Author: microskiff cat

What Paddle For My S4 and W720?

The S4 and W720 are extremely versatile boats, and both work perfectly as human powered crafts for one and two people, and even three people in the case of the S4. The paddlers can paddle seated and standing, as this demo video shows:

If you’re planning to use your S4 or W720 as a motor boat (skiff, dinghy, etc.), you’d still need to carry at least one small paddle on board, to help you launch and beach in shallow water, maneuver in extremely tight places, and go in extremely shallow water, such as over shoals at low tide. A simple canoe paddle would do for this purpose.

Both the S4 and W720 work perfectly as solo and tandem canoes, namely paddled with single-blade (“canoe”) paddles.

The S4 and W720 also work perfectly as a solo and tandem kayaks, preferably with dual blade (“kayak”) paddles that are longer than average, that is in the 8′-9′ range. Dual blade paddles in the 9′-10′ range would allow you and other passengers to paddle standing up, as seen in the above demo video.

SUP paddle work as well for the S4 and W720. These are single-blade paddles that resemble canoe paddles, and their extreme length allows for stand up paddling.

Where To Buy Paddles?

Paddles that fit the S4 and W720 are available in stores and online.
Checkout Mohawk Paddles https://mohawkpaddles.com . This manufacturer offers a wide range of sturdy, lightweight, versatile and affordable paddles and paddle accessories. They ship to the client’s address.

Contact us if you have questions about paddling and paddles.
We’d be happy to help you!

Bud Bickford

This small Falcon sail can serve as a paddle assist –

More info on the S4 setup:

By Terry Wilkison

Guam

 

Any vessel rated for more than 3 HP is not a kayak, by definition, even if it’s called a motor kayak or a kayak on steroids.
Wavewalk’s S4 is rated for 6 HP, so it’s not classified as a kayak, although at 100 lbs it weighs as little as a fishing kayak, and it paddles much better, both solo and in tandem. Many S4 owners use it as a fishing kayak and/or a touring kayak.
Technically (legally), the S4 is classified as a Multi-Hull Boat, and Wavewalk labels it a Car-Topper Microskiff for commercial reasons.

An S4 driven with a 9.8 HP motor is considered as Overpowered, and it cannot be driven with such a motor unless both its transom and motor are modified especially for this purpose.
Inexperienced drivers should avoid trying this, especially in states that forbid overpowering boats.
Experienced drivers should take the time to learn how to control this very lightweight craft when it’s overpowered.
Driving an S4 in waves bigger than 2 ft must be avoided, especially in conditions known as “Washing Machine”, when waves hit the boat from different directions and might cause an unsuspecting driver to lose balance.

Chris England

South Carolina

I picked up my S4 at the factory. Looks great!

We will be using the S4 as a kayak this summer with oars in Congaree National Park and in lakes in the NC mountains.

We live at the ocean and do some creek / tidal fishing so the engine is important. I read the article about overpowering the kayak, however I intend to carry 2 adults and gear typically (my wife and son or son and daughter) so I wanted to opt for a larger engine and got a deal on a Mercury long shaft (20″) which is the lightest 4 stroke 9.9hp I could find. It weighs just 84lb. I read in the Wavewalk blog that the transom may need to be reinforced to accommodate an engine of this size.  I see adjusting trim and testing the performance is vital.