Episode 2: Build an Inflatable Kayak Sailing Kit (Improvements)
Language: ES | EN
Findings from the first sea-trial
Since the last time I’ve tested the ‘Build a sailing Kayak kit under £20‘, I’ve been doing a lot of reading and researching about materials, design and function of sail boat components.
It has been a fruitful one that I’ve came up with a new setup that it’s going to be a better sailing experience on our inflatable kayak.
From the first sea-trial, I’ve noticed that :
1. The rudder-mount must be sturdy to withstand the twisting-motion when manoeuvering the kayak.
2. The rudder-blade must be wide/long enough (relative to the kayak’s length) to have good steering power and control of the craft.
3. The leeboards must also be wide/long enough to prevent the kayak from drifting sideways and have a smooth surface to reduce drag.
4. The main-sail should have a boom to harness wind power more efficiently and should also have a good setup of main-sheet ropes for easier sail adjustments when sailing.
These improvements won’t cost too much since they are mostly sourced from the recycle-centre or materials that you can find for cheap. My guess-timate is less than £30 on top of the previous £20, that brings the total to still under £50.
Materials for the upgrades
Here are some of the materials I’ve used for my improvements. You may substitute the parts to suit your build and what suits your budget.
Plywood/Polycarbonate Sheets – for leeboards & rudder
Water-sealing paint – for leeboards & rudder
Aluminium Tubing – for the tiller (rudder), rudder-frame and leeboard mounts
Wood Fillers – for leeboards & rudder
Eyelet-Bolts c/w Oversized Washers & Wingnuts – for leeboard mounts
Bolt, Nut & Washers – for rudder-frame, tiller (rudder)
Polypropylene Ropes – for main-sheet line & leeboards
2-Part Epoxy Glue – to seal and secure leeboard mounts
For a better understanding on this whole idea, click on the kayak below to watch Episode 2 :
-> You can also be interested in our post: Episode 3: Inflatable Kayak Sailing Kit (The Build)
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Hi
Love your video. I have an intex excursion pro 2 kayak that I want to sail. You have dove very clever ideas. I was wondering, did your mast improve from the fishing rod into something more substantial? It’s the missing bit for me.
Happy sailing
Heath
Hi Heath, thank you for watching the video. I still have the fishing rod as my spare mass in storage. But now I have a new mast which was salvaged from another kayak’s sailing kit. Honestly, you could also use a shower curtain pole as your mast, if it’s too short, get a jointer and connect 2 pieces together so you can go taller with the sail kit. Try to scale your kayak to the height to your kayak’s length so that it’s more proportionate.
I”m looking forward to a good sailing session once the weather warms up a little more soon.
Speak soon!
Harris