suitable Go board

[ajhannell]

Hi

I am a lapsed sailboarder who is hoping to get back into the sport. I started about 20 years ago (in my mid-teens) and used to go out a few times a week- so reached a good level.

I recently had a small taste which reignited

I am looking for an all round board that is uphaulable if necessary- I am about 80kgs. Would a GO 155 be a good board ??

thanks


Andrew

[Roger]

Hi Andrew,
Any idea what your conditions might be most often?
How much windspeed, how much chop, fresh or salt water?
The GO 155 would be a pretty good "all around" board, but at 80 kg.
(176 lbs) it won't be an early planer for < 12 knots (=> 8.5 m2 rig needed
to get planing in 12) and it also won't be so good above 20 knots with
<6.0 m2 rigs.
The new Futura might offer you a better overall range and there are some
mid sizes (122/133/144) that could be better overall.
Hope this helps,

[ajhannell]

thanks for the reply

Q: How much windspeed, how much chop, fresh or salt water?
A: Probably 15-20 knots, fairly flat, saltwater (Pittwater, Sydney Australia)

So you are saying a smaller, more manoeverable board could be better for me??

thanks

Andrew

[Roger]

Hi again Andrew,
If you are truly sailing in 15-20 knots most of the time, then yes, something like a Futura 122 or even the 111 might be much better as it suits the 20 knot end of your wind spectrum much better.
The GO 155 isa great little board, but the Futura 122 or 111 are quite a bit better.
If your wind conditions were more in the 10-15 knot range, then the GO 155 or something as wide or wider would give you the most quality time on the water.
Since you sailed before, I think you will find it's a bit like riding a bicycle.
It's real hard to get the basic skills and balance, but once you have them figured out you don't ever completely lose them.
You are fortunate to be in Sydney.
I'd suggest you look for a demo or hire operation and try some smaller boards before you commit to buying one.
The Carves were the predecessor to the Futuras, so if cost is an issue you could find a good used Carve in the same sizes (122/111) and do very nicely.
You will eventually want more than one board (one for 12-16 knots and a smaller one for 15-20+ knots.
Hope this helps,