The Ultimate Facebook Marketplace Score| Used Delta 12.10 $400!

Why Consider Buying Used

I enjoy getting new equipment just like anyone else. Unboxing a brand-new kayak and placing it on your car for the first time is an unforgettable experience. However, many of us have limited budgets these days, and spending thousands on a hobby we only do occasionally isn't feasible. Additionally, purchasing used gear often means you can get a much nicer kayak for the same price as a basic new one. That's exactly what I did in this week's blog!

Patence is a Virtue

Deals like this Delta 12.10 don't pop up every day. I've had my eyes out for a Used Delta 12.10 for some time because so many of you have been asking about it in the comments. I occasionally do a search on Facebook Marketplace for this boat, and just for fun I push my search out to 250 miles to see what all is out there. This does two things.

1. Tells me what others are expecting to sell their used kayak for.

2. If the deals good enough, motivates me to make the drive to pick it up.

When I discovered the Delta online in Redwood City, it was priced at $800. It wasn't a bad price, but not enough to make me drive 8 hours round trip to get it. After about a week, the price dropped to $600. That's when I started keeping a close eye on it. If it dropped again, I planned to message the seller. When it hit $400, I contacted him immediately. It was a Monday, and he needed to move out of his house by Thursday. With that information, I packed up and headed to the bay! The seller was really nice. He and his wife had bought kayaks during the pandemic and used them frequently around the bay. Due to life changes, he was moving to a one-bedroom apartment with no storage, so he needed to sell the kayak quickly. I made sure to ask if any other gear was included with the kayak. He added a cart, two cheap paddles, a bilge pump, and a nice cover for the kayak. Thrilled with the deal, I headed over to Redwood City Watersports to test paddle it.

First Strokes in a Used Delta 12.10 Kayak

Even though I've had the chance to paddle nearly every major kayak brand, I hadn't tried a Delta yet. This wasn't due to a lack of interest, but rather because there are few Delta dealers on the West Coast, and even fewer that offer demos for customers. Discovering this pristine Delta 12.10 was a real delight. The cockpit fit and seat are fantastic. It has more of a touring kayak cockpit compared to many of its 12/13 counterparts like the Mocean Scout, Hurricane Tampico 130, or Eddyline Skylark or Equinox. I felt completely at ease with excellent back support and strong thigh contact. While paddling, I found it stable, with great tracking, and easy to turn when edged. When paddled flat, it required more effort to turn, but with a hip drop and a solid sweep, it made an elegant and predictable turn that kept me smiling throughout. Wearing my skirt and dry suit, I decided to try some rolls and rescues, and I discovered that the 12.10 handled more like a short sea kayak than a recreational touring kayak. I was thoroughly impressed and pleased with my new purchase. I'm looking forward to many future adventures and comparison reviews.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing a used kayak can not only save you money but also enable you to get a higher-quality kayak for the same price. However, it's important to be discerning and ensure that the kayak suits your needs and fits you well. Not every kayak offers a great deal, so be smart and research thoroughly before buying. Perhaps in a future blog, we can explore the Do's and Don'ts of buying used kayaks, and I'll share what I consider and watch out for in such purchases.

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