There are various types of kayak sail kits available in the market. But you should choose a sail kit that is specifically designed for use with kayaks. You have to consider the size and type of your kayak as well as your personal sailing experience before buying the sail kit. According to many kayak professionals, you can opt for a 1-meter or a 1.3-meter sail for normal kayaking.
- Best Overall: Winllyat 42 inches Downwind Sail Kit
- Best Value: Mexidi 42 inches Foldable Kayak
- Best for Budget: ADVANCED ELEMENTS Rapid Up sail
- Best Foldable Sail: Lirius 42 inches Foldable Kayak Downwind Sail Kit
- Best for Durability: UPSTONE 42 inches Downwind Kayak Sail Kit
- Easiest To Install: Dyna-Living 42 inches Wind Sail
- Best for Most Kayaks: SHUOGOU 42 inches Downwind Wind Sail
Top 7 Kayak Sail Kit In 2023 (Best Picks)
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top kayak sail kit from Amazon. Just check the product link, the details, and the price.
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Best Kayak Sail Kits Reviewed
A kayak sail kit will provide a secondary source of propulsion for your kayak. It will make it easier to move forward and turn. This is a great addition for kayakers who want to explore areas that are out of reach without a paddle or motor.
The best one is the Sea Eagle SE370-RK, which is built with quality materials and is easy to install. They are recognized for their high quality and durability, which means they will last you for years even if you use them on a regular basis. The SE370-RK model has been specifically designed for beginner to advanced paddlers, making it perfect for those just getting started with kayaking!
1. Winllyat 42 inches Downwind Sail Kit
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| Brand | Winllyat |
| Product Dimensions | 42.5×42.5 inches |
| Material | Polyester taffeta |
| Weight | 0.4KG |
Winllyat sail kit is a lightweight and compact sail kit. It weighs only half a kilo.
Pros:
1. It is easy to set up and deploy quickly
2. Provides protection from Ultraviolet radiations, and sunlight
3. It is nearly 108 cm in diameter and covers a lot of ground
4. It has a small folding design which makes it easy to store and carry
5. It is made up of polyester taffeta, a strong and durable material
6. Its circular design makes it desirable while going downwind
Cons:
1. Does not provide an instruction manual
2. Due to its strong material, might be difficult to fold
2. Mexidi 42 inches Foldable Kayak
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| Brand | Mexidi |
| Product Dimensions | 42.5 x 42.5″ |
| Material | Polyester taffeta |
| Weight | 0.91 Kilograms |
Mexidi Foldable kayaks have triple-stitched seams and their batten is made up of strong composite material. It has a compact design which makes it easy to carry, set up, and deploy. You can view everything behind the sails because of its clear windows.
Pros:
1. It is a well-crafted and powerful sail made by polyester taffeta and is nearly unbreakable
2. It can be easily stored in a 16-inch pouch which makes it convenient to carry; It provides a wide view of the items kept behind and you can enjoy the scenery without any disruption
3. It comes with an attached instruction manual to help you set up the sails which can be very helpful for beginners
4. It provides proper protection from UV rays, heavy sunlight, and rainfall
5. Its foldable feature makes it easy to store when not in use
Cons:
1. Fits in selected kayaks only. Might break in bigger rafts and boats
2. Not suitable for long journeys
3. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Rapid Up sail
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| Brand | ADVANCED ELEMENTS |
| Product Dimensions | 19.2 x 22.3 x 6 inches |
| Material | Nylon |
| Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
It is a compact and fast sail meant for a downwind sail. It has a curved design that can be mounted to a number of kayaks and can be deployed easily and quickly. It has a weight of nearly 8 ounces and is a great means to harness wind from your kayak.
Pros:
1. A universal design that can be used to harness wind power for extra movement
2. Its lightweight makes it easy to carry and store
3. It is compact and can be folded easily in an 18-inch pouch
4. Its unique shape makes it desirable for any type of kayak deck
5. It is made of high-quality material and a laminated rip-stop cloth
6. It provides clear visibility and safety from ultraviolet rays
7. Extremely easy to set up, has an internal spring frame and a handheld operating feature
Cons:
1. Expensive and not available everywhere
2. Not eligible for international shipping
4. Lirius 42 inches Foldable Kayak Downwind Sail Kit
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| Brand | Liruis |
| Product Dimensions | 108 x 108 cm |
| Material | Nylon |
| Weight | 0.5 Kg |
Lirius sail kit is made from rip-stop nylon sailcloth. It weighs nearly 50 grams, has a diameter of 108 cm and a coiled diameter of 40cm.
Pros:
1. High-quality material with great tensile strength
2. It has a compact design making it durable, easy to carry and set up
3. Its lightweight makes it easy to store and deploys quickly
4. Provides a wide view with a transparent window
5. It is also suitable for canoes and raft
Cons:
1. Expensive and not easily available
5. UPSTONE 42 inches Downwind Kayak Sail Kit
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| Brand | Flow.month |
| Product Dimensions | 110 x 110 cm |
| Material | Nylon |
| Weight | 0.7 Kg |
It is made from rip-stop nylon sailcloth with triple-stitched seams. Has a metal carabiner connecting the sail with the boat. It has a diameter of 116 cm and a folded diameter of 38cm
Pros:
1. It has a powerful sail made up of strong nylon material
2. It is easy to maintain and the edges do not lose their seam
3. It can be easily installed in canoes, inflatables, tandems, and even expedition boats
Cons:
1. The instruction manual is quite confusing and hard to understand
2. Folding the sail back to its coiled form takes time and work
6. Dyna-Living 42 inches Wind Sail
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| Brand | Dyna-Living |
| Product Dimensions | 17.48 x 14.29 x 2.8 inches |
| Material | Polyester taffeta |
| Weight | 0.42 Kg |
Dyna-Living Wind Sail is made up of strong polyester taffeta. It has a metal carabiner that connects the sail to the boat firmly, keeping the boat stable during the trip. It is lightweight, around 18.7 ounces with a deployed diameter of 108 cm and a folded diameter of 39 cm.
Pros:
1. It is compact and foldable, easy to set up, and deploys quickly
2. It gives a wide view to enjoy the setting
3. The polyester material provides high strength and sturdiness
4. Suitable for boats, canoes, and paddleboards apart from kayaks
Cons:
1. Does not provide an instruction manual
2. Might not work if not windy enough
7. SHUOGOU 42 inches Downwind Wind Sail
No products found.
| Brand | SHUOGOU |
| Product Dimensions | 17 x 17 x 0.5 inches |
| Material | PVC |
| Weight | 0.52 Kg |
SHUOGOU Wind sail is made up of PVC, a synthetic plastic polymer giving it heavy resistance to degradation after a voyage. It is a huge sail with a diameter of 108 cm. It has a triple-stitched seam and a made-up strong composite material.
Pros:
1. The plastic material provides high tensile strength and sturdiness
2. It can easily accelerate speed when heavy winds are blowing
3. Easy to handle and control
4. Cost-effective
Cons:
1. instruction manual is not provided and setting it up may be confusing
2. The window isn’t transparent enough for a clear view
10 Things You Should Keep In Mind While Looking For A Sail Kit
While looking for the best kayak sail kit you should look for the following factors:
1. Design: The first and most important factor is the design of the sail. The perfect design shall help you immensely while navigating and interacting with wind conditions. The most common designs are:
2. Downwind Spinnaker: Often termed as “kite”, it is a wide-bellied sail that becomes bell-shaped after being filled with air. It allows the kayak to move at a high speed while going downwind but is completely useless while going upwind.
3. Circular Sails: These are the most commonly used sail type because of their easy availability and low cost. Although they provide limited mobility and their position makes it feasible only while going downwind.
4. Free-Standing: Also known as the L-Shaped sail. These can be used in a number of wind conditions unlike the other two but to use them correctly you need to have a thorough knowledge of sailing techniques which might be a problem for beginners.
5. Materials: The other factor is the material you are using for your sail. The main types of materials used are:
6. Plastic: It is durable, flexible, light-weight, and hard-wearing, although it lacks strength. They are easy to clean after a voyage and are resistant to degradation.
7. Polyester taffeta: It is durable, water-proof, and wrinkle resistant.
8. Rip-stop Nylon: It is lightweight, with high tensile strength and rigidity.
9. Weight: It is necessary that you choose a lightweight and compact sail kit. You need to keep in mind how much weight your kayak can take. If it has less weight capacity, it is recommended that you buy a lightweight sail. Lighter sails are less likely to get ruptured but are not suitable for long journeys.
10. Size: A larger sail kit can protect you from heavy sunlight and rainfall. Some of the bigger sails can reduce the harshness of ultraviolet rays hitting the deck.
Advantages Of Using A Sail Kit While Kayaking
1. It takes away a lot of work out of paddling the kayak and you can relax, rest and enjoy the scenario. You can move the kayak manually to a distance and then the wind will do all the work.
2. It gives you free and easy movement which can be helpful while fishing. It allows your kayak to stroll in the water without creating much sound.
3. Using a sail for a kayak will give you some understanding of using a sailboat.
4. It is easy to set up, portable, and durable.
5. Certain sails, mainly the downward spinnaker, can accelerate your speed if you are in a hurry or by mistake you went too far from the shore.
6. They can help you glide effortlessly.
Tips To Sailing A Kayak Safely
Kayak sailing can be a very dangerous activity without proper equipment and preparation. Every year, many kayakers are killed, injured, or even lose their lives due to the lack of safety precautions. These fatalities often occur on the water in rough weather conditions when safety gear is not available or has been compromised.
1. If you are new to kayaking, it might be wise to work with a professional who can teach you the basics of staying afloat and maneuvering the boat.
2. To avoid capsizing, make sure that your weight is distributed evenly throughout the boat, and always remember to paddle parallel to the shoreline if you are in open water.
3. If there is any type of emergency situation (such as hypothermia or injury), remember that it’s best to stay calm and maintain your position until help arrives because moving around will only make it more difficult for rescuers.
4. Participants who choose to go kayak sailing should always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
5. They should also use a spray skirt rather than wearing one around their waist as this will ensure they have protection against waves and wind gusts that can make it difficult to stay upright in the kayak.
FAQ
Is Kayak Sailing A Sport?
Kayaking is a sport or a water sport. It’s not exactly like sailing, but it is still considered a sport. Kayaking is mainly used for recreational purposes as opposed to sailing which is primarily used for transportation. Kayaking can be done in many places from the open ocean to freshwater lakes and rivers.
There are different types of kayaks and kayak designs that allow people to participate in this activity in different ways or under different conditions. A kayak requires fewer resources and less training than other types of boats, which makes it an attractive option for beginners who might not have the time or money for more intensive training before taking on the open ocean.
Are Sails Can Be Used In Inflatable Kayaks?
– Inflatable kayaks require a lot of air (more than you can get with your lungs) and while you want to move fast on the river, you may need a sail.
– Sails are usually made out of cloth and are flexible. It is hard to see how this would work with an inflatable kayak
What Type Of Kayak Sail Do I Need?
If you are a beginner, the choice is simple: take a few lessons, and buy a recreational kayak sail.
If you are a more advanced sailor, then the choice becomes more complex- what size sail, what type of boat?
The size of the sail varies not only in square footage but also in the number of panels on each side. The size of boat (meaning length and width) determines how much power is needed to move it through the water.
Does It Come With All The Lines Needed To Sail?
The rigidity of its hull means it can sail in heavy seas or strong winds with relatively little damage. And because most of the weight is low down on the hull (as opposed to being suspended from above), it’s easy to turn quickly without capsizing.
Do You Need A Mount Kit For A Kayak Wind Sail?
When you buy a kayak wind sail, you need to make sure that the kit is included so that you can easily install the wind sail on your kayak. The mount kit includes all the necessary hardware to attach and secure your wind sail onto your kayak.
A mount kit consists of a mast (or boom), mast step (to hold the boom in place) and rigging. You will need 2 brackets for each end of your boat, and they must be positioned at roughly equal distances from one another.
The length of these brackets will depend on the size of your boat, and it also depends on whether or not you would like to have an adjustable mounting method for your wind sail. A mount kit typically includes everything needed for installation onto a boat hull or deck with standard shapes such as a round-hulled, catamaran and cruiser.
Are Kayak Sails Safe?
The first question people often ask about kayak sails is whether they are safe. Kayaks are traditionally propelled by the wind and paddles, so it might seem counterintuitive to add a sail to the equation.
But sails can be safer than paddling in many conditions because they allow you to paddle in an emergency or when you need to rest your arms. In general, kayak sails are safe if used properly and are rigged correctly.
What Are The Benefits Of Synthetic Sails?
Synthetic sails are lightweight and rigid. They do not require any rope or rigging and are easy to handle. Synthetic sails can be used in both flat calm conditions as well as in the most extreme winds. Synthetic sails can be lashed to the mast and allowed to fill with wind automatically just like a traditional sail, or they can be set up so that they fill with wind only when needed.
Synthetic sails are a great way for sailors of all levels to increase their experience and skill. Synthetic sails are often used by cruisers who wish to spend more time onboard their vessel, but also by sailors who do not want to worry about constantly washing out old salt from traditional cloth sails.
The newer kayak sails are made of tough synthetic plastic which is less likely to tear or get tattered than cloth sails. The durability and efficiency is much better than cloth but for some, it may not be the material of choice.
What Are The Different Types Of Kayak Sails?
There are two types of kayak sails:
1. sprit sails and
2. sailcloth type.
A spritsail is a long, narrow sail that is fixed to the end of a pole (called the sprit). The pole is usually attached to the kayak’s deck rigging. This makes them very easy to set up and takedown.
Sailcloth type is a rectangular, lightweight cloth that has its edges stitched together along one side, and has a line attached at each corner to show the keel or mast position on the boat. It can be unpacked from a small space into full size by attaching lines on either side of it, so it takes up less space when not in use.
What Is The Difference Between A Hobie And Sea Eagle Sail?
Hobie sails are constructed with three panels and use a single spar. Sea Eagle sails are constructed with five panels and use two spars. Hobie sails have a smaller sail area than Sea Eagle sails, meaning that the Hobie requires less crew to operate.
Sea Eagle sails have a larger sail area, so they require more crew to operate. Sea Eagle’s rig consists of two aluminum spars which can be dismantled and stored in the yacht’s cabin when not in use, making it easier for transportation.
Hobbies have only one spar, which must remain on the yacht at all times.
What Is The Best Budget-Friendly Sail?
Get the Westwind Kayak Sail for your beginner sailing needs! This affordable, entry-level sail is ideal for light to medium winds.
List Of Popular Kayak Sail Manufacturing Brands
1. Empower
2. Quadriga
3. Rudderless
4. Starboard
5. Pygmy
Kayak Sailing Tips
The key to successful kayak sailing is safety, so always wear a life jacket. It’s important to know the different types of kayaks and what they are suitable for. For example, if you are only interested in recreational use, you might consider a sit-on-top kayak.
If you want to take on more serious waters with white water rapids or heavy surf conditions, then choose an inflatable or hardshell model. A basic rule of thumb when determining which type of kayak is best for you (or your child) is that the wider the boat the better it will handle rough water conditions and heavier loads.
Choosing the best kayak sail kit can be a challenging task but checking for certain factors narrows down the choices and makes it easier to choose. The design of the sail, the material it’s made from, the weight, and the size are all important factors and they all need to be looked after.
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
