frankenstein gas powered kayak ideas

[joshuak]

I'm always thinking about how I can increase the range of my kayak trips (without quitting my job to paddle off into the sunset.) I imagine other people have tried things similar to this, but I couldn't find anything that looks like what i have in mind.

I was originally thinking a simple solution would be to mount a small (1-3HP?) gas powered outboard motor on an appropriately sized outrigger for the stability and added buoyancy needed to support the engine.

Another way to do this (and allow a second person to enjoy the trip with me) would be to use another kayak or canoe in place of the outrigger. this would create a pontoon craft of sorts.

I like the small gas engines because of their range. i can bring extra fuel, refuel at any marina, and install a self-destruct button if needed in the future.

so my concerns are:
1) is this safe? is there a reason i'm not finding others who have tried similar things?
2) is this feasible?
3) what could i use to secure 2 sot kayaks (or a sot/canoe combination) side by side to each other (preferably any kayak, but i'm working with a WS ride 135, and a mainstream 'jazz')
4) any way to keep this beast paddle-able in the event of power loss?
5) would i need to register such a monstrosity with the state?


this started as kind of a silly idea, but the idea of a car toppable, motor powered exploration unit seems pretty appealing to me. a real boat is out of my budget, and not really my style.



your thoughts please.

[Redbeard]

I don't want to sound critical, and to each his own, but you are getting very close to getting completely out of the realm of the reasons why people choose kayaking instead of motorboating. If you want to pursue this idea, you might be better served to invest in an inflatable boat and power it with a small outboard. Check out Boatstogo.com. They have inflatables that would serve your purpose better than a kayak and for about the same price, less the cost of a motor. Most folks choose yak fishing because of the simplicity and enjoyment of paddling. To me, the addition of trolling type motors was a bit of a stretch, but understandable for some folks, especially handicapped, but to add an outboard to a kayak is kind of like powering a center console with a sail or paddle, it just doesn't fit!!! But like I said at first, to each his own, if everybody did everything exactly alike, it sure would be a boring world!!!! And yes, you would have to register it. Any water craft that is propelled by a motor, electric or gas must be registered and bear registration #'s.

Hope I didn't sound too much like I was coming down on you, just voicing an opinion.

Redbeard

[savreds]

Well it's certainly a different idea!
Is it doable... yep! A couple of ideas come to mind but you would need to be a pretty decent fabricator in order to pull it off and make it last and not look like Frankenstein. I would think that it would have to be the smallest outboard that you could find, like 1 1/2 hp.
A square back canoe that accepts an outboard would probably work better or a small inflatable.

[3spots]

Sounds like an interesting idea/ project. Personally, I wouldn't do such a thing because:1) you'd have to register it for adding motorized propulsion 2) if you didn't add the outriggers/ kayak properly you wouldn't be able to paddle effectively in the event of power loss 3) it would be a bear to paddle, if at all 4) loading it on a vehicle would be worse than loading a Hobie Pro Angler.

Several folks out there make motors specifically for kayaks, bassyaks and torqeedo come to mind. They work off existing or added rudder controls. You would still have to register with the State and add letters/ numbers on your yak.

Good luck if you pursue the project. Keep in mind......safety!!!!

[joshuak]

After a little more research I found this (http://www.solarpoweredkayak.com) which is exactly what i had in mind, except it uses solar power to power an electric trolling motor mounted on an outrigger.


redbeard, boatstogo inflatables would certainly be a better cheap boat solution.

[troutman]

Watch the Hobie Comments.........You Know you want one!

[Redbeard]

I hope that I did not sound too critical of your idea. Necessity is the mother of invention and your were being creative in trying to meet a need, however, I don't see the kayak application as being practical when there are other ways to accomplish what you want that will give you more satisfactory results. Kind of like 3spots said, it would be a bear to paddle and loading it would be equally as difficult (Troutman, I am being sensitive to referring to loading a Hobie Pro Angler!!!!!). Keep on working on it, you will figure out a way to get there!!! If you check out the inflatables, be sure to pick one that has a tear resistant bottom, oyster shells might so you in otherwise.

Redbeard