using windsurf sail and mast for a kayak project

Question
I am designing an add on sea kayak trimaran/sailing rig and I am considering using a windsurfer mast and used sail. What are references for windsurf sail numbers,  4.0, 7.0 etc as it relates to square footage or Sq meters of sail? what is diameter of a typical mast base? What other problems/challenges do you expect with my bastardization of windsurfing equipment?  Thanks

Answer
Hey Doug,

I'm sure that you can make a windsurfing mast and sail work on your kayak. In the latest issue of Windsurfing magazine there is a small blurb and picture of a small trimaran that is using a windsurfing sail.

The numbers all relate to square meters of sail area. There are two diameters of masts with mast bases to match. The standard is about 2" across and the newer 'skinny' masts are about 1.5". You will find that the standard is more readily available and usually a bit cheaper. Check out ebay and craigslist for used gear. You should be able to find what you need for well under $100. This would include mast, base, sail, and boom. Find some older gear and experiment until you get it working. Then consider upgrading to better gear.

Best of luck with your bastardizing. If you get it to work, let me know. I'd be very interested to see how it turns out. You can also post a photo at www.windsurfing.mag for all the windsurfing world to see.

Hope this helps,
Windlover