Advice on buying a used hobie - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

StumpFisher · 05-13-2021, 07:23 PM

Hello everyone. I’m in the market for a used honor compass duo. This will be my first hobie and so I wanted advice on what I need to know when buying a used one. Do I need to have someone look at the drives? Should I ask if I can test drive if that is even done (which seems like a difficult ask).

Thank you for any advice

mocruz1200 · 05-13-2021, 08:04 PM

IMO compasses are new enough that there are probably no issues with the drive. but look it over, if there are obvious signs that is hasnt been taken care of, deep scratches, oxidation, heavy salt buildup, that kind of stuff. as far as the hull goes just look for heavy scratches on the underside, look it over for any cracks or damage, you should be OK

Revoguys · 05-14-2021, 07:53 AM

Yea doing a sea trial on a kayak is not gonna happen! Lol but thoroughly inspect the hull for cracks, make sure the drive doesn’t have rust and moves freely and that’s pretty much the core of it. The rest is small stuff, like my Hobie was scratched on the bottom form surf launching but that’s minor scuffs

StumpFisher · 05-14-2021, 01:22 PM

Thanks!

Salty · 05-15-2021, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revoguys

Yea doing a sea trial on a kayak is not gonna happen! Lol but thoroughly inspect the hull for cracks, make sure the drive doesn’t have rust and moves freely and that’s pretty much the core of it. The rest is small stuff, like my Hobie was scratched on the bottom form surf launching but that’s minor scuffs

When I sold my last kayak, I took the guy out for a 6-hour fishing day off the buoy at Dana Point! That said, there were some special circumstances and I would say that probably isn't the norm. At best you might get to paddle around in a harbor or bay somewhere. Maybe more than that if you're serious about buying and are respectful and honest to the seller.

JohnMckroidJr · 05-16-2021, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty

When I sold my last kayak, I took the guy out for a 6-hour fishing day off the buoy at Dana Point! That said, there were some special circumstances and I would say that probably isn't the norm. At best you might get to paddle around in a harbor or bay somewhere. Maybe more than that if you're serious about buying and are respectful and honest to the seller.

Seems pretty exceptional to give a demo prior to a sale for used. I have dozens of friends that have purchased used, and never had a seller give a demo. Many of the dealerships in my area will have demo days either monthly, quarterly, or at boat shows in a swimming pool. People borrow friends' kayaks to see if they like them. I have owned 8 and sold 5 kayaks and have yet to experience a demo during a transaction.

kevbeer · 05-16-2021, 07:18 PM

take a look at the drive fins and where these fins meet the drive...you might be able to tell if the fin booms are bent, also see if fins are damaged. Fins and fin booms are most exposed part of the Hobies in my opinion. However, if these are damaged, usually a relatively cheap fix and so would only low ball over it.

05-13-2021, 07:23 PM	#1
StumpFisher Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Riverside Posts: 52	Advice on buying a used hobie Hello everyone. I’m in the market for a used honor compass duo. This will be my first hobie and so I wanted advice on what I need to know when buying a used one. Do I need to have someone look at the drives? Should I ask if I can test drive if that is even done (which seems like a difficult ask). Thank you for any advice

05-13-2021, 08:04 PM	#2
mocruz1200 Junior Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 22	IMO compasses are new enough that there are probably no issues with the drive. but look it over, if there are obvious signs that is hasnt been taken care of, deep scratches, oxidation, heavy salt buildup, that kind of stuff. as far as the hull goes just look for heavy scratches on the underside, look it over for any cracks or damage, you should be OK

05-14-2021, 07:53 AM	#3
Revoguys Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: San Diego Posts: 60	Yea doing a sea trial on a kayak is not gonna happen! Lol but thoroughly inspect the hull for cracks, make sure the drive doesn’t have rust and moves freely and that’s pretty much the core of it. The rest is small stuff, like my Hobie was scratched on the bottom form surf launching but that’s minor scuffs

05-14-2021, 01:22 PM	#4
StumpFisher Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Riverside Posts: 52	Thanks!

05-16-2021, 07:18 PM	#7
kevbeer Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: rancho bernardo Posts: 65	take a look at the drive fins and where these fins meet the drive...you might be able to tell if the fin booms are bent, also see if fins are damaged. Fins and fin booms are most exposed part of the Hobies in my opinion. However, if these are damaged, usually a relatively cheap fix and so would only low ball over it.