has any body ever updated their old speedboard with a newer model and actually gone much faster? Have they actually improved that much?

Only asking because my old 2010 wood Starboard W44 is looking real scruffy, it's structually sound, it looks bad. So I checked new prices for a new SB W44, to much ??????, even later second hand ones are big bucks.

So so me being a Scrooge, I'm thinking of letting my local board builder give it a freshen up, paint and new footpads. For starboard, the updates seem small, although they are all now made out carbon instead of wood.

am I missing out on extra speed from a new or newer board, is there actually that much difference?

freshen

only thing i'd consider is a different size speed board for you, some of the modern speed boards in larger sizes would give you higher speeds more often, but in that size, freshen baby freshen, save ya bucks

Cheers Hardie, I needed that bit of reassurance:)

i also have the W49, W53 & W58. They might all get the same bit of TLC too.

Yep, keep the WOOD one! freshen it up for sure. They are far more durable than those eggshell delicate carbon models. Better over severe chop (dampening) and less punishing to ride = faster for most people.

Such a shame that Starboard don't offer the WOOD options anymore.

A few extra grams of weight? Meh....... Insignificant!

That's another thing I was thinking too, I like the slightly softer ride.

This is the paint job that's going to be done, but the stripes will be more basis

It's not just the looks that count!
Check the bottom between the straps with a fine straight edge.
Get some light on the other side of the board so you can easily see any hollows.

This is what will slow a board down, if you have negative rocker there, bog it up straight.

It puts lift behind the rider forcing the nose down and increasing wetted area.

Good tip, I did check the bottom out last week with a straight edge. I can't remember exactly, but I think It has double concave upfront to V to flat, all seemed nice and even. Also double checked for soft spots, weight the board without straps and it was around 5.5 kilos.

Spend a few hundred on a top-quality fin. I found this is the best 'bang for your buck' on a speedboard. (I personally love the Tribal Speed fins)

Fair point, I've been busy buying up all the decent used bargain 19/20/21cm speed fins. Picked up a Gasoil ELS L 21 and ZFin speed so far.

A local recently got his PB on a Tribal assy, he love it. I'll be borrowing it of next time

Hi mark...with u this, my carbonart 44 is looking a bit old too but we're all suckers for new kit! Fancy a patrik 43 based solely on its more attractive than the mrs but I keep telling myself...the board is proven at very high 40's if not 50kts and I'm bumbling around at 40kts so I'm blatantly not doing the boards potential so until I'm doing 45 (which probably won't happen) what's the point??
decrep makes a great point...have a look on carbonart website somewhere there's a section on re-fairing the bottom of the board it's easy I've done it before and currently doing it to my 44 that will get it back to new
my opinion is the 2 biggest factors in going fast is tuning and balls, if your big in both and your kit is half decent your gone
tribals ready and waiting dude

Hi Alex, Peter C recently sold his CA44, hardly used. I wished I had snapped it up now, ?200 bargain. Next time your over at WK, i'll Have a look at the ca44 re-fairing (and have a sneaky go on a tribal). :)

By far the biggest factor in going fast, after you have got roughly the right gear,IMHO, is being in the right place at the right time.

Then, tuning and courage come into it. No good being in the right place at the right time with the right gear, if you are not willing to send it!

Great advice!

Select to expand quote

sailquik said..
By far the biggest factor in going fast, after you have got roughly the right gear,IMHO, is being in the right place at the right time.

Then, tuning and courage come into it. No good being in the right place at the right time with the right gear, if you are not willing to send it!

So true. Not always easy to achieve either. Driving from WA to SA to achieve the right place, but doing it at the wrong time, is a bit frustrating. Still had a fun time though, LG is a special place