Long process, with much learned! Finally content with the boards finish & can call it 'DONE'!
Attached a few pics to get better view of the shape, vector net in standing area & DIY front pad (NSI long diamond cut).
For anyone curious, and maybe if you want to take note and learn from my mistakes (an couple breakthroughs) haha!
- The red circle on the nose/deck and red on bottom/fin cluster area, is water-based rattle can spray paint. Two or so coats. Resin adhered fine.
- The blue & black line/fades are acrylic paint used for painting, from the local art shop. Again, no issues resin.
- There are a few 'white/cloudy' areas on the tail, on the red next to the tail pad. These are spots I sprayed too much 3M glue to get the vector net to stay down. The glue worked GREAT in getting the net to bend/lay flat, but its clear, so you cannot see how much you spray. Over spraying looks like it seals the fiberglass and prevents it from saturating....hence the smokey, white appearance..Spray lightly..VERY lightly! Next time, I'll probably spray the net separate from the board, then press it on the board.
- Carbon tape on the bottom. Had a couple bubbles while wetting out..was able to press out one with my finger, but one I had to leave & cut/repair after resin cured. Cut out bubble and reattached when I did the filer coat. Meshed perfectly, can barely see the cut/place into the tape, but next time I'll have a metal roller on stand by for easier pressing out. Carbon is STIFF! and can be tricky to work with...
- Vector net on standing area. The net was in between 4oz/4oz fiberglass, so it wetted out okay, for the most part. However, there were a few spots that is refused to lay flat, and I had to constantly press/squeegee.
- The boards finish. Sanded down to 320 after gloss coats then sprayed two coats of mat-finish clear acrylic. Clear finish both filled in small fish eyes, sanding, and brought out the colors. Will definitely be doing this to all boards in the future.
I had a chance to use the board this past Sunday in light winds, with a fairly powerful 12m kite (LF Solo).
Was curious how the board would go in underpowered conditions, and I was relieved to find that the board performed GREAT!
11~13,14knots(sometimes) and it was planing up right away, had lots of glide and pointed upwind naturally.
There's a little more tail rocker than I had planned, plus the bottom concave is pretty deep; more than 1cm from middle through the fins to the tail. I was concerned the tail rocker + deep concave might slow the board down some, but it didn't at all. : )
During the short, 20min test ride I was lucky enough to line up board speed and an oncoming wave for an air & again, surprised! Normally in such light winds, my other boards have dropped as there's not enough wind to help stick it onto your feet. However, the lightness of the board helped keep it glued to my feet easily. I was again very surprised and shocked at how much difference this made. (board weight came to 3kg, btw)
I need a few mid/high wind sessions to test the boards ride a bit more, but it feels VERY lively! Both on the water, and off!
Time will also tell if the Vector net on the deck will help in preventing dents. I've dented & cracked a couple boards..- fingers crossed!
Already gathering supplies for the next build! Which I'm sure will be much less time consuming! (correcting mistakes! #^.^#)
Thanks again to everyone for your inspiration and interest in the project!
BIG thanks to TomW for taking the time to answer all my questions! and with much detail! 本当にありがとうっございます!
If anyone has any ?'s about the board/build, please let me know!
I'd be happy to share what I know, and what I've learned!
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