I have a vintage Hansen question and don’t see any recent posts.
Yes, I’m still around. What is your question? Knowing the number on the board will be helpful in forming a meaningful response.
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Hey Bill, I know that the 8’ Master was made after you left, (70-71?) but would you know who probably shaped the first one? Because I have it. I talked to Don and he didn’t know. There are no markings, numbers, “*”, “#” , “^”, “…”, etc any where on the board. Just the demensions and “8’ Master- PLUG” written in big letters on the foam (under the glass). This is a square tail with no tail block, most of the “8 Masters that I’ve seen where pin tails. It does have the second gen Hydrowedge white box and fin. Also, the glasser bothered to give it yellow tint rails, which seems strange for a “shop” board (?).
I’d add a picture, but I don’t see any way of doing that in this forum. (?)
Thanks, Ken McKeon
To add a picture, click the up pointing arrow icon at the top of the comment text box. Or just copy the picture and paste it into the comment text box.
Aloha Ken,
What you have is a plug shaped by Fred (Buzzy) Smole. Plugs were used in the Hansen pantograph shaping machine. As board sizes became shorter, the larger plugs would be retired, and processed into a functional surfboard. Your board is actually quite a rare bird!
Bill
Thanks Bill!
Is Buzzy still alive? Someone said they thought he was living in Idaho (?)
That board is for sale in San Diego if you know any collectors. Asking a $grand.
I’ll need to bring it by Bird’s. Also have a Stratoglass twin fin to sell.
Have a great Holiday!
Do you have a photo of the Stratoglas?
1970-71 6’9 Twin fin. #852. One ding on bottom (from storage), some compression marks on deck. I only rode it a few times. Not my cup of tea. For sale
in San Diego.
Bill, Have you heard of anyone making 3D printed HydroWedge fins?
Hi Bill, sorry to threadjack. I picked up an old Hansen (pretty rough condition). Hoping to get a little insight, I think someone turned it into a blunt nose and it doesn’t have the original fin but it has a number on it, not sure if the first is an s or 5 but 981 appears to follow afterwards. Appreciate any thoughts.
Well, Since you hijacked my thread you’re going to get my two cents whether you like it or not!
LOL! JUST KIDDING! Looks like a clipped 50/50 to me. The “S” might be “Buzzy” Smole (?).
But of course, Bill is the ultimate authority. I’m sure he’ll chime in.
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I’ve lurked around the forum for a while and was also wondering if Bill was still around, saw an opportunity and took it!
You’ve got to remember these guys are in their mid to late 80’s. 1965 was a long fucking time ago.
I know Don Hansen is still kicking. Don’t know about the rest of them?
The number looks like 5981 to me, and if true the board was made in 1966.
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Bill good to see you’re still out there…….another from the hay-days of Swaylocks.
Thanks so much!!
