Anyone have a kayak with a sail? Type? How do you like it? I was thinking of installing one on my 22’ tandem Libra XT.
@PaddleDog52 said:
Anyone have a kayak with a sail? Type? How do you like it? I was thinking of installing one on my 22’ tandem Libra XT.
Ask Marshall. He uses a sail on his Cetus for some WaterTribe events - but didn’t use it when he won his class in the 2017 Blackburn Challenge in July.
Very much fun!
I prefer the single mast arrangement with a hard mounting point (Riley Fittings) as used on the SeaDog/P&H/Flat Earth sails. These have a simple boom adjustment to make best use of wind from other than astern. Works quite well on beam winds as well. Keep in mind that without leeboards, the usual sail systems are not made for upwind sailing.
I usually use the 0.8sq.m. Commander on a solo sea kayak. This is gentler on the paddler in long duration beam winds. The power added feels as if there’s another paddler constantly contributing to forward momentum. With a solo sea kayak if you’re used to paddling at 3-3.5mph (brain still measures in statute miles) with a sail and 10mph winds form aft then you’ll likely paddle at 5-5.5mph with the sail assist. I have had it in stronger winds sailing/surfing at @10mph but it becomes a bit lively to monitor a gps during this. 
As I mentioned, very much fun!
See you on the water,
Marshall
The Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
845-228-0595 main
845-242-4731 mobile
Main: www.the-river-connection.com
Store: www.the-river-connection.us
Facebook: fb.me/theriverconnection
thanks for the responses. Can I put one forward of the rear cockpit? My paddling partner would not like to be bothered with the sail? I saw a Passat G3 rigged that way? Any disadvantages to that? Thanks.
Passat G3 = easy! You’ve got that whole hard cover center hatch as mast foot real estate. If you find that the hatch cover is too flexible, adding some more FG on the underside to strengthen it should be a snap.
Uphaul pulley (Riley Mini-Block) on deck behind forward cockpit. Uphaul line guide pulley corded onto center hatch strap anchor. Boom line Mini-Block), center of deck in front of aft cockpit under center of boom. Pair of micro vee cleats zip tied to deck bungee rdfs closest to aft cockpit. ($30 for attachment hardware).
If you have too much fun with the sail, add additional mast feet to other kayaks plus the attachment hardware to move the sail from kayak to kayak.
I have a 0.8m Commander in an older color pattern (yellow/green/translucent/tranpsarent) that can go find a home. I do need to keep my tools up to date with current fashion/color trends. 
Only half kidding there.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
845-228-0595 main
845-242-4731 mobile
Main: www.the-river-connection.com
Store: www.the-river-connection.us
Facebook: fb.me/theriverconnection
Falcon Sail…Love it.
I have a Falcon sail for both my Romany and my Nordkapp.
Probably go on my Libra XT first looking at getting Passat G3. Thanks
The Aussies are big time into kayak sailing. I came across a series of videos from Gnarlydog. This one is Incredibly well done and exciting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7OMIEIOYpc
What the hell was that thing on the beach at 1:33? A man-eating jellyfish?
They’re certainly making it look like fun! The epic music helps a lot too.
What happens with capsize and recovery? Do they get in the way or interfere with rolling? At 1:56 there’s a scull/recovery (not quite a roll) with sail deployed, but hard to say whether it was more difficult.
What about stowage and deployment? Can it all be done from the normal seated position?
testing rolling with a Falcon sail. If the mast is relaxed even by 6 inches, and with the mast fully dropped. It works fine, with the mast fully in tension…not so, for many
https://youtube.com/watch?v=GPqgfEeN2Qw
I know I need a better set-up, but I had alot of fun. I am not sure I would go back to Wellfleet with all the sharktivity, though.
Ha! That was fun watching at 2x speed.
Yes, rolling with a sail is an exercise of grace under pressure as well as faith that your sculling roll will bring you back O2 side up. Easier with a single mast and releasable boom line.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The Connection, Inc.
9 W. Market St.
Hyde Park, NY
845-228-0595 main
845-242-4731 mobile
Main: www.the-river-connection.com
Store: www.the-river-connection.us
Facebook: fb.me/theriverconnection