: Hi Tom,

: The picture quality isn't that great. This particular kayak sits much higher
: in the water then most, and you can see I run the aluminum pipe aka (not
: aluminum tubing) through the kayak itself to keep it lower. It kisses
: against the lower vertical pipe of the two part mast and a pin goes
: through both the aluminum pipe aka and the aluminum tubing lower mast
: piece to hold it centered in place. Drain plugs close the aka holes when
: the pipe isn't in place. The original pontoons ama's I made are too small
: to be safe when sailing in high winds, as I have driven them completely
: underwater at time. The large foam ones I am making are of good size and
: being flat on one side would eliminate the need for a center board, but as
: you can see they are huge and would take up way too much room stored away
: on an extended trip where I just wanted to paddle now and then. The blow
: up Hobie pontoons are just what I am looking for but I would rather have
: bigger ones if I can get a couple of companies to sell theirs without
: having to buy their whole sailing rigs. The poly tarp sail were only about
: $6 and they work. Nylon or Daycon sails would most likely be $300 to $500.
: The great thing is, all of the sailing equipment breaks down and fits
: inside the yak. I've had a lot of help and ideas from the board on this
: project.

: John

Btw John,

Keep an eye on Ebay, lots of used sails there and sometimes pretty cheap.

Bill H.