FrankenSUP

macesix · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 49

I picked up five free boards at the first swap meet. They're all about 80-90 liters. While they are all older tech, I was wondering if anyone had ever taken sections of older boards and mashed them together to make a frankenSUP? It seems like 3, 90 liter boards could make a pretty nice SUP.

And then if I were to make one, what would you use to sew the three sections together? I've had some experience swapping out fin boxes, but never done a major board surgery.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Why not just grab a 12' board and call it good enough? It would be wider, and at least it's not going to snap in half. Besides, my 135L 8'3" windSUP works fine; you don't need no steenkin' 16 foot board.

Here's a wild idea as long as you're going for something rather weird: make a tricycle windSUP. Fabricate a simple minimalist platform of waterproof plywood and 2X4s, stick a uni in each board, arrange the boards in tricycle formation (single board in the rear, double up front, Can-Am style, I'm guessing), mount the platform on the three unis, mount a mast step on the platform, and try it out in light air.

hilton08 · Joined: 02 Apr 2000 Posts: 505

I was thinking about making a catamaran SUP (Catsup) out of an old 12' windsurfer and splitting it down the middle. Then you could spread the two halves a bit to give it more stability and add a plywood deck to connect them.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Windsurf boards have mast tracks and footstrap inserts.
You'd have to keep the two or 3 moving and tilting together, so a platform between like a Hobie would be ideal.
Some foam or rubber would help stabilize the conglomeration.
Most of the boards you picked up for free are excellent windsurfing boards for advanced riders.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Independent movement requires flex joint attachment, more complicated than semi solid with foam or rubber dampers. But both require some thought and independent thinking.
Much easier to find an old long board, paddle it dagger down if you're unstable, and learn stability through practice.

beaglebuddy · Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 1120

This looks really fast.

beaglebuddy · Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 1120

Poor man version.

macesix · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 49

You guys gave me some great ideas! I'm loving that double SUP.

I'm thinking, I'd need a design kinda like this so I can still paddle on each side of the center board.