Hi All,

     I've recently been in the market for my first fishing kayak and stumbled across a used Wilderness Systems Ride 115X for what I believe to be a fair price. After a bit of research I have determined that the Ride 115X will definitely fulfill my requirements.

     As I stated previously, this will be my first kayak, and because of this I am slightly concerned with buying it used. So I am hoping that there may be a few here that could offer up some advice on how to make sure that I am not being sold a pile of junk. My primary concern is the possibility of any undisclosed leaks that the kayak may have.

     Does anyone have any tips on the best/quickest way to identify leaks prior to handing over my cash? Are there any other important questions to ask, or specific areas of the kayak to inspect before purchasing?

     I would greatly appreciate any/all advice that you guys may have on this.

     Thank-You in advance, and Merry Christmas!

 

If you can get it in a room that is completely dark and shine a flashlight inside the hull and storage areas, it should show you any little holes or leaks. Best way I can think of other than filling it with water. 

7 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

If you can get it in a room that is completely dark and shine a flashlight inside the hull and storage areas, it should show you any little holes or leaks. Best way I can think of other than filling it with water. 

     Thank-You for your reply!     Those were about the only methods I could come up with as well. Looks like I'll just have to just look it over very carefully.

Thanks, again.

Welcome aboard!

Any chance you could get it on the water for
a brief paddle-around? You'll find out quickly!

     Thank-You to everyone for the advice. I went to check the kayak out today and came home the proud new owner of a WS Ride 115X in excellent condition.

     Can't wait to get it rigged up and out on the water.

Congrats! Just bought my first kayak this fall and almost instantly fell in love with kayak fishing the first time I used it. 

nice score!!  my only words of advice are to paddle and fish it for a while before you go crazy rigging it up.... fight the urge to rig it too soon and you may avoid some headaches down the road.

My best advice (and congrats on the fine yak)
is to always, 100% of the time, wear your PFD!

All good advice, here.  Wear that PFD, and don't go too crazy on mods, in the beginning.  I went kayak, this year, too, and have changed my setup, several times, already.  You find yourself refining placements and whatnot, and what seems like a good idea on paper, ends up not so much, on the water.  Track rails make changes easier and less permanent, with the right add-ons.  If you don't like it at THIS spot on the rail, just slide it to another spot, or move it to another rail. I generally made sure I had one on either side of me, and one in front of me.  After that, it's been like musical chairs with the gear pieces!

Best of luck, and enjoy!