2010 or 2011 Ron House Carbon 12-6 for a cruiser?

[blackeye]

I'm looking for a board for my wife and daughters.  We do protected ocean flatwater ranging from glass to confused boat wash with wind chop.   

It has to be sub-$1000 and lightweight and durable. 

Would the Ron House mentioned above fit the bill? 

Its 29 wide.  Research on the zone seems to call this board stable and no mention of it being delicate.  The potential for hot deck was the worst of the criticisms. 

The owner is asking $1,000.  Thoughts? 

[Fog City Rider]

Definitely more than enough board for wives & daughters.  I tried one in SoCal once when I just started paddling, and it felt STABLE. 

It's a $1500 board new.  Price seems reasonable if it's in nice condition w/o repairs, etc. 

That's my 2 cents.

 

[mik911]

Personally, I would prefer a 'cruiser' board for wife/kids, if that's what they're going to do.  The Ron House is probably 'stable', compared to other race boards.  There are other, more stable (enjoyable?) boards for cruising,  e.g. a all purpose planing nose/beginner type board, or something like a Riviera Voyager, if you desire one with a hull more displacement in design (fast cruising?).
In my experience, most beginners, or those who don't paddle regularly would not have a leisurely time on a race board, like the RH you mentioned.

eg, My Ron House Coastal Cruiser (12'6" x 30")  is significantly more stable than my Fanatic Fly Race Carbon (12'6"x 30.5)

[Fog City Rider]

Definitely more than enough board for wives & daughters.  I tried one in SoCal once when I just started paddling, and it felt STABLE. 

It's a $1500 board new.  Price seems reasonable if it's in nice condition w/o repairs, etc. 

That's my 2 cents.

 

Whoops, sorry Blackeye I totally misread your post & was talking about the RH Coastal Cruiser.  Disregard my comments!

It's too bad, the Coastal Cruiser would'a been a better fit probably.  I agree w/ mik911's thoughts on the matter.   

[blackeye]

Thanks guys.  I will definitely reconsider this board and any other raceboards. 

But I thought that that width would be sufficient as I probably undersold their abilities.  There were some brand new old year Amundson 11.4's around here, but we missed them.

I am also interested in comments about the durability of old carbon raceboards.  Some folks have said don't bother with them as they get battered quickly. 

[JillRide45]

A lot of people use that Ron House Carbon 12'6" for a cruiser around Dana Point Harbor.  That thing is stable.  Our teenage daughter only paddles every now and then and loves a 12'6" x 29" race board.  If we have the displacement board and a cruiser she always takes the displacement board. 

My experience as a woman is that the hardest part of the stroke is the initial pull.  What you might call the re-acceleration of the board.  The less glide the board has the more obvious this becomes. 

As for carbon boards, I have never had any problems with them.  If they are properly stored and treated nice by their owners they should be good to go.  My double carbon Infinity looks brand new after more than a year.  Now that I think of it, every bike I have in the garage is made out of carbon-sure hope they do not start breaking down.

One thing you may want to make sure of is that the carbon board was not left out sitting in the sun.  Not so good on the foam.

Good luck, Jill

[night paddle]

Umm not sure what these guys are referring to in terms of stability. I had an all carbon Ron House 12 6 which I believe is the board you're referring to, and it was wide but very side to side tippy.  My unlimited Richmond is less tippy and it is 25" wide.

I bought the board with the same idea for my Wife or daughter. quickly sold it to the next guy with the same idea. Bark competitor was next and it was solid as a rock. Passed it on to a friend and now have a 12 6 bark laird for the ladies. Must say it is super stable and surprisingly fast. I had a 14 bark Laird that I did not like nearly as much as the 12 6.

Regular ride is a 14 Richmond at 27 so I think I am a decent judge of stability.

[JillRide45]

I have to agree that there are no boards out there have as much initial stability as the BARK boards.  Initial stability is critical for a beginner, allowing them to feel confident right off the bat. 

Of all the displacement boards I have owned, I would have to say the BARK boards are the most stable for the width.  I currently have a 27" wide BARK for sale that is sooo stable it is like standing on a table for me.  This 27" wide BARK is night and day more stable than say the 12'6" x 27" Fanatic Fly (which husband owned).  What is amazing about the BARK boards is how he combines that initial stability with speed. 

Have fun out there, Jill