Ive decided to put together a thread on my short freerace project build.
There are many applications where a shorter board comes in handy, such as travel, flat water, lightwind, portability, etc. The board is 150x56. I designed this length so that I can put it onto any airline in North America where the oversize restrictions/additional cost start at 158cm. This also allows me more options for travel bags.
I designed the board to accommodate existing fins I have from my other freerace board. It uses tuttle fins so i installed tuttle boxes for easy swap. This will allow me to experiment with large race fins in the future as well.
I started with a blank that was given to me. It was already hot wire cut for the nose. The blank was 195x58 so I had lots of options to play with. I decided on a design and started to move forward. Here is the preliminary shaping:
I started the shaping using a orbital sander and 80 grit. After I smoothed out the shape up to 220 grit I glazed it with a cabosil epoxy paste.
Next came the fin box and insert installation. I ordered tuttle fin boxes and inserts from Chinook Sailing as well as a vent plug. I routered out the holes and used a cabosil paste to secure the inserts. I based the strap and fin box location off my existing board because I know those locations work! To install the fin boxes I wrapped them with a 1.5" corecell foam flush with the bottom of the box. Then I routered a 1.5" cut in the board and this left me with a step that allowed me to know the box would install true. (Verified of course)
Next, I was ready to glass. I used 2 layers of 6oz glass. I added two other patches to the areas over where the inserts were for extra support.
I still need to finish the sanding and prep for paint. I will glaze with microballoons to smooth the surface for final sanding, and then use an epoxy paint to finish. I will update and post photos when complete (Hopefully this week). Then we wait for wind to test!
Here is a board comparison:
Updates coming shortly!
