>>I've done some checking into using a kyak for retrieval,<<

I have 2 kayaks at my disposal: A cheepo fibergalass one and an upscale polyethylene "sit-on" kayak.

We take the dawg out for a boat ride in the fiberglass one, so it would make an adequate airplane retriever. The "good" (sit-on)kayak is so organized you can't take anything that is not designed to fit into one of its molded pockets.

With the cheapie jon-boat, I could row out, start the airplane in the boat, fly around, load the plane back in the boat, and paddle home.

I tried using the airplane to tow me but who wants to eat all that glow-fuel residue?