Everywhere we go we get attention about our experimental watercraft we have affectionately named the 'kayakamaran'. So, we decided to make a website so those questions can get answered and maybe you can craft your own, or better, your own version.
Pros:
- Breaks down easily
- No trailer
- Green
- Powered by lithium batter
- Quiet and silent
- Can sail beam and broad reaches
- Drop the trolling motor to act as an anchor
- Can hold almost 700lbs
- No fabricated parts - all can be purchased from amazon
- Great way to beat the wind
- Access places most can't go
- Travel in comfort
- Draw attention
Cons:
- It draws attention
Basically is it two blow up paddle boards connected with a loading ramp held together with tie straps with folding chairs powered by a trolling motor and lithium battery.
Were we live the wind is bad, and we were so sick of paddling out against the wind, thinking it would be in our favor on return, only to have it shift and be in our face on the way back. We were so sick of this we decided we'd somehow have the option to motor. That need/desire led to the result you see now.
We use it much like we did with our kayaks using paddles. We typically like to go find a spot on the shore that other boats can't get to (because our draft is like 8 inches) and make something to eat. We chill out, maybe put up a hammock. Basically we use this to take us where no one else is, in places where there are a lot of people. Every lake has hidden inlets and shallow areas that most boats, even ones designed to go shallow, can't go. We enjoy the solitude, nature and quiet of those places. This makes any lake a new world of exploration. With the trolling motor we are effectively silent, saving on gas, and being green and quiet in the meantime. We can always whip out the paddles if needed, and with the new sail plan we can save power on beam/broach reaches and runs.
700lbs with the two weight limits of the paddle boards combined.
It depends on how far the water is and if your boards are already inflated or not.. I typically can assemble it in 20 minutes. However that does not account for the time to blow up paddle boards, that assumes the loading ramp is already holding the two inflated pontoons. Otherwise the electric motor we have takes about 9 minutes per SUP. Since this adds almost 20 minutes by itself that is in excess of of 30 minutes for setup time.
Honestly have not clocked it yet accurately. It is faster than walking speed and maybe as fast as a mild jog in high gear. Our friends in a tandem kayak when both paddling moderately, barely outpaced us in high gear with a 35lb thrust motor. So with the smaller motor (we have a 55lb thrust now) at max speed we were traveling about as fast a tandem kayak with both giving moderate power strokes - if that helps. Once we can get accurate knt speed we'll post it.
We've had it last 4 or more hours, however, that is not on high for the whole time. This varies greatly on wind, distance, speed and battery capacity. However, we only run out of the battery once, and that was on our way back in the morning on the 2nd day. So maybe about 5 hours total of medium/slow speed.
We estimate we travel a few miles when we go out in total displaced distance.
Quite well. While it can handle a broad side of a big wake from a boat, it will wash the deck and anything loose may get washed over overboard. I recommend turning into the waves head on until they pass. You'll hobby horse wildly but everything holds together and this is the best chance of not getting tipped.
Yes, quite well. You can also step over to the other pontoon or access your bag or gear on the back. It is very stable.
So far no, and that is also the goal. The idea was to make it so anyone could purchase all the pieces and assemble one themselves.