Has anyone tried paddle sailing a Stratos?
I’m based near the Solent and am lucky enough to live within 5 min walk of the nearest put in. I’d to extend the range I can comfortably cover in a day using something like a KCS Pro or Flat Earth sail. The former appeals as I could potentially use the hatch system to give sailing a go without modding my Stratos noting that sail position does impact on how close you can sail to the wind which may be an issue for me.
A quick google doesn’t reveal that anyone has tried this; is a Stratos just too short or unsuitable in some other way?
Grateful for any thoughts.
Sailing a Dagger Stratos 14’5
Re: Sailing a Dagger Stratos 14’5
I use a KCS Pro sail on my SKUK Romany Surf and Excel Expedition boats, and have also owned 2 x Dagger Stratos kayaks. Even using the hatch plate for the mast fitting, I don't think you'd be able to fit either sail system on the Stratos without drilling the deck as it doesn't have fixed point onto which you can fix the Ronstan Shock (sheaveless block) for controlling the boom. You could fit a Shock to the front of the kayak using a cord going under the plate that holds the carrying handle, and that would be used by the line that holds the mast up and in place. The final issue is fitting the 2 jam cleats...you'd need to drill them into the hull just forward or to the side of the cockpit as there just aren't useful points that you can otherwise fasten them to.
But...of all the boat hulls I'd be happy to drill and put bolts through, the Stratos would be high on the list. It has good thick plastic and is a bombproof hull.
Final thought...even on my long Excel Expedition when using the hatch mounting plate, the mast is still closer to me than is ideal. I think that mounting a foot to the deck forward of the hatch would be far better, assuming the deck is appropriately reinforced, which my mega lightweight carbon kevlar boat isn't. The mast would be too close to you on a Stratos if you're using the hatch mount for the mast, imho. If I still had a Stratos and wanted to have a go, I'd be tempted to try drilling the hull where necessary and mounting the various fittings directly to the hull. If it didn't work, you could easily plug the holes with an M3 stainless bolt with rubber washer either side of the hull. Not perfectly neat, but its something to consider...!
But...of all the boat hulls I'd be happy to drill and put bolts through, the Stratos would be high on the list. It has good thick plastic and is a bombproof hull.
Final thought...even on my long Excel Expedition when using the hatch mounting plate, the mast is still closer to me than is ideal. I think that mounting a foot to the deck forward of the hatch would be far better, assuming the deck is appropriately reinforced, which my mega lightweight carbon kevlar boat isn't. The mast would be too close to you on a Stratos if you're using the hatch mount for the mast, imho. If I still had a Stratos and wanted to have a go, I'd be tempted to try drilling the hull where necessary and mounting the various fittings directly to the hull. If it didn't work, you could easily plug the holes with an M3 stainless bolt with rubber washer either side of the hull. Not perfectly neat, but its something to consider...!
Re: Sailing a Dagger Stratos 14’5
Thanks for the detailed response Max.
Aside from a requirement to drill is there any reason for not sailing a Stratos?
Aside from a requirement to drill is there any reason for not sailing a Stratos?
Re: Sailing a Dagger Stratos 14’5
No, if you're thinking in terms of hull shape etc. You'll be able to run straight and turn making appropriate use of the skeg as necessary.
I don't have a Stratos currently, so can't tell you if the KCS hatch mount will fit, but if the Stratos and SKUK forward hatches are close in size, it will probably work.
The (short) length of the boat will mean that the sail boom may end up being very close to you and hindering your paddle strokes. Difficult to be certain without a test fit. If you wanted to drive to mine with your boat, I'd be happy to let you see how the KCS system might fit (or not). I'm guessing I'm about an hour north of you, in Newton Tony, Wiltshire.
I don't have a Stratos currently, so can't tell you if the KCS hatch mount will fit, but if the Stratos and SKUK forward hatches are close in size, it will probably work.
The (short) length of the boat will mean that the sail boom may end up being very close to you and hindering your paddle strokes. Difficult to be certain without a test fit. If you wanted to drive to mine with your boat, I'd be happy to let you see how the KCS system might fit (or not). I'm guessing I'm about an hour north of you, in Newton Tony, Wiltshire.
Re: Sailing a Dagger Stratos 14’5
Thanks again Max; that’s a really generous offer.
Do you find the hatch mounting impacts upwind performance as discussed here: https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/202 ... eview.html
It would be good to understand if the hatch mounting, and possibly even the hull mounting, would interfere with paddling given the Stratos’ size. I’ll pm to work out timings if that’s ok?
Do you find the hatch mounting impacts upwind performance as discussed here: https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/202 ... eview.html
It would be good to understand if the hatch mounting, and possibly even the hull mounting, would interfere with paddling given the Stratos’ size. I’ll pm to work out timings if that’s ok?