When is the Best Time to Buy a Kayak? Detailed Guide 2022

As kayakers, we all know that there is no wrong time to buy a kayak. However, there are definitely times when it’s better to buy one than others!

So, as a professional kayaker, the question that comes to your when is the best time to buy a kayak?

The simple answer is that the best time to buy a kayak is during the off-season! but there are also many things that you need to keep in mind that we completely describe in this blog post.

Is It Any Specific Time to Buy a Kayak?

This is the easiest question to answer. There is no “best time” of year to buy a kayak, though there are certain times you have a better chance at getting a deal on one. Kayaks can generally be found for sale during any month of the year, while some manufacturers offer sales and discounts throughout the year on their entire product line.

Because many people plan their kayak purchases as a big summer vacation or family activity, the most popular times to buy a kayak are during the spring and summer months. July and August tend to be peak months, so stores will have more incentives and bargains available to move their inventory before the fall season begins.

If you are looking to take advantage of the warm summer months for fishing, leisurely paddling, or just floating around on a lake or river, buying your kayak in the early spring makes sense. This will give you enough time to enjoy your new toy before water levels drop during the late fall and winter.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Kayak?

While it is true that kayaks can be purchased throughout the year, there are typically some sales or discounts available during certain times of the year.

Buy Kayaks at Early Summer Time

First, new models are released in early summertime. Examples include boats from brands like Wilderness Systems or Ocean Kayak. These tend to have an MSRP of around $1,000 and they can have a lot of great features. In this instance, it may be advantageous to wait until the new models are released as these tend to go on sale as retailers try to clear out their old stock.

Buy Kayaks During Winters Holidays

Another time when kayaks often go on sale is during the winter holiday season. This tends to apply more for sit-on-top kayaks as they are very popular holiday gifts.

It is also possible that during the winter, kayaks will go on sale with deep discounts (perhaps 30% off or more) and this is because many people do not buy them in the winter months. Since most kayakers head out onto the water when the weather is warm, dealers may need to move their inventory throughout the colder months.

Buy Kayaks at Early Spring Season

The other time that kayaks tend to go on sale is during the early spring, as this is typically right after the winter holiday season and before peak kayaking time. This can be a great opportunity but it depends on where you live and what your specific needs are.

If you are located somewhere where there are a lot of kayakers or you often have access to lakes, rivers, etc. during the winter, it may not be advantageous for you to buy early spring due to low inventory levels.

Buy Kayaks When Inventory is Readily Available

However, if you find that the inventory is readily available and you cannot take advantage of kayaking much in the winter, it may be a good time to buy as the dealers are looking to clear out their winter inventory.

It is also possible that your local dealer may not have many kayaks in stock, or they may offer deals during early spring because they’re trying to make room for summer kayak models.

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer as to the best time to buy a kayak, as it is situational depending on where you are located and what your needs are. As mentioned above, there are typically some deals offered throughout the year so this might be a good time to purchase.

What if I Miss Out on an In-Store Sale?

Some kayaks are not available at retail outlets, so you can’t purchase them except online. This is especially true for custom-built kayaks. If you are planning to buy your kayak in person rather than online, be sure to check the store’s website or call ahead to make sure they have it in stock.

Kayaks that are unique or specialized should be ordered ahead of time to ensure you can get your preferred model before it is sold out. Another benefit of buying a kayak at a retail store is the ability to test paddle the kayak and see if the seat, foot pedals, and other features fit your body well.

When Does One Kayak or Another Have a Better Deal?

There is no set time in the year when one kayak manufacturer has deals and another does not. Kayaks seem to be on sale about equally throughout the year. The best way to find bargains is to monitor the websites of your favorite manufacturers and check their current deals. You can also search for online sales that offer big discounts and rebate incentives.

Some will argue that kayaks are best purchased in the winter when they’re on sale and manufacturers want to get rid of last year’s models. Other people feel it is better to buy a kayak in the spring before everyone else (increases the chances of finding a good deal).

However, the best time to buy a kayak is when you can get one at a price and quality that make sense for you. Even if there aren’t any discounts on specific models, kayaks will still go on sale. It might be worth waiting until prices drop before buying yours.

Conclusion

To summarize, when is the best time to buy a kayak is depends on where you are located and what your specific needs are. There are typically some deals offered throughout the year so this might be a good time to purchase. If you are looking for any special features or have certain dealers in mind, it might be advantageous to plan ahead and call them ahead of time to find out if they have the kayak you’re looking for.

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