Before joining PaddleWise --- about four weeks and one used-up computer ago --- I thought that it might be kind of neat to put one of PRIMEX's "Deluge" Bimini Tops on my VCP Pintail. But, with all the discussions on antennas and rudders and sails, I've decided to combine accessories in the spirit --- if not the practice --- of kayak minimalism. Was wondering if anyone else had ever tried converting the "Deluge" Bimini Top into a square rigger for downwind running. And, to handle the added speed, I figured I'd fasten a two square foot rudder on the Pintail --- no mean feat in itself! --- and put in a small hydraulic system to operate it. Power that by converting the foot pump to pressurize an accumulator --- 'cause I'd have solar cells built into the Bimini, and run the bilge pump electrically. Which could also run the CD player powering the stereo speakers in phone bags mounted up in the forward corners of the Bimini. Along with the subwoofer in the rear oval VCP hatchcover. The added height of the Bimini also offers the chance to rig a really awesome whip antenna for VHF comms on one upright, not to mention a radar reflector on the other. Just gotta remember to do all my rolling practice in the shipping channels. The first month on this list has been great! Thanks! Joq *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> system to operate it. Power that by converting the foot pump to > pressurize an accumulator --- 'cause I'd have solar cells built > into > the Bimini, and run the bilge pump electrically. Which could > also run > the CD player powering the stereo speakers in phone bags mounted > up in > the forward corners of the Bimini. Along with the subwoofer in > the > rear oval VCP hatchcover. The added height of the Bimini also > offers > the chance to rig a really awesome whip antenna for VHF comms on > one > upright, not to mention a radar reflector on the other. Just > gotta > remember to do all my rolling practice in the shipping channels. > Soma that stuff will probably generate some extra heat so you'll probably want to install a solar powered vent (or at least a Dorade Box Cowl Vent) on the foredeck to increase air circulation below. Be sure to install aft of the forward bulwarks. It's sometimes tuff to get air through those little tiny cracks. You'll also need a vent on the back deck, probably right behind your seat back, to ensure proper air flow. That way you'll be able to practice some really good flatulence without blowing off your spray skirt. If you're gonna have a VHF antennae, you might as well get an antennae that will provide TV reception also. The 12v TV's are only $400-$500 and the extra few pounds way up there shouldn't affect your balance, much. > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Sisler, Clyde wrote: > > > system to operate it. Power that by converting the foot pump to > > pressurize an accumulator --- 'cause I'd have solar cells built > > into > > the Bimini, and run the bilge pump electrically. Which could > > also run > > the CD player powering the stereo speakers in phone bags mounted > > up in > > the forward corners of the Bimini. Along with the subwoofer in > > the > > rear oval VCP hatchcover. The added height of the Bimini also > > offers > > the chance to rig a really awesome whip antenna for VHF comms on > > one > > upright, not to mention a radar reflector on the other. Just > > gotta > > remember to do all my rolling practice in the shipping channels. Clyde; You know, I think all of this has been done already. Contact Easy Rider Kayaks for details. I'm thinking that if you used their catamaran hardware with two of their kayaks you could get suround sound from your system. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Jack_Martin_at_jtif.webfld.navy.mil wrote: > > Before joining PaddleWise --- about four weeks and one used-up > computer ago --- I thought that it might be kind of neat to put one of > PRIMEX's "Deluge" Bimini Tops on my VCP Pintail. ...SNIP... Believe it or not, we once had a rather involved discussion of Bimini tops (during the list's earlier incarnation). At that time Jackie supplied one of her absolutely first-rate ASCII drawings, which showed not only the Bimini top, but a number of other optional accessories for the well-equiped paddler. Jackie, do you still have this drawing? If not, would you mind if I re-post it? (Assuming I can find it, of course.) Dan Hagen Bellingham, Washington *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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