Board selection advice

Hi All,

In 2010 I bought a JP FSW 92 for my general sailing, and shortly after I got a Starboard GO for teaching people (Kids) on. To my surprise, the GO is a great cruising board with my Hellcat 7.2 on it in about 10-15 knots of wind. I have used it more than I expected I would. Also, in the right conditions I really like the FSW, but I am finding that those conditions are pretty rare. I have a 5.0 (freeride), 6.2 (Hellcat) and 7.2 (Hellcat) sail.

The FSW works great with the 5.0. It works well with the 6.2 when well powered up, and lots of down/outhaul on the sail. When the 6.2 is rigged more full in say 13-18 knots, it can be a bit tedious sailing the FSW. It seems to me that the tail is a bit narrow, and I am constantly trying to get my weight forward to balance the board. It works, and I get around OK, and even get upwind OK, but it is just harder work than being able to just get comfortable and put your weight onto the back foot like I have done in the past with more slalom oriented boards. I have used the 7.2 on the FSW, and it was terrible unless I flattened the sail with lots of down/outhaul, and then it was more like the 6.2 when full... just tedious to sail. It is a great board and I do love gybing and jumping the FSW when the conditions suit, but not really getting enough of that. The size also suits me as I am relatively light at 70kg, so can uphaul it. I am really just looking for a similar sized board that can handle my 7.2, and also is a bit more locked in in feel so I can more weight onto the back foot.

Ideally I want a board that retains as much of the jumping and gybing characteristics of the FSW, but one that is right in its sweet-spot with a 6.2, and one that can take a 7.2 happily and still be comfortable to sail. Also, something that can take a 5.0 in 30 knots and be in some control. At the same time, I enjoy my GPS sailing, so something that is a bit quicker (which I have taken to around 34 knots with 6.2) would be nice too. I was thinking of a JP Supersport in around 100L. I saw one in the for sale section of 2010 vintage last week, but it seems to have sold, so missed that unfortunately, but I am still not sure if that is the right choice.

The main thing I want is a board that works great with a 6.2, and works well enough with a 5.0/7.2, and does not plan any later than FSW 92, and retains/improves as much speed/gybe/jump characteristics of FSW. If I can go out early in a seabreeze with the 7.2 on the Starboard GO, it would be great if I can do a 5 minute swap to the new board without having to change sails when it picks up until the sail is overpowered. On the weekend I sailed the GO in about 15-18 knots with the 7.2 just because it was too much effort to change down sails and I enjoy it more in that wind range with that sail than the FSW.

Sorry for long-winded post!

Cheers for advice!!

-- Adrian

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powersloshin said..

Adrian,
next time we are both in Botany with the right wind you should try my i101, it's actually 96 litres, but with a wider tail. 6-7 m sails are the sweet spot , and it handled 35 knts gusts with a 5.0 very well. I am actually in your gps team, even if we have never met, so it would be a good oportunity.
Cheers

HI Mate,

It would be great to catch up for a sail. I would be interested to try your boards. I know many people swear by the isonics, but I have no experience with them. With limited time, I just chose the JP supersport as a contender as I know JP boards. I am sure the isonic would be equally good. I would love to find something second hand that is good value in the intended range.

Cheers,

Adrian