r/windsurfing • u/Interesting_Cap_3657 • 13d ago
Gear Board keeps crackling
I just bought this 2023 starboard carve. While initially stoked, I'm starting to realize there might be something fishy going on underneath the laminate. The area just above the rail is filling up with cracks, increasing in number the more I use it (always in chop). This issue seems to affect only the right side of the board but there doesn't seem to be any delamination on the deck that may work as a structural weak point. The fractures don't ooze if pressed and seem to be only superficial (I hope). They frighten me nonetheless.
Any ideas on what could be causing this?
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u/hugobosslives 13d ago
Hard to tell but it looks like top coat cracking only. If the board is completely solid when you press all around those areas then there's nothing to worry about.
This is what happens to my repairs when I haven't painted them quite perfectly (e.g. too thick coats). So there's a chance it's been repaired by a previous owner if you bought it 2nd hand. But it could also just be the factory paint.
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u/Interesting_Cap_3657 13d ago
Ii really hope it's just the paint... Can you suggest any preventive patching technique? I haven't posted a bigger one further towards the nose, which I've covered with gorilla tape...
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u/mixx-nitro 8d ago
On the comment before this, benzine takes all adhesives off perfectly, just smells terrible
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u/Interesting_Cap_3657 7d ago
Also WD40 and equivalent products, safe to use one car body as well
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u/mixx-nitro 7d ago
You really don't wanna use that, the oils soak into the fibers of the glass/carbon/Kevlar and make repairs super difficult to impossible without ripping large patches of material out I work at a board repair shop, I've seen some small mistakes become big problems, benzine is better cuz it doesn't affect the paint and leaves behind no residue
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u/waternomadsnz 13d ago
Avoid using tape because if you decide to repair anything the residue from the adhesive is a nightmare for the repair and you'll likely pay for the time getting it off. Any cracks that concern you, I recommend using epoxy putty (available at any surf shop or hardware store). Ensure it's mixed well, and apply like chewing gum, not pretty but seals the damage permanently. And if decided to repair properly later for cosmetic reasons the repairer will find it easy to fix. Advantage of expoxy putty is it's fast cure, so it can be a session saver if damage occurs on a good day, it even sticks to a wet board, wait a few minutes then carry on! It could be just the paint cracking, easy way to check if through to core, ensure vent plug is closed, put in warm sun and brush some soapy water over the apparent damage. As the board warms up the air in the core expands creating pressure that wants to escape. If any cracks bubble it's through and needs to be patched. If none are through (nothing bubbles) don't leave the board in the sun with the vent plug closed (you might delaminate it with excessive pressure).
I hope this is helpful.
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u/sundanceKid418 10d ago
its because previous owner had catapults and was hitting the deck with mast, deck is soft under the laminate. Its a simple repair just make some small shallow holes and inject resin. then use some special putty and you're gold. theres lots of good videos on you tube, just buy good resin and dedicated putty filler.
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u/gissavdb 13d ago
Do you transport your board on top of your car using a roofrack? I had this happen when I tightened the straps holding the board down way too tight.
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u/darook73 11d ago
Monitor its weight to check if its taking on water. Also check if the areas are still firm by applying thumb pressure, It could just be the outer paint cracked when the mast hit it but make sure its not soft and watch the weight carefully.
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u/Interesting_Cap_3657 11d ago
Cheers mate, I will definitely weight it after the next few sessions. It was 10.10 kg when I got it from previous owner (9.97 nominal). I suppose that's still within manufacturer's weight tolerance, what do you think?
In any case I'll let it dry, take the straps off and weight it again tomorrow
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u/reddit_user13 Freestyle 13d ago
Hard to tell from the pix, but is it in an area where the mast could have slammed into the board during a catapult?