Kayak Fishing Magazine researches Kayak Warranties and What You Need to Know about the kayaks you are buying

         When we buy a kayak we don’t initially think about what the manufacturer product warranty really means and most times we will never need to. Kayaks are made to withstand years of use and in some cases misuse. There are, on some rare occasions problems that mean you will have to contact the dealer or manufacturer. I have seen my share of warranty issues and as kayak shop owner and I can say that companies are usually there for you when a problem arises. Most warranty issues involve a leak of some sort and this can not only be inconvenient but scary.  Another common warranty issue is deformities in the kayak’s shape, plastic (polyethylene) will change shape and most times will return to original form but serious changes are something that is not normal and you should inquire about as soon as you notice it.

         The first thing you should do when you have a problem is to contact the dealer that you purchased the kayak from. If you just bought the kayak, most dealers will just swap it out for another and deal with the manufacturer themselves. Sometimes kayaks, especially sit on tops, have tiny pinholes in the scupper hole area, these are usually easy fixes and the kayak shop can sometimes do this repair on site and have you on your way quickly. Oftentimes, this same repair actually happens in the production factory. If you have your shop do a repair like this, make sure you have it documented so if there is another problem in the future, you have it on record. If there is a warranty issue you feel necessitates getting a replacement kayak you should contact your dealer first.  They will assess the issue and either contact the company or give you the contact info.  Most kayak companies are there to help you and want your return business; the last thing they want is an unhappy customer or you telling all your kayak friends how unhappy you are. In the Internet age one unhappy customer can influence many other perspective buyers.  Most companies will usually go the extra mile to help you out. 

Below is a list of some of the largest kayak companies and their warranty policies, a lot of it is just legal mumbo but some points to remember are;

• Don’t totally base your purchase decision on length or warranty, for example, one company having a lifetime warranty compared to another only having a one year.  Companies only warranty against manufacturer defects so if you have a problem in 10 years, chances are it will be deemed “normal wear and tear”.
• Contact your dealer and kayak manufacturer at first sign there is a problem, even if the problem seems minor.  It’s always a good idea to have the problem on record so if it worsens down the road (or after the warranty expires) you will have a better shot of the company helping you out.
• No company will warranty a kayak that has been abused so do you best to take care of your investment.
• Even if your kayak’s warranty is expired and you have an issue, it is still a good idea to contact the company because it could have been a known issue and if that is the case they will usually rectify the issue. Also, in some states there is no such thing as a limited time warranty so always make a point to inquire.
• Almost all companies only warranty the kayak to the original purchaser so if you’re buying used be aware that the warranty might be not be valid.
• Always keep your proof or purchase, as some companies will require it.
• Some companies request that you fill out the warranty card (or do it online) and mail it in for the warranty to take effect. This is always a good idea because you will be kept up to date about any upgrades or issues with your model.
• If there is an issue that happened due to a modification you made on the kayak, this will usually void the kayak warranty. This does not mean installing a rod holder and the kayak leaks in the scupper hole that you are out of luck. But if the area you modified has a leak - that will void the warranty.
• Most companies require that you bring the kayak to your nearest dealer but a few require you bring it to the original dealer. No company is going to schedule pickup at your door. Even if you are traveling or far away from the dealer where you purchased, you should call the company and ask for advice on where you might be able to get help from a local dealer.
• Usually all kayaks sold as blemished, seconds or demo’s don’t hold the same implied warranty.
• Don’t give up to quickly, you might get a “you’re out of luck” speech” from the dealer but that only means that you have to contact the company next – squeaky wheel gets the oil really does hold true here.

Hobie Kayaks - TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY FOR HOBIE KAYAKS (Serial number location and format)
Hobie Cat warrants that this boat is free from defects in materials and workmanship to retail customers in the United States, U.S.Possessions and Canada. Hobie Cat will repair or, at its option, replace defective parts.

All hulls are covered for a period of two years.
Mirage Drive (pedal system) is covered for a period of one year. *

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:
. Mirage Drive - Sails (expendable parts and therefore not covered). *
. Normal wear and discoloration.
. Damage caused by abuse or failure to perform normal maintenance.
. Damage caused by hitting submerged objects or beaching without retracting Mirage Drive Sails and rudder. *
. Damage caused by mooring or storing boat in water.
. Damage caused by improperly supporting kayak when transporting or storing boat.
. Damage caused by alterations or modifications.
. Transportation of boat or parts to Hobie Cat or its dealers.
. Any boat used for rental or in commercial service.
. Any other consequential damage, incidental damages or incidental expenses, including damage to property. Some states do allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you.

(* Mirage models only)

TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
Within 30 days of discovering the defect, take your boat, along with proof of purchase (sales receipt or registration card) to the authorized Hobie dealer from whom you purchased your boat, unless you have moved or are traveling. In that case, take it to the nearest authorized Hobie dealer.

IMPLIED WARRANTIES
Any implied warranties, including implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, shall be no longer than the duration of express warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Hobie Cat makes no express warranties in addition to this Limited Warranty. Hobie Cat dealers have no authority to make any warranties on behalf of Hobie Cat Co. in addition to or inconsistent with those stated herein.

To the extent any provision of this warranty is prohibited by Federal, State or Municipal law and cannot be preempted, it shall not be applicable. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights, which vary from state to state.

Cobra Kayaks - Cobra Kayaks offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all products to the original owner with proof of purchase, against manufacturers defects.Limited Lifetime Warranty Agreement

Cobra Kayaks / Glenwa, Inc. warrants, to the original purchaser, with the original proof of purchase, their kayaks, paddles and accessories to be free of manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials, from the original date of purchase, for as long as they own the product. This warranty does not include damage to the products resulting from abuse, misuse, accidental or normal wear and tear. All warranty items shall be returned to the original dealer. All shipping costs shall be the responsibility of the original purchaser. The dealer shall contact Cobra Kayaks to report warranty issues. Cobra Kayaks will elect to repair or replace it. The foregoing warranty is exclusive and is given and accepted in lieu of any and all other warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and the implied warranty of merchantability. The remedies of the purchaser for any breach of warranty shall be limited to those provided herein to the exclusion of any and all other remedies including, without limitation, incidental or consequential damages. No agreement varying or extending the foregoing warranty remedies or this limitation will be binding upon seller unless in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer of seller. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is valid only in the U.S.A.

Malibu Kayaks - Malibu Kayaks LLC warrants, for the lifetime of the kayak, (to the original purchaser only with the original proof of purchase) this kayak to be free of manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials from the original date of consumer purchase. Upon prepaid delivery of the defective kayak, we will elect to repair or replace it free of charge, including free return transportation. The foregoing warranty is exclusive and is given and accepted in lieu of any and all other warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and the implied warranty of merchantability. The remedies of the purchaser for any breach of warranty shall be limited to those provided herein to the exclusion of any and all other remedies including, without limitation, incidental or consequential damages. No agreement varying or extending the foregoing warranty remedies or this limitation will be binding upon seller unless in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer of seller. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is valid only in the U.S.A. Due to recent expansion around the world the above warranty will apply to other countries thru your local distributor. Please contact them directly.

This warranty further applies to damage to the kayak resulting from accident, misuse or unrecommended/unauthorized alterations. When Malibu Kayaks LLC determines that a warranty claim is the result of accident, misuse or unrecommended/unauthorized alterations, Malibu Kayaks LLC will, upon the prepaid delivery of the kayak, provide the original purchaser with a replacement kayak at manufacturing cost. Some exclusions may apply.

Ocean Kayak: Ocean Kayak extends the following limited warranty to the original retail consumer of boats, that all will be free of defects from workmanship and materials for a period of one year, commencing with the original year date of the product. This warranty is in lieu of any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness.

In the event of a defect, malfunction, or other failure of the product not caused by any misuse of, or modification or damage to the product while in the possesion of the consumer, we will remedy the failure or defect, without charge to the consumer, within a reasonable period of time following notice from the consumer. The remedy will consist of repair or replacement of the product, or refund of the purchase price, at our option. However, we will not elect to refund unless we are unable to provide replacement and repair is not commercially practicable and cannot be made within a reasonable time, or unless the consumer is willing to accept such refund.

If defect in workmanship or material occurs, please notify Ocean Kayak, describing the problem along with all pertinent information as to model, serial number, date and location of purchase, proof of purchase, and your full name, phone number and address.Our customer service representitive will instruct you on how to proceed to obtain satisfaction under this warranty. The instruction may include, but not be limited to, contacting your original dealer or sending us, at our cost, the defective product. FOR BREACH OF ANY WRITTEN OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT THE CONSUMER IS LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING DAMAGES: The cost of repairing or replacing the product. Reasonable shipping charges incurred to effect repair or replacement. Incidental or consequential damages arising from any defect in the product are specifically excluded from this warranty.NOTE: SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so a one year limitation may not apply to you. If you are not satisfied with our response under this warranty, you may address a written appeal to the president of Ocean Kayak for additional consideration.

Emotion Kayaks: Limited 3-Year Warranty Agreement
TO ACTIVATE WARRANTY – fill out our online warranty registration form. This warranty does not include damage to the products resulting from abuse, misuse, accidental or normal wear and tear. FOR BREACH OF ANY WRITTEN OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT THE CONSUMER IS LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING DAMAGES: The cost of repairing or replacing the product. Reasonable shipping charges incurred to effect repair or replacement. Incidental or consequential damages arising from any defect in the product are specifically excluded from this warranty. The foregoing warranty is exclusive and is given and accepted in lieu of any and all other warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and the implied warranty of merchantability. The remedies of the purchaser for any breach of warranty shall be limited to those provided herein to the exclusion of any and all other remedies including, without limitation, incidental or consequential damages. The remedy will consist of repair or replacement of the product, or refund of the purchase price, at our option. No agreement varying or extending the foregoing warranty remedies or this limitation will be binding upon seller unless in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer of seller. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. If defect in workmanship or material occurs, please notify Emotion Kayaks, describing the problem along with all pertinent information as to model, serial number, date and location of purchase, proof of purchase, and your full name, phone number and address.

Wilderness Systems: All products manufactured by Wilderness Systems are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. This warranty applies only to the original owner. Boat warranties are activated upon receipt by Wilderness Systems of the completed warranty card, post-dated within 90 days of purchase. This warranty is void if the boat is used commercially, structurally altered or subjected to stress beyond the physical limits of the materials used in hull or components, or is damaged as a result of abnormal use. Normal wear and tear is not warranted.

This warranty does not include any manufacturer responsibility for any incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of this kayak. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you. Wilderness Systems is not liable for any injury or mishaps arising from the use of this product. The user of this kayak assumes all risk and waives any and all claims against the manufacturer for any and all injury, including death that may result from the use of this kayak.Warranty claims should be made at the retailer from which the kayak was purchased. If warranty applies, the manufacturer will repair or replace, at their discretion, the kayak or any part or component that is deemed defective. Wilderness Systems reserves the right to change products and designs without incurring any obligations to incorporate such changes into already completed products, or those in the hands of dealers or consumers. Boats repaired or replaced under this warranty may or may not incorporate these changes.This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

Native Watercraft/ Liquid Logic/Heritage: Limited Lifetime Warranty for Original Owners

AIRE Inflatable Kayaks: We are so confident in our products that we back them up with the best inflatable warranty in the world. The 10 year warranty covers all the costs of fixing your boat, including labor and materials. If you have a problem with your boat, please call                800-24...        for a return authorization number and send your boat to AIRE and we’ll fix it for free. If it’s our fault we pay return shipping, if it’s pilot error, you pay return shipping.

AIRE inflatable kayaks, catarafts and rafts have a 5-year warranty for commercial use. Our official warranty (stated in the owner’s manual):

All boats manufactured by AIRE are warranted to the boat's original owner for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, against workmanship in the tubes, D-ring patches, AIREcells, valves and zippers, and ten years against defects in the material with the following stipulations:

1. Factory attached accessories will be repaired or replaced at AIRE's option. The customer is responsible for shipping and handling to and from AIRE's plant or an authorized repair station.
2. This warranty is void if the boat is structurally altered, used commercially, or subjected to stress beyond the physical limits of the fabric and accessories.
3. This warranty does not cover abrasion and abnormal abuse.

AIRE, Inc. is not liable for any injury or mishap sustained by the use of this product. The user of this product acknowledges risks and waives any and all claims against AIRE, Inc. and any of its agents.

Feel Free Kayaks: Pyranha Mouldings Limited make a warranty to the retail consumer, for one year from the date of retail purchase, that this product is free of defects in material and workmanship only. The warranty is not transferable, as warranty does not apply to second hand craft. The Warranty Registration Form must be completed and returned to make the warranty effective.
We do not warrant that this boat is unbreakable. The bow cap and stern cap must be used at all times if supplied with your kayak.

Hurricane Kayaks: All Hurricane Kayaks are covered under warranty for a period of 3 years form the date of purchase. The warranty is limited to the original owner and is only in effect if the warranty registration card is returned. Conditions: HK will repair of replace all items returned under warranty at its own discretion. HK is the sole judge of warranty. The customer pays for all transportation, freight, and/or packaging charges for warranty claims.Kayaks used commercially are covered under warranty for a period of one year. If a product is deemed to be blemished, and is sold as a blemished quality product, the warranty is still in place with the exception of the blemish itself. The following are never covered under warranty: freight damage, improper storage, improper use, abuse, towing, normal wear and tear, and color fading due to UV rays.

Pelican Kayaks: Your Elite Series kayak is built of superior materials and in accordance to stringent quality standards. With adequate maintenance, it will give you years of reliable use. But as with most such products, it is subject to wear and tear. If you eventually need replacement parts, technical assistance or product / service information, please contact our Customer Service Department, having ready at hand the product’s model name and serial number, as well as the date and place of purchase.

The present warranty is only valid if the original buyer registered the warranty within the thirty-day period immediately following the date of purchase. Registration can be done either electronically via our Web site (www.pelicansport.com), or by completing and returning the accompanying registration card.Pelican International Inc. warranty is valid only if the product is used for its intended purposes and for which it was designed.

Hull and deck warranty:
The hull and deck, of the Elite Series products only, are warranted against defects in workmanship and / or materials for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. This warranty is extended to the original owner only and is not transferable.

Parts and accessories warranty:
Parts and accessories are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials.

This warranty does not cover: (a) products used for rental or other commercial use (b) products that have been damaged by negligence, misuse or accident, or wear due to owner’s failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance (c) products which have been modified or repaired by unauthorized persons (d) change in appearance of products due to wear, exposure or any other environmental condition and (e) normal wear and tear due to the normal use of
the product.

During the warranty period Pelican International Inc. is obliged only to repair or replace, at its discretion, the above mentioned parts, at either its manufacturing plant, or at an authorized dealer store or service center, as decided by Pelican International Inc. Transportation costs back to and from the appointed place of repair or replacement are at the expense of the consumer. Pelican is not responsible (a) for any damages incurred in transport, (b) for storing or transportation fees, (c) nor for inconvenience or loss of time or money while repairs are being made.

Any return and / or repair of products must be accompanied by a Pelican authorization number obtained by your dealer and which can only be issued by calling Pelican International Inc. customer service between 9 am and 5 pm Eastern Standard Time at                1-888-669-6960        . The return of any Pelican product will not be accepted by Pelican International Inc. without this authorization number.

This warranty is the sole and exclusive warranty by Pelican International Inc. in connection
with its above mentioned products and Pelican International Inc. makes no warranties or representations, expressed or implied (including warranties of merchantability and of fitness
for a particular purpose) in such connection except as specifically set in this warranty.

All incidental and / or consequential damages are excluded from this warranty. Implied warranties are limited to the life of this warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you special legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights which may vary from state to state.

Viking Kayaks: Vikings' linear polyethylene construction is very tough and can withstand most knocks and bumps that are part of normal use. To remove small dents, try putting the kayak out in the sun for a day. The plastic's memory should restore the original shape.If it does sustain serious damage (perhaps as the result of an accident, vandalism or misuse) it is weldable for repair. Contact us, or your local dealer for referral to an experienced tradesperson. Viking kayaks have a 10 year warranty on the hull. This excludes intentional or unintentional damage caused by sharp objects or dragging over rough surfaces.

Shakespeare Kayaks: Limited 3-Year Warranty Agreement. This warranty does not include damage to the products resulting from abuse, misuse, accidental or normal wear and tear. FOR BREACH OF ANY WRITTEN OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT THE CONSUMER IS LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING DAMAGES: The cost of repairing or replacing the product. Reasonable shipping charges incurred to effect repair or replacement. Incidental or consequential damages arising from any defect in the product are specifically excluded from this warranty. The foregoing warranty is exclusive and is given and accepted in lieu of any and all other warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and the implied warranty of merchantability. The remedies of the purchaser for any breach of warranty shall be limited to those provided herein to the exclusion of any and all other remedies including, without limitation, incidental or consequential damages. The remedy will consist of repair or replacement of the product, or refund of the purchase price, at our option. No agreement varying or extending the foregoing warranty remedies or this limitation will be binding upon seller unless in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer of seller. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. If defect in workmanship or material occurs, please notify Shakespeare Kayaks, describing the problem along with all pertinent information as to model, serial number, date and location of purchase, proof of purchase, and your full name, phone number and address. *"All kayaks for commercial use such as: pro-deals, rentals, camps, educational, store demos or those kayaks identified as demo, seconds, blems or institutional, are covered for one (1) year under warranty."

Freedom Hawk Kayaks: Each Freedom Hawk Kayak is made in the USA and hand crafted to our strict standards with attention to care and quality to give you the best product possible. All boats are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship on a limited basis for the period of (1) year. If you find that something isn't right with your kayak or have an issue from normal wear and tear, let us know and we will fix it, and get you back out on the water quickly and with minimal hassle and distribution to your recreational schedule. At Freedom Hawk, we know how important and valuable your time on the water is. Limited Warranty:
All boats manufactured by Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship on a limited basis for the period of (1) year. Register for your limited warranty by filling out and mailing in your Warranty Card.

1. Boats are warranted on a limited basis to the ORIGINAL owner for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.

2. Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. activates boat warranties immediately upon receipt of the completed, signed warranty registration card. These must be post dated within 10 days of purchase. You must return the completed, signed warranty card to Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. to activate this warranty. Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. WILL NOT honor warranty claims on boats if the original owner has failed to return the completed, signed warranty registration card.

3. This warranty is void if the boat is used for any commercial operation, structurally altered or subject to stress beyond the physical limits of the boat material. The decision as to whether any boat subject to this warranty is subject to this exclusion rests solely within the discretion of Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc.

4. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, abrasion, or abnormal abuse. The decision as to whether any boat is subject to this exclusion rests solely within the discretion of Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc.

5. Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. reserves the right to change products and designs without incurring any obligations to incorporate such changes in already completed products of those in the hands of dealers or consumers. Boats repaired or replaced under this warranty may or may not have any such changes.

6. This warranty is extended to the ORIGINAL owner as indicated on the warranty registration card returned to Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. This warranty is NOT transferable.

The warranty contained herein is the sole and exclusive warranty by Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. and there are no other warranties, expressed or implied, including a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability made with respect to such boats. Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. is not liable for any injury or mishaps sustained in the use of this product. In consideration of Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc.. extending this warranty, the user of the product warranted herein acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with the use of said product and expressly waives any and all claims against Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. and any of its agents or assigns.

RTM -

Advanced Elements - It is very important to us that you are 100% satisfied with your Advanced Elements product. If you are not satisfied for any reason at all please call us immediately at Toll Free                866...       . Please use the Warranty Registration Form to register your Advanced Elements Product.

Advanced Elements, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Products that prove to be defective under conditions of normal and proper use during the warranty period because of defective workmanship or faulty material will be replaced or repaired without charge. For warranty service, contact Advanced Elements, Inc.

Advanced Elements, Inc shall inspect all warranty claims and in the event of a defect, repair or replace the defective part or entire item, at its option. The purchaser must, before return of a defective product, obtain from Advanced Elements, Inc, a return authorization number and return center address. Please write or call as listed below. Once an authorization number is obtained, the purchaser must ship the product, POSTAGE PREPAID, to Advanced Elements, Inc for repair. Do not ship to P.O. Box address as it may be sent back.

This warranty does NOT cover:

Products used for rental, for hire or in professionally guided tours and other uses not considered normal recreational purposes; and punctures, cuts and abrasions sustained in normal use; and items involved in accidents; and items damaged in white water mishaps, and other unreasonable uses or improper storage.

Advanced Elements, Inc shall within (30) days from receipt of an authorized return from purchaser, perform its responsibilities in conformance with this warranty.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FACE HEREOF. ADVANCED ELEMENTS SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

THIS WARRANTY IS INCLUSIVE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.