Heavy Weights

[KBack]

I’m 220lbs advanced great lake bump and jump sailor, I’m curious what size boards guys are using 4.5 - 5.5 wind range in and around my weight…

Thanks, K

[jsampiero]

At your weight and probably similar to your skill level a 92 liter Goya Quad is my go-to board - But I seriously wonder if I should have gotten the 84.

[bred2shred]

I'm 6'3, currently about 215 to 220 lbs.

I use an Exocet Cross 117 with my 5.3 if the wind has a lot of lulls. I use a Naish ATV 104 in solid 5.3 conditions or with a 4.4 again if there are a lot of lulls. I use an Exocet OSW 85 when it's solid 4.4 or 4.0. There have only been a handful of times when I've felt I needed anything smaller (wind averaging 40+).

I owned a Mistral Syncro 104 prior to the Naish and I think I like it a little better than the ATV- very good freestyle/bump & jump/wave board (the ATV seems to be more free ride oriented). If I had to choose one board for 4.5 to 5.5, I think I'd go with the Syncro 104.

sm

[capetonian]

I'm 6'2, 200 lbs. I use a 92 L Evo with a 5.7 and 5.3. I had a Exocet Exo Wave 85 L for 4.7 weather but found it too small for the gusty conditions that we get when it is that strong. If your 4.5 conditions are gusty, beware of going too small.

[combs]

I'm a 200+ lb gorge sailer and a 95 liter is my high wind board. As an interesting aside, the owner of Tico wind in Costa Rica, ,Peter is same size and also never goes below 90 liters down on Lake Arenal which can get pretty narly...

[ronm41]

I weight about 200# but have been around 215 in the past. I think for a place where it is gusty and up and down winds a modern widish 95 liter board would carry your weight and not be too frustrating in the lulls. I have a Naish ATV 95 that is 62x240 and I can sail it down to 4.7 easially and slog a bit if need. In years past I have had a 78 liter and a 85 liter but they didn't get used often as for my weight they are tough to slog and I like to spend my time on the board and not in the water.

[Brian_S]

At 200 lbs and also sailing the Great Lakes, when I'm in the wind range where it's 4.5 - 5.5, the conditions are quite gusty and often shut down quickly. I think a slightly larger board helps with the lulls. I wouldn't consider my self too 'advanced' , but I'd stay with at least 90 L. (Loved the Naish Global at 90 L with a 4.7 and a 4.2).
Also, at least where I sail, we often need a weed fin. If that's the case for you, the quads probably shouldn't be high on your list.

[carl]

I weigh about 205lb. Slogging is the big issue, right next to getting on a plane if you become underpowered. If you're always planing and the wind is guarenteed steady and you're perfectly powered or somewhat OPed,,,you could ride a 50 liter board or even a waterski!!
I bought several used boards for this range (90L and 78L, depending on wind quality). No point in spending alot for a board you only use one-in-awhile. Narrower boards of the early 2000s vintage work great in high wind.

[speedysailor]

As Carl so eruditely stated, it all depends on how steady the winds are. If you have to slog through long lulls, you could get by with a 115-125 liter board, but anything small isn't any fun.

[wdsurf]

I,M 205LBS.GO TO BOARD IS A 97LTR. CUSTOM QUATRO FASTWAVE,ONCE I,M POWERED UP GOOD ON 5.3 USE MY GOYA 78 QUAD ON THE GREAT LAKES/EASTERN LAKE ERIE