Drift Sock / Sea Anchor Size

Hello,

Wanted to get the boards advice on the size (Small, Med, Large, XL) of drift chute to get for a standard Kayak.  Typically they are measured in inches with the Smalls being ~24", and the larges in the +30''s, and well  beyond.

I was contemplating a small size for use in lakes and the bay, figuring the kayak will not have too much pull compared to another type of boat of similar length.

Any help is appreciated.

 
Jim W

I made a sea anchor that is 24 inches. It helps a lot, but I am looking at going bigger.  This is especially true when you drag sideways because you are a bigger target for the wind.

It's not about weight it's about surface for the wind to blow on. More weight only means it will take slightly longer for the wind to get you up to speed.

You can experiment with heavy plastic. Double it up in three or four layers, then tie ropes to the corners.  Now tie the ropes together. You are looking for a parachute type shape. This works surprisingly well, we used to do this in the sewer cleaning dept to use fire hydrants of water to push the chute and pull a rope threw a sewer line.

mine is about 40" and probably way to big.  You usually want some drift so that you're covering more area - as long as your line still goes down at a reasonably sharp angle to vertical.  I'd try 18" and move up if you need more.

I made my anchor out of a tarp cut into wedges and stiched together with 50lb mono.

Thank You for the info - it is helpful

I have heard of sea anchors that are adjustable by having a ring that is moved up and down the lines going to the parachute. It chokes and unchokes the parachute  by making it narrower.