Short answer: a used demo boat from an authorized dealer gets you a proven raft for less money, right now, with a known history and someone to back it up. My used 11' SOTAR Lance is $3,040, 20% off the $3,800 new price.
Pros
- Save money. All my demo boats are 20% off retail, regardless of condition. On the Lance, that's $760 back in your pocket for oars, a frame or a PFD.
- No wait. It's here now, not four to eight weeks out on a build.
- Known history. I know exactly where this boat has been: the North Santiam, the White Salmon including Husum Falls, and loaded with gear on the Grande Ronde. No guessing what a stranger did with it.
- The real thing. Buying from an authorized dealer means a legit SOTAR, honestly described, from someone who'll still answer the phone after the sale.
- Help after you buy. Setup, outfitting, repairs and questions down the road. I can point you to repair pros like SOTAR and All Inflatable Repair.
- Proven on the water. Demo boats have already shown they can take a beating and keep going.
Cons
- It's been used. This Lance holds stories among the patches on its tubes. If you want it spotless, buy new.
- No custom choices. You get the colors and setup it already has.
- One of one. When it sells, it's gone.
- Warranty questions. A new SOTAR comes with SOTAR's limited warranty. Ask me what applies to a used boat before you buy, so you know exactly what you're getting.
Used from a dealer vs. used from Marketplace
Used gear from Facebook Marketplace can work, as long as it's quality. But a dealer demo comes with a known history, an honest description, and someone accountable for it. A random listing might come with hidden repairs, a mystery age, and no one to call.
About this Lance
It's SOTAR's 11' R1/R2 playboat from the Merlin series: continuous-curve hull, light enough to shoulder on portages, and made for running solo or with a partner. It was my demo boat and current sponsorship boat. Watch it run the North Santiam and Husum.
What to check on any used raft
- Inflate it to pressure and let it sit to check it holds air.
- Look over patches, seams, valves and D-rings.
- Ask how it was stored and cleaned.
- Ask what's included and what warranty, if any, applies.
Want to see it in person or ask anything about it? Email me.
Quick answers
Is buying a used raft a good idea? It can be, if the boat is quality and you know its history. A used demo boat from an authorized dealer comes with a known history, an honest description and someone accountable for it.
How much is the used SOTAR Lance at SOLWYRX? $3,040, which is 20% off the $3,800 new price.
Does a used raft come with a warranty? Ask before you buy. A new SOTAR comes with SOTAR's limited warranty, and what applies to a used boat should be confirmed with the seller.
What should I check on a used raft? Inflate it to pressure and let it sit, look over patches, seams, valves and D-rings, and ask how it was stored and what's included.
