KayaLeg & KayaArm Stabilizing devices for launching a kayak

I’m afraid the KayaLeg [a structural aluminum channel mounted sideways on 2 aluminum angle legs] is too much of a non-aesthetic and disruptive blob to be mounted on kayaks that money or time has been spent on. The function you are trying to solve can be more flexibly accomplished by technique or perimeter lines or dedicated webstraps.  Another inventor has approached the issue with small nubs with two velcro straps vs the one of your system. I think it’s a no-go. . . drysuits will tear,  pfds will hang up and it’s an ugly intervention. . . .

However the Kaya Arm has legs [pun intended]!   I can see this or versions of it being utilized to great effect in many circumstances as it really will make it straight forward to mount from floating docks for those who are intimidated by that situation by limited ability or technique.  I like its flexibility to be repurposed as a kayak wallhanger in off seasonal use – presumably by quick mounts.

The tidal function will probably be limited to low ranges of some lakes, but certainly would be no good for larger tidal ranges that I’m familiar with, but the possibility of fine tuning is presented which would be useful for the variation of loaded and unloaded kayaks.  As well, it sure could be accompanied by an adjacent [or integral for future options] ladder to further increase its appeal.

One issue maybe for future consideration is application to multi-use docks:  A quick dismount option would be a first thought for some situations, but for a permanent mount the high verticals would be no good and the permanently outward protruding leg would not be desired – so a short but strong vertical channel to the top of the dock rail with a folding upward leg to no higher also, would be quite useful and interesting for that situation. Maybe detailed to be flanked or inside a rubber or wood channel so other vessels would not damage or be damaged by the alum verticals.

Anyway, some thoughts.  This option of kayak mounting is of interest as it seems to be a very low intervention approach that doesn’t require changing the detailing  to future or existing floating ocean docks.  This has been a conversation among some of us [with municipalities] and the kaya arm is worth mentioning.

Am I the only one who can't see the photos?

...and I agree that the KayaArm seems like a good concept that could be quite useful. While I personally couldn't use it (I don't live on the water), there's a pretty large potential market for it and it's something I would consider if I did have a need.

On the other hand, the KayaLeg is simply a terrible design. It encourages poor entry/exit technique that will result in damaged paddles and cracked decks on composite boats. It's ugly and could be easily replicated for a few dollars and a trip to the hardware store (I couldn't see the price, because your ordering system isn't functioning). It reduces the usable deck space for more important items like a chart.It will complicate assisted rescues and potentially injure the rescuer. I can envision several scenarios where paddlers could injure themselves on it while paddling or handling their boat.  The first time someone gets hurt by that contraption on their foredeck, you'll get sued out of existence. On top of all that, it's really a classic "solution in search of a problem", since most boats come with deck bungees that can serve the same purpose without any of the downsides.

If I were you, I wouldn't invest any more time or money in the KayaLeg and would get it off your website ASAP. You have a potential winner with the KayaArm and you should put your resources behind that.

Brian Nystrom said:Am I the only one who can't see the photos?

I can't see them either - all broken links (red 'X') with 'not allowed' warnings.

And, the 'link' to the KayakArm website just brings up another forum (Kayakforum) page with the same info again.....

To save others the trouble of finding the website, here's a link:

https://kayaarm.com/kayaleg-kayak-stabilizer/

Here's a picture:

When I started kayaking (in typical Canadian canoe tradition, with absolutely no instruction) I used the 'side entry with paddle brace' method.

Once I had some competent instruction, I switched to the 'straddle' entry. On the rare occasions when I use a side entry these days, I definitely don't brace my paddle on the shore.

However, if I did need to attach my paddle sideways to the deck , I'd use the lines/bungees on the aft deck - the ones set up for a paddlefloat self-rescue.

Even better, for beginners would be the straps with quick release buckles on the aft deck. Not hard to DIY, but Seaward sells them pre-made.

https://store.seawardkayaks.com/Rescue-Straps_p_80.html

Somebody should let the original poster know that most folks on kayak forum regard any 'safety' deck lines as an offense to their aesthetic sensibilities, like "preparation for World War Three" (admin). 

:-)

The KayakArm, the kayak will fall over because home built kayaks usually (not strip built) have a V hull.

The KayakLeg, should be on the aft deck as that is where the weight is as you exit the cockpit. However a thumb round a deckline and paddle shaft will do the same for no cost.

If someone can't get in and out of their kayak by or on the shore, they are a liability when on the water too if there is a capsize.

Mac50L said:If someone can't get in and out of their kayak by or on the shore, they are a liability when on the water too if there is a capsize.

I agree with this.

It may be just a training/instruction issue, but if it's a fitness issue it should be a concern. I hope my paddling buddies will tell me to stay at home when I get too creaky to paddle safely!! (And it may not be that far away, the way I feel sometimes!! :-) )

Perhaps a different type of kayak or a different type of boat, or a different activity would be the safer solution.

Its not easy no matter how skilled you think you are. When alone I place the paddle across the back deck out to the water holding it and the back coaming together and I float the paddle end on my PFD. Its very stable. Retrieve the PFD and put it on. This is on a high dock. You can do this with just the paddle and no flotation device as well but if the dock is high, you have to wiggle around a bit getting your hand and butt low and its not always easy. I have often preferred to launch near by in mud, swamp grass - whatever. I have one spot I paddle once a year that has the high dock for launching. They call it a kayak launch - obviously designed by non-kayakers.

With two paddlers, one holds the boat while one gets in. Then the one in the boat rafts up to the kayak in the water and stabilizes it while paddler 2 gets in.

Most paddlers would just put some carpeting on the dock edge and drag it up.

This is my method. I can do if off high docks, rocks, and in moderate swell too. I use the same method for wide and skinny boats. Et.

https://youtu.be/-7mJZ2PzDHQ

Et said:I can do if off high docks, rocks, and in moderate swell too.

Video, please.

Also, please show the exit from boat on to high dock - it's even  more difficult than the entry, for me. By high dock, I mean 2-3 feet from the water to the dock deck- pretty standard floating dock height (not wharf height at low tide!).

The main problem I've had with entry from a dock, or exiting on to a dock, is that the kayak tends to move away from the dock and threaten to land me in the water between the dock and the boat. 

It's a serious problem - a few years ago, a paddler posted his account of 'almost dying' when he ended up  in the water in a marina in winter weather. Most marinas have very long stretches of dock with no ladder to the water.

John, 

The video link is enclosed in Etienne's post

https://youtu.be/-7mJZ2PzDHQ

Randy said:

John, 

The video link is enclosed in Etienne's post

Even I can step into my kayak when the deck is level with 'the dock', and the conditions are glassy calm- like that video clip.

I want to see the video with the rocks, or high dock (like 2.5 feet high) in choppy conditions.

It certainly can be done, just not by me.

If I can get someone to video differing locations I shall post them.

With high docks the limitation is being able to reach down to retrieve the boat. Going down on the knees to fetch it looks a lot less elegant, and is more entertaining for onlookers, especially if the quay is slippery. Getting out one also needs to be able to get a knee over.

In this area it is not unusual for groups of kayakers to paddle out to Skelligs, 16km offshore. There are narrow steps, but here even moderate swell equates to three or four foot at ay the quay, and it is very difficult to land or relaunch, even in polly boats. The solution is to bail out, climb ashore and bring the boats in with tow ropes, or leave the boats tied to a rope stretched between two pionts of the landing inlet. For relaunching one has to swim and do a wet entry. All of this is easier in a group and, needless to say, it is very rare that anyone goes out solo, although there are some who do; not me though.

Et

Here are a couple of galleries of trips a couple of years ago to the Skellig islands an the Blasket Iskands, off the Irish West coast, for those who have not seen them and may be interested.

Et.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1123060897754722&type=1&l=626…

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1175799852480826&type=1&l=e2d…

Et said: The solution is to bail out, climb ashore and bring the boats in with tow ropes

That's a useful technique that deserves practice. It's also a good argument for wearing a tow belt as part of ones gear, even if paddling solo.

See at 3:20 in this video by Neptune's Rangers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD6au3vEHvU

My knees are still original but high millage (72) . Hope yours last. You also have good balance. I have done the Muller entree but not always successful so I make sure I'm alone when I get brave. I also make sure the water is warm.

I think you missed the point of my post. Your current design is dangerous and you're putting your company at risk by selling it.

This is not a new concept, a visionary idea or any kind of paradigm challenge. Both rotomolded and composite boats have been produced with recesses meant to aid paddle assisted entries and exits for decades. Some have included straps or bungees to hold the paddle, while others were designed to use the paddler's weight to secure the paddle. I haven't looked at the current market, but I'll bet that there are still such designs available. Given that, why would anyone pay you for something they can do themselves - or may have already done - for free?

The only differences between your idea and existing ones are:

• An aluminum bracket that will likely cause paddle damage and potentially injure paddlers
• The use of a Velcro strap rather than webbing straps or bungees

How is this in any way new?

I hate to rain on your parade, but it seems pretty obvious that you need to do more research into the kayak market. This is just a slight twist on an old idea and I would say that it's not even an improvement. There are good reasons why nobody has bolted brackets like this on their decks - recessed or not - and I'll bet they have a lot to do with product liability.

Like I said above, I think you have a real winner in the KayaArm, but that success doesn't mean that every idea from the same source is going to be a good one. Enthusiasm is great, but you need to take the blinders off and look at this with a critical eye.

Jay, somehow I never imagined you to be of such a venerable age. Every time I turn around everyone is a decade older. The guy who came fourth in the Wild Atlantic Challenge last year in the sea kayak section was 72. He averaged 8.7kph over fifteen km. he was 20 seconds behind me at the finish. I had to fight him off the entire way. He would walk up a mountain quicker than I would. Some people just have amazing constitutions all their lives. I like to see it. It keeps me hopeful. I am 61 at the moment, but don't feel it, apart from the knees which are stiffer these days, especially if I have been sitting for a long time.

l think it was Betty Davis who said, "Old age is not for sissies." My poor old dad proved that assertion, in spades.

Et.

"Jay, somehow I never imagined you to be of such a venerable age. "  me either.

I do Yoga, TaiChi, kayak a lot, push my lawn mower, and all that stuff. I teach at a few places one is a retirement community. They use walkers, and most never exercised. At the Yoga and TaiChi classes the old people can do anything.

I know you all know those things. Stay active and eat vegetables and fruit mainly and be happy. (build boats)

As you kids, JayBabina and Etienne Muller say, keep active. Yes. The knees, decades ago I had problems with one, found it was kicking a football with a bent knee. Physio fixed it and not long afterwards a 3500 km bicycle tour up the length of California and half way back. After Xmas (summer here), I'd do a touring triathlon, cycle north 480 km, kayak for a week, walk to the supermarket and ride home again, over the mountains.

I do admit to laziness now, if it is raining I'll take the van. I'm about to dash off by bike to the library a short 6 km loop, should put in more miles. So, kayaking, upper body, cycling lower bits and maybe a bit of musical instruments to help the supposedly poor hearing and finger dexterity.

I get a pension, I call it working for the government, can do charitable/community projects without looking for the dollars.

So, just been under the desk servicing the computer, a cup of coffee and then off for some cycling exercise and probably the lawn needs cutting again - says the 76 year old.

Oh, forgot, this was about bits not to fit to kayaks or bother using because we youngsters are still active and have a sense of balance.