Answer: The Pacific Action sail system can often be fitted directly to the boat, without using fittings supplied in the rigging pack. Simply run the webbing straps around grab-line hard points, then back to ladderloc buckles at the mast step.

Alternatively, the webbing straps can be secured to the sides of the boat via anchor points using just one machine screw (sit-in kayaks) or rivet (sit-on-top kayaks) for each side (included in the rigging pack).

Deck support is not required! For sit-on-top kayaks or canoes with no deck, the mast step is suspended between the sides of the boat via the webbing strap.

Pacific Action sail systems are supplied with a rigging pack that includes instructions and all deck fittings that could be required to fit the sail. Accessory rigging packs are available so that you can quickly swap your sail to additional kayaks.

For a youtube video showing our 1.5sqm sail (PA_MO15) in action on a sit-on-top fishing “Yak”

– click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffiAGMjLf3w&NR=1

Pacific Action sails are recommended by Ocean Kayak for their sit-on-top kayaks

– see: http://www.ocean-kayak.com.au/Sails/tabid/152/Default.aspx

Pacific Action sails are recommended by Prijon for their range of sit-in sea kayaks – see: http://www.wildnet.com/

Number 2: How easy is it to put up a Pacific Action sail and adjust it for different wind angles?

Answer: This is a major strength of our design – ease of use, versatility and safety. The sail is furled neatly along the side of the boat, wrapped around the twin masts. Unclip the furling clip, unwrap the sail and release. In just seconds, the shockcord forestay raises the sail – check out our videos! The trimming line running back from the masts provides dynamic control of the sail shape. Quickly change from a down-wind Vee sail configuration into a reaching – Jib sail. Windward performance is typically achievable in sea kayaks. Lowering the sail is just as fast – pull back on the trimming line and spill the wind, then wrap up the sail – all in seconds! Once back at the beach, you can take the Pacific Action sail off the boat in just a minute by releasing the webbing straps and unclipping the trimming line and shockcord forestay.

Number 3: What size sail should I use?

Answer: Most sit-on-top kayaks (4m and longer, including fishing kayaks) will work very well with our 1.5sqm sail (model PA_MO15). Sea kayaks (sit-in) longer than 5m – and up to the medium-sized double sea kayaks will also perform well with this sail. If you are planning off-shore expeditions in single sea kayaks, then we recommend the standard 1sqm sail (model PA_SI10) which is very efficient in high winds. The 2.2sqm sail is the first choice for adventure racers and for the large tandem sea kayak and large double sit-on-top kayaks and canoes.

For example, look at this outcome for our 1sqm sail – model PA_SI10:

2007 Everglades Challenge - Kristen Greenaway finished in style. These are the words of Kristen, the “kiwi-bird”-kayaker who lives in the States.
“I’ve just completed 2007’s Everglades Challenge from Tampa Bay to Key Largo – 515kms, for which I primarily bought your Arctic Raider. I thrashed the boat, but in no way was able to trash it. Was just thrilled with its performance, making nearly 300kms in the first three days. With the Pacific Action Sail I reached nearly 20kph on one day with 15-20 knot winds and seas of 2.5-3m. The boat flew, and fully loaded.” – from the Sisson Kayak website: http://www.sissonkayaks.co.nz/comings.htm

Number 4: Can I use a Pacific Action sail on a fibreglass kayak?

Answer: Certainly. The mast step is usually located about 1 – 2 feet back from the bow – typically just forward of the front hatch (a minimum deck width of 30cm is recommended). Customers should ensure that there is no flexing of the deck and if necessary, additional fibreglass can be laid-up under the deck to increase the rigidity. To prevent scuffing of the gel-coat by the movement of the mast feet, you can purchase clear self-adhesive plastic laminate (stone-guard) from an auto accessory shop and place a section of this on the deck surface under the mast feet.

- see above. Also, we are currently sponsoring the “Listening to the people of Greenland” expedition by photographers Nathalie and Alain Antognelli, from Monaco. They are paddling Nigel Dennis Explorer HV composite kayaks with our 1.5 sqm - PA_MI15 sail system. Check out their stunning photos at:: http://www.phototeam-nature.com/galeGrKayak.htm

Number 5: Can I use a Pacific Action sail on a folding-style / inflatable kayak?

Answer: Many customers have fitted our sail system to folding or inflatable kayaks. Because the mast feet provide tension to the sail via the webbing straps it is important that the sides of the boat have good rigidity. The webbing straps can be modified so that they run around the bottom of the boat. Some customers also get D ring hard points added to their boats for the webbing straps and the trimming line Clip points. Surface wear from movement of the mast feet can be prevented by using a protective layer – such as a flexible kitchen chopping mat on the deck.

If you want a great inflatable kayak matched to a Pacific Action sail system – then check out Incept Marine manufacturers in New Zealand!

Link: http://www.incept.co.nz/accessories/inflatable_boat_accessories.htm

Pacific Action ® sails are recommended and supplied by Klepper folding Kayaks ® - click here to go to Klepper’s website

http://www.klepperamerica.com/sailing_pacificaction_sail.html

Number 6: Where can I use my Pacific Action sail?

Answer: Paddlers use Pacific Action™ sails world-wide, from the North Pole to the Southern Oceans. If you want rugged reliability, huge performance, and safety – choose Pacific Action ™!

NZ Patent # 511552; US Patent # 6,655,314; Pacific Action is a New Zealand registered trademark (ref#637696; 637695)