Kayak sailing

Banbh

I was thinking of fitting a sail to my kayak and wonder if anyone has any tips. There are many wonderful and wacky DIY versions available on YouTube and even some proprietory brands of conversion kits.
I just want something for messing about in the estuary this summer.

MugMugs

No offence but would a sail boat not be less hassle?

HeidiHeidi

MugMugs wrote: »

No offence but would a sail boat not be less hassle?

This.

You'll need a centre-board of some sort, or you'll only go sideways most of the time. You'll also need to fit brackets and pulleys so that you can control the sail - unless you're talking about sticking a sheet in a frame up?

Banbh

I see on-line several products but mostly in the US or Britain and they would be expensive if I had to import one. I believe the paddle is used as a steer-board, as in ancient sailing craft.

I was thinking of something like the sail on a wind-surfer which is unstayed and hand held. Most of my paddling is in estuaries and coastal water where an adverse wind can put an end to a day out pretty quickly.

NathanKingerlee

We got some simple and small sails from these guys in Bantry - http://www.darrenskayaks.com/.

They're pretty decent and will give you about 5km per hour speed heading downwind.

Banbh

Nice website, thanks. That Wind Paddle seems to only work directly downwind. A triangular sail would be able to sail across the wind and tack.

I will check out other systems and talk to the guy who made his own. You can buy a universal joint of the type used by windsurfers and this might be a good option with a small triangular sail.

Glenalla

http://www.riberproducts.com/kayak-accessories/index.html

These people do a simple sail, was thinking of ordering one for the summer. No need to modify the boat at all.

Banbh

The invention of the triangular sail was a great leap forward in sailing technology as it allows a boat to sail 45 degrees or thereabouts to the wind. By tacking boats can effectively sail upwind. The circular one can only be used directly downwind.
As soon as the storms die down, I'll get my thinking cap on and see what I can make. I think it should be possible to rig something that doesn't require drilling and bolting but we live in hope.

Zuppy

The lads in the US are big into kayak sailing and I would look there for advice and inspiration.

Hobie is one of the leading US makers and again it is expensive but you might be able to build bits or get a kit shipped here.