It is now December 2010, an on-line search reveals that there are plenty of kayaks and canoes for sale. A look at a web-shop at some brand-new ones, reveals that they are slightly out of my budget. so let's see if eBay can come to the rescue.
After consulting with my mate, we agreed that it would be a good idea to find a twin-canoe, rather than 2 single canoes. In this way, we 1. should not loose each other, but more importantly 2. go faster for less effort, which on such a long trek, where endurance will be key, is going to be of importance, especially if we don't get a lot of opportunity to practise.
A search on eBay reveals that the British Army is disposing, through an Army dump shop of 20 twin canoes, for the "buy-it-now" price of £100. This is a bargain. Especially because individual ones seem to go for at least £300. The make is Ace Explorer 515, a solid plastic canoe. 5.5m long, and 28kg heavy. Apart from the normal wear and tear, they look in good nick.
A purchase is made, all I have to do now is drive down to Basingstoke to pick it up.
Roof-bars, and 2 straps I have. So all I have to do is buy some foam pipe-lagging from the local DIY shop to act as a cushion. 4m for £4.50.
Total cost to date: £100+£4.50 = £104.50
This is the official marketing blurb:
The Ace 515 is an excellent double for general touring, estuaries, gentle sea kayaking, and perfect for the Avon Descent. The 515 is really the only plastic double kayak that is suited for the Avon Descent. Great choice if you want to have fun paddling with a partner. The 515 is stable yet relatively fast. With two enclosed cockpits the Explorer 515 can take spraydecks and handle the rougher water conditions that the open cockpit double kayaks can not.
The 515 can be purchased with or without a rudder. Ample storage space to carry gear for weekend camping trips. Fitted with backstraps, toggles for carrying and rescuing and fixed foam buoyancy blocks.
