Anyone got any techniques for launching from a boat?

Got a catamaran for 5 days in whitsundays and just wondering if I will need to moor the boat or buy a kite lobster and water launch.

Havent been able to find any guides on boat launching tho....

any help much obliged


Grog

1) set up kite on beach as normal.(preferrably downwind set up)
2) get a bucket and put it next to your bar.
3) put your lines into the bucket carefully and when you get to the end, deflate your kite.
4)deflate your kite and carefully fold.
5) pump your kite up over the boat and let go. pay attention that the lines run out of the bucket smoothy and presto......

Sorry lotofwind,
your method is far superior as I can see....

I've done a bit of research, and I think there are two main techniques.

The other guys have covered the 'let the kite drift downwind while feeding out the lines then water launch' technique. I guess you have to do this if you're the last one left in the boat, but if the lines tangle, you're a bit stuck with the kite downwind and potentially looping.

If you have someone left on the boat, you can...
- (hopefully on land) run out the lines and attach the lines to the kite
- wind the lines carefully and secure with rubber bands, place bar beside kite centre strut
- deflate kite and roll up normally with bar inside
- (or follow advice in previous replies)
When you're ready to go...
- have someone hold the kite
- you jump in the water with the bar, start swimming and unwinding lines
- When you are fully unwound, launch as normal.

This technique lets you check the lines and abort if there's a winding problem, but you would need a launching area where you won't catch on rigging.

I'm not saying this way is better - it just depends on circumstances - just trying to give you all the options.

Wish I had a cat!!

If your at Whitehaven put all your kite gear into the tender and go to the beach and self launch from the beach
Launching from the cat without experienced kite buddies is not recommended speaking from experience. the tide can be quite strong. lots of coral too
safety first

Best example of this I ever saw was in Fuerta Ventura...
The boys giving lessons did this... (and it's pretty much what Nerk said).
Inflate and rig the kite on the beach.
Deflate kite LE and wind lines on bar (you have to be consistent in your winding method).
Stick it all on a boat (including a pump - VERY important).
At the location...
One guy takes the lines and swims away from the boat while another pumps the kite.
Check lines.
Launch...
I don't recall them ever mis-rigging a kite.
The theory being that as you haven't disconnected anything, then any 'Tangles' must be solvable...
In my opinion, even with '100% Depower Kites', drifting a kite downwind seems to have just enough ingredients to be a recipe for disaster !!!
BAP

prea said...

If your at Whitehaven put all your kite gear into the tender and go to the beach and self launch from the beach
Launching from the cat without experienced kite buddies is not recommended speaking from experience. the tide can be quite strong. lots of coral too
safety first

Do this ,,,^^^^^^^

if any of your kite/lines end up in the cat rigging kiss your kite goodbye

When you wind your connected lines onto your bar, have the 5th line pulled short.
As it drifts behind the boat carefully unwind your lines(has worked so far).
Sle kites are easier as a front line leash will allow the kite to drift closer to the edge of the window(5th line can be painfull when dead down wind).
Sit on the transome and have nothing between you and the kite.
Give it time to come round to the edge as the boat will swing on the anchor towards the kite
Best case is launching off the boat without getting wet
The worst is only the tangle of a ditched kite (know your release works quick).
It is alway's the short straw