Just picked up a Morey Pope Blue Machine. Solid board but badly in need of a complete restoration. Does anyone know where I could find out how many of the Blue Machine models were made? I’ve heard they were a limited production and are fairly rare these days. Also, did all of the Blue Machines have the off set fin box? Did Bob Cooper actually shape all the Blue Machines? I’m really intrigued by this board and would love to be able to get it back in the water. Sure would appreciate any helpful info. Thanks.
Contact Dennis Ryder at dennisryder.com. He worked at Morey-Pope back in the day. His website states he still shapes all the old MP classics upon request. He would definitely be able to clue you in concerning all the different nuiances pertaining to Bob Coopers design. Also check the back issues of The Surfers Journal, there is an interview with Cooper in one of them that has a lot of info also.
You might PM Dennis Ryder. He probably knows as much as anyone as to what was going on back then at Morey-Pope.
http://www2.swaylocks.com/user/dennisryder
Sorry there... practically a double post. Same idea though.
Jim Phillips website features his own take on the Blue Machine, called the Blue Max:
THE BLUE MAX
A modern impression of the Morey Pope Blue Machine made famous and ridden to perfection by Bob Cooper. The standout design elements of the board are a kicked tail, low entry rocker with a wing nose (down rail) and a slightly piggish plan shape.
The kicked tail does two things: it provides drag in the curl and acts as a pivot point working with the outline allowing quick rail-to-rail transitions. The wing nose acts just like an airplane wing to provide lift along the face.
We’ve modernized the design and made it our own by smoothing out the outline and perfecting the tail kick as well as softening the rail to make it more neutral. This is a great board for point breaks or beach breaks…glide into the wave, slide up into the pocket where the tail locks and the wing nose lifts. Left go rights all day please! Available as a step deck as well (go step deck!).
-Materials: US Blanks or Blair Polyurethane Foam.
-Stringer Configuration: 1” Balsa Wedge
-Fin: Greenough Stage 4
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From Jim Phillips website http://www.jimthegenius.com/Jim_Phillips_Surfboards/The_Medium.html
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info. I did PM Dennis Ryder to see if he can enlighten me on the Blue Machine. Its a really cool board and I’ll post pics when I get it cleaned up. Someone painted it years ago so I’m just trying to get it presentable. Mahalo!
You could contact Bob Cooper at Noosa…I know Mike Cundith was still doing Blue Machines in Byron a little while back…drop Mike an email… http://www.mcsurf.com.au/
Dennis Ryder was kind enough to PM me and answer my questions about the Blue Machine model produced mostly in 1967. I’d like to share with you what I have learned. He said he shaped most of the Blue Machines, but some were also shaped by Richard Deese and a few by Bob Cooper himself. There was around 300 of them produced. I am blessed to have one of the 300! Thanks to everyone for the help!
You can contact Bob Cooper via his Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/87306190590/
Or you can email him at coastcoopers@gmail.com
You can also email Tom Morey at gtommorey@gmail.com