Thoughts on this Kayak For Sale?

I'm in the market to upgrade from my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 to a pedal drive.

My funds are limited so I'm looking for a decent used one.

I found this on CL.

Can any experts help me out with your opinion or other options?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/boa/6210173203.html

Thanks!

I'm not an expert but have bought and sold kayaks a little bit.  It's the older version so the seats not as comfy as the new ones but that price seems pretty good if the drive is in good order. 


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It would help if you give your physical size and what kind of fishing you want to do. As far as the kayak condition of course you will need to look at it in person to check for problems or damage. Hopefully someone can give you advice on what to look for to spot any serious problems.

I'm 5'7" 150 lbs.

I fish mostly in the bay and ocean. And I did a lot of crabbing last year so I need to be able to load some pots.

I have a tarpon 120 but I'm tired of having to Paddle so much and not have my hands free to fish.

The last 2 digits of the serial number are the model year. I'm guessing that one is very old (all of the long-distance photos make me suspicious). I've heard there were some issues with cracks around the drive well in older Hobies, so that's something you'd want to check carefully (and check around the scupper holes too). You'd also want to inspect the mirage drive very carefully---it's probably the older V1 version---as parts are not cheap...

I have an older hobie like the one pictured. I enjoy  being able to fish almost hands free when trolling and being able to stay on top of structure a little easier when current is moving you.

Not sure how they are with crab pots loaded.

A have had no problem with drive area leaks . Crossing my fingers. The draw backs for me are no room for much interior storage due to small hatches. Not a big deal for me though. The biggest issue I have is that the rudder does not fold all the way up , so you have to be mindful of that.

I did have minor leak issues coming from the hatches but corrected that with removing hatches and resealing and redoing hatch rubber seals. I guess with it being older the silicone and rubber seals had shrunk over time.

That is a great price as long as there are no drive leaks or cracks.

I'm thinking the easiest way to test for leaks would be to have the seller place it on a sturdy stand and fill it with water ?

Alex

Old outback's had issues with the mirage drive well cracking under stress of the peddles.  Pretty difficult to tell if it's cracked as well until your on the water and filling up.  However if it's not cracked, it's possible to prevent the cracking by filling in some reinforcement. 

Save your money

It has a patch on it. He sent me pics.

Yup those models are prone to cracking especially in the mirage insert area. My best recommendation is to keep saving and get the kayak you want vs settling for something that may end up being more of a hassle.


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My best recommendation is to keep saving and get the kayak you want vs settling for something that may end up being more of a hassle.

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