Advice On This Vintage Board

lifeislarge · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:03 am Post subject: Advice On This Vintage Board

Howdy folks, I'm new to this forum and to be honest, haven't held a boom since the mid 80's, choosing instead to paddle out into the line up. Anyways, I ended up with this board recently, and was thinking about using it as an SUP for a child but alas, it's too narrow. The board is a Hi-Tech 8'6" and was shaped by "Bill". It's a fiberglass wave board, with a 2+1 fin setup and is in excellent condition for it's age (I'm guessing mid-80's???). I have the original Rainbow fins and some foot straps that came with the board as well. I have no idea what to do with this thing, other than Craigslist it here locally. I live on the ocean in Jacksonville Beach FL and there are no windsurfers that I know of here locally, most into wind propulsion are kite boarding. Is there any intrinsic value to these old boards in your community or should I just tow it behind my buddies boat and thrash it? I love surfing vintage boards as for me it's as close to a time machine as I can get. The waves haven't changed at all in the last 30 years!!! Any help would be appreciated, I would hate to commit a board crime.

windsurfnz · Joined: 28 Sep 2011 Posts: 3

I think it would look cool mounted on your living room wall or ceiling. Smile

outcast · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724

Maybe shaped FOR "Bill"?
Might have been Craig Maisonville era....

Don't commit Board crime?
.....but probably really wont work all that well unless you are at Hookipa in 86

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:44 am Post subject:

I like this alot. Unless I had storage space issues , I WoULD KEEP IT.

What are the fin boxes ? Does it have fins ?

The mast box is extreme forward, don't think it would be pleasurable to sail, after anything modern era, like 2000 or newer.

paulf. · Joined: 21 Mar 1996 Posts: 435

Maybe shaped by Bill Foote?

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Thinking Foote also.
You can use it for a light wind kiteboard.
Should be fine SUP for someone under 70 lbs.
Can be a first surfboard for under chest high waves.
Coupled with a 5 meter sail, fine for windsurfing in +20 breezes.
Decent paddle board to get in shape for surfing.
Easy tow in board for weaker motored tow boats, as that board can plane right up in 10 mph speeds.

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

those were the first go around with multi fin boards. they faded quickly. same issue: lousy at early planing and upwind in most venues around the planet. might the 86 be 1986?

really forward mast tracks were from the early 90's. they, typically, do not match well with lower CE modern sails.

lifeislarge · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:33 pm Post subject:

The fin boxes are the same as on my longboards, and I have the original Rainbow fins that go with it. I just didn't know anything about these things and didn't want to use a board that has any value to anyone. As much as I would be tempted to surf a mint Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt at Pipe, it would be a travesty. Also, you never know who has sentimental value for something. Last year I sent an old OP shop board with an airbrush by Jack Meyers up to his family in Jersey. After his passing they all wanted a piece of his artwork. You never know.... Thanks for the info though, I doubt I'll be keeping it as I already have an extensive quiver stored in my dining room that rubs my girlfriend the wrong way. Twisted Evil

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Why not use it for a high wind board? Need only +20 if you're around 150lbs.
Mast track location is fine, even today. Look at the spread of footstraps, usually around 19" those days. Track at farthest back position would give you around 21" from center of front strap, an acceptable high wind, or slalom position, NOT for freeestylers.
Nothing wrong with this board for HIGH winds, like steady 20+.