Is my board worth repariing?

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

It seems to me the EPS core makes it easier and cheeper to mass produce boards. If it were easier and cheeper to manufacture a hollow board, the major companies would all be making hollow boards because an EPS core costs them profits.
Also the big companies have MUCH bigger marketing budgets, so most people want a board from a company they are familiar with and see in ads and reviews.
I think these are the reasons why people buy mostly EPS core boards.

wyndryder · Joined: 28 Mar 1999 Posts: 36

Generally speaking, boards are worth repairing at least once and maybe twice or three times depending on what needs to be repaired.

I have had success repairing Tiga and Mistral in particular. Maybe original construction and workmanship has something to do with it?

Of all the boards I have ever owned going back to 1983 or so, the "new issue" Mistral Screamer 263 (son of Electron) is at or near the top of the most indestructible I have ever owned. I know some have not had my good fortune, but I sailed this board really *hard* for some 12+ years and not once had an issue. It also had some accidents along the way (i.e. dropped on something hard).

Having said that, I currently use Quatro's in Maui (in my 4th year) and Mike's Lab in SF Bay (one in my 3rd year and a new one this year). They are all in that "at or near top category" as well. Especially ML's - I see guys here (Pt. Isabel/Berkeley) sailing on boards that look like they came out of the mid 1990's and going strong. Mike and Keith are maestro's of their trade.

Rob->

johnarmitage · Joined: 10 Jun 2001 Posts: 108

After reading this, I have hope for success:

"Thought I would share this amazing site. Everything you need to know about board repair. "

http://www.boardlady.com/

awesome stuff, thanks for posting

MULLDE102f · Joined: 15 Jun 1997 Posts: 131

I feel like I need to add to the Mike's Lab kudos. I replaced my last one after 11 years. Amazing. I sail in the Bay Area about 50-60 days a year, and I take lousy care of my gear. I do a lot of aerials, so lots of crashes. It finally developed some stress cracks along the rails where the scoop transitions to flat. I replaced it just because I wanted to, and I still have it as a backup. The price worked out to about $150 a year.