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Every year, the N.O.C. hosts an event called G.A.F. (guest appreciation festival) during the last weekend of Oct.. By far this is the BEST time to buy a used boat. The Ocoee stops running, playboat season is winding down, and many boaters are selling their playboats to get a creekboat. There's still plenty of playboating abound, but you'll have to wait until March to get back on the Ocoee. Until then, you can freeze it up on the Nantahala. If you can't attend G.A.F., keep an eye out on Craigslist and Boatertalk for people trying to sell their used boats. I bought my playboat (Wavesport ZG) for $500 in November of 2005. It was only 6 months old and in great shape. Last year I bought my creekboat (Liquidlogic Jefe) for $600 at G.A.F. It was about a year old and again in excellent condition. It might be worth the wait financially and it'll give you time to rent/borrow as many different boats as possible. Also, by then, you may be ready for a full on playboat and won't want a river runner after all. Don't underestimate your ability to adapt. It shouldn't take more than a couple of laps around USNWC for you to get comfortable on a playboat.
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Don't forget G.A.F. (if you can wait that long) New 
BoaterTalk 
