702dirtsurfer - 29-3-2011 at 10:06 PM
So I found this company whilst browsing the NALSA wanted ads http://www.wind-chaser.com/. It's an introductory landsailor that can also be used as a buggy. Ordered one and it just came in today.
Customer service as been top notch! They answered all my questions promptly via email and when I asked for two day shipping on Fri so it could be here
for NABX,they told me the FREE ground shipping would get it to me in the same time,bonus!
Taking it out tomorrow,I'll be able to review it then. I bought it for my family and friends to learn on and abuse, so for $400 not too shabby
702dirtsurfer - 29-3-2011 at 10:19 PM
I can say though that the pulley position on the seat has to move forward for it to be comfortable. Also I made the rigging 2:1 after the picture was
taken.
pokitetrash - 30-3-2011 at 05:54 AM
Thats Cool! Can you get different size sails for it? Wonder if you can adapt windsurfer sails. You can find them cheap all over eBay. Have fun!
702dirtsurfer - 30-3-2011 at 07:48 AM
Looks to me like you can nab up some used wingsurfer sails. I'm pretty stoke!
702dirtsurfer - 30-3-2011 at 09:32 PM
Well since I'm stuck here at work I might as well re count my experience with the landsailor at Ivanpah today.
The rig is relatively light at 60 lbs. The sail seems to be of decent quality. I was surprised at how stable it was, I thought for sure it would flex
a lot. I'm glad I switched the rigging, it certainly was nice having 2:1. The boom doesn't have anything at the end by the mast that keeps it from
going past the mast, so when you turn around you have to pull the boom by hand over the mast. Gonna fix that with a stage lighting c-clamp tomorrow.
The mast is aluminum, breaks down into 4 pieces. I opted for the larger buggy tires instead of the bicycle ones,though I'm sure they are good for
parking lots.
The sail looked small comparing to mantas I saw out there, but my lighter weight seemed to balance out just fine. Sailing it was enjoyable,but the
seat could definitely use some cushioning for long runs. I don't see any reason you can't upgrade the masts or sails,but this is a super decent basic
starting point.
So in my conclusion, if you don't mind adding 2 blocks (pulleys) this a sweet ride,and for 500, the price is right!
rocfighter - 31-3-2011 at 05:13 AM
Where was this shipped from? It looks pretty cool and sounds like a good deal. And might get Sandy out in the wind! Man would she flip if I suprised
her with this on her Birthday!!
702dirtsurfer - 31-3-2011 at 09:54 AM
If I remember correctly it shipped from Ventura,CA or somewhere near there ;-) also 399 is the sale price,its normally more.
Jaymz - 31-3-2011 at 11:21 AM
They're on Ebay also. $399 with free shipping. Might have to pick one up...for the kids 
Also a U2U to 702
702dirtsurfer - 1-4-2011 at 08:38 AM
Had another chance to take this out yesterday and I'm constantly amazed by it! I even managed to fit my girlfriend on it with me,her sitting just in
front of me, and we both hit 30 in that little thing!
doublespeed360 - 4-4-2011 at 06:38 PM
thanks for letting me try it 702, it was a blast at nabx/sbbb.
702dirtsurfer - 4-4-2011 at 07:12 PM
That's what its for, my pleasure bro-chacho!
And for anyone thinking about one of these,here's a short clip of the kind of abuse I put this thing through the 2nd day owning it and plan to
continue putting it through
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2rZmU06Wc&feature=youtu...
rocfighter - 6-4-2011 at 05:36 PM
WOW nice tail whips. Pretty stable though.
702dirtsurfer - 6-4-2011 at 08:40 PM
Thanks man,I'll get the full 360 down soon! Looks like its no problem to slide the axles in and drill new holes for tighter turning radius if wanted.
Can also slide the gooseneck(?) in and drill new holes for those a bit shorter. Here's a picture of the new block setting,it came with it on the seat
in front of your crotch....My gf got jealous so I moved it
rocfighter - 7-4-2011 at 04:42 AM
So if I'm not mistaken, that is right at the base of the gooseneck directly below the mast?
Man I need to revamp my sail buggy. I made it because Dodd Gross annoyed me about 8 years ago and then crashed it about 4 years ago. Time to rebuild
for WBB I think. Maybe I'll have time.
702dirtsurfer - 7-4-2011 at 10:30 AM
Correctamundo. Drilled a hole and ran 1/8" steel wire rope that has a neoprene sleeve on it through the frame and the pear ring. I chose to use an old
shock loaded 3/8 rock climbing sling instead of more permanent steel because slings and quick links are always handy,especially if ya get stranded
walking back. I'll be sure to post the other mods I made to the boom. So far none of the mods have cost me any money. I may even make my own
handlebars
702dirtsurfer - 10-4-2011 at 07:45 PM
So during nabx my gf and I discovered we could both sit on the landsailor, though it was pretty uncomfortable for me. Sooooo, I'm building a twin seat
for it. Still a work in progress but thought is share the trial and error
temporary backrest for "testing"
702dirtsurfer - 10-4-2011 at 07:49 PM
it works!
702dirtsurfer - 10-4-2011 at 07:51 PM
rocfighter - 11-4-2011 at 04:28 AM
I recomend some padding. Those pipes are going to crack your crack!!:wee:
702dirtsurfer - 11-4-2011 at 10:23 AM
Lol yeah I though of that,already have some pool noodles. Still playing around with frame length, backrest height, and tensioning to achieve the "sag"
I want. I did finish the permanent backrest last night though. So far I've only added about 15 lbs tto it
702dirtsurfer - 18-4-2011 at 03:16 PM
Unfortunately I've had two major breaks on this thing and have to suspend putting my name behind this until the issues have been resolved. I'll type
up more info soon.
rocfighter - 19-4-2011 at 05:41 AM
There were two of these at WBB this past weekend. I tried one of them in 15-20mph winds. Scary at first but then as I got used to it seemed just as
stable as high-end models. Very light and fast.
I was up ended by a kite and this tore the top of the sail-mast sleeve. Looked like an easy fix, and still worked fine. (land boarder that hit me
apalogized and offered the owner to pay for repairs, very cool)
So in my oppinion for the price(he said $350.00) this is a great toy and comes ready to ride. Just remember it's a toy! Feels very unstable at first
but proved to me it was fine if you know how to sail. Up wind is doable, just time consuming!
702dirtsurfer - 20-4-2011 at 10:03 PM
Well roc it is a toy and it isn't. I can say for certain that little red plastic seat does a lot more than just give a place to sit. It actually plays
a part in structural integrity.
The wall thickness of the steel is .065 which is pretty thin. The seat has grooves underneath that wrap around the frame to prevent twisting and
torquing. I can only speak for mine,but everything was cold welded and susceptible to failure without the plastic seat sitting over it. Two major
breaks showed the welds just laying on top of the steel. I've had it re welded and support gussets added to the gooseneck and frame, a must if you
change the seat. I've sent pictures and they're right on it going to the factory to see what's up. And to their amazing credit and patience,have
warrantied major failure. They're excited to see a twin version, and I've just about got the major kinks out.
The 3 days I sailed it as it cones from factory everything seemed fine,so its possible the seat is that important. I can say yes buy it stock,but I
highly suggest supporting guy lines on the mast. It's easy to do and no special tools,welding or drilling necessary.
gooseneck after first test with new seat
702dirtsurfer - 20-4-2011 at 10:13 PM
after
702dirtsurfer - 20-4-2011 at 10:14 PM
seat gussets
702dirtsurfer - 20-4-2011 at 10:18 PM
rocfighter - 22-4-2011 at 05:32 AM
I saw how the seat was a major componant when looking at the one Jamz had at WBB. The rails fit right up inside the grove and hold everything in
place. In our buisness we use lots of gussets but don't realy worry about wieght. I hope the light rod used to support this holds up. I guess really I
hope the tubing holds the welds! Is the gooseneck gusset strap on both sides? I imagine it is.
So they honored the warrenty even though you modified it?
702dirtsurfer - 22-4-2011 at 07:46 AM
Yes sir,gussets on both sides of the gooseneck. The seat gussets gave instant support as far a metal flex too. Originally I was told that because I
modified the design they couldn't,but after sending pics of the cold welds they jot only offered a warranty gooseneck but wanted to send prototype ice
runners for me test since I'm a little rough with toys lol.
Anyone reading this with a windchaser, I highly recommend adding guy lines to the mast just to be safe. Remove the outside tire pin and replace with
an eyebolt. Get a 2' sling made out of webbing and wrap a prussik knot around the mast to attach your guy lines. The prussik will allow you to slide
it up and down for getting in and will cinch and grip when any tension is taken. Here's a picture of mine.
I mounted turnbuckles to the eyebolt and a small 1/8 steel wire rope stinger to the turnbuckle. At the end of the stinger is a strand vise. it fits
over the 1/8" and is completely adjustable.
pyro22487 - 23-5-2016 at 09:28 PM
I know I am draging this thread back from the dead but any chance of some pics of the guy line placement on the mast?