Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation - View Single Post

04-19-2005, 06:01 AM

A couple of years back, I purchased a Pelican Viper Sit on top Kayak. I did lots of research prior to making the purchase.
I decided on the wider Beam, for a more stable platform. It handles well, hardly no effort..few strokes of the paddle, and its streaking through the water. Also with a few bungy cords I can carry all my gear..Plus more.
Last summer I purchased some rip stop nylon from the hobby shop. This is some nice material, and expensive stuff. After researching different types of sails I found that a hybrid Batwing style would work well on the Kayak.
I then bought one of those handy hand held sewing machines, and went to work....My Sail turned out great. Its 10 feet Tall, and catches the wind well.
Yes, I did have to construct a sail mount, and also a rudder system. I built several rudders, and used foot controls mounted within my sail mount.
My sail is constructed for forward vision.

My first run was on a very windy day, about 20 MPH gust or more. When the sail filled with air the Kayak leaned for a few seconds, then in a blink of an eye it smoothed out, and before I knew it I was on the other side of the lake.
My sail works well up or down wind, it just takes practice up wind. The sail comes down quick, and can be stored on the Kayak, while underway.

This year I am converting a homelite weedeater engine. I have shortened the shaft, and added a 35 degree directional gear. I purchase my prop at walmart, they sell trolling motor props. I Like the homelite engine, it will crank on the 1st pull. I built everything, for ease of use, like mouting or dismounting, sail or motor. With the motor mounted, I will have to register my kayak with Texas Parks, and Wildlife, to even test it out.
The homelite is a 25cc engine about 1 horse power. Its not as loud as I originally thought I could also add a quiet exuast system, if needed.
The motor will tilt easy,for launching or beaching the kayak.
My motor , and mount is ready. Keep in mind that trimmer engines are used on RC planes boats, and cars. Conversions are available.

I am new on the forum, if it allows I will add some pictures later.

04-19-2005, 06:01 AM	#1
kayakkrazzy Posts: n/a	Sail, And Motor on my Kayak A couple of years back, I purchased a Pelican Viper Sit on top Kayak. I did lots of research prior to making the purchase. I decided on the wider Beam, for a more stable platform. It handles well, hardly no effort..few strokes of the paddle, and its streaking through the water. Also with a few bungy cords I can carry all my gear..Plus more. Last summer I purchased some rip stop nylon from the hobby shop. This is some nice material, and expensive stuff. After researching different types of sails I found that a hybrid Batwing style would work well on the Kayak. I then bought one of those handy hand held sewing machines, and went to work....My Sail turned out great. Its 10 feet Tall, and catches the wind well. Yes, I did have to construct a sail mount, and also a rudder system. I built several rudders, and used foot controls mounted within my sail mount. My sail is constructed for forward vision. My first run was on a very windy day, about 20 MPH gust or more. When the sail filled with air the Kayak leaned for a few seconds, then in a blink of an eye it smoothed out, and before I knew it I was on the other side of the lake. My sail works well up or down wind, it just takes practice up wind. The sail comes down quick, and can be stored on the Kayak, while underway. This year I am converting a homelite weedeater engine. I have shortened the shaft, and added a 35 degree directional gear. I purchase my prop at walmart, they sell trolling motor props. I Like the homelite engine, it will crank on the 1st pull. I built everything, for ease of use, like mouting or dismounting, sail or motor. With the motor mounted, I will have to register my kayak with Texas Parks, and Wildlife, to even test it out. The homelite is a 25cc engine about 1 horse power. Its not as loud as I originally thought I could also add a quiet exuast system, if needed. The motor will tilt easy,for launching or beaching the kayak. My motor , and mount is ready. Keep in mind that trimmer engines are used on RC planes boats, and cars. Conversions are available. I am new on the forum, if it allows I will add some pictures later.