Hi everyone
I've got an Exocet S-cross board (120L) which has a small screw in the centre to stop it expanding and cracking if it is left in the heat (I think that's what it's for anyway).
Anyway you are supposed to tighten the screw when you go into the water and open it when you're on land but yesterday I went out and forgot to tighten it.
I unscrewed it after and turned it upside down and no water seemed to come out so presumably it's okay.
I was just wondering whether anyone has the same board and knows what should be done? I bought the board second hand so I don't have any instruction booklets.

Thanks

How long were you out?
Were you planing all the time so very little water washed over the deck or did you have some time schlogging?
Was the screw in but just not tightened up? If that is the case then it is a bit harder for water to get in but you'd still get some.

If no screw at all (open hole) and on water for an hour, even if planing, I think it would be best to drain it.

Put some paper towel (rolled up of course) in the hole so it is contacting the core..... it will help to wick out the moisture ..... and leave a good few inches hanging out to let the breeze dry the towel.
Put board upside down on 2 saw horses or similar, in the sun, for a week or so.

All boards (that I know of) have that screw. I have a JP FSW 101 and in their user manual they state:

PRESSURE VALVE
The “valve” or "pressure release screw" (at the mast box) compensates the difference of air pressure inside and
outside the board (mostly caused by extreme temperature / sun exposure).
• close the valve for sailing
• otherwise it should be open.
Very important: Make sure that the valve is open when traveling by plane !

To be on the safe side as Mark said put it out in the sun to dry it out just in case.

On my 08 Jp the pressure screw dosn't have the flat on it like my other boards so really you are relying on the clearance between the threads to vent.

As the thread is quite a close fit Ive started to take the screw out all together when in the car just to be on the safe side.

Have a look at this thread from the Starboard Forum - Process is the same no mater the brand

http://www.star-board.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4295

Thanks for the replies.
To answer Mark's questions there was a fair bit of "schlogging", but the screw was in, just not tightened.
Some water did get in because using the paper towel wick method the bottom part of the towel did become damp, not much though and as I said nothing comes out when I turn it upside down. It's in the sun now with the valve taken off so hopefully that will help.
I would imagine that some mould might grown in there but otherwise what damage may this cause? Can the board rot out? What does a sailboard cross section actually look like?

There could be a hellva lot of water in there and the paper would always only get 'just' damp as the styrofoam absorbs it very well.

Keep it upside down with the paper in it for a good week....or even better drill a hole in the tail and stand it in the sun for a month

Give the breather a good suck... If air with chemical flavour, no water in board. If you cough, you just swallowed water, chances are there is a little more in your board. If you almost drown, lots of water in board, better drill some holes in it...

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Patchk said...

Thanks for the replies.
To answer Mark's questions there was a fair bit of "schlogging", but the screw was in, just not tightened.
Some water did get in because using the paper towel wick method the bottom part of the towel did become damp, not much though and as I said nothing comes out when I turn it upside down. It's in the sun now with the valve taken off so hopefully that will help.
I would imagine that some mould might grown in there but otherwise what damage may this cause? Can the board rot out? What does a sailboard cross section actually look like?

boardlady.com/

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NDH47 said...
....All boards (that I know of) have that screw....

Not Carbon Art : www.carbonart.co.nz/design.html