Inflatable Sailboat Version 1

I had an idea as I was paddling one blustery day. If the wind could push my kayak across the lake. Then if I put a sail on it maybe I could sail it across the lake.

The kayak is a Coleman inflatable that has served me well so far. I bought it so I could throw it in the trunk of my car and go kayaking whenever I wanted. No need for a special rack on my car, plus it was on sale when I bought it. It has three independant inflatable sections all wrapped in a thick durable shell. It skims across the water alright, and feels pretty sturdy for something that rolls up at the end of the day.

I used 3/4 inch schedule 40 pipe to make the support for the mast and for the mast itself and the beam. The mast is not actually glued in place, but just pushed into a T-connector. In good gusts the mast does bend a little more then I like, but for an expiriment it worked great. The sail is made from a shower curtain. I cut and stitched the seams so it wouldn't tare. Built into the support for the mast is an arm that I can slide half of my paddle into. It is angled downward to serve as a dagger board. It isn't a ton of latteral support, but it's enough to allow me to tack upwind.

To stay on course I can either paddle with a list or I can use my paddle as a rudder. The wind needs to be just right to be able to use the sail. If it's too light, then it's tough to keep the sail full. If it's too windy then the mast starts to bend more than comfortable. I've considered adding some rigidity to the mast using some foam, or other insert. Also the main issue with tacking upwind is keeping the forward part of the sail stable. It isn't attached to the mast, so the only thing keeping it straight is the weight of the beam on the sail.

I plan on making a larger version. It will use the second inflatable kayak and will be a catermeran. I will be using 2 inch pvc in hope that it is sturdy enough.