FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Would appreciate a bit of feedback,as I am considering a Walker Bay 8 with tubes and the sail kit..
Thanks
Thanks
Anyone sailed a Walker bay 8?
- Thread starter FullCircle
- Start date
fastjedi
Well-Known Member
I have a Walker Bay 8 with a "Performance sail kit" and without tubes.
I really enjoy sailing mine. The three of us (2 adults + 1 infant) can sail ashore for BBQ's without any probs. I can successfully sail the Walker Bay 'by the lee', although a moderate gust will spin the hull and throw you in! (I have a Laser 1 sailing background) Once capsized, you can right it by hand .... but it is VERY difficult to get back in w/o capsizing again. And finally, if you take the one peice oars sailing they are a PIA.
A friend of mine has a WB8 with tubes and has confirmed you can 'remount' with ease.
I also have a friend with a Seahopper. This has the advantage of being able to fit a rudder and outboard at the same time. Useful if you get cause out by the tide.
I really enjoy sailing mine. The three of us (2 adults + 1 infant) can sail ashore for BBQ's without any probs. I can successfully sail the Walker Bay 'by the lee', although a moderate gust will spin the hull and throw you in! (I have a Laser 1 sailing background) Once capsized, you can right it by hand .... but it is VERY difficult to get back in w/o capsizing again. And finally, if you take the one peice oars sailing they are a PIA.
A friend of mine has a WB8 with tubes and has confirmed you can 'remount' with ease.
I also have a friend with a Seahopper. This has the advantage of being able to fit a rudder and outboard at the same time. Useful if you get cause out by the tide.
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that. Does that mean you cant mount the outboard offset if you have the sailing rig fitted?
David2452
Well-Known Member
We have an 8 with tubes and sail kit, you can’t have the O/B and rudder on at the same time. Do not get the standard sail kit as it is rubbish, I wish we had got the performance sail kit and might see if there is a good deal at Southampton.
Kelpie
Well-Known Member
The Walker Bay with tubes look like a brilliant idea- best of both worlds in some ways.
Is it possible to buy the tubes separately? Or could I press something else into service... like a *******ised inner tube etc... hmmmm.... winter project methinks.
Is it possible to buy the tubes separately? Or could I press something else into service... like a *******ised inner tube etc... hmmmm.... winter project methinks.
David2452
Well-Known Member
All the bits are available seperatly even a nice bouyancy bag that laces securely around the drop keel case, Forgot to say but they also row really well but the oars do get in the way a bit when shipped and sailing. We lost one and replaced it with a pair of small Ali ones which are a lot less of a pain but also do not row as well.
snowleopard
Well-Known Member
They seem to have fairly low freeboard. Is that a problem when heeling or when trying to carry a lot of people and/or gear?
David2452
Well-Known Member
Not with the tubes on, the CE plate rating is a bit lower (even with the tubes) than the Quicksilver 270 airdeck of a similar size we had before though. As we carry it on Weavers and use it as a tender mainly I don't think I'd want one without tubes.
Kilter
Well-Known Member
Not sailed the WB but had a seahopper that did sterling service; rowed and sailed well and nipped along nicely on a 2hp outboard
chrisedwards
Well-Known Member
My walker bay has the old square rig which has the advantage of breaking down into shorter lengths for stowage. I lash three fenders each side for two up sailing. This is easy and quick. Lashing cord is permanent and goes round the securing bolts for the seats. Means I can have davits on a 28ft boat - heaven!
