I inherited these 90's era boards (in 2006) and want to determine the best fin size, sail size, wind condition parameters to take them back out. I was off at college and never really used or rigged these boards that I recall. I have been windsurfing again since 2017 on an Exocet 11-8 WindSup. I can likely still water start though I'm 30 years older so who knows. I am still learning to foil on a Slingshot Levitator 150 and thought I may try out the old Bics on non foiling days Also, my web research has not found anything but the board specs and statements without explanation that modern sails are incompatible with vintage boards.
Other than trial and error, any fin (with wind range) recommendations for these boards would be appreciated. That is unless modern sails are incompatible and and this would be a frustrating experience. I'm stubborn and may likely take them out anyway with whatever fins I have before defaulting back to my Exocet.
modern sails do work on old boards just set the track back a bit ,they work beter than old sails but you will need .5 meter bigger generaly.another trick is run less down haul tension. if the bic has a plastic fin box do not use to big a fin as it will fail,bic changed to a alloy box witch was strong but you will have to pack the us fins as the bic was slightly bigger mettric size
Purple E Rocks were the best shortboard course slaloms of late '90's. At 14 lbs., was a super early plane with 7 meter sail and good angles compared to anything else narrower than 75 cms.
It's a Purple E-Rock and light blue Rock. Both have aluminum fin boxes. The Exocet 11-8 is great from 5-20 knots and I have had it screaming in 20+ knots though I was over powered, caught a bit of air and was very exhausted after a few runs. Space is an issue during transport and while I'm primarily learning to foil in light to moderate wind, the forecast is sometimes off and since I'm an hour from my typical launch I aim to have options to get on the water. Thanks to you all.
I have both of these boards in my personal collection. The Presto 92 (cost$50) I have sailed (trim box fins) and it has a rough deck added after market. I haven't sailed the Electric Rock (91) (cost$30) or Rock (92) (cost $50) yet but the anti-slip on the deck needs attention unless you wear booties. The Rock was a Ken Winner design and the success of it has been questioned by some but it looks like it might go well in light winds. Also have an Astro Rock from 1991 (cost$30). I think Bic made these boards smooth on the deck...not really a good thing. The lighter ones are Acetec or Racetec and that is what mine are. The deck artwork is very cool and I believe these are nice collectable boards.
Use a fin like this for the Rock if you can find one or even a Mistral One Design fin if you want more drive for bigger sails. A 31.5 cm fin was apparently standard (see above).
Richard, You ROCK! (pun intended). From your scans I believe both of mine are 1991 as the graphics are the same. The Rock has a smooth top while the E-Rock has grit top finish and a partial label indicating ace-tec and " missing word" + Kevlar. I'll be on the hunt for vintage fins now though I have one 25cm and one 28 cm for now. I seem to remember my father bought them used when kitesurfing took over and I was busy starting a family. Thank you so much for the info.
Here is my Rock on the day I purchased it a year or so ago for $50. Never sailed it but cheap. Moved the straps back where I think they should be and in any event with Micky Eskimo (Esky Flavor) artwork looks cool. Just a clean up and will sail it one day.
You can buy grip spray from a chandlers shop or now you can also use a paddle board deck pad, around $60 which just sticks straight onto the deck. Prepare the deck for, clean off with alcohol etc. If it comes unstuck Glue down with Dunlop astro turf glue.
I sailed the E-Rock for years. It worked really well with slightly swept pointer fins in the 11-13" range like the Finworks H3 and H12. The mast track is REALLY far forward so older sails may work better on it - luckily there are plenty of sails from the '90s still around.
might try to ride it one day
