A Bell Canoe Yellowstone Solo in Royalex recently popped up on CL Madison, WI. I've wanted to get into river tripping for quite a while and research shows this a good boat for that purpose. Individual is asking $1500 for the boat which looks to be in average to average- condition.

What might knowledgeable folks out there say the value of this boat be closer to?

Thanks for your help.

I would say it is overpriced. It cost less than 1k when he bought it new. If i had to guess I would say $600 only because they are probably hard to find. For $1,500 you can spend 1200 or 1300 more and get a new Northstar Phoenix in IXP layup which will be a way better boat and more durable than the royalex. I got a Bell Yellowstone in royalex for free last year in mint condition. I think mine is a little tippy for river tripping. I don't think they could form the Yellowstone in royalex like they could with the kevlar/fiberglass/carbon fiber layups. I am either going to lower the seat or put in hardware to make it a kneeler. I rarely use it. I have a Bell Wildfire in black/gold material which paddles a lot better than the Yellowstone in royalex. I use the Wildfire unless it is going to get bashed. In my opinion price is too high on that boat.

Up until the pandemic, when outdoor activities went crazy and all outdoor gear was being gobbled up, a lot of people.....myself included, when purchasing used boats, kind of used 2/3 of original retail price as a starting point.......then based on condition, rarity, go up or down from there......On a side note, after attending Canoecopia this weekend and talking to some of the manufacturers, there will probably be a hefty price increase coming soon on new canoes as the cost of labor, materials, transportation continues to rise......

Mike

Most used canoes these days are a rip off... Like others have stated it almost makes more sense to save a little more and buy a brand new boat that will last you 20+ years. Even on this forum its ridiculous the price people are selling/paying for 15+ year old canoes.

I paid $650 for my Vagabond Roylex in almost new condition. Prices on everything are crazy right now.

PVnRT: "A Bell Canoe Yellowstone Solo in Royalex recently popped up on CL Madison, WI. I've wanted to get into river tripping for quite a while and research shows this a good boat for that purpose. Individual is asking $1500 for the boat which looks to be in average to average- condition.

What might knowledgeable folks out there say the value of this boat be closer to?

Thanks for your help."

Pehaps $1500 is a bit overpriced but, still a bargain compared to the cost of new equipment. A seller can ask for the moon but, the actual sale price may be exactly in your comfort range. If the canoe fits your purposes, make an offer you can live with. If your offer is rejected keep looking.

Good Luck

OMGitsKa: "a brand new boat that will last you 20+ years. Even on this forum its ridiculous the price people are selling/paying for 15+ year old canoes. "

Those 15 year old canoes from reputable builders will also probably last another 20 years (or more). My Magic is 22 years old and still in very good condition. They're not like cars with a lot of moving, wearable parts. But whatever floatsyerboat...

OCDave: "still a bargain compared to the cost of new equipment."