Best time of year to buy a new (or used) Outback?

Hi all,

I recently re-introduced myself as getting back into kayak fishing once I finish re-habbing me knee from surgery, which is still likely at least month or two out, though I am itching to sneak out ahead of schedule .  This means I have a fair amount of time to either 1) look for a great deal on a used (2020 or newer) Outback, or 2) wait and buy a new one at an opportune time.

With full understanding that things vary from year-to-year, for buying a new Outback, is there a "best" or even a "more-likely-to-be-better" timing?  I.e., is there such a thing as Black Friday (meaning end of season), or wait for the Sportsman's show in Sacramento (I think in Jan?), or wait until 2023's come out and look for a (potentially) discounted 2022?  Or, should I just jump on the next "good deal" on a used Outback that I see.  I have noticed that the Outbacks really seem to hold their value, meaning used Outbacks are selling for close to new prices, which in a certain way is very re-assuring.  While I understand that buying new will cost more with taxes, etc..., it also means a longer warrantee and establishing a relationship with a local shop, which I think also has long-term value for myself.

Thoughts or insights?

Jon Monroe

I've never really noticed a sale on new ones. That said, I have gotten really nice deals on a demo Hobie around this time of year. Call Tahoe City Kayak and ask when they're selling their demo fleet. I bought a Revo last year that had been used less than 3 times (they weren't really letting people demo it b/c the beach had receded to the point where rocks were exposed).

Soon, there will also be an increase in the number of guys selling their used ones, as we're approaching colder months when they are used less.

I've never really noticed a sale on new ones. That said, I have gotten really nice deals on a demo Hobie around this time of year. Call Tahoe City Kayak and ask when they're selling their demo fleet. I bought a Revo last year that had been used less than 3 times (they weren't really letting people demo it b/c the beach had receded to the point where rocks were exposed).

Soon, there will also be an increase in the number of guys selling their used ones, as we're approaching colder months when they are used less.

Thanks for idea on Demo's.  I do understand that new ones don't really go on sale, but I thought there may timing for "package deals," where there may an opportunity to pick-up some needed gear at a discounted rate. Or, I may just be greedy and need to step up and buy one .

Jon Monroe

Hey Jon 

I've never seen new ones go on sale but looking in demo fleets is usually the way to go.  Yes, they're used but they are also typically better maintained than privately owned ones (and sometimes you could make a deal to get some sort of warranty).

Now, there are deals every so often.  Gotta keep your eyes peeled and look.  I got my new 2020 for $2800 OTD from a supplier in San Diego.  One of their clients ordered 4 new Outbacks, and instead of paying for shipping, the store drove them up here for the client.  They sold a few more to guys like me for cost (no tax, no shipping) just to fill up their truck.

I would also consider the new Passport R series.  They look like decent kayaks (similiar to the 2014-2018 outbacks) and the pricing on them is very attractive.

following up on this post from a few weeks ago. For the first time I can recall, Hobie's launching a sale. If you're ready to buy new, now may be the time.  I'm not sure which local dealers are supporting this, but i've seen a few, including Kayak City in Sac.

Hope i'm not re-posting what's already been posted. Haven't been on much in past few days.

If I remember correctly, way before pandemic, Hobie offers 20% on previous year model pretty much this time of the year every year. Many of them are demos, but certain dealers would let brand new goes at 20% as well. I use to search out of state dealers, some of them were super loaded on inventory and they really wanted to get rid off the older stock. There was one dealer, shipped me 10-15 brand new outbacks and revo13 (2-3 years old model) at or below their costs. Many friends benefited from my find. Fast forward now, I am hearing the stock is catching back up. It may be worth to broaden your search, aka, out of state.

I just ordered my Hobie Outback from Kayak City, it's the 2021 Hobie Mirage Outback model. It's one of their old demo models, but I called in to ask about the condition of the kayak and they mentioned that it had only been used once out on the water. Here's the link:

https://kayakcity.com/2021-hobie-mirage-outback-dune-demo-model/?sku=SLATE-7BD531D5

They don't do shipping so you'd have to go to the store to pickup the kayak.