Two outbacks= Usuable Catamaran???

Ok.  I have been drooling over a TI.  But as I was thinking over my options, I am thinking about purchasing another outback for use by my fiancee.  I have a few reasons for it but it would solidify my decision if I could by attaching two outbacks together via a strong frame or even a deck, you could convert it into a sail or motorized catamaran.  It would open a lot more water up if I could do 6 to 8 knts with no effort. 

The idea would be to get to a destination, then we could use it connected, or drop off the frame and such on shore and we could fish in two separate outbacks.

It would be the perfect outcome to end up with 4 to 6 total kayaks that I could also convert to bigger platforms as necessary.

I'm not trying to make a better TI.  I'm just trying to make better use of a potentital situation I may need up to 6 individuals kayaks at any given time.

Doable??? 

Suggestions for attachments?  I am willing to spend a a few dollars.  One option I am considering is letting the local rafting shop fabricate a frame.

I would just get a boat.   

I think it's doable.  Have them make a frame similar to a cataraft.

I've been trying to think up a way to mate our two revos with the oasis.  Easier to keep the kids in reach.

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I think it's doable.  Have them make a frame similar to a cataraft.

I've been trying to think up a way to mate our two revos with the oasis.  Easier to keep the kids in reach.

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Yup...this is the main reason I need 6.  This year I am going to start taking the kids but by next year my family of three may turn into 6...

I also have a few friends out of state and overseas that would do it if I had kayaks here.

I think it's doable.  Have them make a frame similar to a cataraft.

I've been trying to think up a way to mate our two revos with the oasis.  Easier to keep the kids in reach.

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Pipe clamps and EMT

Dino Abulencia
HOW-NWest

Can't wait to see how you do it. Post lots of pics.

I like the concept but it will be really tough to sail upwind or tack. Steering will be very sluggish IMHO.

Check out Halibu77's AI outboard motor setup on YouTube, I think that's a more likely a winning solution vs. sailing it.


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I'd be an interesting project for sure.  I think you'd be suprised by your speed tho, and I'd wager not in a good way unless the wind was kicking. Fastest I've heard of an AI going was around 10kts, and I think you'd have alot more wetted surface with a couple of outbacks. Of course, if they could both be peddled still that'd be pretty cool for sure. You might have to run a bit more sail than you'd be completely comfortable with to get one of them out of the water al la catamaran style. I think if you ever huli'd it you'd be screwed.  I've not huli'd my AI yet (matter of time) but watched a few vids of folks righting it in tests and it's not impossible but lets just say I ain't looking forward to it. I'd have to agree with rawkfish. Get a boat and ferry your gear.

Why do I always feel like I'm the negative nancy.  Arrggggg

Was on the way in to work a bit more and it sounds like you want a cataraft. Why not just get one of those instead and slap a 10hp motor on it?  End result is the same really...

The number one priority is maximizing the number of individual kayaks I own.  Geez..that sounds like someone with a problem...at any rate... 

The kids in question right now are aged 11, 11, 11, & 9.  So that leads me to wanting individual kayaks. I can ramp up over two years for this project.  I also have a bunch of friends asking if they could try it, borrow one, etc.

But it'd be ultra cool to get gear and other things transported from say Homer to the Islands.  Or Seward to Fox Island.  Whittier to Pigot Pt.  That's the type of range I am looking for.  10 to 20 miles one way.  I think it would make for a safer and much easier transit with more gear to the location when you factor in young ones.  Once again, I'm not trying to make a better TI.  Just a functional and safe way to get to a destintation where we could fish off our kayaks.

The frame set up, I envision a large dagger board and rudder for sail.  A very small outboard for a motor.  Probably just go the motor route first.

I have a 21 ft center console with a 150HP engine on it.  But I can't trailer a boat and six kayaks and whatever else or if I could, it doesn't sound appealing.

I guess as I try to build it if I got this route, my concern will be how strong will the fram have to be?  If you make the fram too strong, is it going to damage the kayaks?  Stiff or flexiable?  I'm not an engineer so I tend to just slap things together and see if they will work.  But in this case, I'm not quite as willing to go the 100% trial and error method if I can avoid it.

My kids are 11 and I won't put them on the ocean in their yaks for at least another 3 years. I'm just not comfortable with everything. Their balance, strength, water temps and conditions. Couple more years perhaps tho.

My kids are 11 and I won't put them on the ocean in their yaks for at least another 3 years. I'm just not comfortable with everything. Their balance, strength, water temps and conditions. Couple more years perhaps tho.

Conditions have to good, but I take mine on the salt.



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I've had my kids, 11&9 prepping in pools for the past two years.

I see no issues as long as you pick conditions and locations especially if I have very close supervision.

Along the advice I give, we'd start slow. Maybe Big Lake a few times, maybe Whittier by smittys cove.   But I figure you got to start somewhere.   I don't see slapping this together and hitting cook inlet with a 9 yr old my first time or first half dozen times out. 

Even as an initial training tool to connect two kayaks like training wheels would have some value as I taught them some of the finer points of fishing independently.


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Yea, we are leveraging local lakes.  I've twins and as the single guy, it would be a two to one ratio and I'm uncomfortable with that until they can handle themselves on their own for the most part.

I'm not judging others ways of raising their kids or what ever. Hope I'm not being seen that way, I just see a big difference between lakes and the salt.

Going out solo with two kids would probably be a no-go for me too.  Too Risky.