Invention ?
Refinement ?
Evolution ?
Revolution ?
what are you working on now , Brett ??
Are you thinking about going all out and making this a product?
Sorry guys, I missed the new messages.
Here’s where it’s up to, a lot of prototypes testing materials, paints, bouyancy, dims and fins. I’ve sent a dozen of these to people all around the world even Italy and a guy in Kentucky so it’s heading towards being a business.
At the moment it’s all about design and testing everything.
Those are looking sweet! Any thoughts on possibly making these out of some sort of (dare I say) plastic?
The early ones were epoxy but now they’re thermoformed plastic. Nothing wrong with some plastic really, it’s already been recycled and it’s able to be recycled again and again. These are just prototypes and I’ve already posted out a dozen to various people around the world, it’s pretty cool being in business getting to know so many people.
Some of the bioresin boards aren’t 100% recycleable and take a lot of energy to strip the glass, cut out the wooden stringer and plugs.
I would say the plastic you are using is considerably “greener” than foam and FG.
With black pigment, the plastic you are using now should be fairly resistant to UV.
I can almost guess from the pictures, but is there any dimensions on the height of these? If you already mentioned it, i apologize. Also, ever thought about a small single fin directly in the middle?
They’re a minimalist design, It’s a standard plastic that 100% recyclable. Adjustable fins with s/s screws.
They’re a real distillation of 40 years of surfboard construction and my knowledge of all things hydrodynamic.
Who knew I’d clear out the foam dust from the shed and sell a much more interesting concept.
I look forward to being able ti purchase one…Brilliant work!!!
SUH-WEEET !!!
When will they invade this hemisphere?
Dave, I saw one of your hydrofoils in a surf museum ?
Have you retired ?
ouch,lol,
I guess in comparison to your prolific quest for innovation I would appear to have retired, but my mind is still working things out even if my body has no place to make them a reality. Though I really like my new job at Embraer, it doesn’t have the added perc of unlimited use of their shop (which would nice because they have some REALLY nice equipment).
Though I have considered renting some workspace, there aren’t too many cheap spaces available anywhere and we’re trying to keep our monthly bills low for now so we can save up enough to eventually buy a shop. I just have to be patient.
I might just have to wait to retire so I can come out of “retirement”
Brett,
What are the white liners on the inside walls? Retractable fins? Or are those ingredients in the secrect sauce?
Bill
@ Dave, I thought you’d moved forward so far that you’d abandoned earlier designs ? But I understand how time and family and jobs fill in every spare moment.
@ Bill, the white liners are the adjustable sliding fins. The design evolves so quickly that there’s often only one version with various features and then a week later there’s a totally different incarnation with a new world of performance…
This morning I was settled on a single shape by vac-forming co-extruded plastics, cnc routed and trimmed to 0.1mm.
By afternoon I had designed a multi-piece system where every element can be customised from different materials.
Which one is better ? Maybe I have to test them all ?
Maybe the trial by design is enough to decide…
I’m still pretty happy with my general shape and concept I’d like to clean it up a little… but I have been spending some time thinking about how I might possibly adapt it to a small pontoon boat or a sail or kiteboard, but thinking about it is about as far as I’ve gotten.
that’s an expensive leap…
everytime I see your new design I can’t help but think about this
Yes it’s the exact same principle and works just as well.
It just makes sense to reduce the area and split it as wide as possible for stability.
Part of the design process is simplifying it.
No one else ?