Is it safe to buy older carbon surf SUP board?

[oceanAddict]

 In never ending itch for a new boards I ran across barely used (accordingly to seller of course) carbon board.  Is there a hidden danger in buying it? Like material is getting older, drying out? and become more brittle? I'm on heavy side (210-215) and all my boards have a more or less noticeable stomp dents.  Should I stay away from purchasing such board?

Thx

[Dusk Patrol]

There are probably some Zoners who actually know something about material science, but I've never heard of aging carbon being an issue with boards.

What's the make and model?  If its a reputable construction odds are you'll be ok.  I have a 2015 carbon Starboard with no issues.

[toolate]

people still post on SUPS here? 

[oceanAddict]

yeah it's never toolate
 

[surfcowboy]

Toolate, I hear some of these boards actually touch the water the whole time you ride them!

On the OP topic, I'd say if there are no dings you are good. Leaks and water killmeps boards. Epoxy just gets stronger in my experience and research supports this. I have a 7 year old homebuilt SUP that's as strong as day one.

[PonoBill]

Epoxy gets stronger until it reaches an ultimate strength point, and then it deteriorates. But it's slow--unless the board has been exposed to sunlight continually or a lot of big heat cycles, that point is years and years after production--like 10 to 30 years depending on the materials used. The thing that kills boards is water getting in. Once there is water inside, the internal pressure in the board varies wildly with temperature because water turns to water vapor as temps rise. Water vapor has about 1000 times more volume than water. If the board doesn't have an automatic (Goretex) venting system it's going to delam over time. If you don't see repaired dings, and the board still feels light for its size then you're good.