Posted by jas on September 03, 2002 at 12:22:20:
In Reply to: Re: looking4dive/fishkayak posted by Deemo on September 03, 2002 at 03:08:03:
: Not to rain on anybody's parade or anything but it has been rumored that many of the "discount" sellers of Cobra Kayaks are actually selling factory seconds without telling their customers such.
OK, I found out the deal about this rumor. I'll try to be vague (so not to throw anyone under the bus) and specific at the same time. The rumor is in regards to one specific store way down south. Though it could be possible they might use these for demo boats or rentals; I don't know. The source never said they sell them without disclosure of the factory defect. All he said was that he knew that they receive these kayaks in deliveries.
What makes them a "second", I was told, usually has to do with tiny air bubbles forming during the roto molding process. These tiny bubbles can eventually pop. Though they are really tough to see and don't cause too much of a problem (except a little extra water in the hull).
I was also told that sometimes the hatch or cover might be a little warped.
If a dealer did bait and switch someone, that would be wrong. But I do understand that Cobra does have a Lifetime Warranty. So it sounds like you'd be covered.