Jackie buys a Kayak.
Jackie had decided after our recent trip up the Tamar that she was ready for her own boat. The hip had given her little trouble. Sure it ached a bit but that was probably something she was going to have to live with.
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| Waiting on the drive for us. |
Looking at the cost of a new T120 someone suggested E bay or one of the other popular on-line selling sites. Investigation showed a T120 in mango, Jackie's preferred colour for sale in Tavistock. Boat only, no paddle or any other accessories. £525. On Gumtree there was a Red Tarpon 120 with paddle two life jackets, a C Tug trolley. 1kg anchor and line, three rod holders, a booster seat, rudder and various paddles and leashes. All fitted on a two year old Sit-on. £550. The bad news it was somewhere called Clydach in Wales. A six hour return journey! I spoke to Lewis the owner, "Is that your surname or Christian name?" We agreed subject to viewing on £490 and Jackie and I took the van up on the Saturday at 0800hrs.
The country of Wales is beautiful but the towns and villages are so depressing! Arriving at Lewis's gaff we gave the Kayak the once over, satisfied we handed over the cash, lashed it to the roof and within 20 minutes we were headed for England!
Arriving home the first priority was a cup of tea. We then took the Kayak off the van and proceeded to wash everything down with hot soapy water. The boat was covered in numerous scratches, a few dings and showed signs of having not been that well cared for. Could it be that a youngster does not value things as well as we older folk? Every time I take my lime green kayak out I panic I'll get it dirty or scratched. Stupid I know as launching from beaches, piers and rocks it's gonna get dinged.
This sit on is older than mine and as such does not benefit from the newer de-luxe seat. The booster cushion as Lewis described it when added seemed very good at supporting Jackie's thighs. The life jacket, in red thank goodness to match her Kayak Cagoule was brand new with the label still attached. The hatches both looked as though new silicone seals would not go amiss. Mine thanks to AS Watersports of Exeter who supplied me swopped out the older oval style hatch for the Summer 2016 model hatch and that is a vast improvement.
This sit on is older than mine and as such does not benefit from the newer de-luxe seat. The booster cushion as Lewis described it when added seemed very good at supporting Jackie's thighs. The life jacket, in red thank goodness to match her Kayak Cagoule was brand new with the label still attached. The hatches both looked as though new silicone seals would not go amiss. Mine thanks to AS Watersports of Exeter who supplied me swopped out the older oval style hatch for the Summer 2016 model hatch and that is a vast improvement.
