I recently purchased a custom 7’6 on a trip to Panama. I used it for 15 - 20 sessions and there seems to be alot of foot and hand depressions on the deck, more than I would have expected. There also seems to be several hairline “if you run your fingernail over them you can feel them” cracks in the gloss coated, wet sanded finish. The board is shaped very well and I love it but did the shaper possibly get cheap with materials?
Can I add extra strength to the deck at this point?
Thanks
Hey Basil,
On a board that lenghth, I would be suprised if it was just a light glass job - but you never know. Could be that the shaper took too much foam when shaping the deck - cutting too deep into the softer part of the blank.
Maybe throw a traction pad on to at least reduce in those areas.
Best,
Herb Bean
Thanks Herb,
If I really press my thumb hard on the deck I could make a little impression. Is this normal? How much pressure point depression is normal for a longboard? Any other suggestions on re-enforcing the deck at this point?
Thanks in advance
Basil,
It does sound a little soft for that type of board - I would probably still say the shaper took too much foam off the deck. There is the possibility that the sand coat was over sanded, but it is probably the former.
Give the shop a call and and ask what type/weight blank they generally use. Clark - I would imagine they would use a basic weight such as supergreen or superblue (see their webpage for more options and details). Also ask their standard glassing - deck weight, patch, etc. If they used a lighter blank and/or lighter glassing combination, the conditon could be more on the normal side. A lot of off the rack boards are not made with longevity as the highest priority. There is really not a lot you can do. If you are over 190 pounds (200 here) add that as a negative for deck life as well.
Best,
Herb Bean
Totally read over that is was a custom. You may already know the glassing then.
Sorry,
Herb Bean
Herb,
I used the shaper based on the recommendation of two people so aside from the dimensions and asking for a gloss coat instead of spray finish I basically left it up to him. The board is almost 3" thick where some depressions are, based on that do you still think he could have taken too much off the deck?
Thanks again
ok hand sand deck well tape off deck at lap line on deck…lay on additional layer of 6oz cloth razor blade trom and hot coat and sand and gloss let set for 1 week… deck strong now… walk to the light…believe in materials and aplcations equal strength and longevity…ambrose…squeegee well lmited weight liability