Used kayaks will undoubtedly be heavily discounted and as with buying anything second hand the asking price is always up for negotiation. It is generally accepted when buying used goods that the asking price is normally negotiable with many advertisements stating ONO which means 'or near offer'.

When buying used kayaks or kayak accessories from a private seller there should be a certain code of conduct that both parties adhere to. The buyer should have the right to view the goods before the transaction is finalised and the time of viewing should be arranged and be mutually agreed by both buyer and seller.

Fortunately used kayaks are relatively easy to determine whether or not they are worth the asking price as with a kayak, what you see is generally what you get. Unlike buying a car or house you will not need a mechanic or surveyor to determine whether there are any hidden problems.

That said you should always ensure that you view the boat in daylight and you thoroughly examine the boat from bow to stern to ensure there are no cracks, splits or holes.

If you are viewing an inflatable kayak make sure it is fully inflated before you buy it and check carefully for any punctures by wiping a soapy cloth over and looking for any air bubbles. Wait at least an hour and if the inflatable kayak is still firm when you press down on it then you should be ok. Most used kayaks will have a fair amount of superficial scrapes and scratches especially to the bottom of the boat. This is nothing to be overly concerned about as this type of damage is just normal wear and tear that any used kayaks will sustain even if it has only been used a handful of times.

Cosmetic scratching to the kayak will not affect the kayaks performance in the water and furthermore the more scuffs and scratches there are increases your bargaining power and ability to get the seller to come down with the asking price.

Do not be afraid to make an offer well under the asking price as you never know how desperate the seller is to make the sale. Also ask the seller if they would be prepared to throw in any kayak accessories such as life jackets, paddles, trailers or kayak seats at no extra cost.

Unfortunately there are some drawbacks when buying used kayaks. First of all you are unlikely to get any guarantee or warranty with the purchase so if you do get home and discover there is a major problem you will have a hard job trying to get your money back.

It is also unlikely that the seller is willing to deliver free of charge so unless you are buying and inflatable kayak that you can put in the trunk of your car you will need to have a roof rack or van to pick it up.