .
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Post by hugheseysx on Jan 26, 2007 18:54:23 GMT -1
Zebra be very grateful if you can check out the deals at Brookbanks - if their doin a 15% discount I'm there for my new yak (unless Ray if your watching you can do a better deal ;D). Brookbanks are doin brand new P13's at £399 at the moment. Wonder if they'll knock another 15% off for forum members
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Post by TimO on Jan 26, 2007 20:23:05 GMT -1
Wow Ian, is that for the angler version?
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Post by hugheseysx on Jan 26, 2007 20:30:03 GMT -1
No the non angler in lime or blue - but if you think about it you can buy the two trod holder kit for £30 so its till only £430! I'd get one but am worried that the P15 is too big???
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Post by george on Jan 26, 2007 22:26:00 GMT -1
Ian in your last post you mention P15 - is that right ? or did you mean that you felt the P13 was going to be too big because i think P13 or a very similar boat would be ideal for you or even something like a Tarpon 120- just a bit smaller but still a very nice boat indeed- could even arrange a test drive for you as a certain member of our forum has got one.
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Post by ZEBRA on Jan 27, 2007 0:03:14 GMT -1
i will clarify it with mark Saturday i am going to see him sometime Saturday afternoon i will ask specifically about the p13 the p15 i think has now been discontinued but i will find out all the info for sure tomorrow.
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