Muzza's Trippin' - THE BOURTON MOON FISH
The Purpose of the Bourton Moon Fish
Simply a follow on from the snow shoe with a less radical
flare in the tail and a small centre fin. Looking for a little
more drive in a twin fin type shape.
Board
Specifications
BOARD DIMENSIONS: 6'1 x 15 x19' 1/2 x 15'
1/4 x 2' 1/8
IDEAL WEIGHT: 70 to 80kg
DESIGN EMPHASIS:
Working on the same principal as the Snow Shoe’s flared
tail but moderated a fair bit, and instead of a fish I have
used a moon shape that allows more of a pressure
release as more tail area has been cut out.
Add to that I have included a small central trailer fin which
is positioned right up the arse of the bigger twin fins which
hopefully will give the twin fins more drive and stability.
Muzza’s Ramblings
Toward the end of the MR twin fin era some designers were
using a small stabilizer fin at the rear
of the board. The idea was to give the board more drive and
tail grip, in fact what happened during a serious turn the
board felt like a thruster during the first part. As more
pressure was applied the bigger twin fins over powered
the small stabilizer and the tail would suddenly
let go and the turn would end up as a pivot type slide
and consequently lose all its speed. I believe this occurred
because the stabilizer was positioned too far away from the
dominant twin fins. By placing the stabilizer much
closer to the twin fins the let go effect has been eradicated
and the fins now work as a team to give the board more drive
and less pivot without losing the twinny feel.
In slightly bigger waves one could use a bigger stabilizer
which will hold in even more and deliver more drive and down
the line speed. The sweet spot on a twinny is quite
large because the fin base is only 5 inches. With
a thruster the inclusion of a tail fin basically increases
the fin base area to the distance between the back of the
rear fin and the front of the front fins which could be as
much as 12'1/2 inches. This means that you have to be in the
exact spot with your back foot to operate the fins correctly
so they work as a team. By moving the back fin up
as I have done with the Moon Fish the sweet spot is much larger
which means if you're forced to your feet quickly it does
not matter if you end up out of position cause the board will
still react as intended.
Obviously the board has less reach and drive than a thruster
but it has slightly more than a twin fin which is what I am
after since this is after all a small wave design. As I explained
above the moon shaped tail takes some pressure off
the tail and therefore allows the small rear fin to do its
thing. The curve shape of the moon also should allow
a smooth rail to rail feel but keeping some grip due to the
two sharp points either side.
Prediction
This design should feel like a very loose thruster
or a slightly drivier twinny.
Results
Already this board has been trialed and the early consensus
is that it is very loose and fast. Even though it
is a little small for myself I had to launch it as well and
it flew and held well through some very hollow sections at
Greenmount. It felt so good I am going to make one to suit
my weight, (and age?- Ed). Will keep you posted.
Customer Feedback
Below is a letter from a regular customer of Murray's. He
got a Moon Fish and here is what he had to say:
7/2/05
Hey Muzz,
Just picked up the new boards yesterday after work ...they
look sweet! Went for an early this morning before work. Surf
looked tiny and weak, so I took the Moon Fish for its maiden
voyage. I had a smile on my face from the moment I waxed up
until the moment I got to work (well actually, from the moment
I saw the Moon Fish).
It looks amazing and it handled the small conditions with
ease. I had to make some slight adjustments to my surfing
to get used to the feel of the board, but after about 4 or
5 waves I started to feel a flow and drive down the line,
as well as quick pivoting response. I could maintain speed
throughout the full arc of my turns, and then recover with
drive.
Definitely a keeper! Bring on the summer dribble.
Thanks Muzz,
Brad Marriott
Success!
Due to positive feedback this design has
been also made a staple in my stock list and has joined the
Fun Fish Series.
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