Vintage Hansen Superlight

PierreB · December 23, 2010, 10:10am

Hello,

I just bought a vintage 9’10 Hansen Superlight and I’d appreciate if Mr Bill Thrailkill or anyone could help me learn a little more about this board.

I’m not really a board collector (my first vintage) but I fell in love with this board because it seems like a very good and functionnal board to ride.

It’s 9’10" by probably 22" and less than 3" thick and has very thin rails.

The board is watertight, and I feel it’s in pretty good shape for a board of it’s age. Apparently, a new gloss coat has been added recently but it remains fairly light (about 10 kg / 20 lbs).

Here are some pics :

PierreB · December 23, 2010, 11:55am

Serial number is 13340-C or maybe 13340-G

From what I found on the web and reading some of Bill Thrailkill posts on similar boards, I think it might date from the first half of 1968 and could be shaped by bill Clark.

Is that correct ?

I couldn’t find anything about Bill Clark (not even in the Shapers Tree), any info on this shaper ?

PierreB · December 23, 2010, 3:15pm

Then comes the fin …

From this ad, 1968 SuperLights should be fitted with this type of fin system :

On my superlight, someone adapted a modern US box, but there are no signs of prior hydro wedge box (no signs of any corresponding bolt hole on the deck).

Actually it seems that there was originaly a blue and black glass on fin that was replaced by a fin box and that fin box was replaced again by another fin box (see below).

Bill, what do you think about that ? Would that be a custom board ?

SammyA · December 23, 2010, 10:50am

I’m sure Bill T will add more, but…

I’d guess the board had the original Hansen removable fin system. The leash attachment seen is right about where the hole would be for the fin screw. Doubt it is a custom board. Looks pretty standard for the period. Most likely, late 67 or early 68. Typical of many boards of the period, the fin was probably broken or lost, and someone replaced the box to make it rideable. At the time, many labels had their own fin system and those gave way to universal box systems in short order. Most commonly, WAVESET.

PierreB · December 23, 2010, 11:09am

That’s what I first thought as well, but the actual leash hole is only 6mm wide and it’s located at the rear end of the box. The Hansen removable fin system had the hole located at the center of the box (see example below) therefore it couldn’t be a hydro-wedge box.

And then, how would you explain the blue and black piece of fin stuck inside the blank ?

Hydro wedge box :

SammyA · December 23, 2010, 11:23am

You’re right. On second look, I can see the bit of fin base still there. Typical of that time. I had a Hansen around 1965 that had a black and white layered glasson fin. I think that was their standard fin around then. Sort of a signature look.

thrailkill · December 24, 2010, 1:17am

SammyA, PierreB,

While I slept, you fellows answered the question perfectly. Bill (Willy) Clark is indeed the shaper. Based on the number , I think the board probably dates from 1966. The board originally had a glass on fin. Two different boxes were added later. By way of background, Bill Clark was from Chula Vista. He was trained by Fred (Buzzy) Smole as a shaper. Bill is an OUTSTANDING craftsman, boat builder/designer. Still out there as CLARK CUSTOM BOATS, in San Diego. He has built boats for Dennis Conners.

Edit: The fin color, and the tailblock are both non standard for the period. So, most likely it IS a customer order board, as opposed to an inventory

board.

Huck · December 23, 2010, 6:02pm

Looks a bit like McDing's vintage Hansen (pics from the Thrailkill roundtable at SHF)

PierreB · December 28, 2010, 1:07pm

Thank you Bill and Sammy for your answers. I appreciate it.

A friend saw the board a few days ago and fell in love with it. He’s gonna come and mesure the rocker curve in details. I’ll post the data, if that interests anyone.

McDing · December 29, 2010, 1:41am

As in Hucks' picture; Yes I have one as well . With the original fin and box(screw thru the top). The template is a very nice outline.. I'm sure a square tail could be tacked on if preferred. The pintail is nice as is though. As I have stated in other threads less than 23 inches was common in "those days". If you were to take this template and push it out to 23 incnes it would inprove the overall look and curve of the outline. At 23 or 231/2 inches it is a very pretty template/outline. The rocker is low overall tail thru nose. These boards may have been called
"lightweight" but they really were not even close by todays, standards. Make a modern "retro/replica" an inch wider, with a little more rocker in the tail and a little flip in the nose, at todays weights and you would have a great longboard.

McDing · December 29, 2010, 1:44am

I mis-spoke. Looking back thru your pics, I see that yours IS a square tail. Mine is a rounded pin. Obviously a workable shape either way.

cleanoceans · June 22, 2011, 2:40am

hi, clearly many knowledgeable folks on this old! thread.

got blessed with a hansen, seeking info, where can I find?

thrailkill · June 22, 2011, 3:29am

[quote="$1"]

...got blessed with a hansen, seeking info....

[/quote]

Start with photo's, the board number, then ask me your question. I shaped for Hansen 1965 thru 1969

cleanoceans · June 22, 2011, 4:15am

Hi, wow, was looking to hear form you as I have seen many mention you, thanks, that was quick!

posting pics…

the number is either 15427

or 16427

question is , I want to know more about the board, everything, method, make, materials, inspiration, style flow, you or who shaped it, for what and the ideas behind it… and if there are some links where this is all covered already do let me know…

sold an epoxy pop out long board to get $ for a shaped fish and saw this on cl for cheap, it was in the apartment for 15 plus years no sea… and had to have it, so like the longboard glide…even if it will be not doable on the nyc subway:-) unless I go for DP

thanks so much

also, will need to plug a few holes, get the splattered paint off of it, and do whatever else to make it maximal, ideas on that front are welcome. two surfing friends said I ought not to do it, having seen my fiberglass repair on a G and S I was blessed with, so may take their considerations into consideration if there is an inexpensive souls surfer fixer in/near nyc… that is a lot, thanks so much for the reply and I look forward to what you have to share!!!

ps also, ideas for having a leash, in case I do, a dear woman friend is very keen on that:-)

https://swaylocks7stage.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Photo%20on%202011-06-22%20at%2000.07%20#4.jpg

https://swaylocks7stage.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Photo%20on%202011-06-22%20at%2000.07%20#4_0.jpg

cleanoceans · June 22, 2011, 4:21am

2 more pics, also any fin replacement possible, a bit rough this is…

https://swaylocks7stage.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Photo%20on%202011-06-22%20at%2000.07%20#4_1.jpg

https://swaylocks7stage.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Photo%20on%202011-06-22%20at%2000.07%20#4_2.jpg

https://swaylocks7stage.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Photo%20on%202011-06-22%20at%2000.07%20#3.jpg

thrailkill · June 22, 2011, 4:56am

[quote="$1"]

2 more pics, also any fin replacement possible, a bit rough this is....

[/quote]

These photos did not come through. Check the number again. Is there a letter, or symbol, associated with the number. If the letter T is present, then I was the shaper. There are some replacement fins for the Hansen box out there. I understand that they are a bit pricey.

cleanoceans · June 22, 2011, 12:01pm

no “T” alas, this “#” is infront of the number.

from the deck the middle of the tail fin screw the 9.5" form the tail, and from the bottom the end of the fin is 4" from the tail…

cleanoceans · June 22, 2011, 12:19pm