Al Merrick Robber

[JEM]

I recently bought a board called the Al Merrick Robber in late July. Since I have another board, I had only used the Robber four or five times, for 2 to 4 hour time periods when I noticed the stringer was popping out. I put duct tape on it temporarily but it has gotten worse and it is rising from around the middle of my board to my stomp pad. For a good 3 inches it has penetrated the surface of my board already. I have had my other board for five years and none of this ever happened. While I was surfing the other day a number of surfers questioned me about the duct tape. Eight separate people told me I should take it back. They are just as confused as I am as to why this happened, in such a short period of time. I am extremely careful with the board. I keep it on a surf rack in the garage and carefully hose it off after each use. There is absolutely nothing I could have done to take better care of the board and prolong its life. Al Merrick has an incredible reputation which is one reason I purchased the board. I love the way the board feels in the water and I couldn't have picked a better shape. I am 6' 1 and 190. I spoke over a 6 month period with various board experts regarding whether this board was a good fit for me. They all assured me it was. The shop I purchased the board from said this was not unusal and would not take the board back. They said they would only try to repair it. I would like to hear what you have to say about my situation. Has anyone else had the same experience? What was your recourse?

Eric

[isaluteyou]

Pictures?

From your description im assuming there are pressure dents running along side the stringer which can cause the stringer to slowly pop to the surface and actually pierce through. This has happened to one of my boards but only after a long time. The board probably has a really light glass job making it more susceptible to this type of thing.

If you have no joy getting a replacement (which i would be highly surprised if you did) then get the shop to repair hopefully for free.

[ronboworld]

I love the way the board feels in the water and I couldn't have picked a better shape.

I would get it repaired.

[esonscar]

Pictures - let's learn something here .........

[noddyinbude]

I'd be inclined to take it back, after all if the shapers/shops don't get to see these kind of things then the boards will never be modified to stop it happening!

[Tricky23]

yeah dude...take it back...the shop should contact their supplier, don't take cr*p from anyone or any store... too many people allow themselves to be ripped off... if the shop ignore you start sending emails direct to the supplier / Al Merrick boards