Messages

1

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: January 21, 2018, 03:11:37 PM »

Just to add a final update on this thread, the factory did ship me out 2 replacement vents with new rubber seals pretty quick and once I installed the new plug/seal, the issues were resolved and haven't returned.

The newer versions of the plugs are pretty cool as the goretex membrane is fully encased inside the aluminum body of the plug, whereas the older versions had the membrane attached to the bottom of the plug.  The new ones seeem to provide additional protection for the membrane as it's not directly exposed on the outside.

2

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 23, 2017, 02:01:55 PM »

Hey Guys,

So this is what I have done. I'm not advocating people start pulling their plugs, but this seemed to have fixed the issue for me.  Using logic and some great advice from you guys, I decided to pull the plug and take a look.

Very carefully unscrewed the plug using an allen key and took a look at the rubber seal.  The plug was barely snug and took nothing to back out. (that there could have been part of problem)

The rubber seal did have some plastic looking particles or dust on it and it seemed to be pushed to one side slightly.  Pulled out rubber seal, cleaned off the dust and cleaned up shelf where the seal sits.  I hit the threads of the aluminum plug with a single wrap of teflon tape and reinstalled so that it was snug, but not overly tight.

I am now getting the occasional small bubbles from the center of the vent when I move the board into the hot sun, but nothing is coming up through the threads.  I did notice that if I tightened too much, the venting would stop and backing it off just a hair brought back the bubbles from the center of the vent.

At this point, I think my issue is solved and a big thanks to everyone who helped guide me in the right direction.

-Jason

3

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 23, 2017, 10:43:48 AM »

I have 2 Sunovas and both vents will bubble when experiencing temperature changes from cool to warm.  I took them from the garage, put them in the sun and poured water on the vents.  The new one bubbles a bit more aggressively and I can only assume that the older one might have residue buildup which is mildly restricting the air flow.

One thing I've noticed about the Sunova vent plugs is that I've never seen them bubble. As a test, I just poured some water on both my boards and they didn't bubble at all.

4

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 23, 2017, 09:53:03 AM »

Badger, that picture is super helpful.  Gives me a good idea of what's going on in there.  Thanks!

Bill, good call on the preventative maintenance.  I've been a little slack in that area and may need to address my other boards to ensure all is good.

Here's what it looks like.

I always remove the plug immediately after buying a new board to make sure it was installed correctly. Then I re-install it with some silicone grease on the threads and washer to give it a good seal, being careful not to get any grease on the membrane.

5

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 23, 2017, 08:45:15 AM »

Yeah, I was a little hesitant to unscrew the plug as I wasn't sure if they hit the threads with epoxy or glue during the manufacturing process and I'd have to deal with breaking it free.  If there are no issues with unthreading it, then I'll check the rubber seals and hit the threads with Telfon tape as suggested.  Has anyone removed these Sunova plugs before?  Maybe, I'll wait on Tino's direction as I don't want to mess up warranty, etc.

Creek .... I'm located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.  I leave Sunday morning for a 8 day surf trip and was hoping to bring the new board along, so shipping out a new plug might not make it in time.  Although, I will err on the side of safety and keep it dry until this is sorted.

The only reason I noticed this, is the first time I put some water on it, I could see bubbles coming up through the threads even when the middle of the plug wasn't venting.  I thought that was odd.

Appreciate the feedback and assistance guys, thanks.

6

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 22, 2017, 08:37:59 PM »

Thanks guys.  Yeah, I dropped Tino a direct email as well to get his take on it.

I was totally expecting to see the board releasing from the center of the vent, as that is how they are supposed to work and my other Sunova does the same.  The odd thing I noticed was the tiny air bubbles coming up between the threads of the aluminum screw and plastic housing.  The video doesn't show it that well, but you can see separate air bubbles at the bottom coming up through the threads.  My other board doesn't do that.

I'm tempted to unscrew it and reseat the vent, but don't want to mess anything up on a brand new board.  I'll wait and see what Tino has to say.

7

Sunova SUP / Re: Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 22, 2017, 06:29:06 PM »

Will do.  Thanks Nalu.

8

Sunova SUP / Sunova Vent Plug

« on: August 22, 2017, 01:58:32 PM »

Just took delivery of my 2nd Sunova yesterday (8'10 Flow and bag) and had a question on the goretex vent plug.  The area around the vent plug had a few marks, so I decided to pour a little water on the plug to see what happened.  What I saw made me question if the plug is leaking around the threads?

I get that the vent plugs will bubble from the middle when the board is releasing air, but mine seems be leaking air at the side of the plug in addition to the middle of the vent.  Just curious if this is anything to worry about.  Is this air making it's way through the goretex or bypassing it somehow?

I'm heading out in a few days for a weeklong trip to Tofino, BC and was looking forward to testing out the new ride.

Here's a quick video that shows the issue. (not sure how to imbed video) Bottom left of plug, around 7 o'clock mark, you'll see the bubbles.  Any insight would be appreciated.  Thanks guys!

https://youtu.be/KHrvx6xp6Tw

9

SUP General / Re: THE SUP MOVIE AVAILABLE FOR FREE

« on: July 08, 2016, 10:44:05 PM »

Thanks for sharing.  I haven't seen that one before.  Some epic big wave Sup'ing.

10

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for new surf paddle. Suggestions?

« on: June 12, 2016, 08:44:50 PM »

I love my new Kialoa Pipes..

Yes. Nice paddle. The new methane too.

A10 and DJ, do you notice the extra 2 degrees in the blade angle?

Are Kialoa oval shafts no longer available?  I'm not 100% thrilled with my round shaft Hulu.

But then again, I'm still using my old oval shafted ShakaPu u's in various lengths in the surf so what do I know.

I picked up a 2015 Pipes II on sale and it's the oval Carbon/Fiberglass shaft.  For 2016, it looks like they've gone to round shafts on the Pipes/Methane.  Finally stepped down from the big Shaka Puu I've been running for years.

11

Gear Talk / Re: Sunova Skate 8'10"

« on: May 02, 2016, 08:34:26 PM »

Hey Bob,

Funny enough I just placed my order for a 9'6 Flow with Jim today and he mentioned your name, stating mine was only the second Sunova board he's shipped to Canada.

Glad to hear it arrived safely, as mine ships next Monday, enroute to Vancouver as well.  I'll keep an eye out for you on my next trip to Tofino.  We can swap boards and have our own demo day 

Jason