JEM Watercraft

you'd probably have to go through the front deck and that would provide a spot for water to get it.

Other wise you could rig something where tether lines hold up the mast. Or maybe some fiberglass tubing kind of like a Hobbie Cat.

Dagger board would probably be easier. In that case you could create like a large scupper for it to slide down into. Carefull about making that too big as water will shoot up it and rooster tail right into your face. I built a prototype for a customer with something like this and we had this problem.

Scott,

This sail works very well: http://www.pacificaction.com/ It doesn't require a dagger board, and it is very easy to control from the cockpit. The sail mounts on top of the deck and is very easy to put on and take off.

I made one for the Tarpon 140 that I used to have. I plan to mount it on my Sabalo; whenever I can find the time.

I made mine similar to to the Pacific Action Sail; however, here is a link to instructions for making another similar sail.
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/grantgla ... tssail.htm

I used clear plastic for the sail material, 3/4" thinwall fiberglass tubes for the mast, and pvc for the base material.

That would make a nice down wind sail.

If you're looking for something to tack back and forth, that one may not be the best choice.

But going downwind in a canoe or kayak is an absolute blast!

Matt,

My thoughts are similar to yours. Has anyone made a "spring-up" single mast that is bungee-loaded from the front like these double masts? I like that idea a lot.

Then, a conventional triangular sail that will tack could be attached to it, with hinged lee boards and use either a rudder or a paddle to steer? Maybe even rig the mast to it could spin in the base-mount and roller reef the entire sail before lowering the mast..

I keep dreaming of sailing, even though it isn't practical where I paddle. Rivers don't offer any opportunity for this, and most lakes I'm on are smaller or have tall trees along the shores. Guess I just have to keep on paddling and dreaming.

This sail will do a lot more than just downwind. It even does well when sailing at 90 degrees to the wind. (whatever that is called in sailing terms)

It's a broad reach, and is the fastest point of sailing, I believe.

This sail is a little slower in broad reach than downwind; however, other than an occasional direction control with the paddle, you can get a free ride.

I made one to use on my pirogue or canoe.



Here are the plans for it. http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/sail/sail.pdf

Chuck.

Chuckie, in the "what if'n" department, I'm wondering:

1. Could the mast be hinged to an at-deck-level mast step.

2. Have one or two bungees attached to it from the front, like those two rods do that support the upside down sail earlier in this string.

3. Have a rope stay from the rear, or maybe better yet a brace to the front that the bungees hold the mast against. this brace would stick up, say 10"-12" all the time, and the mast would snap up against it when deployed.

4. Then use your sail. Only thing I'm wondering about changing is the mast step arrangement.

I don't think much of upside down sails as they (1) have a lot of leverage high up and can be tippy. And, (2) their range of sailing is limited.

Jack

To answer your questions ....... YES , it is up to the builder , just like the boats we make.

I only use it when sailing down wind or at a slight angle (30 degree or so) to it, to set it up or to take it down ... Find a nice sandy beach and take a break. Shove off and grab the lines .... Away you go.

It sure beats paddling across a long, large body of water like the outside of the 10,000 islands in the Gulf of Mexico or inland on the large bays that are there.

Chuck.