Price?

I'm new to this, and keen to buy an Epic V8 Ultra (for the added stability).
Browsing 2nd hand - why are these waaaaaay more expensive than V10's or V12's?? The larger engine sizes are lighter also??
Can anyone shed some light?
I like the shorter length at 5.5m also.
6m+ 'aint fitting in my garage...

Supply and demand I should think - the V8s haven't been around long and they're popular so there won't be many on the second hand market yet. They'll always have a good resale value IMO because anyone can paddle them - the beginner market is much bigger than the elite level market (who would paddle V10/V12).

The weights depend on the layup - if you're looking at a glass V8, it'll be a lot heavier than than V10 Ultra (which is made of vacuum bagged carbon, etc.)

I agree with Robin on the supply/demand opinion. There seems to be a larger supply of "Club" and "Performance" heavier layups hitting the boat classifieds too. Not sure if these were simply due to paddlers wanting to "upgrade" to a lighter version or losing interest altogether - but wish those folks had all put up the extra cash for the lighter layups so we could reap the benefits of their flagging interest!

Maybe the prices will come down once the Stellar S18S and Think Eze shorter skis starting hitting the boards. However, don't expect that till next year..

Check out the custom kayak horizon. You can get them NEW for around $1800. Damned good beginners boat and it fits your garage. Rob has done a review somewhere on this site. I can't see why you would fork out twice as much for a beginners boat. My wife has learnt to paddle in this and my 8 year old can paddle it. Has the easiest pedal adjustment around. Oceanpaddler stocks them in Australia.

Dicko wrote: Rob has done a review somewhere on this site.

Surfski.info Review: Custom Kayaks Horizon

Since you are in Melbourne it may be well worth your while searching out a new THINK eze.

Details for the VIC dealers on the link attached.

www.thinkkayak.com.au/dealers-3/

AS stable as the V8
FASTER than the V8
Slightly SHORTER than the V8
NARROWER catch than the V8 (even narrower than the EVO ii!)
BETTER weight/price ratio than the V8
& most importantly.....
SEXIER than the V8!!

Recent reviews and comments can be found on the Think facebook & Think WA facebook pages.

Thanks for the info Adam. Can you cut me a good deal?!

hamishglen wrote: Thanks for the info Adam. Can you cut me a good deal?!

$2795 for a 15kg glass Eze. The nearest V8 is 16.5kgs and will set you back $3500.

There's a good deal if ever I saw one.

Has anyone out there looked/tried the new Nelo Viper55 ski? Now THAT is innovation!! It lists weights from 7.5 to 12kgs!! (and some nice handles that I wish all skis could have)

Adam - What is the price tag on the 'Elite' model?
I like the storage port, great place to put a jacket, etc...
(I'm into fast touring)

hamishglen wrote: Adam - What is the price tag on the 'Elite' model?
I like the storage port, great place to put a jacket, etc...
(I'm into fast touring)

Hi Hamish,


$3795 for the Elite at 12kgs. Both the Performance and Elite are in stock right now.

Cheers,

Stew.

CyberSki wrote: Has anyone out there looked/tried the new Nelo Viper55 ski? Now THAT is innovation!! It lists weights from 7.5 to 12kgs!! (and some nice handles that I wish all skis could have)

I agree, something shorter, light and with handles would make a trip down to the water for a training paddle so easy. Off course its not going to be as fast or a racer, but for a fitness work out it just makes it too easy. Similar dimensions to my sea kayak, without as much hassle. I would give one a try.

Kayaker Greg wrote:
I agree, something shorter, light and with handles would make a trip down to the water for a training paddle so easy. Off course its not going to be as fast or a racer, but for a fitness work out it just makes it too easy. Similar dimensions to my sea kayak, without as much hassle. I would give one a try.

Nothing wrong with shorter, more stable skis. I did 52mins 15secs for our 10km Rose Bay Blast course on Wednesday night on a 15kg Eze. Howling NE'er and incoming tide makes that course a little slower, but the stability from the Eze meant no power was lost in a really messy, choppy conditions. Had a ball out there.