Hey Gang,
I'm looking to add a sit on top kayak to the toy box this year and want to bring on the boat occasionally. Anybody have any suggestions on practicality of sailing with a 12' kayak on the bow or on the side with a rack?
Also we have the walk through 91 model. I'm assuming it will still be a pain to get in from the boat. Anybody care to share what works best?
I have a 10' that I bungee to the side guard rail. Your sit on top model will probably be easier to get in/on. It was tricky getting in and out but doable in calm waters. Not a primary means of getting ashore.
I have both a sit-on-top and traditional, low budget, kayaks. I haven't taken them cruising but I have taken them around near by on Shamrock. Great to have when anchoring, I enjoy paddling them from the sailboat. Getting in and out, isn't a problem for me, I'm 73. Except if it's choppy and the kayaks bouncing up a foot or two. I tie the kayak snug to ladder when boarding and have anything needed in reach on the swim platform .
I've only set them forward on the side decks or towed them a couple of miles. I've thought about inflatables but haven't bought. see "SeaEagle.com" My lady friend has one, it really isn't a toy but a real kayak, just don't compare to a 3K fiberglass kayak.
Jim
I have a 10' inflatable kayak which is light and easy to load/unload and super nice that it doesn't damage and knock against the hull of the boat. Tracking isn't as good as a hard shell "Ocean" models but it certainly does the job.
I had a pair of foam covered kayak racks from our previous power boat that I chose to mount in-board of the safety rails so docking isn't impeded.
Easy walkaround even with the kayak on board and the Genoa sheet doesn't get hung up while sailing!