Has anyone adopted a Mirage Drive to their cat? It would be used to get up a short channel to get to the wind. Have it bolt to a cross bar and fold up when not needed. Ergonomics would be horrible but for a short while who cares. Maybe even bow mount it ? Bolt under lip of a H16 and sit on hull. Be handy in irons too.
Someone was talking about rigging up a peddle system a while back. It looked so cumbersome that most people just scoffed st it. Honestly given the effectiveness of a collapseable paddle in moving a cat the extra complexity wouldn't make sense. Now if someone could come up with a simple and effective rudder lock so you could keep them in place while paddling solo, they could take my money right now!
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2
Now if someone could come up with a simple and effective rudder lock so you could keep them in place while paddling solo, they could take my money right now!
Bungee wrapped around tiller crossbar and hooked to the rear tramp laces. Enough friction to hold the tiller but allows you to makes small adjustments to your course. $49.95 to my paypal account 🙂
Anything is possible, it will take some engineering. Take a look at this pedal drive solution that was used in last years Race to Alaska on a Nacra 570.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/index.php?module=forums&func=viewtopic&topic=15616
http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=118667
____________
Damon Linkous
A mirage drive would be cool. Let us know what you create.
I think a cat in no wind is the ultimate tandem SUP! Use SUP paddles or kayak paddles. I like the long strokes you can take standing up.
a few guys from st pete florida added a hydraulic peddle drive to a prindle (19 i think) for the eco challange a few years back. one of the guys owned a sail loft/spar shop, the other a peddle drive "bike" that people could rent and drive around down town st pete in.
I have pics somewhere.. i will look more into this and post pics and maybe results.
MN3