SIC Factory tour

[Rideordie]

There is a 17 x 23 sprint for sale on Distressed Mullet down in FL that looks sweet,but I may be a bit too heavy at 200 lbs and stability could be a factor. Don't need a board that I can only ride on a mirror. Thoughts?

[photofr]

I have lent my board (the 17'6 x 23) to quite a few people.
Their first impression, without exception : "wow, not too stable".
They seem to like how the board really flies (on glassy conditions) but couple of my friends came back on their knees (*$%#%@ tippy) - both were in the 180# range - and by no means amateurs.

I'd say the board isn't too easy for heavier paddler.
It takes a lot of work for me to take it into the ocean - but so much fun.
(must admit: I get a great leg workout - always)

[Area 10]

I have lent my board (the 17'6 x 23) to quite a few people.
Their first impression, without exception : "wow, not too stable".
They seem to like how the board really flies (on glassy conditions) but couple of my friends came back on their knees (*$%#%@ tippy) - both were in the 180# range - and by no means amateurs.

I'd say the board isn't too easy for heavier paddler.
It takes a lot of work for me to take it into the ocean - but so much fun.
(must admit: I get a great leg workout - always)

It's a shame they didn't make it 25" wide. It would still have been the fastest flat water production board, but it would have appealed to far more potential customers. I guess they don't expect to sell many, and it's mainly a marketing exercise.

[Rideordie]

I agree Area10. Bigger paddlers are drawn to unlimited boards. Why not make the board big and stable enough?? Duh!!!

[pdxmike]

Yes, good point. Going from 14' to unlimited is a step up in performance for a lightweight paddler.  But for a heavy one, it could mean going from a length that he may struggle with to one that works great. It seems like there'd be a lot more heavy guys willing to pay for a dramatic improvement than there are light paddlers who'd pay for an incremental improvement. 


Some of the decisions companies make seem odd, but then they'll come back the next year and correct things.  Hopefully they'll sell enough that there'll be a more stable one in the future.  Or maybe another company will step in...

[PonoBill]

Paddle a 18' speedboard someday. It will rock your world. When you get far enough up to make the tail release it feels like someone just flipped the switch on the electric drive.  the 14--yeah, that's nice, but the 18--OMG.



If this doesn't get your juices flowing I can't help you. That's no fricken wanky little regs-driven bottom feeding McDonalds patty board.

[photofr]

Starboard basically has two UL - but they couldn't be any more different:
UL Sprint 17'6 x 23 - Piercing Hull
UL Ace 17'4 x 28 - Planning Hull

For heavier paddler, the Ace 17'4 will be worth a try: it's very stable, but not a slug (and far from it).
It blazing fast on any bump / boat wake.

Still, I would love to see a piercing hull (identical to the Sprint UL in terms of shape) with 26" in width.
This would still make it very fast, yet make it so good for long trips in the ocean -  without feeling like you are going to have a fight with mother nature.

On a different note: @Rideordie:
Take the current Sprint 17'6 x 23" and simply place a huge fin in the back (yes, I mean HUGE).
I have done that, and have been very impressed with its stability.
So if you guys weight anything more than 150# and still want to try that board… simply show up on your test day with your personal fin.

@Ponobill : that board looks sick - thanks for sharing.

[feet]

Holy COW! This is what I am talking about with innovation and hype. The next step would be to make it a two piece board so I could actually fit it in my house.

Paddle a 18' speedboard someday. It will rock your world. When you get far enough up to make the tail release it feels like someone just flipped the switch on the electric drive.  the 14--yeah, that's nice, but the 18--OMG.



If this doesn't get your juices flowing I can't help you. That's no fricken wanky little regs-driven bottom feeding McDonalds patty board.

[UKRiverSurfers]

Paddle a 18' speedboard someday. It will rock your world. When you get far enough up to make the tail release it feels like someone just flipped the switch on the electric drive.  the 14--yeah, that's nice, but the 18--OMG.



If this doesn't get your juices flowing I can't help you. That's no fricken wanky little regs-driven bottom feeding McDonalds patty board.

Is this a Savage River?

 

[stoneaxe]

Lucky me...I'm babysitting. Fastest board I've ever been on. Unfortunately the engine here sucks...

The feel of release that Bill refers to is very obvious. 1st time I paddled one I was standing right next to the handle/strap. Bob Blair (designer/owner) of Speedboard was paddling behind me and said..."move up six inches". It was noticeably faster immediately...most important was that it didn't slow between strokes as much. Proper trim on that board is critical. Pretty stable, any board I can paddle is going to be very stable for most folks. It also has a ventral fin slot in it. Not something you would want for a lot of buoy turns but great for long distance and adds stability.

[Rideordie]

That Gulf themed Speed board of Bill's might be the best looking board I have seen. Ever! That's just baddass!! Excellent idea for the paint scheme Bill. Props to Speedboard for making a righteous unlimited board. Might have to look for a custom myself, it seems.

[PonoBill]

All the Speedboard unlimiteds are actually sort of custom--at least you get to specify the width. I think they still have MHL make them. http://speedboardusa.com/

[UKRiverSurfers]

Here's the SR range .....

http://www.savageriver.com/sups/