I have two canoes to sell, an 18 ft Wenonah kevlar canoe that's 31 years old and a three year old Northstar Bell 18 ft Kevlar canoe, only used on one trip.

How much does the age of the canoe lower the price? Where should I look to determine pricing (Piragis?)

Thanks!

It's totally subjective, but a lot of it has to do with how it was stored. If a kevlar has UV damage, cold-weather damage, scratching/chipping, or decay (for wood gunnels/yoke/seats) it can drive the price down. On the flip side, all of the major companies have some level of following that adds a "collectability" to older hulls especially in sought after materials like Kevlar. Another variable is your location. Minnesota has an incredibly inflated market for used canoes still with many of the listings in the cities being sold in under an hour from what I've seen. That high demand also means canoes can have higher prices and still sell. Elsewhere in the country is likely different.

The Northstar will sell very quickly, especially if it's been cared for. The demand for all things Northstar/Bell remains high and they continue to make a really good product so it makes sense.

The Wenonah will sell too, but different models have different followings. The fact it is a Kevlar means there will always be some interest in it, but how much totally depends on the condition like I mentioned.

Piragis could get you some idea of prices, but I wouldn't call it gospel. Outfitter canoes (even outfitters like Piragis that may refinish some hulls before resale) will always be way higher "mileage" (damage and scratching) than a personal canoe. The whole "rental car" philosophy is hard on canoes. And then keep your eye on the classifieds for how fast canoes sell at different price points. The demand for canoes is still very high for people looking to get out.

Folks on this forum might be able to help you out too if you post pictures. I am even pretty confident that there are folks on this forum that would be happy to buy your canoes from you too when the time comes.

Good luck!

Welcome to the website.

To get to a starting point, Google the model of canoe and see what others have sold for. Watch the posting dates, some can get pretty old. Location can influence price too. For your Kevlar boats, the North East and Mid West will generally be a bit higher than in the South East or West. If you find pictures, compare the condition shown to your canoe; is your better or worse?

After that, view your local Craigslist. Odds are that you won't find your EXACT boat, but look for SIMILAR canoes to use as a basis for forming a price.

Decide if you want to make a quick sale or to hold out for top dollar. No "used" canoe has an exact value (except the value you or the buyer place on it) but can vary in a range due to to condition, age, location, time of year, rare or unusual factory options, and even color (some folks love a red canoe). A low price will attract a wider pool of potential purchasers, but on the flip side if someone is drooling over that particular model they will probably be willing to pay a bit over average price.

The more informed you are on your canoes, the better you will be able to price them in a reasonable range.

Hi,
Are these canoes still available and did you decide what you want for them?
Would love to see pics...
Thanks,
Catrina

Hi,
When you decide on a price I would be interested. We just decided to retire our 30+ year old Sauris River but she has seen heavy use. We have a trip planned in late Aug/Sept and need a boat. We planned this trip at this time because my daughter is picking up a one season old Northstar. Can't get in on that deal but could get one for next year through the outfitters.
Would love to see pics...
Thanks,
Catrina

Thank you for your replies. Good information!