Hi!
I am at an early intermediate stage and I am undecided whether to buy a Taboo Rocket 145 or a Fanatic Shark 145. I haven't seen either as yet because my current dealers here don't have a demo for the moment but I have read excellent reviews on both. I seem to understand that the shape and design of the rails is one of the elements which, aside ( of course!) from the sailor's skill and his foot-steering ability and a longer fin, can affect the intrinsic upwind capability of a board. This is something of importance to me, because, coming from a beginners board, I am not completely weaned from the centerboard. From my own previous and rather disastrous experience with a Bic Techno 160 which, having very thin and flattish rails, was constantly blowing me downwind, I think that a board with thick and sort of rounded rails, biting more into the water, would be better suited to me,( even though I 'd probably loose a bit of manoeuverability, but it is a trade-off I am willing to make).
So my question is, I guess, which of the two boards, if somebody has seen and sailed on either one, has more " solid" and " biting" rails. From the available pictures, I'd think the Shark has this type of thicker rails, whereas the Rocket's seems rather flattish . Can anybody comment on this?
Thank you
Francone
I don't think the rails are the problem Francone. If you have just changed from a centre board I'd guess its most likely a trim problem and you have your sail too far forward. Centreboards encourage you to sail at the middle of the board. With just a fin providing most of your lateral resistance you have to tilt the rig a long way back so the centre of lift of the sail is above the fin. You really have to sail off the back of the board with a lot of sideways pressure on the fin through your back foot.
All that said, if you prefer to sail that way then sharp rails will make a difference. You would probably prefer a traditional long board like a Mistral Equipe or something like that. They are meant to be sailed that way.
Sorry, I cant comment on the Tabou or the Fanatic.
Not Wal's right about the different handling of modern boards.
But as you say you're an intermediate sailor, so if you wish to progress, I think the best course of action would be to learn how to sail a modern board. If you buy a board specifically suited to where you are now, you may find it limiting when you progress.
I also can offer no comparrison between those boards, but 2 of my mates had a rocket out last week and loved it.
I'm also not sure I agree about rails having a big effect on upwind ability, at sub planning speeds perhaps, but once planning there's not much rail in the water, it's much more about the fin.
Hi,
I can't comment on the Shark as I have not sailed one. I have a Tabou Rocket 140 74 which is an older model than the current 145. However from the pictures it looks similar in design.
The rails are softish however once powered up I don't have any real trouble getting upwind on it. Its a real cruisy, comfortable board that doesn't feel big underfoot event though its a fairly large board.
