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From: 735769 <735769_at_ican.net> subject: [Paddlewise] Auxillary power Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1999 08:53:03 -0500 · This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:05 PDT

>From the company that brought you Genuine Canadian Ballast Rocks (TM) and the
ARPEE (TM)Redundant Paddler Safety Device now comes the POWERYAK (TM)
conversion kit, The ultimate in auxiliary power for kayaks . 

Now every kayaker can have safe, reliable, enjoyable auxiliary power in their
kayak.

The POWERYAK (TM) conversion kit installs easily with basic hand tools and
once installed allows the paddler to shift from paddle power to power with
simple the flip of a switch or pull of a cord. Much easier than sail
auxiliaries plus the POWERYAK (TM) works even when there is no wind. Weighing
only seven pounds the POWERYAK (TM) engine is enclosed in a patented casing
that allows it to operate even when under water (No masts and sails to slow
your roll). Its jet drive has no external moving parts making it safe to use
around swimmers swimming without life jackets and wildlife. Advanced sound
suppression systems keep sounds levels to below that of conversational levels
in a tandem kayak.

Purchase the electronic start version to make switching from paddle to power
even easier and faster. A diverter valve option instantly transforms the
POWERYAK (TM) unit to a high capacity bilge pump capable of emptying the
largest kayak in less than a minute.  On cold days, opening the cooling system
diverter valve floods your cockpit with warm air.   

Vastly superior to auxiliary sail units it creates no windage or heeling
forces and takes up less room when not in use. 

Buy the POWERYAK (TM)  unit before January 1, 2000 and receive a complimentary
membership in both the American Power Boat Association and the American Canoe
Association. 

FAQ's

Do I need a kayak that is specially designed for power?

Absolutely not. Any old kayak will do although you can expect better
performance under power in one that has a shape optimized for powered travel.
Of course, these shapes will detract from paddling performance since paddlers
cannot generate as much power as the POWERYAK (TM) unit.

 Does mounting the POWERYAK (TM) make my kayak a power boat?

No, A kayak is defined not by how it is powered but by how easily one can
change back to paddle power. IN short, a POWERYAK (TM)  powered kayak is more
of a kayak than a sail powered kayak that takes longer to convert. The
POWERYAK (TM)  unit allows you to revert to paddle power instantly. In fact,
you can use both paddle and POWERYAK (TM) simultaneously. This allows weaker
paddlers to keep up with strong paddlers. The safety aspects of this are
enormous.

Won't my sea kayak lose stability if I am not paddling?

Only if you do not hold your paddle (something we recommend you do at all
times). Keeping your  paddle in your hand at al times allows you to deploy it
instantly for bracing, steering, or just splashing your friends. In fact, the
low mounting location of the POWERYAK (TM)  unit improves stability. 

Is there a mailing list where I can discuss POWERYAK (TM) issues?

Yes, but its members don't often talk about kayaking issues that may interest
you. You can, however use the Paddlewise list  for kayaking issues. They even
discuss sailing so they won't mind discussing powered kayaks so long as one
mentions paddling occasionally.

OK, I know what you paddling purists are thinking. Doesn't adding an engine
make a kayak a power boat? Not so. It makes it an engine powered kayak or
powered kayak. The important issue is how easily one can shift from one the
other. timed trials using the most expensive sailing rigs have shown that it
is far easier to shift from power to paddle and back than to shift from sail
to paddle and back. 

Can I travel directly into the wind?

Yes, you can. Unlike sail power that requires tacking back and forth the
POWERYAK (TM) unit allows you to go anywhere you want in your kayak.

Will people who sail turn up their noses at me for using power?

No. Sailing people have been turning up their noses at power boaters for years
but you are a kayaker because you can easily switch back to paddle power.
Kayakers, however, will probably turn up their noses at you. 

Will the List Mom throw me of Paddlewise if I post questions about my POWERYAK
(TM) to the Paddlewise list.

Possibly, but we have great faith in Jackie's sense of fair play and so long
as the sailing kayak people can post I am certain that the POWERYAK (TM)
people will be allowed to post too. 

All the bests in paddling and may gas prices plummet.

Sincerely,

Dr. Peregrine Inverbon, Ph.d., DD, LL.d, Ph.G

CEO The Canadian Ballast Rock Company (TM)

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