Buying a used canoe might not be such a bad idea. This is especially true when you realize that good canoes appreciate in value over time. While this is not intuitive, it is true. Plus, buying a used canoe is a great way to save money while getting a good boat in return.

If you are on the market looking for a good canoe, and are unwilling to spend too much on a new one, then searching for a good used canoe should be your first order business. Aside from being able to save a few bucks, you should also be able to get a good canoe that is worth much more than you are paying for. That is, however, if you know how to look for a good canoe.

Here are a few tips so that you can weed out undesirables from the current crop of used canoes on the market. It will help you learn of the characteristics good canoes have even if they are second-hand.

1. Good canoes never go out of style. As mentioned earlier good canoes can only increase in value as time goes on. While this is not true with most things, it is true with canoes and wine. Truth be told, some experienced canoe enthusiasts go for used canoes instead of buying new ones. Canoes are pretty resistant to damage, and broken-in canoes can perform better than brand new ones.

This is the reason why buying used canoes does not have to be a bad proposition. Just make sure you know what to look for in a canoe.

2. Look for the brands. Most classified ads would advertise used canoes. The trick here is to know if the canoe is worth looking into just from the ad itself. If the ad does not mention any brand, then that canoe is most probably junk. Also, used canoe ads will mention the price for their wares. If the price is too low, and sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

Don't let a good price fool you. Make sure you look into every detail possible to look for possible loopholes and characteristics that would turn you off from the canoe.

Also, if you find any high tech canoes on classified ads, it would be best if you be wary. Most high-end canoes are not advertised on classified ads. Remember, you're looking for a usable canoe of good quality, and not looking for a high-end product.

3. Do a little research. It always pays to do a little research on the canoe you're looking at. The first thing you have to know is the retail price of a brand-new canoe of the same model. Usually, used canoes-the good ones at least-are priced around 80% of the retail price.

As the canoe is more undesirable, the price plunges. So a quick look at the prices being advertised will give you an idea on the boat’s condition. As said earlier, you have to be realistic when looking for used boats. 20% off the retail price should be a good enough discount, and good enough reason for you to buy a used canoe.

4. Small cracks and scratches? If upon inspection of the canoe, you find small cracks, or scratches, do not let this scare you too much. Small cracks and scratches are pretty much negligible. In fact, they are easy to repair and patch up. However, what you should really look out for our structural deformities in the canoe.

For example, if the keel line is not straight, it could signify a serious damage to the canoe structure. Step back a few meters from the canoe; if it does not seem straight, then you should avoid it. Turn around, and walk out of the store.

Also look out for any delamination in the hull. Once this sort of trouble starts, it can only get worse.

Conclusion

In the end, buying used canoes might not be such a bad idea. Although it comes with the “used” moniker, it could actually be a better boat than most of the new ones on the market. Plus, it is a great way to get a good boat at a lower price. With that same amount of money, you could very well end up with a lesser boat, albeit a new one. Just make sure you follow the advice in this guide, and you are sure to find a used boat that is well worth the money you will be spending on it.