Overview
The outrigger package increases the stability and capability of the Waterlust Sailing Canoe. Rather than transform the canoe into a high-performance trimaran, the outriggers (or, traditionally, “amas”) act more as training wheels to help keep the boat upright in gusty conditions. A trimaran conversion would demand a new rig and structural reinforcements in the hull. The marginal increase in top-end speed would come at the expense of transportability and performance under auxiliary power.
Riding on a single flexible beam (the “aka”), these small amas sail clear over the water’s surface until the boat heels to about 8 degrees, thereby inducing virtually no extra drag in calm conditions. Power up the rig in bigger breeze and the 70lbs (31.75kg) of buoyancy in the leeward ama will discourage the boat from going over. And in the event of a capsize the skipper can stand on the submerged ama for recovery, and the boat will remain upright and stable for reboarding. When it comes time to pack up the boat for transport or storage, the amas quickly unbolt from the aka and the aka unties from the hull. The amas stow comfortably in the cockpit and the ama rides on deck without protruding past the sides of the hull.
The Outrigger Package Kit includes detailed assembly instructions, all the plywood, timber, fiberglass, and epoxy to assemble and sheathe the two akas and ama. Mounting hardware and finishing supplies are not provided.
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