6'3" big guy board (build thread)

General Discussion
1

well, i just did something wrong and deleted my thread. anyway, there have been some great build threads and i wanted to contribute a build thread of my own.  i have shaped a dozen or so boards and i feel like i am finally narrowing down what i like and dont like about boards for me…

the goal of this build is to shape a relatively short, fast, light, five fin board(twin keels with 3 long runners) for a big guy (5’11" 225lb)… at the moment i am unsure what, if any, bottom contours will be going into the board.  i am starting with a 6’6" #4 teccel blank and some balsa for the fins… i am not sure how i will glass yet, but i am thinking 4oz bottom and 4oz top with 4oz deck patch.  this most likely will be a long build as i have been very busy with work and have vacation coming up.  i will keep it updated as much as possible.

i will get some pics up tomorrow of the fins i have cut out, template and skinned and trued up the bottom of the blank. 

i really like the outline of deadshapers v-machine, so i tried to do something along those lines… i am not trying to duplicate as i have no clue what all goes into his boards, but i know that i like wider tails and outlines, so i figured i would give it a go…

everthing i have learned about shaping is from this site, so i am pretty excited to get this going!!

thanks and look foward to any comments or suggestions

justin

2

Justin, I like the front half, maybe pull the tail in a bit. I like wide tailed boards also but 17.5" is really wide. I’d also add more thickness in the front for under your chest. If you’re going to keep it wide in the back definitely add some vee so you can turn it and/or a bit of a diamond tail. DS’s v-machine is sick and don’t think many could duplicate it, there’s a lot going on in that design, I can see why you like it.

3

johnny, thanks for the reply.  I have considered adding V, but i am not sure how much and how far up to start.. i will get some pics up of my fins and then seek some more advice.  i do like the diamond tail as well and have thought of going that route. 

As far a volume up front goes, i have intentionally left a good bit out as i am a very strong paddler and didnt see the need for extra foam there. let me know if adding foam there will change how it would ride.. 

thanks

4

The foam up front is just a preference for me, I need it at 41yo and about 210lbs with some bad shoulders. By all means if you’re a strong paddler don’t worry.  I think having the foam up front changes how you lay on the board and where you stand when you pop-up usually further forward, less foam more on the tail.