Simple question I hope. If I'm wicking out moisture from a board with a fair bit of nose rocker, given the board is upside down, am I going to need to drill a hole in the deck closer to the nose and wick that as well (cos it's obviously lower than the vent hole)? (It's an old Mistral synchro, mid-late naughties. Water is getting in through small crack I just noticed mid way along one rail, so that will need repair but want to get it as dry as possible first.)
This is a very good question!
I don't think there's a definite answer.
I'm not sure about how water travels around in the board. In theory I can think of three methods, gravity, air flow and wicking. I haven't tested the foam for wicking, I guess it depends on cell structure, the gaps between cells need to be the right size for wicking to occur.
From repairs I've done water seems to remain close to the leak. But if the board has been standing on it's nose water will head that way.
I'd stand the board on the damaged rail, so that is lowest, open up the damage enough to get your wick in. If you can leave in the sun, with vent closed, that will create and airflow out of the damage, taking water with it. When it starts to cool down, open the vent so water isn't sucked back into the board. I also change the wick at this point, so any water in the wick doesn't get sucked back. Keep doing this until wick is dry. That should have got most of the water out, then you can start the repair.
If the water is not near the ventplug or wicking area could you use a hairdryer to warm the board FROM 'supposed' waterlogged area towards the vent or wicking area?? Or, heat the board from extremities toward vent or wicking area?
Ok, thanks for those thoughts. Yeah, how I noticed was moisture near the rail and it had been lying with that rail down, so maybe I'll try to get some material in there, and keep going. But, basically, I don't know how long this issue has been going, hopefully not too long, and how much is traveled around.
Anyway, in lock down with sunny days ahead, so should be able to get it in the sun as suggested... Cheers
If you want more action, wrap it in black plastic, but be careful if it's already a hot day, you can overheat the board
How much heavier is the board?
Water will drip down by gravity, most air will evaporate by rising.
I set my board in a bag in the sun and water came out of several spots.
Careful not to get it so hot that the finish may bake and crack or peel off.
I sometimes drill a small hole at the center of the crack (which will need repairing anyway) to assist with draining/drying.
How much heavier is the board?
Water will drip down by gravity, most air will evaporate by rising.
I set my board in a bag in the sun and water came out of several spots.
Careful not to get it so hot that the finish may bake and crack or peel off.
I sometimes drill a small hole at the center of the crack (which will need repairing anyway) to assist with draining/drying.
