canoe catamaran diy

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CatamaYak: How to Build a Kayak Catamaran

August 14, 2013 By John P.

We happen to own four identical kayaks, we bought the Equinox 10.4 kayaks at Costco, and we started working on ways to hack them to make them even better! First, I hacked a motor onto my kayak , and then I thought I’d give it a shot and see if we could build a catamaran out of a couple of em.

The CatamaYak Concept

When we go out on the water there is usually a group of us. Some are faster than others, and some just enjoy a leisurely time on the lake. We wanted to be able to turn a couple of kayaks into a floating relaxation station and give it a motor so that a couple of people could simply sit back and relax while still being able to tag along.

The CatamaYak needed to have a few important characteristics:

• be light and easy to assemble at the lake
• be extremely waterproof and not get slippery
• be durable enough to take a pounding from the waves
• be rigid enough to deal with the forces encountered

Given the design considerations I took a few measurements and drew up a quick sketch of the components and how I imagined they would fit together.

If you are going to design your own there are a few important things to keep in mind.

• The bow (nose) of the kayak is generally narrower than the stern (rear). So don’t just make the front and rear crossbeams the same length or it will look funny and not perform as well.
• You could substitute wood 2x4s for PVC in my design, but its not going to last as long and its going to flex and expand as it takes on water. Its also going to be a LOT heavier.
• If you intend to add a motor like I did you must make sure that the distance between the two kayaks in the center is sufficient for the motor to turn 360 degrees without the blades hitting the side of the watercraft.

The Kayak Catamaran Parts List

Everything I used for this experiment came from Lowe’s. I’m sure you could also find it at Home Depot or other home improvement stores.

• 3 – 10′ sections of 2″ PVC pipe
• 4 – 2″ PVC T sections
• 4 – 2″ PVC end caps
• PVC cleaner and cement
• 1 – 18″ x 72″ wood board
• 4 – 2″ stainless steel U bolts with lock nuts and washers
• 4 – 5″ stainless steel eye bolts with lock nuts and washers
• 1 – 8′ 2×4 (or a couple of 8″ scraps)
• 2 – 8″ 5/8×16 bolts with lock nuts and washers
• 4 – Ratcheting straps

I also needed a rubber mallet, wrenches, a drill, a set of drill bits, and a table saw. You could do without the table saw by having the store cut the wood for you.

Building the Kayak Catamaran

The first thing I did was set the two kayaks beside one another and lay the crossbeam PVC pipes on top of it. This allowed me to take measurements and make sure my design was roughly accurate.

It turns out that the exact finished dimensions worked perfectly for my kayaks and particular brand of trolling motor (Minn Kota 30 pound unit). See the design sketch above if you have Equinox 10.4 kayaks and want to exactly duplicate this build.

I then cut all the PVC pipes and dry fit the pieces. I used my table saw to cut the PVC, but you could use a hacksaw and do it by hand, or you could use a reciprocating saw or basically anthing with a blade long enough to go through 2″ of PVC. Its a very soft material so its easy to cut – but keep your cut very straight as you go. The pieces won’t fit properly if the cuts are all crooked.

Then it was time to attach the pieces. First, you must start with the rectangular center frame, and you have to be VERY careful when assembling this piece to make sure you get it extremely straight!

I carefully cleaned and cemented each fitting and lightly attached a T union to one end of the support frame. I then VERY QUICKLY laid it on the flat piece of wood to make sure the T’s were pointing straight. After a little adjusting I took a rubber mallet and pounded the T’s on as far as they would go.

You’ll know when the pieces are fully inserted because there is a little ridge in each connector or end cap that won’t let the pipe go any farther. So you don’t need to worry that you put it in too far. In fact, if you follow my design its extremely important that all PVC is assembled as tightly as possible for proper fit and structural integrity.

If done right you can look inside the T fitting and see there are no gaps and some of the cement is pretty much sealing all the way around the tube where they meet.

First glue up both end pieces, then attach the two long PVC supports to one end, and follow up by attaching the other end piece – which will require you to glue up two pipes at the same time. Work quickly as the PVC cement drys fast! And remember – HAMMER EVERYTHING TOGETHER WITH A RUBBER MALLET!

After that you’re in the home stretch. Time to glue on the cross beam pieces. These are the most critical joints so make sure they are very clean and you have plenty of cement. You don’t want these to break on the water! Also, notice again that in my design the front and rear are different lengths. Here is a photo showing just one side glued up.

Once you’ve finished connecting all the PVC joints and adding end caps, you can lay the frame back down on your kayaks and begin attaching the connecting hardware. First up, the wooden platform needs to be connected on top. This serves two purposes. First, it provides a lot of torsional rigidity. And secondly, it gives you a spot where you can put stuff!

I used 4 long eye bolts pointing upwards to connect the wood to my PVC frame by drilling down through the wood and directly through the center of each of the 4 T-connectors in the corners. By using the eye bolts it gives connection points in each of the 4 corners that can be used for lashing things to the top, or could even be used for lifting / hanging the platform.

You’re going to attach 4 eye bolts pointing downward from the end of each crossbeam. These are going to be used for connecting the ratcheting strap to hold the kayaks in place.

The other end of the strap mounting is a U bolt mounted directly on the platform. Make sure and leave enough room that the ratchet can be entirely on top when its mounted securely. This does a couple of things, but most importantly it allows you to ratchet it up a little while on the water if it loosens up, which it will do a bit when it gets wet. I’ve already proven out this point on the Lake, so don’t skip it.

You’re about done at this point! Now if you intend to mount a motor on it you need to add a wood block that will fit it. I accomplished this by cutting two 2×4″s down to 8″ wide. These were attached with several stainless steel screws and an L bracket (found near the fencing stuff in the lumber department) for some added rigidity. I wanted to make sure there was NO flex with the motor so all of the power translated to forward momentum instead of any wiggle in the mount.

At this point you should be done and ready to simply slip a ratcheting strap under each mounting point, front and rear, on both Kayaks and secure them tightly.

We took the double Kayak Catamaran out on the lake for the day and it performed FAR better than I ever expected! The little 30 pound Minn Kota trolling motor was able to EASILY push the watercraft! By the way, you need to really watch the video I did about the single Kayak motor mount in order to see how to wire it up and which battery to use, etc. But even with the little trolling motor battery I used we were out on the lake messing around with the motor in use for over an hour and only used 20% of the battery life.

Not only was this rig able to easily push and steer the CatamaYak, but we were able to even TOW both of the other Kayaks without any issue! Amazing.

A couple of last little things. You’ll see in all of the photos that the wood panel in the middle is exposed untreated wood. That’s because we bought some special textured extremely waterproof paint to cover it with, but I didn’t do it before the first trip out to the lake. We’ll be painting it for long term durability soon.

Finally, if you do this, you’re technically changing your kayak into a home built motor boat. And in Texas, and probably most states, you’re going to have to register it as a watercraft. It costs like $30 in Texas to do it, but be warned that if the lake police come by you could be ticketed for taking this on the water without registration. So make sure you’re covered so you don’t worry about it.

Oh, and be prepared for a LOT of attention on the water! Because no one has ever seen anything like this before so they’ll all want to be checking it out!

So, that’s it! I hope you guys enjoy the hack / build. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below and I’ll help as best I can. This is a project that you can build in just a couple of hours if you have the right tools, and the entire cost was around $100 including PVC, wood, bolts, paint, etc. So that’s a pretty good value!

John P. is a former CEO, former TV Show Host, and the Founder and Wizard behind Texas Metal Works . You can find him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn . Feel free to send shoutouts, insults, and praise. Or Money. Money is good.

May 11, 2016 at 9:30 pm

This is awesome! I am with Robert on the straps..confused about the role of the U bolts. I thought the ratchet strap hooked back to the platform eye bolt. Please clarify. By the way John, why did you take yours apart?

May 12, 2016 at 10:32 am

I used the u-bolts on the platform so that the base of the ratchets could lay flat against the wood once everything was tightened up. This way when you’re on the water you can use one hand to ratchet it tighter if need be.

You may be able to use the same I look somewhere and put both ends of the ratchet on it. You just want to make sure that you have enough room for the straps to Route Around everything and still be accessible when you’re on the water. It could be fairly disastrous to have anything separate with your stuff on that Central platform. It would pretty much just think…

I disassembled mine because I wasn’t going to register it as a watercraft, and it takes up too much room in the garage for something I’m not using constantly. If we had a lake house I would have definitely left it hooked up. It was great! :-)

December 14, 2015 at 5:37 pm

This is something I have been wanting to do for a long time. Great instructions. One thing that isn’t clear to me is how the ratchet straps attach to the u-bolts. Could yo show a top view picture to make it easy to see? Thanks.

January 5, 2016 at 10:59 pm

Sorry Robert, I took it apart a while back so I can’t take a photo any more. But since the ratcheting straps have hooks on them, as long as you get them hooked into the eye bolt and just tighten them up, they’ll stay! :-)

April 10, 2015 at 10:53 am

Great modification! I have 2 identical Perception Sport Pescador 120 kayaks and this has definitely inspired me to build a similar setup. I also own a Hobie Adventure island and love the extra space gained from the trapoline sides between the kayak and the amas (just like your wooden platform has done). You could also add additional cargo space to the void formed between the wooden platform and the front of the two kayaks from a lightweight water repellent material. Great work, thanks for sharing!

July 14, 2014 at 9:27 am

I wanted to say thank you for posting this project. My son is handicapped and i had wanted to take him our on my kayaks and could not imagine how to make it safe for him to enjoy. This is perfect. We even got a thumbs up from the Vessel Assist Boat Crew on our Maiden Voyage. The stability is amazing even in Lake Washington with the chop and larger motorized vessels. Your measurements were spot on for our boats. High Five! Would love to share a pic. This has opened up a whole new world to a boy and his dog. Thank you!

July 23, 2014 at 11:30 pm

Yeah! I’m so happy to hear that this was helpful! :-)

August 15, 2013 at 8:33 am

That definitely seems easier than I thought.

August 14, 2013 at 2:40 pm

I was going to say if John built it a Catastrophe but it looks pretty good. Cali has large feet or John has small ones. :)

August 14, 2013 at 1:10 pm

Home » LIST of WOODEN BOAT PLANS – By Michael Storer » Add a Sail to a Canoe or Kayak, A Plan for a Drop-in Sailing Rig

Add a Sail to a Canoe or Kayak, A Plan for a Drop-in Sailing Rig

One Drop in Rig for Trevor’s family has been used to make an instant sailing boat from a kayak then two different canoes over a 12 year period shows enormous versatility. Video below shows it really covers ground and is for going places. Definitely not a toy but turns a canoe into a real sailing machine

• Sail Area – options from 1.64 sq m (17.6 sq ft) to 3.34 sq m (36 sq ft) – only requires lengthening the mast
• Mast, Yard and Boom length – 1.65m (5ft 5ins)

PDF Plans by email – $24 Paper Plans – Please discuss with one of our Regional Agents

We make all three sail size options for the Drop-In Sailing Rig.

Quality 36 sq ft canoe and kayak sails at excellent prices  available from our friends at Duckworks USA.

Or by Direct Order to us at our sailmaking business Really Simple Sails .

We have several Designs for Sailing Canoes.

From focus on paddling to focus on sailing.

Our different sailing canoes have different mixes of sailing and paddling ability. Some use existing canoes and add the sailing function. For an overview see our page about practical choices about performance, handling and advantages and disadvantages of different sailing canoe concepts. Link – Four Sailing Canoes in Plywood and One Outrigger Canoe

Three Types of Canoe and Kayak Sail Rigs

Trevor’s original kayak with the original small rig.

Sailing Rigs for Canoes and kayaks usually break into three groups.

1/ simple canoe and kayak sail rig for basic sailing.

With this rig it  is possible to add sailing ability to go with and against the wind.

2/ Canoe and kayak sail rigs for downwind only

There are auxiliary canoe and kayak sails for (usually) seakayaks that are used to propel the boat downwind only to save paddling effort and cover serious ground – you do have to paddle back though :)

3/ Full performance sailing rigs allied with suitable hulls

There are rigs to give a canoe higher performance like all round sailing dinghy speed. (see my BETH design).

This Drop in Sailing Rig for sailing all directions

A rarely seen variant is something in between – a no-fuss canoe or kayak sail rig that does not make the boat hard to handle but provides enough power to sail reliably upwind and down.  It should include a sensibly sized leeboard so windward progress is reasonably efficient.  It is important that the leeboard is of a reasonable size – boards much smaller than this have poor windward performance.

This rig is the third type.  It does not offer the highest performance possible, but it is small enough to fit inside the boat when not in use.  The leeboard necessary for upwind sailing is removed at the same time as the mast support leaving the boat ready to be used as a pure paddling canoe.

A video from Paul Helbert who wrote the piece below. it is me sailing. Initially on a broad reach and then winding up upwind in a gust. Fun sailing!

Drop in Sailing Rig – 1 rig, 10 years and 3 Boats

Recently I received an email from Trevor Killmier who purchased the first set of the plans 10 or more years ago to add a kayak sail.  I’ll let him tell the story . . .

Hello Michael, You may remember me from way back. I think we last corresponded back in 95/96. You designed a drop in sail rig for a fibreglass canoe we had.

Convert canoe or kayak into a sailboat. Drop in sailing rig: storerboatplans.com I was delighted to see a photo of it on the Duck Flats website and I’m pleased that you’re marketing the rig again because I get many inquiries about it.

We had a lot of fun out of that sailing canoe (picture of the original boat the rig was fitted to right – the rig was built by David Wilson of Duck Flat) but I think in retrospect the hull was quite unsuitable for sailing. It had a very strong weathercocking tendency and I think I wrote and told you that I managed to hurt myself sailing it. (As it turns out, that probably would have happened to me anyway in some other way because of an illness I had at the time and which I still have.)

Murray River. convert canoe or kayak into a sailboat. Drop in sailing rig: storerboatplans.com

I eventually added a rudder and was able to sail it myself again. My son also taught himself to sail in it and had an enormous amount of fun. However, it was impossible to right after a capsize unless you were able to stand up and so I looked for a more suitable hull. I had the wooden boat plans of John Bull’s Peterboat sailing canoe and had started building one of those before I hurt myself. Some years later, I was able to resume that construction and completed it, launching it in 98.

The plans call for a 40 ft.m² lateen rig but I sail down at Clayton mostly and always thought that was just too big. So, I simply transferred your Kayak Sail rig across to the new boat and it has proved perfectly satisfactory. I have since added a small tie on jib and an outrigger and have been sailing regularly since 98. (picture left is launching day)

I am now building John Bull’s little Pete — a single seat version of the same canoe — and will transfer the rig over to that.

Clayton Bay. convert canoe or kayak into a sailboat. Drop in sailing rig: storerboatplans.com I regret not being in touch with you earlier simply to convey how much pleasure I get out of this boat.

I guess I’m a minimalist at heart but I’m sure there are many people out there with much bigger boats, far heavier and more expensive, who just don’t get the amount of fun out of their boats that I do out of mine. The only drawback is that I sometimes don’t get to sail it because I spend so much time talking to interested onlookers! (picture at right canoe at Barmera)

Rosemary and I have a van in the caravan park at Clayton and another semipermanent occupant of the park has told me that he wants to build one. I haven’t seen him for a while but have told him that the rig is yours. Now I’ll be able to direct him to the site.

I have some photographs of the rig on the Peterboat and if you would like to see them or even use them for marketing purposes, I would be happy to send them to you.

Trevor Killmier.

—– Original Message —–

Wow – how lovely to hear from you Trevor!!!

Your letter is EASILY one of the nicest things I have read in a while. When I design something it is often the case that I send the plans off, have a bit of correspondence while the boat is being built etc.

BUT … to get a letter after 10 years showing the damn thing works, that it has been moved from boat to boat – AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – has fitted into someones lifestyle so perfectly is just the best thing.

Thankyou so much!

If there are photos available of the different incarnations of the rig I would love to see them – perhaps to scan them and put on my website.

Again thankyou for getting in contact!

Best Regards Michael

Thanks Michael, Yes, the damn thing really works!!!!! And works so well for me. I’ll hunt out some photos, scan them and forward them to you. I know there are photos of the rig on both the yellow canoe and the Peterboat so I’ll look for a selection.

I’m glad you’re still interested in this idea – I just can’t understand why more people don’t add a rig to their canoes. Instant sailing boat: instant fun. Have you tried it on the Eureka design? Regards, Trevor.

Note: I think the boat in the photo has the sail hoisted a little bit too high (compare the photos from Trevor Killmier to the drawings).  Keeping it a bit lower will reduce the heeling force (less chance of capsizing) and also reduce the load on the mast.  Moving the halyard a little further back on the yard (the wood along the top edge of the sail) will cock the boom up so it won’t hit the user’s head.  That’s the designer’s (my!) opinion, but Trevor has 10 years of experience of the rig with a series of different boats in a range of different conditions – so who am I to argue! :-)  I would suggest setting the rig up like the drawings to start with, but if there are problems with head clearance, move towards Trevor’s setup.

Notes from the Plan

This rig is designed to drop into a paddling boat, whether canoe or kayak.  As far as possible all the gear is removable from the boat except for the mast step and three unobtrusive fittings that will not interfere with the paddling function.  The blue jibsail in some of the photos  is not part of the plans.

Many people have a paddling boat and would like to gain a feel for sailing at moderate additional cost.  The objective of this rig is to add the ability to sail to the function of an existing boat without interfering with its existing paddling performance.

If steering  with a paddle take particular note of the section at the end on sailing the kayak.  It explains how to adjust the leeboard to minimise the steering loads.

A reefing point has been specified in the drawings to enable the sail area to be reduced in marginal conditions.  It is not expected that the boat will be able to sail upwind while reefed, though it will still be able to sail well downwind.

I would recommend doing some practice capsizes in safe waters on a warm day to see if you can rescue yourself or if you need outside assistance.

The spars and leeboard have been sized to fit inside most boats or the leeboard can be swung forward to be out of the way of the paddler should the boat have to be paddled home.

MAKE SURE THE BOAT IS EQUIPPED WITH AND THAT YOU WEAR APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.  KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER.

Another factor for consideration is that canoes and kayaks can be very fast under sail – particularly with the wind coming from astern.  Take care not to go excessive distances from your home base without realising and setting yourself up for a very long paddle home.  A good way to avoid such problems is to start toward the direction the wind is coming from – then you will be able to enjoy a quick sail home.

A Review on the Drop in Canoe Rig from Paul Helbert in the USA

Canoe with sailing rig

Yee Haa! What a hoot! Winds yesterday afternoon were Force 3 to 5 with plenty of gusts to Force 6 or more. Sunny and temperatures dropping through the forties. Lake water cooled by snow melt. The canoe sailed more predictably than under lighter conditions. I’m ready to replace temporary c-clamps (g-cramps to you) with screws and cleats.

I am highly pleased with the performance of Michael Storer’s drop-in canoe sailing rig.

The little balanced lugsail, all the spars, the leeboard and the integral mast partner and leeboard brace are from his drop-in canoe sailing rig. The only thing I changed is that I made it so that the pivot point is below the gunwale instead of above it (*) and I extended the foil stiffener above the top of the leeboard to provide a handle. I added an articulated extender (stick & bolt) to that and am using nut tightness to hold it in position…will probably harden that up with a line & cleat in future. In these windy conditons she seemed to sail best with the board downabout 15-20 degrees off vertical.

The rigging is all MIK’s. The only modification I made to the hull (16 ft ABS Esquif Presage canoe) was to glue in a mast step. I used small rope loops tied to thwarts instead of the hardware specified. I may eventually stiffen those up a bit but the lines ran smoothly today.

Canoe Sailing Rig – drop in with integral leeboard I love how easily I can set up and take down this rig. I just throw the bundled up sail and spars and the leeboard into the back of the van. It is not even necessary to remove the clamp-on brace as it clears my roof rack with ease.

(note that Paul made his own sail out of Polytarp. He is a PDRacer veteran, so is very comfortable making his own sails.

This was my fifth or sixth outing with this rig and the windiest by far. I have tweaked things each time and am now pretty satisfied with it. I only needed to paddle steer a little since I have now got the overall balance about right. I did not need to do much leeboard adjustment today, either…just raised it a bit while running and back down on close reach. My weight forward to initiate a change of tack, back once throught he eye of the wind.

When I first got the plans I was a bit troubled that the sail was so small (17 sq ft). Someday I may make a bigger rig, but this rig makes sailing in strong gusty winds feel safe, and with eight foot spar lengths it is easily stowed in the canoe. Still exhilarating but not scary. For me that is perfect for winter. The flex of the spars is such that the gusts depower the sail just enough; and then she scoots as the gust blasts on across the lake, the spars straighten and the full draft returns to the sail. I’ll get some more photos one of these days but there was nobody at the lake today to handle a camera. I had my drysuit on but never felt anywhere near needing it.

The surface of Lake Arrowhead, near Luray, VA, does not get much chop because it is protected from the wind by the surrounding hills. Its small size (40 acres) also keeps large waves from building. The lake lies in the lee of a couple of small mountains which cause the wind mix and swirl when steady stiff breezes can be observed out on the open valley floor. Still, it was a great workout. I was on the water a bit less than an hour and a half.

Quit when the sun was five degrees from the horizon. The lake is thirty minutes from home, so I didn’t blow off the whole day.

(*) Now to the point for PDR builders: This morning I was getting ready to repair some nicks on the bottom of the leading edge of the leebard when I noticed that the leeboard bracket had broken and was only being held by three screws. MIK’s design called for the bracket to be made with the pivot above the gunwale and I wanted it lower.

My change caused me to leave out two gussets and that lack of support is why it failed. MIK does not over engineer. If you see a brace in one of his designs it would be best not to omit it. It is very likely there for good reason.

Paul has since fitted the rig to a new protoype of the Quick Canoe.

— Paul Helbert Father of “The Canoe Guru” http://thecanoeguru.com/

A bigger rig – 36sf

From here Paul Played with bigger rigs. The 36sq ft mainsail was his. He even sailed the uber-narrow Quick Canoe with the 36sq ft sail up front and the 17sq ft sail on the back as a mizzen.

Nothing ever broke and he tried it on a wide range of canoes

On my one visit to Paul’s neck of the woods I had a great sail around with no rudder. Just changing the angle of the leeboard to point up or bear away to tack or gybe.

We eventually made the 36sf sail available through Duckworks .

Other links: A FAST SAILING CANOE – that is easy to build. Another FAST SAILING CANOE – that is easy to build. FIBERGLASS CANOE (90lbs – 42kg) vs Plywood canoe (42lbs – 19kg) – and the ply canoe is less maintenance Materials list for Drop-in Rig (PDF file)

1 thought on “Add a Sail to a Canoe or Kayak, A Plan for a Drop-in Sailing Rig”

Hello, Does your Drop-in sailing rig plan include a pattern to DIY a tarp sail for it? I have never sailed before. I have built a 100″ x 40″ x 16″ 2-section dinghy to fit into back of my minivan. I plan to put on oars, a trolling motor, and would like to experiment with small sail. thank you Robert

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How to Make a Catamaran Out of Two Kayaks? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for an inexpensive and simple way to make your own catamaran out of two kayaks, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll provide the necessary steps to create a stable and secure catamaran from two kayaks.

You’ll learn the benefits of making a catamaran out of two kayaks, the supplies you’ll need, a step-by-step guide to tying the kayaks together, constructing the platform, and more.

Plus, we’ll provide tips for ensuring a safe and fun day on the water.

So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Making a catamaran out of two kayaks is actually relatively simple and can be done in a few steps.

First, you’ll need to attach the two kayaks together using either rope or straps.

Make sure the kayaks are well secured together and evenly balanced.

Then, tie a cross beam between the two kayaks to make a platform for seating and storage.

Finally, add any additional gear, such as paddles and life jackets, that you may need for your journey.

With these steps, you’ll have your own DIY catamaran made out of two kayaks!

Benefits of Making a Catamaran Out of Two Kayaks

Making a catamaran out of two kayaks is a great way to enjoy the open waters with added stability and capacity compared to a single kayak.

Not only is it relatively easy and inexpensive to do, but it also allows you to explore further and carry more gear than you would with a single kayak.

One of the main benefits of making a catamaran out of two kayaks is that it provides added stability.

A catamaran is inherently more stable than a single kayak because the two hulls provide a wider base, which helps prevent tipping over.

This is especially beneficial for those who are new to kayaking, as it gives them additional confidence on the water.

Another benefit of making a catamaran out of two kayaks is that it gives you more capacity.

By combining two kayaks, you can carry more gear and supplies than you would with a single kayak.

This makes it perfect for overnight trips or long-distance paddles, as you can easily carry enough food, water, and other supplies to last the entire trip.

Finally, making a catamaran out of two kayaks is also relatively easy and inexpensive.

All that is needed are two kayaks, a few pieces of wood, and some basic tools.

With a few simple steps, you can have a great time on the water without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, making a catamaran out of two kayaks can be a great way to explore open waters with added stability and capacity.

So if youre looking for a fun and safe way to enjoy the water, making a catamaran out of two kayaks is definitely worth considering.

Necessary Supplies

When it comes to making a catamaran out of two kayaks, there are certain supplies that are necessary for the job.

The most important items needed are two kayaks, some pieces of wood, and basic tools.

Depending on the type of kayaks, rope or bungee cord may also be necessary.

The two kayaks should be tied together with rope or bungee cord.

This will provide the necessary stability and capacity that a catamaran needs.

The rope or bungee cord should be tied securely, but not too tightly, to ensure that the kayaks dont move apart when in use.

Using the pieces of wood, a platform should be constructed to attach the kayaks together.

This will provide the necessary support for the kayaks to be on the same level.

The platform should be made with durable wood that can withstand the elements and the weight of the kayaks.

Once the platform is in place, the kayaks should be secured together with more rope or bungee cord.

This will ensure that the kayaks stay together and remain secure.

With these supplies, youll be able to construct a catamaran out of two kayaks, providing a great way to explore open waters with added stability and capacity.

It is a relatively simple process to do, and with the right supplies, youll be able to enjoy a fun and safe day on the water.

Step-by-Step Guide for Tying the Kayaks Together

Tying two kayaks together to create a catamaran is a fairly straightforward process that can be completed with minimal supplies and basic tools.

To get started, select two kayaks that are similar in size and shape.

If the kayaks are not the same size, one may need to be secured higher than the other for balance.

Once the kayaks are selected, its time to start tying them together.

Begin by securing a rope or bungee cord around the kayaks, making sure to wrap the cord around both kayaks several times.

Its important to make sure the cord is tied tightly and securely; if the cord is too loose, the kayaks are likely to move while in the water, which could be dangerous.

After the rope or bungee cord is secured, a platform should be constructed out of wood and attached to the kayaks.

This platform should be large enough for the items being stored on the catamaran, such as coolers, fishing gear, and other supplies.

Once the platform is attached, its important to securely tie the kayaks together with additional rope or bungee cord.

This will help ensure that the kayaks stay together and dont move while in the water.

By following these simple steps, anyone can easily create a catamaran out of two kayaks.

With a little bit of planning and the right supplies, this project can be completed in just a few hours.

With the catamaran in place, its time to hit the open waters and enjoy a great day on the water.

Constructing the Platform

Constructing the platform for a catamaran out of two kayaks is the next step in the process.

The platform should be constructed out of wood, such as lumber or plywood.

The size of the platform will vary depending on the size of the kayaks and the desired capacity, but the general rule is that the platform should be at least twice the width of the kayaks.

The platform should also be long enough to span the distance between the two kayaks.

The platform should be constructed with two crossbeams for added stability.

These should be secured to the kayaks with bolts, screws, or rope.

The crossbeams should be evenly spaced along the length of the platform.

Once the platform is constructed, it should be secured to the kayaks with more rope or bungee cord.

It is important to make sure the platform is strong and secure.

Make sure that the crossbeams are securely attached to the kayaks and that the platform is securely attached to the crossbeams.

If the platform is not secure, it can cause an instability that could lead to an accident while out on the water.

Once the platform is secure, it’s time to enjoy your new catamaran!

Securing the Kayaks Together

Once the kayaks are tied together, it is time to secure them for a more stable and reliable ride.

This is done by looping additional rope or bungee cord around the kayaks and tying them together.

This creates a secure connection between the two kayaks and ensures that they will remain connected while out on the water.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that all knots are tightly tied and not loose.

This will help to ensure that the connection between the kayaks remains strong and secure.

Additionally, it is important to inspect the knots periodically throughout the day to ensure that they are still tight and secure.

This is especially important if the kayaks are being used in choppy or turbulent waters.

Tips for Ensuring a Safe and Fun Day on the Water

Making a catamaran out of two kayaks is a great way to explore open waters with added stability and capacity, and it can be done relatively easily and with minimal supplies.

However, its important to take the proper steps to ensure a safe and fun day on the water.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies.

This includes two kayaks, a few pieces of wood, rope or bungee cord, and basic tools.

Make sure you have enough of each material to complete the project.

Once you have all the supplies, its time to tie the kayaks together.

Make sure the rope or bungee cord is tied securely and tightly, as it will be responsible for keeping the kayaks together.

Its also important to make sure the kayaks are tied together in the correct way.

The best way to do this is to tie the sterns together and then tie the bows together.

Next, you will need to build a platform out of the wood.

Make sure the platform is the correct size and securely attached to the kayaks.

This will be the base for the catamaran.

Finally, to ensure the kayaks stay together, you should use additional rope or bungee cord to tie the kayaks together.

Once you have completed all these steps, youre ready to hit the open waters! Just remember to be safe and have fun.

And, if you ever have any doubts, seek out professional help to make sure your catamaran is constructed correctly.

Other Ways to Make a Catamaran Out of Two Kayaks

Making a catamaran out of two kayaks is a great way to explore open waters with added stability and capacity.

It can be done relatively easily and with minimal supplies, allowing you to save money and still have a great time.

In addition to the rope and wood mentioned above, there are a few other methods that can be used to make a catamaran out of two kayaks.

One option is to use a pair of inflatable air mattresses.

These mattresses can be used to create a platform between the two kayaks that will provide additional stability.

The mattresses should be connected with rope or bungee cord and then secured to the kayaks.

This is a great option for those who dont want to build a wooden platform or dont have the necessary tools.

Another option is to use two pieces of foam.

This method is similar to the inflatable mattress option, but instead of using air mattresses, two pieces of foam are used to form the platform.

The foam should be cut to shape and then connected to the kayaks with rope or bungee cord.

This is a great option if you dont have access to an air mattress, but it may not be as durable as a wooden platform.

Finally, another option is to use a piece of plywood.

This method is similar to the wooden platform option, but instead of using individual pieces of wood, a piece of plywood is used to form the platform.

The plywood should be cut to shape and then connected to the kayaks with rope or bungee cord.

This is a great option if you have the necessary tools and access to a sheet of plywood, but it may not be as strong as a wooden platform.

No matter which method you choose, making a catamaran out of two kayaks is a great way to explore open waters with added stability and capacity.

With the right supplies and tools, you can have a fun and safe day on the water.

Final Thoughts

With the right supplies and a bit of knowledge, you can easily construct your own catamaran.

So why not give it a try? You’ll be sure to have a great time out on the water with your new craft.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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How To Make A Catamaran Out Of Two Canoes?

Table of Contents:

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to make a catamaran out of two kayaks, including the supplies needed, tying the kayaks together, and constructing the platform. The author is new to this project and is trying to convert two scrambler xt kayaks into a catamaran. They have worked out a basic plan and are seeking feedback on their progress.

The crew decided to rig a canoe catamaran for a big lake crossing ahead. The jury-rigged boat turned out to be proficient, and they ascended the river for half its 200-kilometer length. To build a unique DIY catamaran using two kayaks, they need two lengths of 2×4 and drill four holes in the 4 inch side. They also need to cut two small trees long enough to fit across both canoes, leaving at least a 2.5-foot space between them.

Catamaran rigs are safe as long as the sail is trim and not too fast. One challenge is that the ends of the canoes should hang properly. The article concludes by highlighting the benefits of making a unique DIY catamaran using two kayaks, the supplies needed, and a step-by-step guide to constructing the platform. This fun and innovative project will provide hours of enjoyment on the water.

📹 Catamaran raft out of two canoes (so I can build a dock)

A guy was selling two canoes. And I needed to rebuild my dock. I wanted to build a raft so I had someplace to stand while working …

Why do catamarans have two hulls?

• More deck and interior space per foot than monohulls. A catamaran has about 1.2 times the space of a monohull. In other words, a 40-foot cat should have the deck and interior space of a 50-foot monohull. Cats also have more interior space with up to four cabins even in a vessel under 40 feet in length. These large cabins usually provide easier berth access and they have hull windows with opening ports for better ventilation and light even in the staterooms, which are usually more separated for privacy.
• Due to their design with two hulls set wide apart, cats enjoy greater stability under way and at rest in rolly anchorages. Unlike a monohull that can heel under sail or roll when powered, cats stay level, which makes them safer and easier for people and pets to maneuver on the flat deck. Some say cats have an easier motion than monohulls and tend to induce less seasickness.
• With twin engines, cats’ propellers are set wide apart so these boats have excellent maneuverability. Cats can venture into shallower waters too – especially sailing cats that don’t have deep keels. Because cats don’t drag a massive keel through the water, they’re also on average 20-30 percentmore fuel-efficient even with two engines.
• Larger, more sophisticated power and sailing catamarans have a natural redundancy built into their equipment inventory, which translates to comfort and safety. For example, if a fresh water pump fails in one hull, there’s usually another to provide water for washing up. If one engine fails or one propeller spins off, there’s another to get the vessel to homeport safely. There’s also more room for the installation of additional systems like generators, watermakers, battery banks, and more.

Drawbacks of Catamaran Boats. Like any boat type, there are a few small drawbacks when it comes to catamarans:

• Catamarans take up more space so it’s often difficult and expensive to find dock space.
• Due to their design, both power and sailing cats can also slam the bridge deck into oncoming waves when going to weather.
• Additionally, sailing cats don’t necessarily sail as well upwind as monohulls because with two hulls, they simply can’t point as high into the wind.
• Finally, it may be tempting to load up a catamaran due to the space it offers but a sure way to damage a power or sailing cat’s performance is to overload them or have uneven weight distribution—something, which is less of a problem on their monohull counterparts.

How many hulls does a catamaran have?

A catamaran is a sailboat with two hulls. These two hulls are connected by a bridge deck. Many people will be familiar with Hobie cats, small catamarans that are popular for sailing on lakes and in calmer waters. Cruising catamarans are based on this same principle but have large hulls that can fit many cabins inside, and house large structures on the bridge deck (like a galley, salon and living area).

Are catamarans safer than monohull sailboats?. Great question! Catamarans are much more stable than monohulls, and so people are less likely to fall overboard, which does make them safer in this aspect. They are larger, more stable boats, and so in most situations, this will make them a “safer” sailboat than a comparably sized monohull.

Catamarans also have the advantage of having 2 engines, which makes them “safer” when it comes to engine problems. On a monohull sailboat, if you have major engine problems you only have the option of sailing. On a catamaran, you always have a second motor ready to help out in an emergency!

Are catamarans easy to flip?

But, just like monohulls, catamarans aren’t without their drawbacks. While their stability and flat sailing characteristics are often seen as benefits, they can also create a false sense of security, leading some sailors to push their boats beyond safe limits. Additionally, while catamarans are significantly harder to capsize than monohulls, if they do flip, they generally won’t self-right like a monohull would.

Furthermore, catamarans can be more challenging to handle in confined spaces due to their wider beam. Docking, in particular, can be trickier, especially in marinas designed with narrower monohulls in mind. Also, the increased beam and dual hulls often lead to higher mooring and maintenance costs.

Before we take this deep dive to its conclusion, it’s important to touch on a few key performance parameters. These can greatly influence whether a monohull or catamaran would be a better fit for your sailing needs.

How to connect two canoes together?

Hi Everyone. I have used cat’ Canoes regularly for work. I have used a variety of set ups, in a variety of conditions. The basic set up is for two Canoes to be held together by a pole in the middle, as already mentioned. The pole can be tied in a variety of ways, with the ends should always be tied together to stop the Canoes spreading apart. I have even used this set up on Ulswater, in 20mph winds, luckly a tail wind ! We stayed close to the bank, as we had to land a few times to bale out the water that came through the middle !

The set up I’m using a diffrent set up at the moment. This set up involves a wooden bar at the back and another bar at the front. This set up makes for a very stable cat’. We use these cat’s for nervous groups and disabled groups, in fact we have had young people with there wheel chairs in these cat’s. We also fit Electric outboards to these cat’s, for groups that can not paddle to well.

You can use ready made catted Canoes, but I find these have some limits. Some problems I find are the heavy weight, i.e up to 100kg !! and the limited load capacity as low as 500kg, this might seem a lot but with 6 adults on board you are soon over loaded.

What is a combi canoe?

With a centre seat in the balance point for quick and efficient high-volume solo tripping, and with tandem canoe seats for trips with a partner, you can outfit your equipment to suit your trip. Add a detachable yoke for the balance point to make portaging quick and easy. For paddlers who enjoy solo tripping and require space and volume, or for tandem trippers who want to keep their options open, Swift Combi canoes offer the benefits of multiple boats in one efficient design.

Ideal For; Multi Day Canoe Tripping, Solo Tripping, Family Paddling, Easy Portaging.

Standard Options: Cherry Contour Seats, Bow Thwart, Centre Seat for solo paddling.

Shown in Kevlar Fusion – Ruby over Champagne with Carbon Kevlar Trim with optional Multi Height Pods & Contour Yoke.

What is a deuce canoe?

Noun. douchecanoe (plural douchecanoes) (vulgar, slang, derogatory) A rude, obnoxious, or contemptible person.

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “time of origin + why canoe?”)Shitgibbon compound of douche +‎ canoe.

2011, Sarah Wendell, Everything I Know about Love I Learned from Romance Novels‎, Sourcebooks Casablanca, published 2011, →ISBN:

Not being a complete douchecanoe is the first step in being your own ideal romance hero or heroine—and it’s absolutely an attainable ideal.

Does a catamaran need a keel?

2. A Catamaran is a Stable, Safe Platform Underway. Catamarans have no ballast in the keels like monohulls do and therefor it relies on beam and buoyancy for stability. Typically cruising catamarans will have a beam to length ratio of roughly 50%, although many designs nowadays exceed the 50% rule of thumb. So, a 45-ft long catamaran will be about 22-ft wide, providing a very stable platform when sailing. Unlike catamarans, monohulls cannot overcome the rolling and pitching with their narrow beam and the lead ballast for stability.

This rolling and pitching makes the deck on a monohull very unsafe whereas on walking around on the deck of a catamaran while underway is far easier since the boat is much more stable, and it doesn’t heel. This makes sail changes and reefing much easier and a lot safer for the crew. Without the rolling and pitching motion, the danger of falling overboard on a catamaran is considerably less than on a monohull.

3. Crew Fatigue Reduces on a Catamaran. Because a catamaran does not heel over like a monohull, it offers far more comfort underway because the motion is mostly fore and aft pitching and very little beam-to-beam rolling. On all points of sail, a catamaran tracks upright and significantly reduces crew fatigue and seasickness. Seasickness is usually caused by things like anxiety, fatigue, hunger and cold, which all add to a sense of disorientation. This leads the crew to making bad decisions and seamanship errors that could be fatal to the crew and vessel. The more stable platform of the catamaran will hugely keep those issues at bay, making the crew more alert and energized.

What is a double canoe?

A tandem canoe has a bow and stern seat for two paddlers. Average tandems range in size from 16-18 feet. Each extra foot makes it a little harder for one person to handle, especially in any wind. As you can see from this photo below, it wouldn’t take much breeze to blow the bow end of this canoe around the lake as it’s above the water line:

Are you drawn to solo canoeing most of the time, but have a small child you want to take along? Or you’d like to paddle with another adult now and then?

Several readers agreed your ideal option is to put most of your budget towards a good solo canoe. There aren’t as many of these on the used market, so that might mean buying new. But purchasing new means you’re able to find one that fits you and your paddling needs perfectly.

Are catamarans safe in rough seas?

Safety Features. From advanced navigation systems to reinforced hulls and automatic reefing systems, contemporary catamarans are equipped with numerous safety features that make them better suited for challenging conditions.

In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into how catamarans handle rough waters, including insights from seasoned sailors, safety protocols, and key features that contribute to a catamaran’s performance in unpredictable seas. We’ll also explore the allure of catamaran charters in Greece and how to ensure a safe and memorable sailing experience amidst the stunning Grecian landscapes.

Navigating Rough Seas: Catamarans at the Helm. The Dynamics of Catamaran Sailing in Turbulent Waters. Understanding how a catamaran reacts to high waves and strong winds is crucial for safe navigation. Its wide stance on the water can make for a smoother ride over waves, reducing the risk of capsizing compared to traditional monohulls.

What is the minimum size catamaran for ocean sailing?

Although it is possible to undertake a long voyage with almost any size catamaran, the recommended minimum sized catamaran to embark on an around-the-world voyage is around 30 feet in length which includes just enough space for a cabin and storage space for long-term provisions. A better option, reported as being the best-sized vessel for such a voyage, is 45-50 feet with widened hulls that afford the crew a better level of comfort with features such as multiple bathrooms, private cabins, and separate cooking and dining sections. Leaning towards the upper-sized catamarans for around-the-world voyages, the maximum size is 55-60 feet which offers significantly enhanced levels of comfort.

As touched upon above, the answer to the question “Can you sail a catamaran around the world” is yes you can but traveling in comfort can make all the difference and bigger is generally better. This is not to say that smaller vessels do not have what it takes to deliver a trouble-free voyage around the world, but levels of comfort must be considered for trips of a long duration.

Freeboard: Cruising catamarans,the type best suited to world circumnavigation, have a high freeboard, which means that the decks are situated relatively high above the water which mitigates most of the risk of being washed over by large waves.

How far could double-hulled canoes travel?

Double-hulled canoes used over long distances were generally shorter (about 20 metres). Such vessels were capable of travelling between 150 and 250 km a day. Tongans used the tongiaki and Samoans the va‘a-tele, and an outrigger called an amatasi. Tahitians used the pahi and tipairua: on one occasion Cook saw six of these canoes, each 23 metres in length. The Rarotongan double-hull was called vaka-katea. Hawaiian double-hulls were wa‘a-kaulua, usually about 20 metres long; one, probably used for inter-island sailing, measured 33 metres and reputedly carried over 100 people.

Hulls, sails and steering paddles. Canoes could have two main hull shapes: the fast V-shape, and the more manoeuvrable U-shape. All double-hulled canoes sat high in the water to minimise drag, and were therefore capable of great speeds. The record-breaking catamaran yachts of Sir Peter Blake (Steinlager 1) and Grant Dalton (Club Med) were based on Polynesian designs.

Several types of sail were used on traditional craft. Forming a V-shape, sails caught more wind on masts which, made from natural materials, were much shorter than those of modern yachts.

What are the downsides of catamarans?

Catamaran Cons Because a wide bridge deck is strapped between two hulls, there can be slapping or pounding while underway in heavier seas. The slapping can become annoying, but is easily resolved by reducing sail. Unfortunately, that means reducing speed as well.

Pros & Cons of hiring a Catamaran or Monohull for your Whitsunday Yacht Charter. Some dyed-in-the-wool purists have been known to demonstrate a little “sailing snobbery” from time to time.Putting sailing snobbery aside … if planning a sailing vacation and you aren’t sure whether you want acatamaranor amonohull, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each to see what makes more sense for your purposes. Personally, I quite like both … for different reasons!

• One of the major advantages of a catamaran versus a monohull is their inherent stability. A monohull simply can’t be compared to a cat in this regard.
• Stability is a big plus for families with young children or seniors who are not particularly steady on their feet. Because the boat is notassusceptible to the effects of wave action and does not heal the way a monohull does, it is much easier to walk around on deck and within the interior of the yacht while underway.
• Anyone who may be prone to seasickness will feel the effects of motion much less aboard a cat than they might on a mono.The added stability on a cat makes the cook’s job a lot less challenging both while underway and at anchor. Catamarans don’t rock and roll the way monohulls do.

More Bonus Points for Cats…. Catamarans generally provide far more living space in the main salon, galley and cockpit, than the space found aboard similarly priced monohulls. Their cabins are often more spacious too and even the smallest cat in the fleet has stand up headroom in each cabin.; Because of the layout, there is usually more privacy on a cat than on a mono and if you have children aboard, there is greater separation from the main living space and the cabins, making it easier for the kids to fall asleep at a reasonable hour.; The shallow draft of a cat allows you to anchor in shallower water which means you can be closer to the beach than almost all monohulls.; Many of the newer catamarans have raised or flybridge helms. No monohull can beat the visibility from the helm provided on most modern catamarans.; The galley, main salon and cockpit are all on one level,above the water line… making life aboard as well as your view much more enjoyable.; Because the majority of living space is above the waterline, you get much better flow through ventilation on a cat making the need for air conditioning somewhat less important during the daylight hours.; In almost all cases, you do not have to race around stowing things or using bungee cords to keep things in place, the moment you decide to set sail. Most things stay put even in moderately rough seas.; Because catamarans don’t have a big heavy keel loaded with lead, even if you hole the boat, it will float. Production cats have so much buoyancy built in that they are next to impossible to sink.; Cats are usually pretty easy to dock because you have two motors and two rudders. No need for a bow thruster.; Most catamarans can turn 360 degrees within their own length. No monohull I know of can do that.; Catamarans are usually faster than monohulls, particularly on downwind runs, reaches and broad reaches.It’s less tiring to sail a catamaran than it is to sail a monohull. Sailing flat has definite advantages.; If you are into SCUBA diving, carrying tanks and all the assorted equipment is much easier on a cat. It’s also a lot easier in many cases to board a cat on the sugar scoops than it is on many monohulls. Although many modern monohulls do have huge swim platforms that raise and lower electronically … so in that case, it’s a wash.; I have yet to see a monohull with a trampoline for sunbathing or lounging in the moonlight, while stargazing … with your sweetheart by your side! How much more romantic does it get than that? 🙂;

📹 TwoCanoe BUG 612-386-3998

Boat Utility Gear (BUG) that enhances your canoe experience by coupling two canoes together for a stable and smooth ride.

Related Articles:

• How Stable Are Sailing Canoes?
• Why Canoes Are Better Than Kayaks?
• Are Canoes Safer Than Kayaks?
• Are Kayaks Easier Than Canoes?
• Do Canoes Or Kayaks Tip Easily?
• Where To Rent Kayaks And Canoes Near Me?

Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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Kayakamaran

One sail rig for two kayaks makes a catamaran!

See  Item 6008  for the basic kit.  For Deluxe and Super Deluxe packages see item 6010 and item 6011 .

Customer Feedback

"Hello,I just want to tell you that I had a great weekend of sailing my kayakamaran!" Ellen (June 2014)

"Hi Jim & Betty,

We took our new Kayakamaran out for a nice sail at a local lake which was totally not suitable for sail boats! But the large Lateen sail still had us trolling right along at over a knot!!   And the few spots where  the wind got down to us we really took off!! :)

Thanks again, Smitty!! " (August 2022)

"Subject: Fun, Fun, Fun!

My wife and I are enjoying sailing with the kayakamaran sail kit. It is a lot of fun. - Dave L." (June 2010)

See the Many Configurations You Can Create With The Kayakamaran Sail Kit

Two different hard-shell kayaks.

Two identical hardshell kayaks.

Two different inflatable kayaks.

See Kayakamarans in action with these video links:

Click  Here for another video clip of the above kayakamaran in action.. 

And  Here  for a whole folder of video clips you can watch.  

More Photos 

Why is this better than the sail rig on one kayak?   (a) More room. (b)  More stable, which also means it's faster because the mast stays more upright, presenting more sail area to the wind.  Consider getting the Super Deluxe Package that makes a Kayakamaran or a sail kit for just one kayak -- use it as a kayakamaran in the morning and a single-kayak sail kit in the afternoon, for example.

Questions?  Email:   [email protected]