2013 Starboard touring

[Old School]

So I'm getting close to selling my coast runner - I like the board, but the reality is I do more flatwater touring than downwinding, and it's not a great board for messing around with the kids.  I was getting comfortable with the idea of getting a Starboard 12'6" X30 touring board - displace nose, good volume, plenty of stability.  Would also like to use it as a fishing platform for a few hard to reach spots very close to my home. 

Then I see that Starboard now has a 32" wide version of the same board.  Leave it to starboard to make things complicated.  I have no need for that width when touring, but I'm thinking it might be nice when I have a small child with me and or when casting a line.  But at what cost?  Slower, less maneuverable, harder to paddle straight?

Anyone have any experience with the 32" vs the 30" wide model? 

Thanks!

[Easy Rider]

Hi, I'll chime in here, since my name is on the bottom of the board.

The 32" wide version is designed for "larger" paddlers (over say 220 lbs),  for those that want to be able to pack on lots of gear for touring / camping, or for those that want an ultra stable touring board.

For someone under that weight, it will of course be a bit slower.  

For the "with child" and or "with fishing gear / standing sideways to cast" the 32" will be very stable.

I am 200lbs and can / have paddled both with no issues at all.

Loss of tracking or maneuverability is not an issue with either width.

Hope that helps.
Warren

photos of them in action here
http://www.theeasyrider.com/palladium/?p=2069

[Old School]

Warren, thank you.  I didn't really consider weight although I certainly qualify as "larger", because the website lists the 30" and 32" as having the same volume.  Is that correct? 

[gjbstandup]

Hi Old School,
   I too have the new 2013 12'-6'' x 30 touring model AST. construction.. I really like the board as its stable and tracks pretty straight. 8-10 paddles per side.. I like the fact it cuts the water and flows off the tapered bow with the reverse nose than slapping thru the water like the Coast Runner.  The CR is best for chop and down winders, rolling over the chop ..I do /have fished off the board but prefer and all round style board to do that.. I too thought about the 32 wide version but went at 30'' in case I wanted to race... I have had my niece on the board with me and she's 65 #'s and myself at 195 .. Plenty stable for larger rider. I have a football buddy ( in shape but big, 270'# 6'-4'' ) and he uses that board when we paddle. He has no problem.. My only regret was not to get the Brushed carbon or Wood for ease of transport light.  It weighs ( AST white) almost 30 #.. Overall great board.. (Thanks  Warren for your  influence in the design..)

[JimK]

OLD school

MY FAVORITE FISHING BOARD is Fanatic Ray 12Ft (12' X 31.75) Displacement nose, flat bottom and wide tail. Fast enough (not as fast as a raceboard, much faster than an all around design) Very stable even for big guys like us

If you have any further question feel free to contact me again
JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

[Old School]

Gjb, thanks for your input. Waiting to hear back from my local starboard dealer.

Jim, I'll give ou a call later this week.

[Fog City Rider]

Anyone out there try the 12'6 x 29" version of this board?  230L volume instead of the 12'6 x 30's 276L.

I demo'd the 12'6 x 30" and so far it's my top choice, but I'm wondering about the 29" too (n/a for demo unfortunately)... if it's that much less stable & what the pros & cons would be...