no, unlike the cables the struts are fixed. It's easy to convert to a standard kite buggy with just a crescent wrench, but it's not really practical to disconnect the struts for entry and exit. The good thing is, unlike the cables, you can put your weight on them, so you can lower yourself in with your arms holding onto the struts. Pretty easy in and out...

ben,

to get the larger image.. you need to specify the size... like this:

Code:

[img=617x822] your pic link [/img]

thanks Van, that worked like a charm. Easier than I thought it would be....

Ben -

Cool on the Hollaender fittings. I use those a lot for prototyping furniture and staging for interactive exhibits. I'm sure you could build a buggy from them and nothing but straight cuts of pipe. Could be fun, though nowhere as light and elegant as a proper bent, welded, and machined bug.

Is the cat set up for kiting? A snowblower still with green grass. We just got a foot of slop, but it will be gone in a day or two.

krumly

Couple of updates, one, a new name: The F.L.Y. (Flexifoil Land Yacht) I don't want to call it a zooter anymore since it's based on a zooter, but not a zooter..... I think I may have some F.L.Y. vinyls made up to put on the tubes of the strut.

Second, I got it out today to test it out at the local field. Wind was crazy gusty, down to 5 (not moving) and quickly up to 30, nuts. It was a frustrating, mostly downwind kind of day, but the new structure held up a lot better than the cables. The whole thing was a lot more rigid, and lifting a wheel was a piece of cake. Really like the new struts over the cables.

The problem was, it was so windy that i dumped the whole rig from a standstill and destroyed the casing for my GoPro camera.....frick! Oh well, at least the camera seems to be OK, I'll just have to buy a new casing. I'll post a video of the carnage later.

@ Krumly, the cat is not set up for kiting, it's a traditional mono rig cat, but it really hauls in the right wind. I can pretty easily fly a hull when I'm by myself, but my wife comes with me most often in which case it's a little more difficult to lift a hull, still moves like a champ though. It's a great way to spend the day on the water, and a very comfortable boat to stretch out in the sun on the tramp when you aren't moving.

Some video with the new struts, until I dumped and broke my GoPro:

Man, if that's all it takes to do one of those little suckers in, my camera is probably doomed before the winter is out. I expect to have many face plants before spring!

The camera itself is basically OK, still fully functional. The waterproof casing shattered though, so I need to pick one of those up soon..at least they only cost $40 instead of $300 to replace the whole deal.

I was moving all of 1 or 2 miles per hour, right after a tack, and the wind grabbed me. But the 8' boom whipped the camera into the ground, very hard impact....

Looked more like the death of a GoPro camera mount, you really lost the whole camera? I'm sorry to hear that.

Great seeing the F.L.Y. in action though, a testament to DIY!

(edit::tumble:Man, I guess I missed the post above, eh?)

Nice! Looks like you need a wider rear axle though :o boom whipping into the ground ... I can see how that'd break a case still, you could try hitting GoPro up for a free one - they're pretty good about it eh!

I really enjoy watching your videos, good job! Let me know if you need some help with the replacement, I have a hook-up. It's almost time for another GoPro's group order being this close to Christmas!

I actually already ordered a new case, it's only $40 so while it's a bummer it's not a huge deal. The camera is fine. My only regret is that I won't have it tomorrow for my snowkite season opener up on the tug....

Todd, the new avatar is bad ass!

Thank you! Bummer for sure not having one for tomorrow.

But why did you brake your GoPro ??

Have Fun
Ruudje