Hey guys, I'm a 60 yr old surfer, thinking of getting some windsurf gear for the summer months.
I'm 6'2" tall and weigh about 90 kgs, but will get down to low 80's.
I'm thinking of a second hand JP Funster 145 at $1800 - including sails and all the necessary gear.
It's on Facebook Marketplace. The photo's look good, and it's in like new condition.
Is this a good board for me, and is the price about right??

I'd say it's the wrong board at the wrong price (unless the components are really top-flight). It does have a daggerboard which is good for less experienced sailors but the daggerboard is so small that it's almost useless for staying upwind. 145 will float you but provide very poor performance in light winds, only coming alive when you're in planing conditions, where a true free ride board will be more fun, lighter, easier to transport and easier to progress on.

If you're relatively inexperienced and looking for a one-board solution for all conditions a true longboard is a much better call unless the length creates storage issues. The Windsurfer LT or Kona One Design will offer good performance even as your skills improve. Older, narrower longboards will be a little less stable but a Mistral Equipe, Fanatic Cat or similar will never be outgrown and board-only sell in the states around $200.

If you're more experienced then a wider, light-air oriented board like an older "formula" around 90cm wide will work until it's really blowing - right around when the Funster would be just coming to life.

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Awalkspoiled said..
I'd say it's the wrong board at the wrong price (unless the components are really top-flight). It does have a daggerboard which is good for less experienced sailors but the daggerboard is so small that it's almost useless for staying upwind. 145 will float you but provide very poor performance in light winds, only coming alive when you're in planing conditions, where a true free ride board will be more fun, lighter, easier to transport and easier to progress on.

If you're relatively inexperienced and looking for a one-board solution for all conditions a true longboard is a much better call unless the length creates storage issues. The Windsurfer LT or Kona One Design will offer good performance even as your skills improve. Older, narrower longboards will be a little less stable but a Mistral Equipe, Fanatic Cat or similar will never be outgrown and board-only sell in the states around $200.

If you're more experienced then a wider, light-air oriented board like an older "formula" around 90cm wide will work until it's really blowing - right around when the Funster would be just coming to life.

I think I'll second this. 145 sounds like a lot but I let a very lightweight beginner (after several sessions on a big windsup) try my 145 Blast (not a beginner board, no daggerboard). She had a challenging time uphauling. With your weight that would be exaggerated and frustrating. I did find a used very wide 160L old mistral beginner board for ~150bucks with a daggerboard for her and she loves that thing more than the much larger windsup.

Especially for the first sessions you really want something forgiving. A surfing background will help a lot, but balancing with the sail is going to make it a challenge.

Where do you live and what are the average conditions?

True beginner ~300L, at least 260. Getting the hang of it, can drop down to 160~145 after. That's when straps and true plane will be learned.

An old RSX board is a good cheap option . My daughter learned very quickly on one.

Assuming that you're in Perth area, Have another look on marketplace. Some plenty cheaper options there. Mistral OD, old windrush complete $60 ( perfect to try and no need to sell if you don't like it vs $1800!) and various other kit. Or visit one of the shops and get some advice then go buy second hand or from the shop. Or if you are looking for a test ride say where you are and someone might give you a quick lesson on kit

If you are used to riding waves you'll pick up windsurfing in no time. Don't waste too much money on a big board unless you want to spend even more on big sails for light winds

You can do it on that board. Teach people all the time on a small SUP that would be just as wobbly and no centreboard.
You will need to be committed though
However - its a board thats also used for blasting so the sails may be too big - what are they ? And/or give us the link so we can see what sort of age everything is also?
You're going to want about a 4m and 5m to start with, and some basic tips from someone

The best investment you can make is to get some lessons from a reputable instructor. Will cut your learning time and your frustration levels in half. Plus after a few lessons you'll be much better prepared to choose the right equipment for you, rather than choosing the wrong equipment just because it's available.

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BSN101 said..
Assuming that you're in Perth area, Have another look on marketplace. Some plenty cheaper options there. Mistral OD, old windrush complete $60 ( perfect to try and no need to sell if you don't like it vs $1800!) and various other kit. Or visit one of the shops and get some advice then go buy second hand or from the shop. Or if you are looking for a test ride say where you are and someone might give you a quick lesson on kit

www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1345049242650192/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A4d22cc30-f0e3-4145-ad12-d9e028f5909e
How about something like this?? Or is it too narrow?

No no, that was not a beginner board even back then.
It should be free.
And not good to learn on.

There is a Wally here in Busso for $200. It's the one with retractable CB & foot strap lugs. I've had a look at it and it seems ok. Cut the mast to suit the learner sail and it would be fine for minimal $ out lay.

Hope you use FB. Board might be a good choice..
www.facebook.com/groups/343179435845174/permalink/2266391263523972/?sale_post_id=2266391263523972
Ask about the 180ltre Funster..I shared the ad because of it but it no longer shows.. maybe it sold?