Just did a mini simmons that has a bit of an s-deck. Did that so I could keep the rockers low yet still be able to foil it out. Since I had to shape through the deck crust in the back to get the s-deck and foil going, I was thinking that it would probably be a good idea to go with a bit of a heavier glass schedule to keep the deck from crushing. Under the chest/front foot I left the crust pretty well intact, but under the knees/back foot area is where the “s” in curving down.
What are the recommendations for glassing an s-deck mini-simmons? I’d like to keep it a light as possible, so epoxy and something like all s-cloth 6+4 deck and 4oz bottom? An extra tail patch where the crust is gone?
I have lots of epoxy friends so I’m glad to spread erroneous gossip. You can probably get away with double four ounce on the deck and a four ounce stomp patch. Smooth decks are over-rated.
I Just made an S deck Mini Simmons for the same reason. wanted to keep the rocker low in the tail. However, I dont know much about S-decks and their purpose besides being able to keep tail rocker low but still being abe to foil out the tail. Is there any info or ride chracteristics, or purpose that S-decks provide other than that?
By scooping out the foam in the nose area of an S-deck you reduce swing weight which makes the board easier to turn. That doesn’t really hold water with a board that is way less than 6’ long. By scooping out the foam in the nose area you push the balance point back a bit so you can tip the board over the lip easier (catches waves a little easier) and trims out nicely. Mostly it’s because Simmons used to do it and it looks really cool. Do a search for “Hull” and you will be overwhelmed with S-deck stuff.
For me it was just an aternative way to foil the board without adding too much rocker and maintaining thickness in the center, but then again, this is only board #2 so I’m sure there are a ton of reasons like leev mentioned that I know nothing about
As far as glass schedule, I guess I’ll go double 4oz with a back foot patch for extra strength, S-glass, epoxy.