Age a problem?

Submitted byNonprophet onThu, 05/17/2018 - 12:06
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Kayak Building

A good friend built a nice cedar stripped kayak back in the late 90's and he's only used it a handful of times. When not it use, it's stored in his garage which has no windows. He's moving now, and has offered it to me for sale. I know that UV can degrade epoxy and glass over time, but if a kayak has been stored out of the sun are there any concerns with buying a 20 year old strip-built kayak?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

Rob Macks Laug…

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 12:42

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Any bare wood anywhere?

Any bare wood should be coated with epoxy and then varnish.

Otherwise if it looks good and you get a good price, it will be fine.

All the best,

Rob Macks

Laughing Loon Custom Canoes & Kayaks

http://www.laughingloon.com/

207-549-3531

 

“Of all the means to insure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.” 

― Epicurus,

 

I don't know that I've ever seen any UV damage but I think if there were some it would be evident. Probably some noticeable color differences or some loose or lifting fiberglass cloth. 

My first strip built canoe was built 33 years ago. It has seen some outside and some inside storage. It has been used a lot and maintained very little. Still looks OK and going strong. 

All of my kayaks have aged much better than I have the last 20 years, age is a problem but not for the boat.

 

Nonprophet

Wed, 06/27/2018 - 12:35

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She's a beauty, a Rob Mack designed Northstar baidarka built in 1994.......Northstar1Northstar2

Etienne Muller

Thu, 06/28/2018 - 06:04

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I'm a big fan of the North Star. That boat looks like it was built last week.

 I'm guessing you got a bargain there. Now you need to get a spray-deck.

Et

What a nice looking kayak. I am sure you will enjoy paddling her. I used one similar when I paddled with ET and enjoyed it. (As I recall I switched kayaks with ET at his urging.)

That day was one of my most memorial experiences. The company, setting, and the boat was perfect. 

JohnVB

I had my first kayak out on the water last year. Its stored inside and hadn't been paddled in a dozen years or so, but age hasn't effected it noticeably.

 

Original Great Auk

 

george jung

Fri, 08/03/2018 - 23:31

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…. and that is a really nice boat, nonprophet!  You done good!

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Strip Built