Starboard Phantom 377L

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

I think this could be my first posting, but anyway thought I would share my excitement of my first ever new longboard! Very Happy

Probably for 15 years I've always wanted to own a nice new longboard rather than the beat up Equipes, IMCO I have. I finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase the new generation Phantom with wings!

When it first came out I was a bit lukewarm about it’s appearance, the wings on the tail messed up the classic tapering of the tail. After a while reading the reviews and seeing more images of it I grew to like the design and the radical concept.

So I had to decide regular or L version. According to the specs they say the L is for 176lbs and up, but I'm 160 - 165lbs. However on the Starboard forum the designer mentioned this:

If we consider that Race Board have to race between 3 to 35 knots then over 80 kgs will be better on 377 L but also if you race only in light wind condition this board will be good for you.

So based on this I went for the L version as I won't be racing it, and just want it for the summer months when it's 6 - 15 knots max.

My first test ride was pretty brutal as I don't sail longboards so often and it is a powerful beast and was kicking my butt severely!

My next session improved far more as I remembered little things to do. I took some GoPro action of the sessions, both on a fairly beat up IMCO sail. I now have a new 9.5m Severne raceboard sail so might be this evening I get to test it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BayO-2RIuvA

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

This was during my first session! Confused

I'll write a bit more about my experiences as I use it more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMTK3v-2uqM

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

there are NOT enough videos with these boards
some from starboard, but ...
unfortunately i am still using the oldie goldies
MEQ and FUC/Fanatic Ultra CAT
just got a Competition SST that i wish to test
however, these videos just make me DROOL
perhaps i should just start saving , sell the old stuff and bite the bullet
VERY VERY nice !!!

RichardMueller · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Phoenix, AZ

Great video, Scotty !!

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

Thanks Richard, Joe!

Longboard vids are for sure hard to find! I actually have an Equipe 2 XR which I should repair the nose and get back in action.

I try to record most of my session's these days, some stuff isn't so exciting so not work posting, plus most times just going fast in a straight line gets old fast.

I went out again today to test the new 9.5 sail, but holy cow it was huge and way too powered up! I'll have to wait for a nice low wind weekend to try it again. So I went out on my 7.4 IMCO sail and found myself surfing a bit on a cruise ship and tugboat wake. I got that footage so some point will post it.

These are some other vids I did, but on slalom higher speed gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTcdGnHn-Tc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HwFc208sWo

This one is cool as I got out with friends on moth foiling sailboats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kR4_XzbbbU

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

Got out again last night. I rigged up the new 9.5 Serverne, but holy cow way too much sail for me in the wind we had. I didn't get a chance to mess with downhaul settings etc as the extension even set 2cm longer than recommended seemed a bit short.

So went in and setup on the stand in IMCO sail. Was cool though as I caught a cruise ship leaving and right behind it the tugboat. It was kicking up some serious wake, so I thought after to chase it down and see if I could catch a wave. I managed to catch them but they had slowed right down so the swell was not so great. Still was something fun to try! Very Happy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUm3VJB3BJA

DanWeiss · Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 2296 Location: Connecticut, USA

Upwind sailing using a camel racing sail regardless of wind does require serious tuning. Lack of it makes sailing a beast experience.

You might try finding a high carbon mast for that IMCO sail. Get it right (bend curve flex-top) and about a 27.5 IMCS and it will greatly increase range.

Otherwise, work on tuning that new Severn!

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

Cheers Dan,

I was thinking Camel sail???? Confused

Cammed was that supposed to type? The IMCO sail is just a stand in, the board and rig was originally Lanee Butler's kit so it's seen a much higher level of sailing I'm sure! lol

I'm going to be racing Kona's in June/July over in the UK so this board should get me into some sort of shape.

The mast I'm using on the Servene is't technically correct being a X9 530. When I rigged it and cranked the downhaul looked like it'll work fine, though it could look like the tip drops off more than the rest of the leach.

I suspect next year might have to consider the 8.5 also as the 7.4 is on it's last legs and not being a racer being super over powered on the 9.5 probably gets old fast! Rolling Eyes

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

The new sail rigged, getting better Chinook adjustable harness lines though.

http://www.seabreeze.com.au/img/photos/windsurfing/9516048.jpg

then the board

http://www.seabreeze.com.au/img/photos/windsurfing/9516046.jpg

scottybda · Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 67

New vid with the big Phantom.

Was a brutal breakfast session as the wind came up like crazy so was in survival mode. Still was fun and going off the wind the board was smoking! Very Happy

https://youtu.be/eC5rbyL6XoQ