peto said...
Hey JF, just wondering how can a 5.0 wavesail feel too big on a 78ltr waveboard? Not being critical, just honestly want to know.
About 80 kg, developing wave sailor, less proficient in left side wind.
Have been using the 78tf in heavy seas, fast Pacific waves and different wind conditions with the 4.7 and 5.3. Also use the Fanatic New Wave 81 from '08 which is a more conventional action and has a big fin (too big).
I think the tail and fins of the board are small for a 78 and are designed for 4.2 and 4.7, while the front has some larger board characteristics for slogging, early planing, and radical surfing. No apparent V is visible. Larger fins might help with a bigger sail, but probably slow the board too much for smaller sizes. Reading between the lines, the designer spent some time making custom fins and changing this is highly experimental.
The small tail and short length give the board its amazing turning ability on a wave or a jibe, and the wider front gives it speed, good momentum in turns, early planing, easy slogging...
In heavy seas on a reach one can cope and it helps to reduce sail power at times. Probably, with the 5.3, the tail is too small, and also the fins. It gets to be more work.
