Building a boat.

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3 total messages Started by Mark Thorson Sun, 01 Dec 1985 03:11

Author: Mark Thorson
Date: Sun, 01 Dec 1985 03:11

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I'm interested in someday building a boat (someday, like when I retire in
50 years).  I would like a sailboat.  One of the most difficult parts to
build would be the mast(s).

My question is:  Could I eliminate the masts by towing the boat with a
parafoil kite.

It seems like a fine solution.  No masts, no rigging.  Just toss the kite(s)
into the wind.  Steer with the rudder.

Any reason this wouldn't be feasible?  What do you see as big problems?

(Just as an aside, the difficulty I have with the idea of a mast is that
I'm thinking of a non-rigid unsinkable hull made from cloth, rope, and
hollow plastic beads).

Mark Thorson   (...!cae780!weitek!mmm)

Re: Building a boat.

Author: lsmith
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 1985 14:44

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Before you think seriously about non-rigid boats and kite power, I
strongly suggest you read Heavy Weather Sailing by K. Adlard Coles.

Re: Building a boat.

Author: Earle A .Sugar
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 1985 07:00

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> I'm interested in someday building a boat (someday, like when I retire in
> 50 years).  I would like a sailboat.  One of the most difficult parts to
> build would be the mast(s).
> 
> My question is:  Could I eliminate the masts by towing the boat with a
> parafoil kite.
> 
> It seems like a fine solution.  No masts, no rigging.  Just toss the kite(s)
> into the wind.  Steer with the rudder.
> 
> Any reason this wouldn't be feasible?  What do you see as big problems?
> 
> (Just as an aside, the difficulty I have with the idea of a mast is that
> I'm thinking of a non-rigid unsinkable hull made from cloth, rope, and
> hollow plastic beads).
> 
> Mark Thorson   (...!cae780!weitek!mmm)
With that rig, anything closer hauled than a broad reach is out of the question.
Even a beam reach would be impossible, so you might have a bit of difficulty 
going anywhere except exactly where the wind blows (i.e. running).  If you have 
ever run a spinnaker, you know that without some rigid support (spinnaker or 
whisker pole) it is extremely hard to control the sail, poleless spinnakers 
notwithstanding.  A rigid solid pole with masthead rig shouldn't be that 
difficult to build, if you are worried about biulding a mast.
-- 
______________________________________________________________________________

Earle A. Sugar
Disclaimer:"I doubt anyone else here agrees with me."
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