The great BloKart vs Buggy debate

here is my take on your debate. Having never sailed in a buggy before, but having sailed hobies cats ( I just turned 60) for 30 year, I went out to Ivanpa to have a look. Looking at the pro/cons, I bought a blokart. Again, having never sailed a buggy with a kite,the blokart impressed me with how simple it was to set up and sail. And at my age, it seemed a lot EZ’er on my body. Also, since getting home from Primm, I travel with my blokart in the back of my truck, and have stopped if I come across a nice sailing spot and set up in 15 minutes. Living in south jersey (Sewell) I will be in WW on the weekend 8 May. ED DAVIS

I think Blokart becomes alive in more than 15mph wind. 20mph would be just perfect.

Easy use of Blokart attracts me. Yet, same amount of fun as Buggy. Even faster sometimes when wind is right.

It’s something I want to buy for Jennie so we can enjoy wind together.

On the other hand, buggy keeps my brain busier. Sometimes, frustrating but most of time rewarding. Depower kite adds one more fun factor. It’s like having a gas paddle in your buggy.

Of course, wait until our Blokart experts (LBJ & Jesse) say something.

Yes, I can say that it does seem quite busy trying to keep all of the factors in check while in a buggy. I have yet to try a depower in a buggy but look forward to it.

Sail size…

Southern Maryland isn’t the wind capital of the world so the next question would be 4.0 or 5.0 since I’m a big boy.

Todd, I like the blokart a lot because as Brian said the ease of use, but it will not replace the buggy for me (only on lazy days).
I like to have both because after a good day blokarting when I am tired, the blokart is relaxing, but as Brian mentions you’ll need some wind for it, although a 12 from the right direction is a good start. Also to keep in mind blokarts are easy to use on soaces where power lines would be an issue for flying kites although after racing at 40 mph on the beach you don’t want to mess any more.

Control wise, just like the buggy, the better you are the faster you can stop.

For the sail I would start out with a 4 m, 5 could be a bit much….

not being much of a buggier, and i havent tried the blokart yet. So for someone that has no real experence with either one here my 2 pennies.
Ive seen people with no experence get in a cart and get riding in no time flat. Even making turns and running up and down the beach. So the easy factor is way up there.
As for kiting its like the old patting your head and rubbing you stomach at the same time. Takes time to learn to do both. Kiting is inherently more dangerous also, i think its pretty hard to get lofted in a blokart.

Thank you all for the input.

What if you already have a buggy and have looked at it time and time again wondering… Hmmm, I bet I could convert that to a BloKart.

See where I’m heading with this?

This will pose the question again about sail size. Would the weight of the Libre Hardcore outfitted with beach tires/front suspension transporting some-what big guy need a 5.0 sail?

Mounting the mast would be easy enough to fabricate but concerns would be the actual setup. Would it could it work?

A few links to follow but will be waiting for moderation

The Zooter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m39kbJInjo&feature=related

More Zooter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfiuMfnC3g&feature=channel_page

Pretty much the end result of what I aim to achieve.

http://www.beachrunner.net/english/f_index.htm

Another Bluggy

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/JustTodd/protask201.jpg

[IMG]http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/JustTodd/protask201.jpg[/IMG]

I posted this in Jason’s Monster post but was probably missed…

Jason spotted on WW beach testing the Monster.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/JustTodd/2418536a.jpg

[IMG]http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/JustTodd/2418536a.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.libre.de/english/librebuggy9.htm

Hey todd.

I would go with the blokart….Yes you could convert your Buggy to a Zooter or some type of thing,,, but I dont think the quality would be there. I dont think you would get the same performance. The blokart is great for days, where its too windy to Buggy and control a kite. I have been down there with really high winds and winds you would not think of putting a kite into the air but the blokart just eats that stuff up. And I have hit 39.9 miles per hour in the blokart and its great,,,,,you can spin out on turns and all. You mentioned you dont need alot of beach space so the tide is not as much of a concern,,,,and when people are around you dont have to worry about the kite lines…..Its really good to have the blokart and buggy on the beach with you so you can choose which one to use and mixing it up is the spice of life as they say. easy to transport along with your buggy also……..gotta go,,, anymore questions just ask..

joe.

I would ask this question of you, Todd.

How much will it cost to modify your buggy to carry a sail?
How much would the Blokart cost you?

If money is an issue, and you dont mind doing the conversion work, that might be the cheaper option. Otherwise, I’d suggest having the two separate pieces of equipment so you can have both ready and at your disposal…

While having both would be wonderful cost is the driving factor on this one. I do like the thought of being able to steer with my feet leaving me only to man the sheet line.

Brian, have you seen the price tag on that Protask? Close to 5k for buggy and sail, not in my pocket book.

Cost to convert would be next to nothing. The main cost would be in the mast and sail. It looks like I can make it happen for less than a grand, but as LBJ said “I don’t think you would get the same performance” Thats the real question.

DON! Give me a call

if you are worried about cost, i can solve thatkind of. if you are worried about steering with your feet i can solve that too. I have toys that i would be glad to lend to any of the club guys as long as you have a truck to pick them up. they are sail carts that you steer with your feet, only take 10 to 15 mins to set up. can be used in almost any wind. and are a lot more roomy then the blow carts. I haven’t been in a buggy yet, but am working on buying one as we speek. But on the other hand I also have a mast and sails from a windsurfer that would work great on a conversion that I will be willing to sell if you are interested. anyways I will hopefully have all the toys on the beach for the bash. you can try and see what you like better before you spend the cash flow.

Oh, that will be sweet!
Cant wait to see your assortment of toys.

Sounds good Jason, I would be interested in the sail and the mast for sure. Any pictures of all the toys? How is the monster coming along?

I am working my but off on the monster. I want it done for the bash. I am having an issue with the front end. I need to find a bearing assmb. like a bike front end, but it needs to be alu. and has to be 8 inches long to be welded on. But I have about one days worth of welding left and the front end and we should be ready to go.

Hey Guys,
I don’t have time for a major discussion on this issue so I suggest that you all try out a BloKart at the Buggy Bash (May 8th, 9th, and 10th.
As your local BloKart dealer (www.landsailershop.com)I have a demo model available to enjoy.
And please don’t forget I’m http://www.kiteplace.com and carry the complete line of HQ Power Kites, Peter Lynn Buggys, and Scrub Boards. I have a bunch of demo kites, 2 buggys, and a Board to try out and offer NJ Buggy Club members good discounts.
Note: I will be at the Wildwood Buggy Bash all 3 days, weather permitting.
Pleasant Breezes,
Don