Modular sailing setup....a work in process.

Here are some photos of what I will call my "prototype" setup. All of these parts are fully adjustable, can be completely removed from the kayak, and can be used on other kayaks. This is a work in process and some modifications are needed. I will be replacing some bolts and trimming and routing the Starboard so it's not as bulky and there are no sharp corners or edges. Holes and slits will be added to the Starboard to accommodate the shape differences of each of our kayaks. The cleat I am using for the furling device needs to be swapped out for another type (perhaps a clam cleat staged closer to me).

This is for the furling device. The angle of the pulley relative to the cleat needs to be changed as it currently is difficult to lock in place. The Screwball will be replaced by a MightyBolt (channel bolt).


The first attachment for the main sheet is to a block attached to the carrying handle via a carabiner. I don't have a photo of this.
This is to route the sheet away from the well and align it with the next block. This will eventually be a longer scrap that will allow me to stage my anchor pole and a rod and reel (I have already done this towards the bow of the kayak and it works great for quick and quiet access to my rod or push pole when I am out on the flats.



I've attached a cleat and block to some Starboard and attached it to a MightyMount. This will route the sheet back towards me.


I use the Hobie Sidekicks but they are not permanently attached. I use the YakAttack GTAB which allows me to attach the Sidekicks anywhere on the kayak and even use them on our other kayaks. Several months ago, I contacted Luther at YakAttack about the possibility of attaching the Sidekicks to GearTracs and in a couple of days, he had a working prototype of the GTAB. I have put the GTAB to the test and it has held up for several months of standing and fishing as well as my recent sailing excursions.


Aside from using the GTAB and the Hobie Sidekick, none of my set up is original. It is a piecemeal of all the great ideas the forum members have been so kind to share and I thank you all.


The next challenge will be to find a way to get the main sheet out of the way while fishing with the mast in place. Has anyone on this forum come up with a solution for this?

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Mike

Yup, basically you need to lengthen the main sail rope a little and fit a cabine ahead of the control line reversal block. With the sail furled the control line is pulled down and clipped into this carbine and the rope is then clipped under the rear side pulley, tensioned and locked off. Clean and simple, works a treat.

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Many thanks Scrumpy! Seems simple enough to have ready for this weekend.

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Mike

Thanks again Scrumpy. Took me a whole two minutes to put together.

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Mike

To get the sheet mostly out of the way for fishing on your Adventure (dunno if this will work with the other boats cos they possibly do not have the button for holding the daggerboard bungee) the technique I use is to roll up the sail & tie it off (i.e. so that the sail won't unroll) then pull the bit of the sheet that passes over your head to the sail down and hook it under the button that is used for holding the daggerboard bungee tight. Then pull the sheet taut at the bitter end and cleat it off. The sheet is now mostly out of the way.

This assumes that you have roller furling on your sail and that you can prevent the sail from unfurling when rolled away and that you have a cleat for belaying the sheet. The end result is very similar the the photograph above except that the fall of the sheet is not vertical from the sail - it falls at a downward angle to the RHS of the seat area.