Kite Plan - Gargoyle

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Non-Commercial Use Only

Standard Disclaimer: This plan describes the construction of my Gargoyle Kite exactly as I built it. It is very likely that you will disagree with some of the design choices - I don't claim to be a master kite builder so feel free to adapt it.

If you build this kite I would very much appreciate hearing from you.

Material

Sail Any type of quality ripstop nylon or polyester.
Spars
  • spine: 6mm carbon
  • main horiz. spreader: 3mm carbon
  • secondary horiz. spreader: 2mm carbon
  • curved spreaders: 2mm and 3mm fibreglass
Connectors
  • split caps 6mm (2): for bungee and bow line on spine
  • split caps 3mm (2): for bow line on main horiz. spreader
  • arrow nocks 2mm (4): clip connections
  • ferrule (1): 6mm for spine (optional)
Miscellaneous
  • bungee
  • bow lines
  • dacron for reinforcement
  • assorted end caps

Construction

Illustrations

  • Fig.1 (53K): sail and spar measurements
  • Fig.2 (41K): sail construction details
  • Fig.3 (30K): spar diameters, connectors

    • Sail

    The sail measurements are specified in Fig.1. Measurements do not include any seam allowance.

    Cut the sail without any seam allowance. Apply edge binding to all parts of the sail which will not have a spreader tunnel - add a bit of overlap, so the ends of the binder will be covered by the tunnel (see Fig.2). Apply the dacron reinforcements at the same time.

    Now add the spreader tunnels by applying wider strips of edge binding - leave gaps in the seam where necessary to insert the spreaders. Make sure the tunnel ends up large enough to accept the spreaders with end caps.
    The edge binding must be cut diagonally to the fabric weave, so it can stretch to conform to the curved shape. Actually, I also made little cuts (hot-cut!) every 5-10cm. If you decide to do this too, then do it before sewing the strips to the sail; I did it afterwards, and it was very tedious.

    Add pockets for the spine and horiz. spreaders, and a tab for the bungee tensioner at the bottom of the sail.

    Frame

    The construction should be pretty obvious from Fig.2 and Fig.3. There are no connectors except for the clip connections D-E and C-F. Note that spreader F is inserted in a tunnel, so you need to hot-cut an opening to accept the split cap of spreader C.

    You may wish to split the spine for easier transportation (I didn't). If so, place the ferrule as far down the spine as possible, to lower the center of gravity.

    Final Touches

    Add bow lines to the spine and the main horizontal spreader B. Start with about 15cm horizontal and vertical bowing; adjust according to wind speed.
    The bridle is a simple 2-leg bridle. (see Fig.1).

    Flight

    The kite flies well in medium winds: too little wind and it starts to wobble, too much and the ears bend back. The wobble tendency could probably be curtailed by a more complex bridle, but since this only occurs when there is hardly enough wind anyway - i.e. the kite is just about to drop out of the sky - it didn't seem worth the effort.
    It might be a good idea, though, to add an additional 'ear spreader' to maintain the kite's shape in higher winds. Of course, this would shift the center of gravity so you might have to reposition the tow points.

    Happy flying - and please email any questions, comments or suggestions.

    Last Updated: Sep 22, 1999