Hi,
Just wondering what is the minimal size board that will be able to float with a rig and person on it?
I sometimes need to to uphaul starts, but rarly go out in winds under 15 knots so i would like to get a board with minimal literage.
I weight 75kg, and sail with 30% 430 mast

I am a couple Kg lighter, and on a rented freewave 86 it was not a problem, though it was on a long period swell and no chop. I have tried it once on a 80 litre wave cult, and could not make it happen. If your uphualling at that 'advanced' level it is no longer just that it floats anymore, it is also how stable it is, particulcarly for and aft at complete rest, which it won't be!

For me I would say 95 litres is the limit if you need to depend on it with no stress, and about 85 litres, if you situtation can cope with a few mistarts and you are prepared to practise it a bit, below that I would not want to be depending on it to get me home...

from my experience once you hit >120 litres uphauling is a problem, not only do you have the balance (left and right) but nose and tail sinkage makes things difficult.
if theres current or chop, it can end up with a swim in rather than an uphaul.

basically (i reckon) low volume boards require waterstarts, also knowing how to lightwind waterstart can save you a swim.

mind you, there was one board that stood out and that was a starboard go. its so freakin wide the thing wouldnt sink or topple! i think there 125 litres.

really easy to sail, could get a bit boring never falling off tho.....

I'm 72 and can uphaul my 86 litre.

Thanks for the formula. I have just worked out I need to go on a diet.

red said...

85 kilos and have uphauled my 85lt Sonic... but had to do it quickly!!!

Really? That blows that formula away!

Maybe I don't need to go on that diet after all.