Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details.
Sea Eagle QuikSail Universal Kayak Sail Kits give you another way to utilize your kayak, canoe, or SUP and if you’re into sailing and kayaking, it’s far less expensive than buying both a sailing dinghy and kayak.
How cool is that? You can’t make a personal sailboat into a kayak but you can make a kayak into a sailboat. Two boats in one!
There are many advantages to kayak sails including:
- Worn out and/or under time constraints? Rest your back, arms, and shoulders. Let the wind do the work while you steer with a rudder or paddle.
- Windy days in a kayak aren’t always that fun but if you have a sail, those windy days are a blast!
- There are days for exercise and there are days for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. A kayak sail allows you to cover a far greater distance with ease.
- A new outdoor toy! Make a sailing dinghy out of your kayak for very little money.
Sea Eagle QuikSail Universal Kayak Sail Kits fit a variety of kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. Let’s take a closer look.
Operating The Sea Eagle QuikSail Universal Kayak Sail
The Sea Eagle QuikSail Universal Kayak Sail Kit deploys in just under a minute to convert any hard-shell or inflatable kayak into a personal sailboat with a downwind sail that can propel you up to 7 knots.
To harness the wind, you can adjust the position of the sail up to 45 degrees left or right by pulling at the handles or pushing against the base of the sail’s frame with your feet. Steering is just as simple. Just use your paddle or a kayak rudder.
Features Of The Kayak Sail Kit
- 14 sq ft Neil Pryde Sail
- Measures 43″x3″
- Extends to 81″
- Hands-Free, Self-Standing, Sturdy Aluminum Folding Frame
- 5′ Rope-Stay System
- Weighs 2 lbs
- Velcro Storage Strap
- Nylon Storage Carrying Bag
Recommended For Use With:
- Explorer Inflatable Kayaks
- Inflatable Sport Kayaks
- RazorLite Inflatable Kayaks
- FastTrack Inflatable Kayaks
- Inflatable Travel Canoe
- Fishing Inflatable SUPs
- NeedleNose Inflatable SUPs
- LongBoard Inflatable SUPs
- Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
- Just about any type of kayak, canoe, or SUP with attachment points or where D-Rings or eye straps be added.
Note: Due to its lack of D-Rings, a Deluxe Inflatable Seat is required when using the QuickSail with Sea Eagle Sport Kayaks.
If you’d like to learn more about the above kayaks, I’ve put together the Best Sea Eagle Kayaks For 2023 with Buyer’s Guide. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the best Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks, along with my top 5 choices, so you can pick the best one.
Related Content:
- Sea Eagle Explorer Inflatable Kayaks Compared
- Best Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes for Families
- Design Features To Look For In An Inflatable Kayak
Assembly And Installation Of The Sea Eagle QuikSail
Assembling Sea Eagle’s Universal Kayak Sail
To assemble the sail, unfold the aluminum frame and insert the halves to complete the full-length poles.
Locate the openings at the bottom end of the two pole sleeves on each side of the sail and simultaneously feed the top end of the poles up through the sleeves until the frame is fully inserted.
Positioning The Sail In Your Kayak
Your feet act as a brace for the bottom of the sail’s frame. Open the sail and place it in the front of your boat at a comfortable distance from your seat.
Rope-Stay System
The rope-stay system of the QuikSail supports the sail for hands-free operation.
- Secure one end of the rope-stay with a simple overhand knot to one of the D-Rings or eye straps located on the side of the kayak in front of the seat.
- If your kayak lacks D-Rings or eye straps, you can easily add them yourself. Many inflatable kayaks require D-Ring patches compatible with the material of the boat. See the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- For Sea Eagle kayaks not equipped with D-Rings, tie one end of the rope-stay to the loop at the base of a Deluxe Inflatable Seat.
- Just below the sail is where the two frame poles cross and connect to one another. Run the rope-stay around the frame pole closest to you so the rope goes through the middle of the frame just above the bolt that holds the poles together.
- At the other end of the rope-stay is a clip. Secure it to the D-Ring on the opposite side of the kayak.
You’re ready to sail! Steady and support the kayak sail by bracing your feet against the bottom of the frame and look through the window in the sail to see where you’re going.
Breakdown And Storage Of The Sea Eagle QuikSail
- Detach the rope-stay system.
- Dry off the sail prior to storage.
- Break down the aluminum frame and roll the sail around it and the rope-stay.
- Secure the universal kayak sail with the velcro strap to prevent it from unrolling and catching in the wind.
- Slide the QuikSail into its storage bag and cinch it closed with the drawstring.
- The 43″ universal kayak sail kit can easily be stored in your garage, closet, or other dry location to prevent damage from mold and mildew.
Conclusion
It’s common for kayakers to make modifications to their kayaks. Certain uses like kayak fishing may require a few modifications. The great thing about the Sea Eagle QuikSail Universal Kayak Sail Kit is that it converts your kayak into a sailing dinghy without any permanent modifications.
Have fun sailing!
Follow me on: Linkedin
Hey Steve Hood, was wondering if this QuikSail setup works on any kayak size? Got a small one and not sure if it’s gonna be a good fit. Thanks!
interesting read on the sea eagle quicksail. been sailing traditional boats for years, curious how these convert a kayak into a dinghy. might give it a try.
Good info on assembling the sail. I’m into DIY stuff and thinking how i can tweak this to fit my custom kayak. Anyone tried custom mods on this sail kit?
Got a kayak last summer and this sail thing sounds fun. But sounds a bit complex with the rope-stay system. Is it easy to handle for beginners?
Absolutely, it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Just practice a bit in calm waters first.
So if I install this, does it mean I can finally let the wind do all the work and just chill? Sign me up!
Interesting article about the Sea Eagle QuikSail. I read somewhere else that the assembly could be a bit fiddly. How does it compare to other kayak sail kits in terms of user-friendliness?
Love the idea of using the wind for power instead of a motor. It’s great seeing products that let you enjoy the outdoors without harming the environment. Kudos to Sea Eagle for making this!
Always read about these add-ons making kayaking better but gotta wonder if they’re actually worth the hassle. Anyone got a real-life tale to tell?
how fast can you actually go with this sail? looking for speed on the water without the motor noise.