Hi Adrian,

Really hard to tell exactly what the problem is from that photo, but it looks as though the top layer of resin has cracked away from the carbon fibre strands. I think (and I may be wrong) that it is only a surface crack and shouldn't go any further than that.

Most likely fatigue from years of riding and potentially over tightening the screws or running the board into an object which may shock load the fin ??? Just thoughts.

I'd keep and eye on it, and if it were mine, I't put a little smear of resin in the countersink of the hole with the screws out, just for good measure to potentially keep water out. (not that carbon absorbs water in any case).

DM

Adrian Ferguson said...

Hi DM, thanks for the reply. The board is relatively new, so it should not be a fatigue problem. I had to push the local shop to talk with North, I was meant to hear back last Monday. The question is, will North address it or will I be waiting forever?? I get the feeling they don't give a ####.

If North don't come to the party I will look at repairing as you said. I am annoyed by this as I buy expensive gear so I don't have these problems. With the attitude of the retailer/North response, I am questioning if North is a good brand.

I would like to know if anyone has had North come to the party for repairs.

myself i have had north come through on 3 seperate times .an each time got a new kite .north is a good brand .they are only human .the only issue i could see is its now an old board 2012 select is out now ..have had 6 seasons on north ..dont know if this helped me , you have had two seasons out of it not to bad .and yes i had this board ,no doesnt have any cracks.

Adrian Ferguson said...

Hi DM, thanks for the reply. The board is relatively new, so it should not be a fatigue problem. I had to push the local shop to talk with North, I was meant to hear back last Monday. The question is, will North address it or will I be waiting forever?? I get the feeling they don't give a ####.

If North don't come to the party I will look at repairing as you said. I am annoyed by this as I buy expensive gear so I don't have these problems. With the attitude of the retailer/North response, I am questioning if North is a good brand.

I would like to know if anyone has had North come to the party for repairs.

Hey mate,

Did you buy the board new???

I'm still bitter and twisted about North's response when every strut bladder on every Vegas and Rhino failed on their ill-fated two pump system back in 2007.

Hi RPM, Yes I bought the board new, still have the receipt, shop even complained to ME now faded it was, which I fine amusing as they printed it!

Instead of epoxy into fin screw rebate, try a clear silicone non acidic will do the trick, plus removal of screws in the future, will be easy,

My crack is growing (on my board), I was thinking (the same as cauncy)silicon if it didn't, it's going to need something strong. I don't want to touch it until North reply, I have chased the shop (Northern Beaches Sydney) and they say no reply.

And yes cRAZY Canuk, I'm amazed to they have not dealt with it, never alone replaced it, and even more amazed at the speed they are dealing with it, 2 months now. I expect they are hoping I will just go away! Sorry, fat chance of that.

I am starting to think this is a common problem with this board, sounds like a design fault to me.

[b]The test of a good company is how they handle things when things go wrong![/b

Well I have heard back from North through the Collaroy shop. They say I have been riding up and down the beach or over rocks, and I must take responsibility for that. If I did, I would!

I do not ride up & down the sand or over rocks as they say, the fin does have marks from going over the sand bar, part of riding in the surf. They have not explained why the cracks are in the opposite direction to what you would expect if I was beach riding, and why it is happening across on both sides on one end of the board.

My theory, fatigue! Guess what North, other people are having the same problem, looks like a design/manufacturing issue to me! I understand you are trying to protect your profits, but a board that costs $1,350.00, 30%+ more than other boards should not do this.

North foot straps / bindings are poor quality, the front edge wears out within one season, this board needs its 3rd set (yes at 2 yo). I have lost 3 heal inserts, I now glue the inserts in, and the base pad has had to be repaired as well. If this was the only problem I would live with it.

I have owned quite a lot of your products, but after this board, the cost verse reward does not stack up, North, NO more (and yes I am bitter about it!).