I have been exporing buying a kayak for sometime and have been writing my blog based on ideas what I can and can not do with my kayak.
- What brands of sails are there for kayaks?
- How long does it take to install a sail on a kayak?
- what are the laws regarding a sail being added to a kayak?
- What is the average cost for a sail for a kayak?
What brands of sails are there for kayaks?
I come a crossed a couple of online stores that offer what might be the best sail on sale! According to Kayakers Guide the best sail on sale is WestWind Kayak Sail .
“If you are looking for a budget friendly sail for use in low to medium winds, then the WestWind Sail is the best option for you. This model is perfect for solo kayakers, who love casual paddling, ease of use and lightweight products. It also has a soft material, which holds the shape of the sail, making it pliable, so that it easily folds.
This sail can be launched from the deck position of your kayak and clipped or held from the front using its included setup. You can also use the self launching set up before you start sailing or while on the water. This means that when you’re using the WestWind Sail, you don’t need to return to the shore to adjust it. This model is more beginner friendly and gives you a great introduction to kayak sailing. Its size is 42 inches and it comes with clips and a carry bag.” https://www.kayakerguide.com/best-sailing-kayak/
How much does it cost for a “westwind sail”? It ranges from $45.00 to $70.00.
A premium option for a sail on sale is BSD Batwing Sail Kit. More about the BSD Batwing Sail Kit:
“This BSD Batwing 32 inch sail been around and evolving for over 25 years and is the most advanced sail we have listed. It is truly the “Cadillac” of sailing. The BSD Batwing kayak sail kit stands up to its name as the most durable and functional kayak sail out there today. You would be hard pressed to find a sail that can compete with it. It is designed for any kayak that is under 17 inches. The sail kit comes with everything you need to install it including zippered 2 reef system, a boom, outrigger, lee board, cam cleats.
The installation also becomes easier since they offer install phone support and detailed manuals int he case that you want to do it yourself. The gear together weighs in at 36 pounds and has a height of 60 inches.” https://www.kayakerguide.com/best-sailing-kayak/
How much does it cost for a “BSD Batwong 32 inch sail”? It ranges from $1,685.00 to $1,995.00.
Once again here are some examples of sails for sale that you can find online.
How long does it take to install a sail on a kayak?
Some sails are so easy to install like the falcon sail it won’t you long to install may 20 or 30 minutes. Not all kayaks will be able to have Falcon Sail installed. Here is some more information from Falcon Sails, ” We have seen Falcon Sails installed on every kind of kayak we can think of except skin on frame kayaks. Including plastic sea kayaks, fiberglass sea kayaks, wood sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, aluminum canoes, fiberglass canoes, inflatable kayaks. We even have seen a Falcon Sail installed on a gas powered kayak. If you have a kayak that is not a skin on frame you can install a Falcon Sail on it. A creative owner of a skin on frame kayak could also install a sail. It would just take some extra thinking and securing a rigid mast on a flexible deck and hull.” https://www.falconsails.com/KayakSailingFAQ.php
What are the laws regarding a sail being to added to a kayak?
I am doing some research about Florida and Califorania law.
Florida Law:
Boats Requiring Title & Registration
If the type of boat you own is not included in the exemption lists below, you must title and/or register it with the FLHSMV.
The types of boats that are exempt from having a title include vessels:
- Used only on private lakes and ponds.
- Owned by an entity of the U.S. government.
- Not powered by a motor AND less than 16 feet in length.
- With federal documentation.
- Not used on Florida waters for more than 90 consecutive days.
- That are amphibious.
- Documented with the U.S. Coast Guard OR in another state (with a federally-approved numbering system) being used on FL waters for 90 days or less.
The vessels exempt from Florida registration include:
- Boats less than 16 feet in length AND not powered by a motor.
- Regardless of length, all non-motor-powered:
- Canoes.
- Kayaks.
- Racing shells.
- Rowing sculls.
- Vessels used only on private ponds and lakes.
- Boats owned by the U.S. government.
- Lifeboats used solely for that purpose.
- Non-resident vessels used on Florida waters for no more than 90 consecutive days.
If you’re not sure whether your boat requires titling and registration, call the FLHSMV at (850) 617-2000.” https://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/boat-registration.php
California Law:
“I did some searching and found this at
http://www.takemefishing.org/state/page … on/Titling
All vessels may be registered at any California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Upon registration the DMV will issue the boat owner: registration stickers, a Certificate of Number as well as a Certificate of Ownership. The following vessels do not require registration in California:
Vessels 8 feet or less in length propelled by sail (i.e. sailboards)
U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessels
Vessels that are currently registered and kept in another state (after more than 90 days of use, California should be considered the state of principal use)
Vessels registered in another country
Manually propelled vessels (i.e. canoe, kayak)
I also found this at http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/VEH/1/d3.5/2/s9873
CAL. VEH. CODE § 9873 : California Code – Section 9873
Search CAL. VEH. CODE § 9873 : California Code – Section 9873
An undocumented vessel shall not be required to be numbered under this chapter if it is:
(a)Already covered by a number in full force and effect which has been issued to it pursuant to federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state; provided, that such undocumented vessel shall be subject to the numbering requirements of this chapter if it has changed its state of principal use and has been within this state for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days.
(b)A vessel from a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of this state.
(c)A public vessel of the United States, another state or subdivision thereof or municipality of such other state.
(d)A ship’s lifeboat.
(e)Any vessel belonging to a class of boats which has been exempted from numbering by the department after the department has found that the numbering of vessels of such class will not materially aid in their identification; and, if any agency of the federal government has a numbering system applicable to the class of vessels to which the vessel in question belongs, after the department has further found that the vessel would also be exempt from numbering if it were subject to the federal law. An undocumented vessel propelled solely by oars or paddles and an undocumented vessel eight feet or less propelled solely by sail are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.” https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3299
I like to use Califorania state law because they tent to set different laws or just want to be different then the rest of the 50 states. Please refer to a lawyer or your local state law for update and correct information on what you should do.
What is the average cost for a sail for a kayak?
Some sails cost as little as $45.00 to $2,000.00, the Falcon sail cost as much as $545.00 and the WestWind Sail cost as little as $45.00 on sale right now. We find some good information at Falcon Sails :
1.0 Square Meter Sail With Carbon Fiber Rig & Complete Rigging Kit
This is a complete sail with rig package. It includes everything you need to rig the sail on your boat except basic tools. More Information
Add To Cart
$545.00
1.0 Square Meter Sail With No Hardware
This option includes a sail only. No rigging hardware is included. More Information
Add To Cart
$145.00
It looks like the average cost for a sail to be installed on a kayak ranges from $500 to $1,000.
Conclusion
Hope this post was helpful to you and that you have a very successful trip kayaking and adding a sail to go sailing! Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on kayaksboats.
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