Rigid rigging a sail on a sea kayak

Testing a different form of rigging for a sail on a sea kayak. The problem with 'traditional' rigging is that it mimics that of a sailing yacht and that's where there are significant differences. A sailing yacht mast is supported below deck by another mast like tube that transfers the significant down force to the base of the boat. There is no such support on a sea kayak so the deck must take the down force and it's liable to flex under the strain. The side stays that support the mast on a yacht are typically around the widest point; the opposite on a sea kayak where the stays are on a narrow section near the front. This form of 'rigid' rigging is used on sand yachts. There is virtually no down force on the deck. Instead the forces are a combination of so imparts a twisting moment on the supports and a combination of sheer, compression and tension and spread wider. The rig has been on test for some time now and is proving very successful. I just haven't got around to discarding the base plate and making the fittings more permanent.

[@jensgravesen111]

Hi Jules. I am not sure you really need to drill any holes in your boat. You have the "turtles" in the side of your kayak, where your deck elastics are attatched. If you take a piece of marine cord aprox 2-3 mm in diameter and form a short loop around the bolts, that hold the "turtles" in place, you have the possibility to hook the mast stays to these loops using small schackles. If the bolts pass through the hull, maybe you could make som reinforcement by placing washers on the inside. I hope you get the drift, and good luck with your kayak saling, it is a lot of fun.

[@alexbellesia9676]

Thanks mate, good idea to try different rigging before you drill holes. I’m working on my sea eagle explorer 420x inflatable and I also have a wooden platform like yours . The sail I will purchase from Falcon Sails , the have a I.3 sq meter that looks great and I can choose great colors. The also make a great looking rigging to secure the mast on the mast deck. Will see how it works out soon.

[@juleskayak]

Will you have a daggerboard?

[@alexbellesia9676]

my kayak came with a rear 10 inch fin I added a 10 inch fin 2 and half feet from the bow to make it track better, and it does very well. I don’t like the side daggerboard , to many components to travel with . Planning to stuff all components in two large suitcases, will be sailing in Sardinia 😂.. at his is why I have an inflatable kayak. My next project is to design/ fit a medium size rudder.

[@joethi4981]

I have two kayak sails. They are fun but in high winds and white cap waves they increase your chance of capsizing. To roll is almost impossible

[@juleskayak]

I find that the sail kind of stabilises the kayak. But once the wind gets to bf5 that's enough!

[@joethi4981]

@@juleskayak Agreed. I capsized in high winds and could not get the kayak upright again because of the sail underneath the water. I had to be rescued :(

[@gothicel]

how does it sail?