I'm extending my quiver somewhat - my kids are now teenagers and we need more boards for everyone.

I've currently got a 120l Rocket and a 100l Starship. I'm looking to get one of these: Tabou 3s 116 2012 or Naish Starship 115 2016. I can get the first second hand and the second buy new at a discount.

From what I can tell owners of both these boards love them. I don't think I can go wrong with either. Anyone tried both and can comment on the differences particularly how they perform on flat choppy water and also smaller waves?

I sail a 115l Starship and it does the job but Its not super exciting in wave/swell to me. My main complaint: it is exessively heavy (it really is at 9.5kg without straps!) compared to a 116l Goya One for example. I think the weight of the Starship 115l affects its planing, turning and jumping capabilities. Otherwise, it is fast in straight line once in 5th gear and goes through chop like on rails.

I have ridden both ...I prefer the tabou ,it sits in the water nicer .i didn't like the starships front strap placement .seemed to far in .

Seems to be a lot more Tabou fans, but less Starship owners near me so maybe thats why.

I was appalled at the construction of Naish FSW in the 2011 ish models and with Tabou having CK and wood I know which I'd choose....

There is a 116L 3S at a great price in the buy n sell here

Since you have put in new VS used $$ must also account in.

You fail to post what experience level and sea state . I reckon you figure both these will do, with sailors , sails and the chop or whatever.

Doesn't the 3S have different construction options ?

What most people say - intermediate.

I'm back into the sport since 2 years ago, with my own kit since this season after a 20 year break. Waterstart no problem since 1989 - blasting on flat water then. I'm getting used to the new riding style and learning to carve gybe properly rather than the stand on tail style I had in the 1990s.

Intended use is again blasting on medium chop / flat water, but also surf in the North sea on 1 to 4 foot mushy waves. I also own a 120l Rocket and a 100l Starship. I want something floatier than the Starship but similar style. Kids have picked up the sport so I need to add a board to the quiver. (I'm currently 97 kg, but aiming for 90kg next season).

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dhat said..
...I want something floatier than the Starship but similar style...

Your story looks like mine!

Besides sailing the 115l Starship, I also sail a 125l Goya Bolt. Other purpose entirely but I have been really impressed at the performance and the make of the board. I've sailed the Bolt for the entire season and it's been the best purchase I've made since I got back into the sport 3 years ago. I've been so impressed with the Bolt that I would blindly replace my Starship with a 116l Goya One. The "One" can be set for rail or center straps depending on your style or conditions, and it promises to do what the Starship does but a lot better. Check it out!

If you find a center where they can let you try one, I think you might like it.

you might want to consider the 115 Rocket too...great ocean board and goes like hell.

french toast might be on something with the 125 litre thing ....will also be a good size to teach the kids .

I'm also 97 kgs and my most used board is a 125 rocket .only cause we get stuff all wind and 7,0 & 8,5 are my main sails used.

French toast is on it

Bolt for big board and a smaller One for when it gets hectic.

Big Rocket and smaller 3S - same.


Both would be a great combo

So you could end up with a 120L Rocket and 116L 3S ?
Both boards perform well on the open sea, and the flat water.

sorry i meant as a combo of freeride and fsw
I'd think 116 and 120 too close together

Another vote of confidence in the 3s. I had the 2015 116 L in Ltd construction. Superb build quality compared to the 2012 Naish Grand Prix I also used to own.

The 3s cuts through chop like a knife through butter. Plus it's just big enough to take a 7.5 (my biggest sail).

Ok reading more, North Sea, sailed there this time last year.
You dont disclose what the level is of your children.

My very humble opinion is 115/116 are too close, but a different type of character may help, and since you have a family not just you, I see the need.

Reading again, I think the 3S by a nose. I might opt for the 2019 3S which is a tri fin/single.

FWIW I had a factory 3S tri fin prototype , 96Liter, USBox center and slotbox side, totally unlike the standard .
It needed TLC , and got it, liked it, but didnt tick as many boxes as my 99L Flikka.

The larger 3S IMO were for heavier sailors.107 and up

Naish about 6 boards, Tabou at least 8.

Made an offer on the 3S which was accepted My kids 11 to 14 now need to learn to plane and eventually waterstart, so a too small board will not do.

Goya looks good but just too pricey for me.

Great choice on the 3s. Congrats.

For those looking for a do-it-all kind of board with some volume, the Severne Dyno looks quite interesting. Reviews seems good too. The colors won't leave you unnoticed!