Below are some suggestions for Using the Hobie Sail option on your Outback as spotted on our Forum.
Received my sail kit promptly from KFS via Priority Mail. Headed down to the water to try it out, and here are my comments...
Although the instruction sheet, which was photocopied was somewhat hard to read in spots, the assembly was quite simple. If you leave the sail totally ready, with the 2 mast poles assembled, and the sail rolled up, it took up space in my van from the windshield to the rear hatch. Not a problem, if you disassemble the poles.
Having mounted the sail to the Kayak, and arranging the control lines (mainsheet), I set out in the harbor for a spin. Keep in mind, I have never sailed anything before, so this was going to be some experience.
The wind by the way was certainly higher than the recommended 10 MPH or less.
I pushed off, attached the pedals and lowered the rudder. Almost immediately the sail caught the wind and I was off. I experimented a bit with tightening the Mainsheet line, and got a good idea of the responsiveness of the whole set-up. With the wind conditions that I had, I really had to be careful not to tip over. I adjusted myself in the seat to compensate for times when I felt I might go over. I have to say, I really went zipping around the harbor at quite a speed, once I had the sail properly positioned. Upwind, I self taught myself to "tack", and managed to return to my starting point ok.
I really don't think it would be possible to fish, or to carry rods in the front rod holders while using the sail. I also don't think that the sail can be installed while ON THE WATER. You will probably have to beach the kayak, and do all this while beached.
The sail seems to be constructed well, and should give years of enjoyment. The instructions suggest keeping it out of the sun when not in use. The stitching does seem rather basic, and I wonder how it will hold up to the salt water/sun environment.
As I sailed around, I thought to myself, how am I going to use this sail, while fishing, or going fishing. Well, I will probably just keep it rolled up and stored on the starboard side of the yak, fish as usual, and if I feel I would like a wind assist in returning to port, I will carefully store my rods somehow on the port side of the yak, beach the yak, set up the sail and return to my starting point. Not too convenient, but it would work.
Conclusion: for the price of the sail kit (usually $250-265) you can have something else to do but fish. Skimming along is a lot of fun, and will get you from point A to B quite fast and with little effort. Having the sail kit rolled up and stored alongside will introduce a slight storage problem while fishing. It also poses the potential of blood getting on the sail, and hooks penetrating the material.
I will re-post my opinions again once I have had a little more time using the sail and learning more about its potential.
Just like to give a little suggestion on raising\lowering the sail while on the water. It's really quite easy, and useful to know so you can sail between fishing spots.
Raising sail
1. Position the boat broadside to the wind. Put the the side of the boat which has the sail down wind.
2. Check that the lines are free, then hold the mast and unroll the sail letting the wind pull the sail away from you into the water. Make sure the line is fully out and will not catch anything. Knot in end of line thru an eye loop, so you do not loose it.
3. Now slide your bum a bit, lean forward and place the mast in the hole. The sail should be flapping loosely in the breeze with slack in the line still. If there is any water in the mast hole watch your eyes. It's comes spraying out.
4. Tough part can be attaching the lil bungee to the hook, but after a couple tries you'll get the hang of it. I hold the mast with one hand and pull down on bungee with other.
5. Slide bum back, get hold of the rope, position boat slightly into wind, take up the slack in the line, and you're off sailing. :
Bring sail down.
1. Same idea but reverse. Basic idea is to let the wind help you by keeping the sail away from you and the boat.
2. Let all line out, sail flapping downwind while you're broadside. Take out mast, lay flat to water, roll up the sail, clean up the lines. You're set. A couple velcro straps can help to keep sail snug.
I also suggest a cheap metal D ring attached to the rear handle, which you run the rope thru. The line slides smoother so you can let out quicker, etc. Optional.
The Hobie Sail Kit is available in the KFS store.