Hey guys, just purchased a new Falcon 14' in the carbon model. I've only owned glass boards in the past. I know the relief plug is there to combat against the board expanding and contracting with temperature change, but what's the generally accepted norm? Do I need to remove the plug whenever not in use? Board will be stored in shade under the house. What about on the beach or on the roof of the car?
I always release the vents when my boards are not in use even though they are stored in a shed. I use the type of vent screw where you only have to loosen them a couple of turns to allow the air out so I don't remove them completely. I also tie a string to the leg rope attachment to remind myself to tighten the vent every time I go paddling.
i would leave it plugged, except in extreme heat. demo boards get left in the sun all day with no issues.
When you would want to release it is if you ever send it by plane when traveling.
Because of the extreme fluctuation in atmospheric pressure.
Thanks Guys, a couple of different opinions there - I might err on the side of caution and unplug it more often than not.
14' is a lot of volume, so you should take care of avoiding extreme temperature changes:
- avoid letting it in the sun at all times
- if in the sun, do not go straight into cool waters, try to splash it a bit before to cool it progressively. I have seen some boards (not Fanatics, though) get some depressions in the hull by the sudden drop in pressure.
If you unscrew the vent, know that there are some risks
- forgetting to re-screw. You should find some way to never forget to put it pack. On my sailboards I kept a plastic tag on my screwdruiver that I put under the opened screw as a visual reminder
- damaging the O ring. always oil it with non agressive oil (vegetable cooking oil is nice), and change it very often.
Most boards are fine without ever touching the screw. Some don't...
