Buying a kayak

 

Buying a kayak for ouselves!

We decided that we are buying a kayak for our own use. This time around, we went on the hunt for a double sit on top kayak. This (hopefully) would mean easier loading and unloading off the kayak. There are many kayak sellers in Malaysia now. We did not want to spend too much money on a new one, so...any used one will do. As long as the kayak is in reasonable shape and its a two seater. I looked for weeks on public marketplace before finally deciding to check for deals on seller's website. 

Searching for a kayak to buy

I reached out to an old contact Gerald from EcoSports. At the time of writing this, the website is down for maintenance. EcoSports I would say is one of the pioneers in importing sports equipment into Malaysia. I got to know Gerald around the same time I started Outdoor Gear Malaysia -OGM. He had a lot of stuff but his passion was with water crafts. He brought in kayaks, canoes and small boats from various brands including Malibu, SunDolphin to name a few. Good thing Gerald remembered me and invited me over to his store to see what I am interested in. 

The Malibu Pro 2 Tandem caught my eye

My first 'want' was actually a canoe. Why? Cause I never had one. But frankly, there are not many options of place to use a canoe around Klang Valley. So, I had to content to just buying a kayak (for now at least). The canoe shall remain an (unnecessary) dream. Gerald told me all he had was China made kayaks. But....I manage to spot a standing, bright yellow tall kayak with the words 'Malibu' on ts side. Yes! Malibu...American made and its a double sit on top!

The Malibu Pro 2 Tandem

The Malibu brand of kayaks is from USA but it no longer operates. From my research, the brand was sold to another water craft company in the US. There isn't much information on the internet about this particular model. Most I found had different variations on them. This particular unit is actually used but in relatively good shape. Most of the things we wanted for our two sitter kayak is spot on with this particular kayak. I had to keep calm and not rush into it. Gerald's store is packed with other stuff and taking it out to inspect there and then is almost impossible. So, we made a deal...Gerald will find time to pull out the kayak another day to inspect its overall condition before naming me a price. 

Buying the kayak!

The two seater SOT kayak- Malibu

A few days after, Gerald called me and told me the kayak is sound and I can have it at RMXXXX. Its a bit over my budget but I decided I should go take a look anyways. Surprisingly, the kayak is slim and it wasn't as heavy as I expected it to be. The hull is in good shape with very light sign of use. All the bungees and toggles have to be replaced but the hatches are all in good shape. We shook hands over it and agreed on the price. Gerald even gave me two paddles and a kayak seat with the kayak. So, in a way, it is still a good deal. 

Swapped the original fraying) toggles with this climbing webbing

With the important parts changed and swapped, buying a kayak like this Malibu Pro 2 Tandem mean only one thing. Kayaking time! Next write up!