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I travel with some large boards (Mistral Unlimiteds & 14 ft. race boards) for long distances at high speeds in strong sunlight. While for a 11 ft. board the typical 36" spacing on roof cross bars is OK when you get to 14' or longer and especially with a cover, I would start to get nervous. I use a Goodboy Kayak rack with the flatter V bars and their shock cord tie downs vs. straps. To me tie downs on a fragile race board is an accident waiting to happen.  I run a double set with the second one with slightly less tension as a back up. Kore Dry makes a fine product, and would not recommend the more protective covers for travel, as they can become a disaster in a heavy rain storm, as they can fill up with water.

OK, some thoughts from an old guy, who made enough money to retire to where I wanted (SW Colorado) at 65 over 10 years ago. I paddle on a beautiful 15 mile long reservoir 20 minutes away and sell Mistral paddleboards on the side. Just bought an OC-1 canoe and looking forward to the spring thaw in April o get back on the water. I do go over to Arizona in the late fall and early spring to extend my season. Some points:
1. Stop complaining about all your wrong choices in the past, learn from them, and be honest in where you are in life today.
2. Look at where you would like to be at retirement, both in location and how much you will need to make to live at the economic level you would like to be at.
3. Have someone you trust listen to points 1 & 2 and tell you if you are full of crap or being reasonable in both assessments. Adjust as needed.
4. Put a plan in place to get there. A good starting place is to read (and reread) some books like "Minimalism vs. Consumerism" and cut back your spending. You will save more and retire able to spend less and still be happy.
5. If you find that place you want to be retiring to, and especially if undeveloped property, buy it. The odds are it will appreciate faster than most investments and will further motivate you towards figuring a way to get there.
6. Develop some skill that will allow you to make some money after you move there, and per point 4 enjoy life (and paddling) not "things'.
7. Per point 6 read books like "Deep Work" for hints on how to succeed in the future in an "on-line" business, by developing a skill needed in the future.

Enough lecturing, time to get my snowshoes on and go for a walk with the dogs...good luck

OK some thoughts from an old retired guy, who made enough money to retired to where I wanted (SW Colorado) at 65 over 10 years ago.

Fellow paddlers,
Despite not having any feedback from the Forum but based in part from a review in Distressed Mullet, I ordered a Puakea Catch 22 paddle from ATX-SUP. I bought the 8.25 width (Green) blade which they say is 96 sq. inch area. The blade size and outline is essentially identical to my 8" ZRE Power Surge, which is listed as 100 sq. inches. It arrived a week after it was ordered on line.
The shaft is ovalized and slightly smaller in diameter at the lower hand grip area and winds up as round where it meets the blade. Weight is listed as 16 oz. and feels similar to the ZRE which was listed as 14 oz. (not measured on a scale). The supplied shaft (uncut) gives a overall maximum length of about 86.5". The blade is quite close to flat with a 6 degree angle. The grip fits my hand well (I have large hands) and the shaft has a very nice light surface finish to aid your grip.
On the water based on a sort test on my Mistral Stealth Unlimited, I really love the Catch 22, very smooth catch and exit. With the lower angle you do not have to reach as far for the plant, and it still provides power a bit further back. As an intermediate paddler with limited time with this paddle, I am not going to say it is "better" than the excellent ZRE's which I have been pleased with for years, but it appears at least comparable.
Then there is price, at $240 with a nice padded bag and free shipping it is a steal. I doubt there is anything on the market with this level of performance and weight close in price. Take a look at Jonny Puakea's YouTube video on his design ideas.

Anyone out there have any experience with the Puakea Catch 22 SUP paddle? Puakea builds top quality outrigger canoe paddles, and claims there are a lot of similarities between the blade designs between both.

Did not see any mention of the NSP Ninja, I have a 2017 14' x 25" model which I think might be a good next level step. I am your height but heavier (190 lbs.). This board flies in flat water conditions and despite the rounded bottom is quite stable after a few times out. I think it's speed is closer to a board an inch or two narrower, It is in like new condition, and for sale at a reasonable price if you are interested. I've switched to Mistral and now paddle their Stealth 17' 6" unlimited which is fantastic in flat water.

Certainly minimizing the cut out areas make sense, but remember any of the deck areas you cut away weakens the standing area re. flex. The high sides on the production dugout boards are there for stiffening things. Perhaps consider stiffening strips on the top side of the rails.

Fellow paddlers,
I am marketing Mistral hard race boards in the USA, we handle two flatwater specific models the brand new 17' 6" x 24" Stealth at 306 Liters and 30.7 lbs. with steering/fin and the Vortex XL 14' x 24" at 269 liters and 23.6 lbs. Please check them out at our web site;  www.nplpaddlesports.com

LeeBee

JEG,
The factory is in Viet Nam. I have one rep. set up in Nevada/Southern California. Where are you located and what board(s) are you interested in?

LeeBee

Fellow Paddlers,
I am bringing Mistral's 14 ft. and Unlimited models to the US with my first shipment arriving in early June. The brand new Interceptor is 17' 6" by 24.3" wide and 364 liters will excel in downwind conditions but its designer Steve West has kept the rocker less extreme and the board will perform well as more of an all around model than some competitors. Please take a look at our web site www.nplpaddlesports.com for more information on this and Mistrals other new models.

Reads,
LeeBee

Burchas,
Thanks for the kind words. If any of your paddling friends is interested I'll sell them a board at a nice discount over my already aggressive pricing to get each model into the Northeast. I have a Vanquish and Interceptor going to a gentleman who races in Southern California who will give folks a chance to demo them. Living in Colorado with our predominantly flat water, I am looking forward to paddling the Sprint I've set aside for myself. The glide should be fantastic.

I understand, if you read my site you understand much of the reason i am doing this is to get folks on a high end board for a demo, before buying it, along with trying to keep pricing down. Perhaps I can set someone up either in Canada or a reasonable distance away in the USA and give you a chance for that ride.

Luc,
For the moment I am handling Mistral's hardboards in the USA. Not sure if there would be an import duty if I shipped one your way.
If you are interested perhaps we can figure out how to get one to you without excessive cost. I can check with our team in the Netherlands and get back to you.

Lee

Burchas,
I do, 17' 6" by 24.3" 364 liters x 35 lbs. Take a pass at my web site www.nplpaddlesports.com for details written by the designer Steve West. Price $3600 plus shipping. I will be picking up the boards in the Long Beach area the first week of June and am planning on dropping of a few boards already sold, if you are by chance between Southern California and Colorado. If you are further east I am looking for experienced paddlers to demo the boards and will sell then at reduced prices to such reps. I'll handle all the Mistral 14 foot and Unlimited race board models. Let me know if you have any interest.

Another option to consider. I am just about to officially launch my business handling Mistral's race hardboards. Their brand new Interceptor might be what you are looking for with  reasonable cost and high performance. It is 17' 6" by 24.3" it will perform in both flat and rough water conditions. It has an adjustable rudder system. If you are paddling on mainly flat water check out the Stealth a 17' 6" flatwater design, both would easily handle your size. My web site is www.nplpaddlesports.com Boards will be arriving in early June.