Here’s a few pics and a correction. Apparently my pal is blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other as the real number of the board is 409, not 269 as he first told me.
Anyway, you can see the fin box debacle which may have obscured any other numbers or names which may have been on the stringer. I couldn’t see any other numbers and have only the memory of Jim’s sister as to the date of the board, ie. 1962.
Thanks agin for the info offered here. I appreciate it.
Don’t think the board will ever be on the market now, but who knows?
If there are any other markings they would be on the deck, in the stringer. Every 60s Hobie LB I’ve seen had the serial # on the stringer, a bit below the lam or near the tail. There would not be any names, anywhere. It’s a 60s board and no one signed boards then.
The board looks pretty well intact for its age. A real skilled repair guy could put a new fin on it and make it close to original. But, without the original fin it loses a lot of value. Still, there are niche collectors who covet three stringer boards and the Hobie Edwards in particular. In the right format, it could sell for up to $1000.
Far from a basket case, indeed, she’s a keeper! Stoked for you.
On the west coast, I’d say a grand pretty easily, even with the fin issue. Probably more to the right buyer.
The fin box install is way cleaner than a lot f hack jobs that I’ve seen where they rout out way too much foam and wood. Pulling the box, replacing the wood with a similar grained piece of redwood, and glassing on a repro fin is not that hard and would only show minimally. An issue to the serious collector crowd but not to the rest of us. Even that one ding on the deck can be reverse-repaired (is that a word) and not show much at all.
My only advice? Enjoy it. Fix whatever dings are open in a subtle way, and ride it! If you fall in love, which I suspect will be the case (I would…) then consider having the fin replaced. If you have want to try a reverse D-fin in a box, PM me and I’ll send you one. Not really close to a Phil template, but close enough to have an idea of how the board would ride if you change out the fin set up.
I’d be surprised if it went over $500 in the real world in this market. Its woth exactly how much someone is willing to pay for it. Personally I wouldn’t pay $200 for it. Board does nothing for me in that condition. Fix it and ride the heck out of it. Enjoy it. Great rider board.
I bought mine - #62 or #67 (can’t remember which) in the summer of '63 - had the same gold label as above with the serial number on the label - wood fin. the usual 3 stringers. Positive about the date - took it to Hawaii in Sept '63 - my first trip there. I’m pretty sure that ‘model’ was first sold in the spring of '63. After awhile Phil got bored shaping them and Terry Martin did them. In '65 some of them were done with 1/2" center stringer, no offset stringers, redwood rails and multi-colored ‘Santa Cruz kelp’ fins. Absolutely beautiful boards.
First, let me say thank you to all who responded here. I really appreciate it.
I’m waiting to hear from Jim’s sister as to whether she can recall the date when he was given it, although it seems now more likely it was '64 for his 18th. Birthday rather than '62 for his 16th. I have now purchased the board from my pal and am hoping to glean some info from Hobie regarding what fin was originally on the board plus I have arranged for an old pal to do the restoration for me. He’s experienced and very talented plus I’ve known him for 40 years and have much respect for his abilities.
Ultimately the board will be on display somewhere in conjunction with what I hope will become a small surfing museum effort, most likely around the Tofino area. As I’m getting older a slight bit of maturity has managed to evade my defenses against it and has entered my mind and I’m now more aware of the need for someone to help in preserving some of the history of our chosen addiction. I’m trying to do my little bit and as it was originally my old friend Jim’s board and there is a strong link between Jim and JR and myself it seems to me like a good historical effort. The fact the board will be restored at JR by another old JR local is cool to me also.
Thanks again everyone and all the best to all of you.
I forgot about Brawner. He was the factory manager for Hobie back then. He worked there for quite a while, I believe. It would be great if he still had a good chunk of those records.
Juan Rodriguez at One World in Sarasota, Fl can make the correct fin for you. He has the template and knows exactly how it’s supposed to look.
I know he has the template because I gave it to him about 16 years ago. I took it off of a P.E. model in Longboard Grotto in San Clemente at his request.
I still have the original piece of poster board I used to do the trace.
I’ve talked with Danny Brawner and he tells me my board is from 1962 and was shaped by Phil Edwards himself at that time.
So, as it turns out it was given to the late Jim Van Dame in August of '62 for his 16th. Birthday, as his sister remembered.
I’ve sent off a couple of pics for Danny’s perusal and he’s going to dig out the template for the fin which will be very helpful.
I’m aware others could probably supply a fin but I’m confident in my guy here so all we need are the specs and what material was used in this case, i.e. Walnut or something else. Then my guy can make a fin and do the restoration.
Many thanks to all who replied here initially. I appreciate your ideas and help.
When we get the board restored I’ll share some pics with you here.
Sam at Longboard Grotto had a dew “D” fins for sale at the Grotto . They were of some medium dark wood. Mahogany or Cherry. Something in that color range. Lowel
