Downwind kayak sail

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Volkswatson
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Downwind kayak sail

Post by Volkswatson »

I’m sure you guys have seen these downwind sails and I wanted to see if anyone has used them and if they’re worth using for return trip offshore (as long as the wind is blowing towards the shore). They’re like $20 from China — even for a larger version.

Anyway just wanted to see who has used one.
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Ron Mc
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by Ron Mc »

My buddy used a kite sail to make a kayak train with him and his two daughters (12- and 13-y-o then).
No question it moves, but of course there is no steering/reach - you can only go straight with the wind.
Since his girls couldn't take their boats very far upwind to begin with, they didn't get much of a ride (Estes Cove).
Also since we didn't go out straight upwind, their half-mile ride made for a tougher final paddle upwind to finally get back in (I think he was hauling both of them).
But it was a fun short ride for them, and also saved his girls having to deal with windcock paddling back in (they would have likely ended up with the same paddle, anyway).

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come to think of it, he used it again that trip on LHL (my daughter was always a hard charger)
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Volkswatson
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by Volkswatson »

I just know I am usually wiped after a day of fishing, so a sail in would be nice. I have a rudder, so I’d think it might be a good option on some of those winds that blow north during the summer...
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Ron Mc
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by Ron Mc »

if you try to steer anywhere but straight downwind, the sail is going to slip the bow straight downwind - it's 100% jib, and you don't have a keel, so the rudder doesn't really do anything.
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Volkswatson
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by Volkswatson »

Ah. I get it. Well it was a good try at least.
SL1
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by SL1 »

Ive used a large golf umbrella and it works very well for a make shift sail. It will steer well with a rudder since you can move the umbrella around some. Better hang on to it though!
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Ron Mc
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by Ron Mc »

mechanically you're aiming the hull, but you're still side-slipping A Whole Lot More than you're reaching.
There's no tacking or reaching without a keel/dagger-board, which is why Hobie Islanders come with a dagger board (and outriggers).
Even deep-keel sloops sideslip some.
My buddy bought the Hobie sail kit for his Revo 16, which does come with a dagger board, but he capsized trying to use it in coast wind, because it doesn't come with outriggers.
Wag
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Re: Downwind kayak sail

Post by Wag »

I use a sail on my Jackson Cuda with my rudder. Works fine. But I've really only used it for fun and sailing, not real transport. But mine works fine.
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