Shopping for a used 8-foot kayak?
Getting a used kayak is a great low-risk investment, and 8 foot kayaks are already some of the cheapest boats on the market. Their widespread popularity means secondhand 8 ft kayaks are abundant, so you should be able to score a good deal on a used one.
Where should you look?
On your search for an 8 ft kayak, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or other online classifieds are your best bets. Use general keywords—if you search with a broad term like “plastic kayak”, you won’t miss any. If the length isn’t indicated directly, look for an “80” or “8.0” in the model name or photos.
You can also consider putting up a wanted ad at a local paddling club, or asking on the club’s Facebook page. Many kayakers tend to amass a boat collection over time, and they may have an 8 foot kayak they’d be willing to part with.
What should you look for?
Most 8 foot kayaks are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another type of robust plastic. Plastic is an ideal recreational kayak material as it is strong, inexpensive and impact-resistant. Even with frequent use, it’s unlikely that the kayak will be damaged to the point that it’s unusable. Most scratches and abrasions are superficial.
The exception is if there are cracks or holes right through the hull (bottom) of the boat. For a sit-inside kayak, these are pretty obvious to see. On sit-on-top kayaks, pick the kayak up and listen for water sloshing around inside. This is a good indicator that there is a hole in the hull.
One common cause of damage to used kayaks is the use of ratchet-style straps to secure the kayak when transporting it. People who use the ratchet straps tend to over tighten them, as the plastic bends under pressure. This can cause warping or distortion of the kayak hull. Look for damage from the ratchet straps along the sides of the kayak; bending and distortion will be obvious.
UV damage may be another potential issue with a used kayak. Storing the kayak in direct sunlight will weaken the plastic over time. Look for excessive fading on one side of the kayak, and apply firm pressure to the hull and deck. If it feels spongy or appears sun-bleached, this doesn’t mean that the kayak is unusable, but it may wear out more quickly.
Thoroughly inspect the outfitting components of the kayak, like the foot pegs, hatch, seat and seat back—it’s more likely that these will be worn or damaged. Make sure that any buckles clip, and that adjustable foot pegs (if they’re present) slide forward and backward. It’s not a deal-breaker if they are broken; you may be able to source adequate replacement parts from a general hardware store or paddling shop.
If it’s an inflatable kayak, it is imperative that you blow the boat up before buying it. In the process, listen for air leaks in the valves and tubes and watch for any stains and mold, which may reveal the kayak was stored wet. Make sure there are no missing parts; check for seat and seat back, deck rigging such as grab lines, skeg (a removable fin that slides into the hull) and pump, if included.
If the kayak is missing parts or a pump, you might be able to source replacements—but check beforehand. Many manufacturers are backlogged at the moment and there might be a delay.