I have the opportunity to buy a 9’8" 1966 Hansen 50/50 in great condition. I would rate it a 8.5 from a scale of 1 to 10. The deck is near perfect, bottom is very slightly suntanned, and there are no dings (past or present). Sorry, I don’t have any pictures at this time. The owner wants $1,200.00 and I’m curious what the current market bares on the west coast these days for a vintage board in this condition. If I purchase this board, I want to use it as a vintage rider. However, at 59, I’ve pretty much transitioned to my epoxy boards (mainly my 11’ Munoz Ultra Glide) and wonder if I’m really going to enjoy this vintage ride at this price.
Well, you can buy a new one, for about the same price. What will have some influence on the value of the board you are considering, is who the shaper was. Check the deckside stringer, close to the glass tailblock, and post the board number and any letters or symbols associated with it.
Might be a cool collectible, but I don’t think you would be happy with it as a daily driver. Real heavy compared to what you are riding with an old rocker profile. I think it would be a fun novelty rider, but not something you would want to get on very often once the novelty wore off.
Here are a few pics (serial number). I was reluctant to post these because they don’t show how the board really looks in person. Not the best pictures.
That’s what I was thinking. I’m not sure if reminiscing is worth the money.
Well, that is not a ‘‘normal’’ 50/50 glueup. Either a custom order, or a board made for one of the Hansen employees, or made for the shaper himself. The board number was written with a ‘‘Flair’’ felt tip pen. Looks like the tip snagged in the balsa when the letter was written. Appears to be an incomplete letter C, and would have been shaped by Bill (Willy) Clark. Bill later opened a custom boat works, and built a personal sailboat for Dennis Conners. To say that he is a fine craftsman, is something of an understatement.
Bill
I was wondering if that might be a C after the serial number. Based on the low quality pics and the possibllity of being shaped by Bill (Willy) Clark, would this board warrant the asking price of $1,200. I realize it’s worth what one would pay, but does this seem like a reasonable price? Thanks!
Probably not the board for daily driver, as was mentioned, but as for old Hansens like that - I don’t think you’ll find a cleaner one for less. That is a beautiful board.
I would mainly use it for clean days just for that nostalgic feel.
Don’t see many that clean
Surfknot, I don’t know collector values at all. What I do know is if I was looking for a vintage 50-50 and found that one I would buy it. I would try and get it for less but if you have the means and that’s the board you want buy it and enjoy it. As one who rides vintage most of the time you will thoroughly enjoy that board on those clean days.
Best of luck, Dave
Ps that Rick is beautiful.
Thanks Dave, I’m seriously considering buying the 50/50. It looks like it would be a fun and nostalgic rider on those clean days!
that’s a beauty. One of the most balanced designs of the era.
If ti speaks to you, forget about the market valuation reassurance, just buy it.
If it doesn’t, don’t, because then it doesn’t matter…
Price seems a little on the high side, but its always what someone is willing to pay. I had a 10’ 50-50 and it sure was a lot of board. Even at 9’8" that is quite a bit of board to muscle around. I always say if you can look at it and picture yourself sliding some good ones on it then buy it!
Agreed. Though It is eally nice, and a unique glue up.
Offer $800 and see what the counter is. Haggle!
I’ll tell you what, you buy it from the guy for whatever price…I’ll give you $1,000 for it. So you get it for $700, and flip it for a fast $300…deal?
You can tell how clean it is because the red half of the 50-50 is still there. That color usually fades pretty quickly.
True. Good observation.
He’s firm on $1,200.00. It’s clean, but I decided to pass for now.