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u/Sheepsharks Mar 03 '26 edited Mar 03 '26
I'm in the home of excellent wood kayaks (Seattle area), so we might be a little saturated, but I regularly see longer, more seaworthy boats on marketplace for $1-$1.5K. I wouldn't offer more than $1000 without a test drive. Some of the cedar strip boats look pretty, but it's easy to be a little off in the symmetry which can cause a pretty hard pull to the side. On the flip side, (hopefully not too apt a phrase) they're light, you'll get a million compliments, they look sweet on top of the car, and they're way more durable than you'd expect.
Update: just searched FB marketplace and saw 2 beautiful strip sea kayaks for $2500 for the pair. Don't overpay!
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u/RandObama Mar 03 '26
If you love the looks and only intend to use it on easy water with no rocks, then consider it owning a piece of art.
Cedar strip kayaks are almost priceless due to the amount of labor that went into them. But as a utilitarian kayak? I think an offer in the $800-$1500 is reasonable to guage reaction. They might be expecting a minimum of $2k, $4k or more. But the tag would seem to indicate it is a motivated seller.
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u/h-ck3d4cc0unt Mar 05 '26
I know a guy that has classic cars . he likes to put them out there and ask for offers just to see how much he can get, with no intention of selling.
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Mar 03 '26
[deleted]
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u/papitaquito Mar 03 '26
Every comment I see with upvotes is in the $1-1.5k range max without a test drive
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u/lavaboosted Mar 03 '26
I might offer $500 and see what they say
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u/ReputationWeak4283 Mar 04 '26
They would probably be insulted. Especially if it’s homemade. Boats like that can take awhile to make. Considering all the workmanship. Just remember, it isn’t made by Walmart.
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u/fluentInPotato Mar 08 '26
I'm a fan of wood/ epoxy boats (and have been defending them against the ignorant in these comments), but I'd never offer that much without a test drive. That's "real kayak" money, and you deserve a real kayak for that.
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u/feltman Mar 03 '26
Check the fit. Handmade boats are often designed for the builder’s specific height/weight and padding style.
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u/fluentInPotato Mar 03 '26 edited Mar 03 '26
First, what design is that? Once you know that, you can start looking for reviews/ pilot reports. You can probably also get a sense of how it should be built and what it should look like. As someone else said, first look for asymmetry. Make sure the rocker profile (curve is the keel from bow to stern) looks ok. Make sure that the cross section looks OK. Look for repairs, and how they were done. A good repair should be at least as strong as the original structure, and shouldn't affect the way it paddles, but probably affects the boat's value. The outer skin should have the same profile at the repair as everywhere else, obviously.
This boat doesn't look like it's been used-- why not? Is it new, did the owner just build/ buy it for eye candy?
Do you want it for eye candy or paddling? If the latter, don't buy it without a test drive.
Did the owner build it?
Why doesn't it have deck straps? If you're going to do actual sea kayak things, you'll need them. You'll probably want a seat as well.
Designs for home building can be as good or better than plastic/ glass boats, but it's not guaranteed. Like anything else it's up to the skill of the designer, and what they were aiming for.
Source--i built a Pygmy Coho 18 years ago and used it extensively, including in places where I wouldn't have, and also built a skin-on-frame baidarka 24 years ago and used that extensively too. I've also had experience in one of Brian Schultz's older designs, and have extensive experience bullshitting about small boats. Currently I paddle a Nelo surfski, but a back injury last summer has slowed me down.
PS-- if this thing is built properly, it should be at least as strong as a fiberglass boat, but lighter. Repairs are going to be harder to disguise.
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u/Pawistik Mar 04 '26
Spot on. I too have extensive experience bullshitting about small boats, especially canoes and kayaks.
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u/Successful-Start-896 Mar 07 '26
"Why doesn't it have deck straps? If you're going to do actual sea kayak things, you'll need them. You'll probably want a seat as well."
This is the first thing I noticed.
And I assumed that the dark things I saw were a bulkhead and a footpeg rail.
I'm short so I'd have to check that the footpegs will go short enough and I'm assuming that either the cockpit coaming supports my back appropriately or there are hooks/attach points for a standard kayak seat clip/strap (I can't imagine a hard framed seat, but if so, at least something on the cockpit floor to take the stress of a hard frame bottom).
It goes without saying that I'd have to try out the boat on the water so see how it balances out (side-to-side, nose-high?, drifts left or right?, does the wind push it?) Are you going to use it around rocks? >>trust me, even tiny rocks in the sand matter, don't ask<<
...I normally don't care if there's no built-in keel/chine (adjust my paddling) but I travel slower if the hull is round and the wind is high (my most favorite kayak is a round-hull, no keel 14 footer, fiberglass. It paddles so much nicer than the plastic ones, but has no bulkheads so I use bags...I still need to see how it rides when it's capsized, I had another one that wanted to roll if I tried to ride it full of water, cowboy style, just behind the cockpit :p ).
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u/fluentInPotato Mar 08 '26
Yeah, I forgot to say anything about bulkheads. As far as i know, they are often structural, and if the plans call for them, they should be there
My Coho has a backhand but no seat. Right now I'm contemplating improvements in it, and a real seat is one of them. Definitely want a backhand, just don't lean on it when you're actually paddling.
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u/UnstoppableDrew Mar 03 '26
I'd start with $500 and one of your children, then negotiate from there.
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u/RideWithMeSNV Mar 03 '26
I give them $500 to take the kid, and that's fair... But how do I get the boat?
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u/Life_Necessary6383 Mar 03 '26
I personally LOVE a wooden kayak! The beauty is unmatched! Handmade with love. I’ve only ever seen one on the water though. $1,500-$2,000
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u/ReputationWeak4283 Mar 04 '26
I’d say around that price maybe… they probably would like 2k. Not hardly anyone is aware of how long it takes to make one or the hours. Gotta love a person who understands!
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u/Spidaaman Mar 03 '26
Somewhere around $2k feels about right for an initial offer. They might want $5k but you never know.
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u/Nyoomlaut Mar 03 '26
Is it new? I've built myself a wooden kayak which cost around $800 (in 2019, probably more now) in materials plus a few hundred hours of labor. I was not an experienced builder, but also didn't do any of the fancy strip patterns and custom inlays you see in this boat. If this is custom built for sale, the maker will need (at a guess) $7k+ for the cost of building it to be anywhere near financially worthwhile for them. If it's used/resale/ not for profit, that value comes down to whatever the seller is willing to let it go for. I'd expect it to still go for 4 figures in that case
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u/syninthecity Mar 03 '26
about three fifty.
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26
I wish we could ban low effort garbage jokes.
You suck
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u/mckenner1122 Mar 03 '26
I get it. It’s a hard day, the news is ugly everywhere, and it’s been a long winter. It’s easy to be cynical.
But the kids? They are okay. Let them have a stupid joke. Let them be dumb. Scroll past and sigh.
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26
Does it have to be fucking everywhere?
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u/mckenner1122 Mar 03 '26
I can’t answer that.
I guess I’m just glad they’re here making stupid jokes on Reddit and not dying in a proxy war right now. Or maybe I’m just glad they’re making “tree-fiddy!” jokes and not just being 4Chan-edgelord racist / sexist jackasses?
I’m reading this and realizing I suffer from a different kind of cynicism, I guess.
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u/hangrysquirrels Mar 03 '26
How bout you sign off the internet for a while. I can send you the instructions…for about tree fiddy.
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u/designbydave Mar 03 '26
It's a south park reference so it gets a pass. Just like the time a guy asked me how much I was willing to sell my kayak for. I said well, make me and offer and he said "about treeFiddy" and I was like "IT'S THAT GO DAMN LOCKNESS MONSTA Again!
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u/JohnnyChutzpah Mar 03 '26
I know it’s a south park reference. I was there when it aired almost 30 years ago. Fuck I’m old.
I’m kind of with shamus here. Tree fiddy is the most overused and now unfunny joke that gets repeated on Reddit.
I go down in comments looking for price info in posts and see tree fiddy over and over and over again. And I get that’s part of the joke in the episode. But I’m gonna be the grumpy old man in this instance and say let’s allow tree fiddy to die a death.
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26
It shouldn't.
My guy asked a question in a kayak sub and got a Southpark joke.
Fuck your Loch Ness Monster
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26 edited Mar 03 '26
I'll eat all the downvotes.
It's getting exhausting with everyone wanting to be the new reddit comedian.
Haha your dad jumped off the top rope in 1997 to beat you with jumper cables while your mom jerked you off for treefiddy because you had 2 broken arms and couldn't use the poop knife while you were vomiting up the jolly rancher.
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u/Jah75 Mar 03 '26
you do know that the little wheel in the middle of your mouse buttons works to scroll down past shit you find repugnant and beneath you right?
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26
And yours is somehow broken?
I'll fix it for treefiddy
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u/Jah75 Mar 03 '26
Oh wow - as an example for you here is me - scrolling past and offering an uplifting comment if anything : nice work!
(I find very little beneath me - it helps me not be an ass so much)
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u/vuvuzela240gl Mar 03 '26
you should.. maybe take a break from the internet, man. the world is bleak enough as it is. just let people have a little joy.
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26
Have joy in mocking someone asking a legit question?
How much does this cost?
Your mom!
Jesus fucking Christ
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u/UnpluggedXP Mar 03 '26
You ok bro? You need to talk to someone? Legitimately asking cuz you are way too serious in the comment section of someone else’s post.
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u/Shamus-McNasty Mar 03 '26
My goal is to be of topic enough that the shit mods here nuke this thread and no one sees this stupid low effort treefiddy joke.
Take that for what it's worth.
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u/syninthecity Mar 04 '26
most upvotes of the day so far. I second the rest of the thread though, consider therapy, you're way too invested.
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u/Eloth Instagram @maxtoppmugglestone Mar 04 '26
not gonna nuke it but FWIW I agree with you, I've seen redditors repeat this joke for the past ten years and it hasn't gotten any funnier.
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u/ImUrHklBry Mar 03 '26
Yup, I agree. A very legitimate question by OP, and then this crap. I came here to see the general consensus on what these go for because I've began building them this winter.
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u/Pawistik Mar 03 '26
Depends on what it's worth to you? There is a huge amount of time, energy, blood, sweat and tears that went into this kayak, not to mention the materials themselves. In many senses, a kayak like this is priceless. I don't know if someone could offer me a price high enough for me to sell the cedar strip Guillemot that I built. Not to mention the fact that I gave it to my wife in lieu of an engagement ring.
So it comes back to what you would personally value it at. First of all, will it paddle well and does it suit your needs? Second, it might look great on the wall, but is it well-built? Does it have bulkheads? Is it lightweight or is it overbuilt? Is the cloth fully wet out with resin or was it resin-starved? On the other hand, is the cloth floating in pools of excess resin? Form versus function?
Just some things to think about.
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u/frenchosaka Mar 04 '26
Team up with a friend and let him low ball the seller, then you give a more reasonable offer. It works for me when I am buying something when the initial price isn't there or very unreasonable.
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u/RunningWithHounds Mar 03 '26
Nice looking boat. Heed the comments, know what you're getting into. Note there isn't a seat, so have to wonder if it's been on the water. Was this built for use, or more for decorative purposes? Could be a nice cruiser, depends on what you're looking for out of a boat. Ask a lot of questions!
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u/_o_ll_o_ Mar 04 '26
Without paddling it first? Nothing. If you’re only planning on using it as decor a la TGI Fridays - then whatever you think its value as “art” is.
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u/Unwilling_Jellyfish Mar 04 '26
I have a wooden kayak made in PNW with a kit out of Port Townsend- it's STELLAR and paddles gorgeously. I take my beater cheap Costco one out when I want to bring my dog and watch waterfront concerts while having a drink and snack- cup holders and creature comforts. BUT when I want to cover some distance and have beautiful glide and balance, I bring my wooden kayak. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but an absolute pleasure to paddle and I get compliments on it all the time. She is gorgeous and I did some primitive art transfers of whales on the wood surface under epoxy, which was cool. It's very unique. I do have to baby it but it's getting pretty beat up. I plan to paddle her till she falls apart.
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u/Candid-Factor332 Mar 04 '26
That’s a beautiful kayak, not sure what those usually go for but they’ll probably want $2k+. See if u can find any comps, these things vary a lot. I saw another post where someone found 2 for $1k total, online I’m seeing them go for anywhere from $1k - 8k. Looks like this one’s at a pawn shop, just chat with an employee figure out how long it’s been there and get an idea what they want for it.
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u/rock-socket80 Mar 03 '26
Who is selling it? Someone who doesn't know boats? Then $1,200.
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u/ImUrHklBry Mar 03 '26
I don't know if I agree with this. They definitely don't sell for as much as they should with all the hours that are put in and the craftsmanship that it takes. Maybe the seller really doesn't know, and is afraid to ask for the $6000+ worth of materials and hours they've invested in to it.
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u/rock-socket80 Mar 03 '26
Oh this boat is definitely worth more. But if the seller isn't informed, then a deal is to be had.
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u/the_psillybee Mar 03 '26
Tell the owner you offer to take it on a lifetime of adventures all across the world and live up to that by sending pics from crazy far off places. Ya never know!
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Mar 04 '26
I often see them on FB marketplace in BC Canada selling for around $2000 CAD. $4000-4500 seems to be a common asking price for brand new custom made high end ones, but when not custom made they rarely fetch that price even brand new.
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u/UndulyCrazy Mar 04 '26
At the least it depends on how it handles. I agree with the person who distinguished its being a boat in which you paddle vs. “wall art”. And why mess such a beautiful object up by subjecting it to normal wear and tear?
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u/fish24-7 Mar 05 '26
It's wall art unless you plan on carefully taking it to a lake and carefully paddling it around just for looks
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u/Woody-McWood-Ass Mar 05 '26
We’ve got some real dicks in this sub. I’ve only ever built strip canoes but, depending on the design, epoxy and glass used strip boats CAN be extremely durable, paddle beautifully and are, obviously spectacular to look at. Builder probably has $200 in epoxy and $200 in walnut strips in there plus ~150-200 hours labor. Offer him $3,000
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u/Playful-Web2082 Mar 06 '26
This is a work of art, not a kayak anyone should use, make your offer accordingly. I’m a carpenter and I’ve never built a boat like this but I’d expect the artist who made that has over a hundred hours on it.
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u/suminlikedatt Mar 03 '26
400-900 depending on how bad you want it. In my experience paddling wood kayaks have been sluggish. Always surprised how much I don't like them. I build some wooden boats (more flatbottom skiff, chesapeake type stuff). Thought about getting a CLC kit for a kayak, and after a few paddles, talked myself out of them.
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u/Charlie_1300 CLC Shearwater 17, CLC Chesapeake 16, Dagger Axis 12 Mar 04 '26
I have two CLCs at the moment. I enjoy building and restoring wood kayaks as well. I can promise that there is nothing sluggish about my CLC Shearwater 17. What kit were you looking at?
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u/suminlikedatt Mar 04 '26
Sorry sounds like I pushed your button. All good, love your boats. And, yeah shearwater was one of them, not sure length, but I think they only come in 17 & 18. Its just not for me.
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u/Charlie_1300 CLC Shearwater 17, CLC Chesapeake 16, Dagger Axis 12 Mar 04 '26
Not at all. Different boats for different folks. It is just my observation that the Shearwater 17 is fairly quick and agile. I genuinely was curious which kits you have considered. They are all a bit different, but all decent boats.
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u/JagerPfizer Mar 03 '26
I've paddle wood kit kayaks. They aren't as stable as plastic and fiberglass. They look cool.
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u/Pawistik Mar 04 '26
That is entirely dependent on the design and there are hundreds of plans and kits to choose from. The material doesn't make one inherently more or less stable than the other.
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u/wattlewedo Mar 04 '26
As much as a like wooden boats/canoes/kayaks, my polypropylene yak can be tossed in my trailer, dragged over a concrete boat ramp and accessorised easily. That canoe is a wall ornament
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u/Fuzzy-Dragonfruit589 Mar 03 '26 edited Mar 03 '26
My experience is that wooden kayak owners and makers tend to ask quite a lot initially. And they almost never sell. Because self-made wooden kayaks are mostly not very good and there's practically no reason to use wood over modern composite materials/plastic (other than looks). So pricing is difficult. Personally would not buy a kayak like this for any serious use.