WA
1419 posts
With brands stacking up and new models on the way, are SUP'ers being short changed when it comes to the construction of their boards?
I'm not here to name names, but those manufacturers that also produce windsurfing equipment seem to be using lower grade construction layups, some of which they don't even use any more for windsurfers. These methods add significant weight when compared to a similar size windsurfing board.
I have heard many comments about durability of the boards. Softer outer layers chip and crack easily if hit by the paddle.
The new "Pro" edition windsurfers are carbon kevlar layup, Very light and the kevlar provides great ding/impact resistance. Are there any SUP boards with the same construction. A fair bit of weight would be saved by doing this.
Maybe it's just that the companies are seeing how the sport takes off before moving down the path to lighter, more durable boards.
What do you think?
WA
8133 posts
Owned a Naish and a Jimmy Lewis both seem durable for their weight, there will always be a fine balance between strength and weight.
64 posts
On the subject, the photo in this thread concered me.
I'm no expert but the core looks like plain old polystyrene and I sure can't see much of the 'pine laminate' either..
It didn't work out too well for the guy either. He apparently has a fair knowledge of construction also... interesting reading.
http://www.star-board.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4361
WA
1450 posts
manufacturers are moving to cheaper and more durable construction methods in order to make the boards more accessible (cost wise) to the public. Great Move I say.
compare how much material is in a 70L wave board to a 12 foot SUP.
If similar construction to wood carbon was used in SUPs the boards would have to overtake windsurfing boards in price (over 3 grand anyone?)
WA
1492 posts
Most decent epoxy boards all run a styro core as the one broken in the photo, Naish, Starboard, Quatro, Mistral etc. some of the laminates are there for show, some are there for strength, most sailboards with wood are there for strength and run at up to 2mm thick, i have seen a wood SUP broken unfortunately, and this particular brand was about as thick as art paper.
I have seen inside a starboard tuffskin board, there is a high density layer of foam under over the styro core.
They use a heavier glass to allow Joe Average to own a board knowing that they have never owned an epoxy board and the tuffskin can take a bit of abuse, the downside is extra weight.
A Carbon kevlar sailboard sounds good but can get destroyed very easy in the wrong hands, one drop on the road and there is a hole.
People who sail these boards are prepared to pay the money to own one and know how to handle them when not in the water, a 11ft Carbon Kevlar SUP would definately be minimum $3000, the SUP market probably would not have a place for this type of construction just yet and carbon is not getting any cheaper.
NSW
698 posts
When I make a proper full foam sandwich SUP board, I use 3mm pvc foam on the bottom, with 2.5mm pine veneer on the deck.
The rails are what is now commonly termed perimeter stringers which are made from upto 30mm thick pvc foam.
The rail band of pvc I have been using for years now, it was one of my trade secrets. The reason for me going this way is for more accurate railshapes and strength, most dings occur on the rails.
The timber has much better mechanical properties for decks than pvc foam.
The real secret is in how much reinforcement you use under the standing position to stop denting. The density of the EPS also plays a part. Just touching on the subject. Got ot run and pick up the kids, footy practice.
Rod
