Here’s a few more clips from our kayak-catamaran sail tests last week. There are two versions of this setup: the flat deck version where the front attachment mirrors the rear catamaran attachment, and the standard version, which has a pair of single attachments on the front deck. Of the two, the flat deck is absolutely the better catamaran, but also the worse kayak due to limited forward cargo space and mild weathercocking.
Last year we tested the flat deck system in winds up to 40 mph, (scroll back in the feed, or check out our YouTube channel for some absolutely insane footage) and this year we are testing this version to explore the safe limits it can be used in, make necessary upgrades, and also to see how the system performs with a variety of different sails including commercially available rigs like these exquisitely engineered Falcon Sails.
Here we are sailing downwind, and across the wind in about 12 mph of wind. It’s not as efficient across the wind, because one sail partially blocks the other but we can still hold a true beam reach course over ground. The sails are one square meter each. For this test, I have spread the Catamaran 4 inches wider than last year, which is definitely helping with the pressure with that builds between the hulls but comes at the cost of unacceptable racking forces in quartering seas. Unfortunately, I can’t diagonally brace the boards themselves because it would just cause the boards to slam into the edges of their attachment points, but I’m hoping I can diagonally brace the kayaks themselves, which will be part of the next test.
As far as sailing craft goes, this is not a high-performance machine, but neither is it designed to be. The idea here is that you could be out paddling solo with a friend and then you could take the catamaran boards off the back deck, and quickly assemble the catamaran to use for fishing, sailing, swimming, photography, or just a fun dinner on the water.
The catamaran system is already included in our online kayak and canoe building courses. (Link in profile) I’m hoping to add the sails by the fall.
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