Your legal rights - Private and Shop
Buying used kit can be a risky experience, so it is best to be fully aware of your rights should something go wrong.

Private
You have far less legal comeback when buying privately. The only obligation for sellers is to describe the kit truthfully - but even if they don't, getting compensation from them can be difficult, time-consuming and costly. However, you can still expect the kit to be:

• capable of being used for the purpose it was intended, unless the seller specifies that it isn't.
• owned by the person who is selling it - because if you later find out it's been stolen, you have no legal right to keep it.

Buying through a Shop
The law is clear; you are covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979. Kit must be:

• of satisfactory quality, bearing in mind its age, what it cost and how it was described to you. It should be free from defects, other than those you were made aware of.
• as described. If the shop says that it is only a year old, and in fact it is a three year old model, you can reject it.
• fit for any reasonable purpose. Kit should do all that you reasonably expect of it, including any specifics you state to the shop.

Bear in mind that as of 31st March 2003, the onus is on the shop to prove that the kit was of satisfactory quality when it was sold. This means that the buyer no longer needs to seek an independent inspection.

However, if you believe that the kit has a fault, and wish to take it further with the shop, you must stop using it immediately, and contact the shop directly. You also need to follow this up in writing, providing evidence of any problems.

Windsurf / Kite / Surf Boards

Footstraps:
Straps are a good indicator to how much action a board has seen - if the straps are in good condition you could be on to a low mileage bargain. More 'tired' straps might need replacing so factor this into the pride if necessary.

Non-Slip:
Add on the price of re-gripping the board if you think this will be necessary.

Fins:
If the board was originally sold with a fin it is fair to assume it is included in the price. If it has seen 'better days' then prepare to haggle on the price.

Deckplate / Mastfoot Fittings:
Most new boards are supplied without a deckplate so if one is supplied this is really a bonus. Note that some older boards need special mast base fittings for which replacements are difficult to find.

Mast Tracks:
Check to ensuer that mast tracks are in good order. On older boards there can be several moving parts - so check to see whether they need attention. Serious damage here is complicated to repair.

Hull:
Minor dings are common and not terribly serious but any poorly or non-repaired damage will need to be seen to. Superficial damage will involve cracking of the gelcoat outer layer. More serious damage would usually be announced by longer cracks. Check for cracks around the nose, rails and finboxes.

Check for creases on the underside of the board and for any soft spots when applying gentle pressure.

Deck:
Any widespread soft areas might be indicative of delamination or a board that is full of water - these could amount to serious problems needing serious repairs. As a rule, steer well clear of creased or crease-repaired boards - if the crease is around the middle of the board it has usually been caused by hard jump landings and seriously weakened.

Windsurf Sails

Monofilm:
In contrast to boards, which can last more or less indefinitely if well cared for, sails do wear out if you use them enough, simply because monofilm, used extensively in the majority of windsurfing sails, degrades in UV light. Monofilm that has seen too much sun loses flexibility and turns brittle.


Luff tube:
Wear and tear around the luff tube usually has little bearing on the performance or longevity of the sail, the only inconvenience being at the time of rigging when care needs to be taken to prevent the mast snagging whilst being sleeved.


Battens and Tensioners:
Check none of the battens are broken and all of the batten tensioners are present and successfully tension the battens as intended.

Other Fittings:
Very occasionally the eyelets used at the foot and outhaul of the sail rips out, so check they look healthy. Ensure that any adjustable mast head systems are present and in good order, check the plug will fit your mast and the webbing is okay.

Sizing:
Before going through with any impulse sail purchase take a moment to check that it will fit with the rest of your kit - can you rig it on your intended mast and will the boom fit. Mast and boom requirements are usually printed on the sail itself and on the sail bag.

Kites

Inflatable Struts & Bladders:
When buying a second-hand inflatable kite it is worth looking over the whole kite with a fine tooth comb - in particular the leading edge and inflatable struts. Pay particular attention to bladders and check for any signs of holes. Excessive wear and tear along the leading edge tube may cause puncturing of the internal bladder. Inflate - before you buy!