AdvancedElements.com

dorme · Joined: 27 Jun 2010 Posts: 2

I have purchased an Expedition model and am enjoying it with my wife's Advanced Frame model. We have the Rapid Up sail and have tried it with both boats with great success. The only problem is that you really could use a rudder when using it. I've looked for something to adapt to the inflatables and it seems that the only one currently is the Sevyler for under a $100. All the others require a hard shell for installation.

My question is, what is Advanced Elements planning in this dept?

I thought that if I went to the larger sail rig that Topkayaker is selling for $600 that I would use the Sevyler rudder by gluing on a round patch with "D" ring that is sold for the inflatable boats like Zodiac, to each side of the stern. Then I would use a soldering iron to make a hole in the deck for a grommet. Through the grommet I would run a plastic tube to the toe pedals and though the tube would run the cables. It would be simple enough and not create a problem of great leaks.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

dspid2404 · Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Posts: 285 Location: Virginia, U.S.A.

I have used the RapidUp Sail six or seven times now in various conditions and have come to realize that using the paddle as a rudder is pretty much a waste of time. It is better to make corrective paddles on one side or the other. This way you don't loose momentum and keep fairly straight. In really high winds, which I haven't tried yet, it may or may not be the case. I'll have to try it before I can judge it.

With that said I'll leave it to someone else to comment on installation of a rudder. Do you have any links for the Sevyler one you mention?

Pearly · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Posts: 434 Location: Malaysia

You mean this one..?

http://www.airkayaks.com/u112.html

dorme · Joined: 27 Jun 2010 Posts: 2

That link to the rudder is the one I'm thinking of.

BTW, the Rapid-Up sail fits very nicely to the 10 ft Advanced Frame model but requires alot of changes to fit the Expedition. It is like that didn't try it on that model to see if it fit before production. The side sheets are not long enough and I had to let out the strap attachment at either side of the bow to their full length. It works OK, but the shape of the sail is very different than on the smaller Adv Frame model.

dspid2404 · Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Posts: 285 Location: Virginia, U.S.A.

I have an Expedition and didn't have any problem. It is supposed to be universal. See the video at the bottom of the page of the following link.

http://www.airkayaks.com/ae2040.html

I pulled all my straps all the way in and it worked fine. I guess it may depend on how much wind you want to catch. When I recorded this video it was pretty windy.