C4 Waterman Mongoose 12-6 Carbon (not Speed)

[jrandy]

Hello Zoners,

I just returned a rental 12-6 BIC Ace Tec wing to one of the local outfitting shops.  They have one of these C4's on special for 'blems', which seem to be some paint nubbies on the bottom (think pilled sweater) and a few pea-sized blisters under the paint on the rails.

Staff at the shop was friendly but not knowledgeable. They had to go online to read up on the board as it was not on their 'cheat sheet'. I did not tip my hand that I have built several surfboards and that throwing around words ''displacement' and 'composite' weren't going to impress me. I called the folks at Waterman and they confirmed that the model is indeed carbon.

The Wing felt good in the water but seemed to like to go over on its rounded rails. I would prefer something with a more solid feel. The Mongoose has squarer rails but does not have the cutting bow like the Wing. According to the blurb on Waterman's sight the nose design is to reduce windage and swing weight.

About me: middle-aged, beginner, tall, thickish. I would use the board mostly on flat/fresh water and not for racing. No plans to surf it unless I get into mischief on the Great Lakes.

-I read that that Waterman has switched manufacturing locations. Is this move enough to say 'no' to their boards?
-Is getting anything 'carbon' and 'blem' a few hundred under list worth the risk?

I have foam and plans to make a couple stand-up boards (OK already started one, different thread), but have nothing to ride or reference in the meantime.

The big question: should just get out of the way of my cheap/DIY bad self and start with this? Or consider a different make/model?

I have heard good things about the JL Searcher, more foam but way more $$$.  SUPATX has a 2014 Navigator for even less money, but 20L less foam than the Wing or Mongoose and I have read stories about shipping damage.

Here is a link and basics of the one at hand. Thanks for your input, -J

https://www.c4waterman.com/BoardDetails.aspx?id=40

Overall Length: 12' 6" (381cm)
 Width: 31.00" (78.74cm)
 Thickness: 5.00" (12.7cm)
 Weight: 28.00 (12.73kg)*
 Volume: 75.03 Gal. (284.00L)
*Weights may vary +/- 10%