Surfriding Protective Mods?

[JetSetta...]

Im new to the sport...and am dead keen on sufr riding. However in the past 4 months i have managed to tear my engine mounts, snap my pole clean in half and even bent the two front brackets on the hood(Air box). as i am still learning im sure that doing damage is bound to happen, but could anyone advise me on how i can lower the posibiliaty of damaging the ski as it is very costly to repair...Also if any one could advise me on how to "Re surface the bottom of the Hull" The gell coat is being worn away by the sand...
Many thanks!

 

[SJBrit]

Yes, there's a lot you can do. Here are some suggested searches that will turn up some useful information:

Look up "reinforcing" to see how people add some layers of fiberglass inside the hull and particularly along the bondline to help improve strength.

Look up "Kenny Keepers" as a great way to take some stress off your motor mounts. Also, you can use couch motor mounts which are stronger and fit the Superjet (Can't remember the exact model to look for - can someone chime in?)

If you are running a stock pole then snapping it in half is a fairly common result. They're very light, but also very weak. There are great aftermarket poles depending on budget. Look for "X Metal" and "RRP" for some well-proven options.

The stock hood hooks are a joke. There are plenty of aftermarket options and while you're at it go ahead and replace the latch with a stonger version. Again, X-Metal have some good products but a search on "hood hooks" should highlight some others.

Hope that helps a little. Others will chime in for sure on some specfic product recommendations - lots out there to choose from.

 

[SJBrit]

One more suggestion: search on "pole limiting strap" which is a good way to reduce pole stress.

 

[AtomicPunk]

Don't worry about the bottom gelcoat.... if the SMC is thin you will want to reinforce from the inside.

GP800 mounts are what people are using, plus there are some new urethane mounts that look promising too.

Add hood straps to your list of mods.