Used kayak: what to check for

I've been looking at several used Revo 13s online, and am wondering two things:

They have usually been around the $2100 mark for 2015/2016 ish models, do you think that's too much to pay for a used one?

What should I look out for / check to make sure it's in good condition?

Thanks everyone

Use the search button and type Revo 13 sale or just go through the classified forum here. It’ll give you an idea of how much our members were selling theirs at any given time. That’s a good place to start and compare. Not sure what else comes with that kayak you were looking at, but $2100 is still pretty steep for a used one

Thats too much, I usually sell my REVOS or Outbacks 2015-2017 around less than $2,000.

Hobie's are in high demand and low supply right now because Covid effects on their plant.  So its a sellers market.
 

damn that's how much i paid for a brand new one in 2015 

I'd check for the following on a Hobie:

1) Hull cracks. The high stress areas (around the yakgina, scupper holes, the rear where rudder attaches, etc.) need to be checked carefully. Inspect visually and feel around, especially on the inside.

2) Deep scratches. The plastic on my Hobies is thick, so I wouldn't be worried about surface scratches, but deep scratches or worn down areas would be a sign of abuse. For example, if the kayak was dragged across concrete, you might see some flattened area on the bottom, near the rudder.

3) Faded color. This would indicate that it's been left out in the sun, which is another sign that you're dealing with a serial kayak abuser.

4) Customization. Look at the quality of work on anything that has been customized.

5) Mirage drive. This might be harder to assess, as some issues would not be visible. But, you can check that there is no obvious damage, the cables are not fraying or too rusty, and that it operates smoothly (hold it in your hands and move the pedals back and forth, some "slop" is expected). If it doesn't have turbo fins, that's probably a good sign (and might give you some leverage to negotiate the price down). If it's not a GT drive, that's another talking point in your favor (wrt price). Look closely at the fins and see if the masts (the stainless rod in leading edge of the fins) look straight. If a mast gets bent, it can usually be bent back, but it probably won't be perfectly straight.

6) Ask them what it was used for (fishing? little old lady who only pedaled it to church on Sunday?), how it was stored, and stuff like that. Of course, they can lie, but if so, that'll probably be pretty obvious from the looking at the kayak, and it's useful to know whether the seller is being honest or not.

I'd check for the following on a Hobie:

1) Hull cracks. The high stress areas (around the yakgina, scupper holes, the rear where rudder attaches, etc.) need to be checked carefully. Inspect visually and feel around, especially on the inside.

2) Deep scratches. The plastic on my Hobies is thick, so I wouldn't be worried about surface scratches, but deep scratches or worn down areas would be a sign of abuse. For example, if the kayak was dragged across concrete, you might see some flattened area on the bottom, near the rudder.

3) Faded color. This would indicate that it's been left out in the sun, which is another sign that you're dealing with a serial kayak abuser.

4) Customization. Look at the quality of work on anything that has been customized.

5) Mirage drive. This might be harder to assess, as some issues would not be visible. But, you can check that there is no obvious damage, the cables are not fraying or too rusty, and that it operates smoothly (hold it in your hands and move the pedals back and forth, some "slop" is expected). If it doesn't have turbo fins, that's probably a good sign (and might give you some leverage to negotiate the price down). If it's not a GT drive, that's another talking point in your favor (wrt price). Look closely at the fins and see if the masts (the stainless rod in leading edge of the fins) look straight. If a mast gets bent, it can usually be bent back, but it probably won't be perfectly straight.

6) Ask them what it was used for (fishing? little old lady who only pedaled it to church on Sunday?), how it was stored, and stuff like that. Of course, they can lie, but if so, that'll probably be pretty obvious from the looking at the kayak, and it's useful to know whether the seller is being honest or not.

This is gold man, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

This is gold man, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

No problem. If you're ever looking at a used Hobie in my neck of the woods, I'd be glad to go take a look and give you my $0.02...

This is gold man, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

No problem. If you're ever looking at a used Hobie in my neck of the woods, I'd be glad to go take a look and give you my $0.02...

Will 100% take you up on that, thank you Mark. Sent you a PM to coordinate. Cheers

In addition to the kayak itself, if you're buying used and meeting someone at their house to check out a boat, as opposed to public meet-up spot, keep your eyes peeled.  If their whole situation looks well maintained, orderly etc. that'll be a good sign.  People are usually pretty consistent and attitudes toward upkeep are not limited to boat alone.  Look over the boat carefully, but all else onsite can be good corroborating evidence. 

You can usually tell how it’s being stored from pics online. HDPE kayaks are susceptible to UV damage if stored outside.

I would also check seals to see if they have dry rotted, look at anything that was attached, i.e. rod holders, or other devices.  Were they riveted in or screwed in?  Are they loose they use marine grade hardware or is it rusted up.  Can you get acces to those screws and make sure they have hardware on the back side (nut and washer).   handles and on Hobie's those little cargo nets  that sit next to you, they stretch out easily.