Motorboat by Al Merrick

Introducing 'The Mullet'.

Well that's what I've called my 6'2" Al Merrick Motorboat by Rob Machado. The board is business at the front and party at the back.

Making the decision to get such a short, but wide and thick (read 'high volume') board, came after much umming and ahhing. During previous summers, I had seen surfers having a blast in small surf, on similar modern, chunky and flat boards. After enough visual evidence, I was convinced I wanted/needed one. But, as a chump when it comes to understanding board design, I didn't know where to start. I decided to visit as many credible surf shops as possible, to get as many ideas, and as much information as possible - hoping that something would ring a bell with me. I also decided to consult my surfing friends - a valuable source of information and honest opinion. One of the key bits of help came from my brother over email. He told me to forget about looking at board length when looking at these kinds of boards, and instead he advised me to look at volume. My brother said such boards are all about high volume. I went on to learn that many progressive board manufacturers now include volume, together with the details of length, width and thickness, when describing the technical specifications of a board.

While it wasn't overwhelmingly the most recommended board, the Motorboat by Channel Islands Surfboards/Al Merrick seemed to always appear in conversation.

I bought my Motorboat from Surf Culture, in Sydney, Australia's Bondi Junction - a store my brother had recommended after a positive experience he had buying a number of boards there.

Surf Culture

All the bits and pieces waiting to be put together.

Photo: Willy

When my board finally arrived in Melbourne, with my custom pink tail (there is a chance I've got the only pink one in the world), I friskily skipped around the house piecing it together. Later that night I slept with The Mullet - as I do with all of my new boards (I imagine this will be tricky when I add a mal to the quiver).

Admiring the flat (and fast) template.

Photo: Willy

The next day I was greeted with perfect surf to test out a small wave board: small, piddly waves. If ever the flat template was going to show its potential, that day was going to be it.

I feel every board 'loses its virginity' with that first wax job.

Photo: Willy

There were no photographers because everybody surfed that day - so I don't have any action shots for you.

I didn't surf great and my wave count wasn't high - it was much higher than it would have been on one of my other boards mind you. I did however, get enough of a taste to know I was going to enjoy surfing during the summer much, much more than I had in the past. The wide template, all the way from the nose to the tail, gave me heaps of buoyancy that helped in catching waves. The wide tail and thick body also kept me planing effortlessly on waves I normally would have been bogged down in.

The 6'2" Motorboat has a volume of 41.5 litres

Photo: Willy

Basically, I was delighted with my purchase!

Based on this limited experience, I would recommend to anybody who doesn't have a board of this type/style in their quiver to get 'onboard'. I think having the right equipment helps keep you smiling on those small days where you may ordinarily get a little frustrated - something I feel is worth avoiding.

Cheering!

For more information on the Motorboat, check out the official website:

Channel Islands Motorboat