2016 Infinity Blackfish 14 x 27

[Rideordie]

I was planning on buying a 2017 14 x 25 Blackfish and was waiting for some year end pricing or possibly a nice used one to come available.  However, I spotted a 2017 custom 14 x27 Blackfish, which is in excellent shape with the four fin set up at a great deal.  The kicker is that it is a ridiculously long drive to go get it.  I wrestled with the pros and cons for buying a wider and older model for a few days. I just could not get the board out of my head, which told me I just needed to go get it.  My son is going to ride with me and assist with the driving, so that is a huge help. 

I guess I am buying in to the philosophy that narrow is not always faster (sound familiar Area 10?) and is rarely as enjoyable to paddle.  I like to go paddle hard and go fast, but I only race occasionally.  I know this shape is notoriously stable and that i could easily go narrower.  However, I have gone that route and have had some regrets. 
             

[Luc Benac]

This is a board that can take a 240 pounds paddler so I hope you are a beast :-)

ps: This applies to the 2017 14x27 Blackfish at 315L

[Rideordie]

Typo. The board I am buying is a 2016. Luc, I am about 205 pounds, so I guess I qualify!!  I think the volume is 288, so seems about right to me.

[Luc Benac]

Typo. The board I am buying is a 2016. Luc, I am about 205 pounds, so I guess I qualify!!  I think the volume is 288, so seems about right to me.

288L instead of 315L is good :-), it is the same volume than the 2016 14x26. It has less volume than many 2015 and 2017 Blackfish.
I am a little guy at 6' and 170 pounds so big boards do not necessarily works for me....

[TallDude]

A little extra width makes the paddles much more enjoyable. Takes the edge off of having to feel like you will get wet at any minute. If I'm in a race, I usually don't mind the wobble. I hate it when I'm just out cruising. You'll dig that board.   

[Luc Benac]

A little extra width makes the paddles much more enjoyable. Takes the edge off of having to feel like you will get wet at any minute. If I'm in a race, I usually don't mind the wobble. I hate it when I'm just out cruising. You'll dig that board.

Very true. No wobble with a Blackfish. It can take the sea....

[Rideordie]

So, what is your regular go to fin set up on these boards. My fin life is about to get complicated. It has four on it now. Whatever Infinity put on it. Current owner did not know. Heck he only paddled it a few times. Has a garage with huge quiver. Maybe 10 or more boards. And seems like I recall reading that you need to stand somewhat behind the handle. Right?

[Rideordie]

I took another look at the picture of the dimension rage on the board. It says 283 volume. This was a custom board, so may not match production specs. Prior owner is 190 to 195 pounds, so may have had it built to suit him. Sounds like a pretty good fit for me. 

[burchas]

14x27 @ 283 sounds like it's going to be pretty thin comparably and probably make it even more stable than usual since you'll sit lower on the water.
The good news is you could probably be able to run the smallest fins available for the most part without sacrificing stability. That said, don't expect to
to be a speed daemon on that board.

On a board like this you could probably get away with the small ventral, stealth twins and the 6" stinger center fin for almost anything and for flat water
you could even go with the mini stealth twins (2.5") and the 4" kicker.

[Rideordie]

Thanks for the fin advice Burchas!  Here are some pictures of the rear fins.  Can you tell what they are? 

[burchas]

These look like the small blackfish twins and the small thrasher 5 3/4". usually the measurement of the fin is specified on it.
see if you can read. from this angle it's a little hard to discern if these are the small or the regular blackfish twins 4.5"x11"

[Rideordie]

Thanks Burchas.  These are the only fin photos I have right now.  Will take a closer look once I pick up the board this weekend. 

Is there a good website to shop for these replacement fins, or do you have to contact Larry Allison directly to get them? Sorry, I am a bit lost on this after reviewing his website.       

[Luc Benac]

You have to call Larry to order specific twins or kick.
Also remember that the flat side of the twins go outside and the foiled side goes inside.
It is difficult to judge on the picture but it looks that these were mounted the opposite.
27" with these twins will be hugely stable and you might want to check on smaller twins, elliptical or stealth (triangular)
There are two sizes for twins these shape (9 1/2 and 11 I believe). The 11 are just monster that you are unlikely to ever need. The 9 1/2 were also too big for me.

ps: I found the picture of the various twins models I was looking for

[burchas]

Yes, the website is very sad It's best to contact him directly 310-530-1383.

If you know of specific fin you want and want it faster try:
http://www.paddleboardspecialists.com/SUP---Paddleboard-Fins/products/58/

otherwise contact Larry, you'll get ton of information and maybe zoner discount.

[Rideordie]

Thanks Burchas. Very helpful information!!