delam on Tabou boards

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

I have had 6/7 Tabou boards starting in 2009. I used to sell boards after a year or 2 at the most. So no issues with the first few boards. I just found out that almost all the boards I sold, have failed Infront of the back straps. 3 of mine had the same issue with the last one cracking rail to rail in the same location. The Rocket and the 3S are great shapes and fun to ride but I will no longer invest in Tabou boards. Both the LTD and standard construction have failed.
If you are thinking about buying a used Tabou board, inspect it for soft spots.
If you are buying new, I would think about another brand.

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

My 3s86 from 2010 is doing well, jumped a lot.
My Speester 100 solid, 2017, ridden a lot but only jumped twice total.
The nearby sailing club has 7 Tabou shortboards...all seem ok after at least 5 years.
However, we mostly wear booties and average summer temps is around 63.

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

I even put a duo density pad from NSI in that area on all my 3S boards.
The one I kept for my local lake (3S 96) is the one that just broke rail to rail.
On inspection, the foam core was compressed causing the delamination.
So the pad didn't help. I was hoping to prolong the life of the board with the pad. In Hine sight, without the pad, I would have seen the soft spot soon enough to repair the board. Now I'm shopping for a replacement that doesn't cost $2600 with $250 shipping. I guess that's the price of a wind addiction.

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

If you live where it can get hot, buy white.
And never leave boards out in the hot sun.

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

If you live where it can get hot, buy white.
And never leave boards out in the hot sun.

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

Actually I'm on the central coast 3 miles from the beach. It rarely gets over 70.
My boards are in the shade unless on the water. Vent plugs removed in travel or in storage. With all the failure's in the exact same spot "stomp area" I'm thinking its a design issue. On inspection these boards have no reinforcement in this stance area. No stringers, no extra glass, no wood, carbon fiber. Nothing to add strength to a high stress area. I posted this for anyone thinking about a Tabou board so they would be aware of the issues I have had with this product

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

Actually I'm on the central coast 3 miles from the beach. It rarely gets over 70.
My boards are in the shade unless on the water. Vent plugs removed in travel or in storage. With all the failure's in the exact same spot "stomp area" I'm thinking its a design issue. On inspection these boards have no reinforcement in this stance area. No stringers, no extra glass, no wood, carbon fiber. Nothing to add strength to a high stress area. I posted this for anyone thinking about a Tabou board so they would be aware of the issues I have had with this product

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

You know I worked for Sausalito Sailboards for 16 years, Wind Sports for 5 years, and Kinetic for 4 years.
Never seen a board with reinforced deck in delam area. That includes Hypertechs, Priesters, Seatend Customs, Haut Epoxy, ProTec, Mike's Slab, maybe another 5 custom epoxy companies.
SS was the biggest Mistral dealership in USA, based on boards sold. F-2 was the 2nd board. None had reinforced decks.
Neither did Bic or Fanatics.

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

I went with a Naish Starship 95.. On sale $1450 plus a lot for shipping.
The strap area has an extra layer of carbon and wood reinforcements. Most boards that size these days, are tri fin wave boards. Not the best for just lake sailing. If anyone cares, I will post my thoughts on this board after a few rides...

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

I sonics also went dark blue, delams showing 1st year....