Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Are you an authorized dealer for the brands you sell?
A: Yes! We are authorized dealers for all of the brands we carry. This means you get:
• Factory-direct pricing
• Full manufacturer warranty
• Official dealer support
• Genuine products (never refurbished or gray market)
Q: Do you have a physical store I can visit?
A: We are an online-only retailer, which allows us to offer better prices by eliminating showroom overhead costs. However, we provide extensive product information, photos, and expert guidance via phone and email. We're happy to spend time helping you choose the right kayak—call us at 850-816-0506.
Q: Can I talk to someone before I buy?
A: Absolutely! We encourage it. Call us at 850-816-0506 (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm EST) or email info@trailheadelite.com. We're kayak anglers ourselves and love helping people find their perfect setup. No pressure, no sales tactics—just honest advice.
Q: How do I know which kayak is right for me?
A: We've written extensive buying guides on our blog to help you decide. Start with our "Kayak Buying Guide for Beginners" or "Best Fishing Kayaks 2026" articles. Still unsure? Contact us—we'll ask about your fishing style, budget, and waters to recommend the perfect kayak.
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SHIPPING & DELIVERY
Q: How much does shipping cost?
A: Shipping costs vary by product and location:
• Kayaks: Typically $39-99 depending on size and destination (calculated at checkout)
• Accessories: Free shipping on orders over $99
• Inflatable kayaks: Generally lower shipping costs due to compact packaging
Exact shipping costs are calculated and displayed at checkout before you complete your purchase.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Delivery timeframes:
• In stock items (most kayaks): 7-14 business days
• Inflatable kayaks: 5-7 business days
• Accessories: 5-7 business days
You'll receive tracking information via email as soon as your order ships. Peak season (April-July) may add 2-3 days to delivery times.
Q: Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally?
A: Currently we ship to the continental United States. We are working on:
• Alaska & Hawaii shipping (coming soon—contact us for status)
• Canadian shipping (planned for 2026)
For international orders, please contact us at info@trailheadelite.com and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Q: How are kayaks shipped? Will they arrive assembled?
A: Kayaks ship via freight carrier:
• Hardshell kayaks: Ship fully assembled on a pallet (ready to use)
• Inflatable kayaks: Ship in boxes/bags (require inflation)
• Pedal drive kayaks: Kayak assembled, drive may require simple attachment
The shipping company will call to schedule delivery. Most deliveries are curbside—the driver brings it to your driveway but won't bring it inside or to your backyard.
Q: What if my kayak arrives damaged?
A: Inspect your kayak before signing for delivery. If you see damage:
1. Note damage on delivery receipt before signing
2. Take photos of damage and packaging
3. Contact us immediately at info@trailheadelite.com or 850-816-0506
4. We'll work with the manufacturer and shipper to replace or repair
Most damage is cosmetic and easily repairable, but we'll make it right either way.
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RETURNS & EXCHANGES
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We offer a 30-day return policy on most items:
• Kayaks: 30 days from delivery (must be unused and in original condition)
• Accessories: 30 days from delivery
• Opened/used items: May be subject to restocking fee
• Return shipping: Customer responsibility unless item is defective
To initiate a return, contact us at info@trailheadelite.com with your order number.
Q: Can I return a kayak if I don't like it?
A: Yes, within 30 days if:
• Kayak is unused (no water time)
• Original packaging/materials included
• No modifications or damage
• You pay return shipping
We understand buying a kayak online is a big decision. If you're unsure, call us first, we'd rather help you choose the right kayak than process a return.
Q: What if I need a different size or color?
A: Contact us at info@trailheadelite.com within 30 days and we'll arrange an exchange. Exchange shipping costs vary depending on the situation—we'll work with you to minimize costs.
Q: Are there any items that can't be returned?
A: Non-returnable items:
• Special order items
• Clearance/closeout products (marked as final sale)
• Items that have been in water or used
• Custom-modified products
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WARRANTIES & REPAIRS
Q: What warranty comes with my kayak?
A: Manufacturer warranties:
Vibe Kayaks:
• 5-year hull warranty
• 1-year parts and accessories warranty
• Covers manufacturing defects, not damage from use
Sea Eagle:
• 3-year warranty on all materials and workmanship
• Covers defects in materials or construction
• Does not cover punctures, UV damage from improper storage, or abuse
Both companies have excellent customer service and stand behind their products.
Q: How do I make a warranty claim?
A: For warranty issues:
1. Contact us first at info@trailheadelite.com
2. Provide photos and description of issue
3. We'll determine if it's warranty-covered
4. We'll coordinate with manufacturer for repair/replacement
We advocate for our customers with manufacturers and make the warranty process as smooth as possible.
Q: Can you repair my kayak if it gets damaged?
A: For damage (non-warranty):
• Minor repairs: We can provide guidance and repair kit recommendations
• Major repairs: Contact the manufacturer's service department
• Inflatable repairs: Sea Eagle includes repair kits and provides excellent repair instructions
We're happy to advise on repair options, just email photos to info@trailheadelite.com.
Q: What if a part breaks or I need a replacement?
A: We can help you source replacement parts:
• In-warranty: Free replacement from manufacturer
• Out-of-warranty: We'll help you order parts at cost
Contact info@trailheadelite.com with your model and the part you need.
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PAYMENT & PRICING
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept:
• All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• PayPal
• Shop Pay (buy now, pay later options available)
• Financing available through Affirm on purchases over $500
All transactions are processed securely through Shopify's encrypted payment system.
Q: Are your prices negotiable?
A: Our prices are set by manufacturer agreements and already reflect dealer-direct pricing. We occasionally offer:
• Seasonal promotions
• New customer discounts
• Bundle deals (kayak + accessories)
• Clearance pricing on prior-year models
Sign up for our email list to receive notifications about sales and special offers.
Q: Do you price match?
A: We strive to offer competitive pricing and will consider price matching on identical products from authorized dealers. Contact us at info@trailheadelite.com with:
• Competitor's price and URL
• Product details to verify it's identical
• Proof that competitor is an authorized dealer
We cannot match prices from unauthorized dealers, used kayaks, or clearance items.
Q: When will I be charged?
A: Your card is charged when your order is placed. If an item becomes unavailable after purchase, you'll receive a full refund within 3-5 business days.
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PRODUCT QUESTIONS
Q: Are these kayaks new or refurbished?
A: All our kayaks are brand new from the manufacturer unless specifically marked as:
• Demo units
• Blemished (minor cosmetic imperfections at discount)
• Prior year closeout (new but previous model year)
We never sell used kayaks as new.
Q: How do I know what size kayak I need?
A: Consider:
• Your weight + gear weight + 20% safety margin = minimum capacity needed
• Taller/heavier paddlers generally prefer 12-13' kayaks
• Shorter paddlers or those prioritizing maneuverability prefer 9-11' kayaks
Our "How to Choose a Fishing Kayak" guide provides detailed sizing recommendations. Still unsure? Call us at 850-816-0506.
Q: Can I add accessories to my kayak?
A: Absolutely! Most of our kayaks feature:
• Accessory tracks (Vibe kayaks)
• Mounting points for rod holders, fish finders, etc.
• Bungee systems for storage
We sell compatible accessories and can advise on the best upgrades for your needs.
Q: Do kayaks come with paddles?
A: Most kayaks do NOT include paddles—they're sold separately. This allows you to choose the paddle that's right for your height and paddling style. We recommend budgeting $100-150 for a quality paddle.
Exception: Some package deals or promotions may include paddles—check product descriptions.
Q: What's the difference between Vibe and Sea Eagle kayaks?
A: Key differences:
Vibe Kayaks (Hardshell):
• Traditional rotomolded plastic kayaks
• Generally faster and more efficient
• Require roof rack or truck for transport
• Need storage space (11-13 feet long)
• Lower maintenance (no inflation)
• 5-year warranty
Sea Eagle (Inflatable):
• Pack into car trunk when deflated
• Easier to store (apartment/RV friendly)
• Setup time required (10-15 minutes)
• Extremely durable (can handle rocks/oysters)
• 3-year warranty
Both are excellent brands—choice depends on your storage and transport situation.
Q: Are inflatable kayaks safe?
A: Yes! Modern inflatables like Sea Eagle are extremely safe:
• Military-grade materials (1100 denier reinforced)
• Multiple air chambers (if one punctures, others keep you afloat)
• Exceed Coast Guard safety standards
• Used by guides and outfitters commercially
Sea Eagle kayaks are more puncture-resistant than many hardshell kayaks.
Q: Can I stand and fish from these kayaks?
A: Standing stability varies by model:
Excellent for Standing:
• Vibe Sea Ghost 130 (very stable)
• Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 (rock-solid)
Good for Standing:
• Vibe Sea Ghost 110 (stable for experienced paddlers)
• Vibe Yellowfin 130T (stable with practice)
Possible but Less Stable:
• Vibe Skipjack 90 (narrow hull, less stable)
• Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl (requires good balance)
If standing is important, we recommend the Sea Ghost 130 or FishSkiff 16.
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INFLATABLE KAYAK SPECIFIC
Q: How long does it take to inflate a Sea Eagle kayak?
A: With an electric pump (recommended):
• Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl: 5-8 minutes
• Sea Eagle 380x: 8-12 minutes
• Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16: 12-18 minutes
Manual pumping takes 2-3x longer. We strongly recommend an electric pump ($50-80) for convenience.
Q: Do inflatable kayaks come with pumps?
A: Most Sea Eagle kayaks include a manual foot pump. However, we strongly recommend purchasing an electric pump separately ($50-80) for much faster, easier inflation.
Q: How do I store an inflatable kayak?
A: Best practices:
• Deflate and dry completely after each use
• Roll loosely (don't fold) to avoid creasing
• Store in carry bag in cool, dry location
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure when stored
• Do NOT store in car trunk (heat damage)
Properly stored, Sea Eagle kayaks last 10-20+ years.
Q: What PSI should I inflate to?
A: Recommended inflation pressure:
• Sea Eagle RazorLite: 10 PSI (high pressure for rigidity)
• Sea Eagle 380x: 3.2 PSI (lower pressure, still rigid)
• Sea Eagle FishSkiff: 3.2 PSI
Over-inflation can damage valves and seams. Under-inflation reduces performance. Use the pressure gauge that comes with your pump.
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ORDERS & ACCOUNT
Q: How do I track my order?
A: You'll receive tracking information via email when your order ships. You can also:
• Log into your account on our website
• Check order status in your account dashboard
• Contact us at info@trailheadelite.com with your order number
Tracking numbers are typically active within 24 hours of receiving the shipping notification.
Q: Can I cancel or modify my order?
A: Contact us immediately at info@trailheadelite.com or 850-816-0506:
• Before shipping: We can usually cancel or modify
• After shipping: Cancellation not possible (return policy applies)
Because many items ship directly from suppliers, we have a narrow window to make changes. Contact us ASAP if you need to modify your order.
Q: Do I need to create an account to order?
A: No, you can checkout as a guest. However, creating an account allows you to:
• Track order status
• View order history
• Save shipping addresses
• Receive exclusive member offers
• Access warranty information
Account creation is free and takes 30 seconds.
Q: Is my information secure?
A: Yes. We use Shopify's secure payment processing with:
• 256-bit SSL encryption
• PCI-DSS compliant payment processing
• No credit card information stored on our servers
• Secure checkout through trusted payment processors
Your privacy and security are our top priorities.
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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We're here to help!
Email: info@trailheadelite.com
Phone: 850-816-0506 (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm EST)
We typically respond to emails within 2 hours during business hours.
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