In late 2015, Downwinder, or "Iron Phil", Phil Gregory advertised his custom built hand shaped on Maui 17' F16 for sale.
A unique, one off board from SIC Custom.
Now I can't believe that at the time I ummed and ahhed for I think several weeks before deciding to buy it.
Consigned to Richard The Kayak Courier, it was delivered from Queensland to Melbourne on December 20th 2015 at 7.00 a.m.

Excitedly unwrapped - Christmas come early.


Phil had even included spare steering bits.


I was used to F16s, and 17'4" Bullets, but this was something else again.


Several years old, it was well cared for but obviously well used, and had spent a lot of time in the Queensland sun.
Underside of board pretty much unmarked except for a faint circular depression towards the centre.
But what a board!
Named the board Iron Phil in honour of the original owner.


Deck pad a bit oxidized, small paddle scrape on the left side.


Larger scrape and a few chips on the right side.


Iron Phil certainly had an imposing presence on the beach or water.
As a first improvement, I added a second paddle loop to carry the board with the paddle.


Looking at that, I scrubbed the deck pad with turpentine, removing most of the oxidized layer.


This unfortunately removed a lot of the grippiness, but improved the look.
A bit later I added a drink bottle holder to the front.


And I was happy!
Had an awesome unlimited board, a one off.
Meant to be a downwind board, but I just use it for general paddling, upwind / downwind, cruising.

To be continued...........