OK,
i suddenly have a strong interest in landsailers.
I have browsed but can not find some forums. Are any of you guys aware of any good landsailing forums?
i need the obligatory what type size and all that.
I think i need a smaller unit so I have narrowed choices down to Blowkart or Sirocco. Being a buggier i like the foot steering idea (al'a Sirocco)better but have no idea what is actually more practical in real life. I've never seen a cart in person. I've seen vids if the Blokart pilots switching hands from steering to sail rope and i see the cart jut/veer off somewhat. The Sirocco models look quite a bit more robust.
I've seen a Zooter but it seems it's just a standard Flexi bug with mast attached to downtube. I am concerned about it's overall robustness.
Paul

Kent posted this a couple of days ago:
http://www.nalsa.org/

Forum (Yahoo Group) is the 3rd link from the bottom.

There are other forums in the UK, NZ, etc.... if you Google "blokart forum".

ATB,
Sam

I built a land sailer about 6 years ago. It was great fun when I still had a place to run it. But the park started giving me crap about using the parking lots to run it. Not enouph wind down low on the fields. I consider renewing it now and then and giving it a run. It was fun :wee:

you should look up just for the hell of it.
rc landsailing.
i have a blokart and i wanted to make an rc one. the rc ones are fun. i made about 6 of them and they fun in parking lots. the cops don`t give me a hard time playing with the rc one in parking lots but the blokart is another story.

We had some Zooters show up at Jibe last year and everyone that tried one liked it. It was kind of funny because they were apologizing for liking it like they were caught cheating of their spouse... "Oh no, don't get me wrong, I still like my kite and buggy..."

Even my wife, a non athletic and non kite person said "Gee, I could like that...".

Quote:

Originally posted by bugymangp you should look up just for the hell of it. rc landsailing. i have a blokart and i wanted to make an rc one. the rc ones are fun. i made about 6 of them and they fun in parking lots. the cops don`t give me a hard time playing with the rc one in parking lots but the blokart is another story.

when u use Blokart how do you like hand steering as opposed to foot steering if you can imagine?
Have you ever seen/used a Sirocco?
-Zooter- maybe i'm not remembering right. i've seen Blokart tip overs and I'd like to be strapped in and secure rather than hanging loose in a Zooter. I imagine the Zooter is quite maneuverable but without ever seeing/riding one i think safer way to go is Blokart/Sirocco.
Plus i'll like to eventually double up with wife or kid.
NALSA link not working.

Mine ishand steering as well. I think I would hve made it foot steer if I had thought of it at the time.

Get a Manta. You'll never regret it. I recommend the Twinjammer myself as it is bigger, more stable and you can take someone with you. If you can't find a Twinjammer you can get the Windjammer which is the single seat model. Twinjammers are extremely rare to find used cuz nobody ever wants to sell them. Windjammers come and go pretty regularly. Of all the sailors I have used I like the Manta's the best. If you want to purchase new, give me a call and I am sure we can work something out.

Quote:

Originally posted by awindofchange Get a Manta. You'll never regret it. I recommend the Twinjammer myself as it is bigger, more stable and you can take someone with you. If you can't find a Twinjammer you can get the Windjammer which is the single seat model. Twinjammers are extremely rare to find used cuz nobody ever wants to sell them. Windjammers come and go pretty regularly. Of all the sailors I have used I like the Manta's the best. If you want to purchase new, give me a call and I am sure we can work something out.

Hi Kent
i read that the Mantas are really great quality units but are best suited to large areas and not so much for tight quarters. of course i really wouldn't know how valid that claim is because of not having seen/passengered/piloted any type of landsailer other than online pics/vids? i'll most definitely be in tighter quarters but i do want the option of having passenger seat.
of course i'm looking at everything in this early stage of the game and i am more than happy to hear as many informed opinions about the game as i can get. being where i am, informed opinions are pretty much the only thing i have to go by when making purchase decisions for these crazy hobby stuffs i do.
i've already been to your site and seen your manta images.
BTW the images of the manta at your site, are they current?
i ask because the sails of the Blokarts/Zooters/Sirocco all have a more modern shiny mylar space-age look to them while the manta's sails look like...well not like the others. i realize it's possible the shinier plastic sails attributes could be completely superficial and not have any VMG adavantages over a manta sail.
oh, i forgot to mention that portability of the smaller units is nice.
Paul

Look at the sails of these land sailers. One is a sail board sail, one is a bed sheet, one is a cross over from a sail broad. Being a catamaran racer for years here is some of the things I look for. Do the battens flow in line with the wind, is the boom a piece of equipment or a shower curtain rod, is the frame wide enough, is it a strong frame, can you add brakes, do the sails come in different sizes for different wind strengths, can you add adjustable batten caps, are the sails design up to date, do they have a pod to cover you from the rain or cold, do they have a side car for your kids, can you tune your land sailer with different mast sections, can you fit your land sailer in a bag that fits in your car, does it have a seat belt, are you in a protected cage, these are just a few of the BloKart advantages.
Why yes I do sell BloKarts and one could be in your trunk. Call me and join the BloKart afternoon racing club in your area.

I see you already have a Super truck buggy, why not just get a sail kit for it. Libre offers sail kits and sails in many sizes.
I personally have a Elliot Virus with a sail kit and it is way more stable that a Blokart, and If I need a second buggy I take the kit off and away we go.
I have been playing with the idea of making a sail kit for my Dragster but havn't had time yet.
If you need more info let me know.
Chris

Quote:

Originally posted by jellis Look at the sails of these land sailers. One is a sail board sail, one is a bed sheet, one is a cross over from a sail broad. Being a catamaran racer for years here is some of the things I look for. Do the battens flow in line with the wind, is the boom a piece of equipment or a shower curtain rod, is the frame wide enough, is it a strong frame, can you add brakes, do the sails come in different sizes for different wind strengths, can you add adjustable batten caps, are the sails design up to date, do they have a pod to cover you from the rain or cold, do they have a side car for your kids, can you tune your land sailer with different mast sections, can you fit your land sailer in a bag that fits in your car, does it have a seat belt, are you in a protected cage, these are just a few of the BloKart advantages. Why yes I do sell BloKarts and one could be in your trunk. Call me and join the BloKart afternoon racing club in your area.

Hi Jon,
I'll be checking out your site (again)

I wish there was a Blokart (or any type of Dirtsailing) club in my area.
A couple of Qs...you buggy/steer with feet. How do you like steering landsailer with one hand while operating sheetline with other and switching hands when need be? Would you prefer simply foot steering? Can Blokart be 'easily' configured with foot steering or should it not be attempted by design? The laminated mylar sails look way cool but how durable are they in my winter season/climate (not that i can ride on ice because ice is always covered in 1-3 feet of snow). Can you comment on robustness of a Blokart vs Sirocco?
thnx,
Paul

Quote:

Originally posted by Krohn1999 I see you already have a Super truck buggy, why not just get a sail kit for it. Libre offers sail kits and sails in many sizes. I personally have a Elliot Virus with a sail kit and it is way more stable that a Blokart, and If I need a second buggy I take the kit off and away we go. I have been playing with the idea of making a sail kit for my Dragster but havn't had time yet. If you need more info let me know. Chris

I thought I remembered seeing a larger than my Libre buggy that was to be used for mast/sail conversion. I will check out Libre's site again but I do like a rollcage-type/seatbelt safety system too.
thanx Chris,
Paul

I have a seatbelt system on my Virus when using a sail, I've tipped it over before and I didn't hit the ground, I have a 150cm rear axle with Raptor/Cadkat wheels.
I almost always have at least a 1meter larger sail then the blocarts mounted up.
You have a very stabil ride and can get really high speed. They have had the virus going around 100kmh tipped up on 2 wheels.
check out the Libre page you won't regret it.
I am trying to sell my Virus so I can switch over to Libre (they have more sails avialable and a stiffer mast)
Chris

i guess your question got answered.
but the main reason why i got a blokart. is its small size.
i don`t have alot of room in my house.
hand steering don`t bother me. most of the time i just lock in the sail by a cleat and only remove the rope when i`m going turn or stop.
i upgraded mine with alot of boat sailing stuff from west marine. pulleys,ropes cleats, etc.

Quote:

Originally posted by bugymangp i guess your question got answered. but the main reason why i got a blokart. is its small size. i don`t have alot of room in my house. hand steering don`t bother me. most of the time i just lock in the sail by a cleat and only remove the rope when i`m going turn or stop. i upgraded mine with alot of boat sailing stuff from west marine. pulleys,ropes cleats, etc.

i'm guessing you are locking in the sail because you are not requiring turning very often because you have large AtoB distance.
i thinks it's going to be a BloKart or Sirocco. I don't think using steering 'wheel' will spoil fun factor. i am just (over) thinking about (foot steering) instinct kicking in and making for an odd feeling once in a while.
like covering a non-existing clutch pedal while braking in an automatic vehicle.
now it's find out if new or used. i don't know what to be aware of if looking at used.

Revpaul
"I wish there was a Blokart (or any type of Dirtsailing) club in my area."
WAIT THERE WILL BE SOON
"A couple of Qs...you buggy/steer with feet. How do you like steering landsailer with one hand while operating sheetline with other and switching hands when need be?"
I race catamarans steering with my hand and sheeting with the other my hand. Feels natural to me.
"Would you prefer simply foot steering?"
I have more input with hand steering.
" Can Blokart be 'easily' configured with foot steering or should it not be attempted by design? "
I hear some talk about foot steering before they try it but afterwards that thought is forgotten.
"The laminated mylar sails look way cool but how durable are they in my winter season/climate (not that i can ride on ice because ice is always covered in 1-3 feet of snow). "
Lots of sailors use them on the ice and I have not heard of any complaints.
"Can you comment on robustness of a Blokart vs Sirocco?"
I can tell you the BloKart was designed for land sailing and is not a compromised kite buggy. Buy the best buggy and then buy the best BloKart.
Jon

Quote:

Originally posted by Krohn1999 I have a seatbelt system on my Virus when using a sail, I've tipped it over before and I didn't hit the ground, I have a 150cm rear axle with Raptor/Cadkat wheels. I almost always have at least a 1meter larger sail then the blocarts mounted up. You have a very stabil ride and can get really high speed. They have had the virus going around 100kmh tipped up on 2 wheels. check out the Libre page you won't regret it. I am trying to sell my Virus so I can switch over to Libre (they have more sails avialable and a stiffer mast) Chris

re-visited Libre's site. couple of cool looking monster buggies(Protask and Expidition) and stuff. The Beachrunner landsailers look the part. I seen the re-tasked buggies but I haven't a clue about anything related to Landsailing except what you guys say.
You say it's fine and dandy piece of kit and Jon says it's compromised buggy(or he might be talking about the Sirocco cart?).
So far I am getting very ramped up about a Landsailer.
Thanks again Chris
Paul

Quote:

Originally posted by jellis "Can you comment on robustness of a Blokart vs Sirocco?" I can tell you the BloKart was designed for land sailing and is not a compromised kite buggy. Buy the best buggy and then buy the best BloKart. Jon

Sorry if I am being a pest here Jon but is that comment directed at the Sirocco models in particular or the re-tasked buggy models?

Paul

The blokart distributor for Canada is in Swift Current, not too too far away. I found an article about a guy in Lethbridge getting into the blokart stuff (via Swift Current). Hopefully this long link works
www.lethsuntimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=v...

Quote:

Originally posted by PrairieWind The blokart distributor for Canada is in Swift Current, not too too far away. I found an article about a guy in Lethbridge getting into the blokart stuff (via Swift Current). Hopefully this long link works www.lethsuntimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=v...

i got an email from BlokartUSA stating the distributor in SwiftCurrent, had signed a few dealers but had a personal crisis. So in effect there is no distributor in Canada other than AtlanticWinds out east east east.
Escapesports.ca emailed me saying they have one Blokart (and it is fun) but haven't heard from distributor in a while. I tried contacting the Lethbridge fella. no word yet.
Sirocco contacted me and said there was a boat in Edmonton but the owner worked over seas and may not be around. i hope i can get a look at a landsailer sometime soon.
Paul

Paul I hope I didn't direct the opinion at anyone specific brand. I also have these cross over land sailer's from Libre, Beach Runner, V-Max II Basis, Truck II Basis, and the Protask with sails. I just prefer a purpose built machine designed for one thing with no compromise. I am sure these are well made landsailers or Libre would not carry them.
I chose to carry BloKart in my shop because of the quality, design, price value, and the organization in the states that continues to organize events and gatherings for our benefit. BloKart also has a distribution center in Atlanta for quick response in case your ran over it with your car and it is July. LOL

I still say buy a Manta.

You would.

decisions decisions
it turns out there may be Sirocco (not sure which model) owner here in Edmonton and EscapeSports in Saskatoon (4 hour drive) has a BloKart Pro.
I might be able to touch/see/smell one of these units yet.
Thank you to all for your help.
Manta Twinjammer would be at top of list if I lived in your back yard Kent.
there is lot to consider...
I am still in tight quarters (football fields).
max maneuverable cart from Sirocco is the Sprint. It 'seems' more robust than BK but does not have second seat capability like the BK.
The steering T-bar of the BK looks like it could create a serious trip to dentist for reworking of one's chiklets.

Paul

I know the Blokart man in the UK
http://www.westonwindsport.co.uk/

hope this helps
cheers
Dieter

I bought two Blokarts after trying a Zooter out--(Zooter seemed kind of flimsy, almost exactly like my old Rockville Kite Trike with a sail. I studdied up on Sirocco and Manta, both fine sailers. I noted how robust the Sirocco is and I fealt like the Manta sails look a bit uncool I guess, but I'm sure work fine although I didn't see any sail size options. Can you use the Twin Jammer sail on the single seat? I've recommended friends who want a larger sailer to check out the Manta. The Blokart fits great in the trunk if thats what you need and I've flipped mine dozens of times with no damage except the bending of the side supports when you fall against it or climb out upside down! They bend right back in place and a pretty cheap to replace if you need to. Lots of upgrades available.

I have 3m, 4, 5.5 meter sails (Extra 3m stage 2 sail for sale if anyone is interested.)

I didn't want the hand steering at first either. The issue really is the style of sailer, really the length. The short Zooter is REALLY unstable at high speeds like a small kite buggy. Wants to spin out. If you get a sailer with a longer front end, it's much more stable so feet steering vs. handle steering is not an issue. I can let go of my steering at 30 mph and handle the sheet line. But, usually if you're going that fast, you have a pretty steady sheet line tension anyway. I like to have the Blokart compactness to store and haul arround but I'd definately look at the Manta for it's size and comfort if I was to want a new sailer.

Quote:

Originally posted by pokitetrash I bought two Blokarts after trying a Zooter out--(Zooter seemed kind of flimsy, almost exactly like my old Rockville Kite Trike with a sail. I studdied up on Sirocco and Manta, both fine sailers. I noted how robust the Sirocco is and I fealt like the Manta sails look a bit uncool I guess, but I'm sure work fine although I didn't see any sail size options. Can you use the Twin Jammer sail on the single seat? I've recommended friends who want a larger sailer to check out the Manta. The Blokart fits great in the trunk if thats what you need and I've flipped mine dozens of times with no damage except the bending of the side supports when you fall against it or climb out upside down! They bend right back in place and a pretty cheap to replace if you need to. Lots of upgrades available. I have 3m, 4, 5.5 meter sails (Extra 3m stage 2 sail for sale if anyone is interested.) I didn't want the hand steering at first either. The issue really is the style of sailer, really the length. The short Zooter is REALLY unstable at high speeds like a small kite buggy. Wants to spin out. If you get a sailer with a longer front end, it's much more stable so feet steering vs. handle steering is not an issue. I can let go of my steering at 30 mph and handle the sheet line. But, usually if you're going that fast, you have a pretty steady sheet line tension anyway. I like to have the Blokart compactness to store and haul arround but I'd definately look at the Manta for it's size and comfort if I was to want a new sailer.

I do appreciate what Blokart does to put Landsailing on the map and hosting/organizing events and such. I do like the trick stuff Blokarts offers but I am quite remote (living in the capital of Alberta !?! an all) where I am so robustness is a very overriding consideration.
Thanks again....

dealt with Escapesports great guys and cheap shipping to Alberta

Quote:

Originally posted by WolfWolfee dealt with Escapesports great guys and cheap shipping to Alberta

yep. I've been in contact with Jonathan. i would have drove the 4 hours to see him and the landsailer.