Two outbacks= Usuable Catamaran???

Take a look at these threads on the Hobie forums if you haven't already K84

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=37725
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=35878

Its not Hobie but heres a product that looks nifty

http://www.switchsports.co.nz/wingman-motorboat-2/#http://www.switchsports.co.nz/wp-content/gallery/wingman-product/color-range.jpg

I think that a frame on three Kayaks is doable. Although the sailing option is a no go. Turning radius would be huge and sluggish. The sail would have to be extremely large because of the amount of boat to water contact. The stress put on the center boat by this sail would be tremendous. You would have to construct another frame ( or beef up the other) to hold the sail.

A battery powered motor or an outboard would be feasible as long as all of the rudders were in sync. Think about how hard it is to turn two kayaks tied together.

The last thing to think about the safety of having a sluggish, hard to turn craft. What if someone fell overboard. Could you get the craft turned around in a reasonable amount of time to be considered responsibly safe?

Just my two cents worth.

Wobbler

All super good points.  PLEASE if you even think there are minor weaknesses to the idea, chime in! You are NOT going to hurt my feelings because you have an opinion that could not only keep me, but my family safe!   

So I spoke with the commercial raft guys and they think its completely do-able.  It would set me back about $500 for the frames.  Farily heavy duty aluminum frames designed for catacrafts and raft packages.

The ONLY thing they were concerened about is how to attch it solidly enough to the kayak and where, how, or even if we should design a weak spot so the catastrophic failure is not my hulls getting ripped apart.  Right now the default idea is u-bolts with plenty of backing on top and bottom. 

they thought a 2 to 5hp engine would be no problem for this set up. 

Any better ideas?  Hmm...maybe I should worry about getting the second outback first.  Well that won't work, because if I declare this idea faulty, I would lean toward a tandem, whether it was a TI or a non-sail tandem. 

Regardless, its fun to think about...too fun...gotta get back to work!

Yea, I think you'd want a motor on it because I don't think even the sailing rudder would make them turn.  Don't forget, in Alaska, once u drop a motor on it u have to register it. Not a big deal or deal breaker but just an additional hoop.

Yea, I think you'd want a motor on it because I don't think even the sailing rudder would make them turn.  Don't forget, in Alaska, once u drop a motor on it u have to register it. Not a big deal or deal breaker but just an additional hoop.

Agreed.  If I went the sail route, I would have a dagger board and larger rudder made that I could attach to the frame.  It'd be too complicated to try and choreograph or automatically adjust both rudders on the outback at once if I want this system to be easy on and off. 

I wonder if you could snag a rudder system off like the 16' or 18' Hobie Cats.  That wouldn't get over powered too easily. Course you'd have to look, now that I'm thinking about it it's most likely a rudder on each with linkage between the two operating them in tandem.

I'd almost be thinking that I'd be easier to get a pair of TIs and a pair of AIs.

Hey Kard, watch the vids from adventureislanders.com because in one of them I think they lashed a pair of AIs together.  I just remembered seeing it.

I wonder if you could snag a rudder system off like the 16' or 18' Hobie Cats.  That wouldn't get over powered too easily. Course you'd have to look, now that I'm thinking about it it's most likely a rudder on each with linkage between the two operating them in tandem.

I'd almost be thinking that I'd be easier to get a pair of TIs and a pair of AIs.

Hmmm...I agree!  But a pair of Ti's and a pair of Ai's?!?!  lol.  What's that $20K with trailer and shipping!  lol. 

I dream...I dream big...my wallet is not as big.  I think I have decided that I need at least one more outback...for variety of reasons. 

If I go through with it, I'll look at rigging it up.  I think not only will it be a safer platform for the kids, I think its going to solve a bit of my "mothership" dillema.  While it would still be considered mothershipping for AOTY if we fished off the platform under sail or motor, the plan is to use the set up to get out the 10 to 20 miles that seems necessary to get out to the spots required to get good fishing in.  Establish a beach camp, then go fish off the kayaks as we normally would.    Fish as hard and long as we want without too much concern for exhaustion, wind or currents in terms of making it back home.  Instead of Whittier I could play in Blackstone Bay.  Instead of catching garbage fish by the spit, I could be playing in the islands where there are rockfish and everything else.  Instead of Miller's landing, I could be on Fox Island.  That really gets me thinking HARD about this.   

I think this set up even if it could only be used half of the days I am on the water would really extend the reach and opportunities for quality fish.

SO...the major issue is how to attach the frame to the outbacks.  Should there be a weak point?  If I got slammed by a huge wake right now I envision the ubolts would just tear out or rip the hull even with LOTS of backing plate.  That's doesn't sound like fun but not sure where you should build in a weak spot.  I'm thinking a square frame constructed from catacraft framing.  Heavy duty aluminum.

If not U-bolts, I wonder how a wide nylon fabric sleeves that could slip over the entire hull and attaching the frame to that?  Probably suck if we planned to peddle it, but probably wouldn't be a huge issue if it was motorized.

Well what's the cost on an outback?  1800?  You're gonna get into that 10-12k range fast buying 6 of them. 

Ok. Ordered the second outback. Also ordered sail kit and amas for members of the family who may choose not to fish...though I'd disown them.

After long discussions I think we have come up with a solid attachment solution. We plan to cradle the kayak in molded aluminum panels lined with thin closed foam. Hinged on one end and bolted closed. We think 4 to 6 inches wide in front and directly behind seat will secure it rock solid. Makes me wonder if something like wide fabric of some kind wouldn't work as well.

Bolt or strap frame to cradles add 2 hp motor...maybe 6hp.  A little more water resistance but that's what the motor is for...

Should be interesting to register...

Arghh...now to commit or not...


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If you're just ordering Outbacks for shits n gigs...you can mark me down for one 

If you're just ordering Outbacks for shits n gigs...you can mark me down for one 

 This is an evil ploy to get more fishing time by trying to get my fiancée addicted. Also trying to suck the kids in.  Making it a family activity doubles my hours on the water!

Well, I'm sure they will be available to NWKA members who visit...if you can pry them away from my fiancée.. C'mon up!!


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Please tell Michelle I'm thrilled she's going to be on the water this summer. She doesn't HAVE to fish to enjoy being on the water with you. Dave is out there with me most weekends, even though he's interested in paddling and exploring and not at all keen on the fishing. As long as we're connected via VHF, I'm happy hunting for a big fish while he pursues his own pleasures afloat. We're both enthusiastic about our parallel experiences as we recount them or witness them for one another. After 30+ years together, we've figured out how to be independent and together at the same time.  Shared experiences don't have to be identical to be good for you as a couple.

If you're just ordering Outbacks for shits n gigs...you can mark me down for one 

I like where your head is at. That is a great plan, I hope it works out! My girlfriend wants a kayak but she doesn't want to pay for it...I think I want a revo if I get another. Anyway back to the topic at hand. I can't wait to see this Frankenstein kayak creation.
 This is an evil ploy to get more fishing time by trying to get my fiancée addicted. Also trying to suck the kids in.  Making it a family activity doubles my hours on the water!

Well, I'm sure they will be available to NWKA members who visit...if you can pry them away from my fiancée.. C'mon up!!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Please tell Michelle I'm thrilled she's going to be on the water this summer. She doesn't HAVE to fish to enjoy being on the water with you. Dave is out there with me most weekends, even though he's interested in paddling and exploring and not at all keen on the fishing. As long as we're connected via VHF, I'm happy hunting for a big fish while he pursues his own pleasures afloat. We're both enthusiastic about our parallel experiences as we recount them or witness them for one another. After 30+ years together, we've figured out how to be independent and together at the same time.  Shared experiences don't have to be identical to be good for you as a couple.

I will tell her!  She signed up for a women's fly fishing class with Pudge that starts Monday for three days.  I think her time will be 50/50 fishing and photography while on a yak.  I am also thinking I will lose the sail and amas kit to her as well. 

You and Dave have a great situation.  We envy you guys!!!!!  Hopefully we will be in the mix as well.  She should have her outback late next week.

I'm thinking about getting a ride over to the Islands in Homer this weekend.  Waiting for a few things to come together.  Big Low tides.  Might go looking for steamers and of course fish.  Will post if it comes together.