If the diamensions and shape of a board are what you are looking for ie width/lenght/ rocker/rails, sail range , does volume really matter .
My understanding is that volume effects buoyancy and the abilty to get up on the plane so wouldnt a higher volume be better provided all the other diamensions are what you want .
Is there a big differance between 80Ltr to a 74Ltr or is shape more important .
Cheers
Its funny that Windsurf and SUP's have always been measured on volume but surfboard not so much.
ive recently gone to choosing surfboards on volume and it makes a heap of difference.
back to your question tho.
volume is a great place to start.
then go for the rails and other factors that you mentioned.
the type/style of board can also be hugely affected by volume.
what are you after??
Wave board and high wind , and Im light 60 kgs. Beacuse Im in QLD to there little bellow the 80L range in second hand .
It's all about width. In the PWA the guys register 3 boards, all the brands have different volumes but the guys choose approx the same widths. eg. 59 66 80. Volume varies all over a board from nose to rails to tails, you just can't trust volume.
High wind wave board volume shouldn't be a big issue, it's low wind wave boards where volume is important.
Presumably in high winds it's surface area that will get you planning, in light winds volume allows you to grovel without sinking.
More volume than you need usually means more weight than you need, if you like loose boards weight can be an issue.
Cheers Guys .
I have read a bit on shaping and went through those vids posted by that old shaper on the Hood river and had come to the conclusion that its not critical and in fact like AUS4 said you cant trust it . Just nice to hear it confirmed from those with experience .
I would not say it is ALL about width like AUS4 says
Look at the talk about quads - people being able to use more volume. The widths are about the same but they can use more volume.
Eg width is not all, as a 92L EVO from 2004 or 2005 is not exactly an early planer is it?
It is both width and volume (incl volume distribution also)- an inextricable relationship involving all factors. Width and volume are the biggest factors in planing threshold, but the feel will change greatly with bottom shape.
Mark
You just re-affirmed with the bit about " people being able to use more volume " my concern was that every measurement and shape I was seeking was spot on yet the volume of the board I thought 10 litres to much for my body weight . I didnt want to find myself with a new board that still felt to big . ( I suspect AUS4 was referring to my exact concern not boards in general )
As you said the volume effects planning threshold and the feel can greatly change with bottom shape.
So in other words can a 80 ltr perform the same as a 74 or even 65 if the shape/ tail /width / lenght /rocker/weight/fin set up is correct ? Im know of the opinion ( with everyones imput ) the answer is deffinalty yes. hopefully i will get to test this theory this afternoon .
