Sail Rig Modifications/Video added

Took the sail rig on its maiden voyage at Whiskeytown yesterday
IT WORKS, kinda, and with a couple modifications it should work great

 The sail would rock side to side, so I need to firm up the attachment point on the kayak deck. I think a section of clear vinyl hose thru the PVC pipe and the strap thru that will firm it up. Second, the sail would fall down without wind in it, so I need to improve the bungee connection and tension needed to hold it up when windless. I may also move the line attachment points to the top of the masts instead of mid mast?

 Remember guys this is a downwind sail not meant to tack. I did notice that a rudder would be more convenient for steering but the paddle worked fine.

 Here are some pics of the test run and sail rig, Any ideas for modifications are welcome

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I've got to tip my hat to your ambition, Tad.  Be careful about dumping and getting tangled!

You may be on the verge of a million dollar idea here!   

Is it easily removable/detachable if you need to it down quickly due to sudden strong wind?  Many time I noticed the wind just kicked-on suddenly like someone flipped-on the switch!

I've got to tip my hat to your ambition, Tad.  Be careful about dumping and getting tangled!

You may be on the verge of a million dollar idea here!  

I will be careful, and I can't take credit for the "million dollar idea" I have modified other V sail rigs I've seen on other web sites.

Is it easily removable/detachable if you need to it down quickly due to sudden strong wind?  Many time I noticed the wind just kicked-on suddenly like someone flipped-on the switch!

Yes, it's quickly removable, the base unit is buckled to the deck, the 2 masts unscrew from the base and it is easily pulled down by pulling in the line.

Will update when the modifications are tested
Later Mates
Tad

Made the mods to the V Sail,
The original design held the base unit to the deck with a strap, this gave way too much side to side sway of the sail in low/no wind, so I firmed it up using a steel rod inside a piece of vinyl tubing, acting as an axle for the base unit,  and affixed it to the deck using pad eyes already in place. It fit great and has little side to side sway, I also improved the bungee tension set up and now it stays up until I, or a strong headwind pull it down. The masts are made of flexible tent poles , inside pool noodles, with pvc pipe screw fitting bottom to attach to base unit. When down the masts are flexible enough to push to the outside of the yak out of your way.

Old design,
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New design,


Can't wait to try it out, again
will update
Tad

Sounds like it is gonna be fun!!

How much wind did you get on your first test?

Sounds like it is gonna be fun!!

Should be lots o fun when perfected, Its been fun designing, building, and testing

How much wind did you get on your first test?

not too strong up to 10 mph on the lake, up to 20 mph in backyard.

Thanks for your interest

I found this video on youtube showing a guy's homemade sail.
Lot's of info here if you have never seen a plastic welder in action before.
Yea, it's pretty ghetto but at least the guy is thourough.

Hello Banjotad,

How did the sail do after the modifications?

Are the fish biting in Whiskeytown yet?

I haven't had the new design, or a line in the water yet,
The weather and free time hasn't allowed it.
Been working on a home made rudder 
Will post pics when ready to test 

Later, Tad 

Been working on a home made rudder 

 

Banjotad, right on!

It is pure satisfaction to be able to make from your own hands what you need in life.

Keep us posted.

Finally had a chance to take the V-sail out in light variable winds.
Pulled the two of us along pretty well then I tried it solo while the wife took video.
The wind wasn't very strong but the sail worked very well, I could steer the front by adjusting the lines and make 1/4 turns and rudder with my paddle. Can't wait to get it in some stiffer wind

SHOW US THE VIDEO!!

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heres the vids,maybe?

Looks like you both had fun sailing on the yatch...I meant yak