Crack in tail of board she says it's OK but I need advice.

[LordSea]

Hello everyone I'm new here but am buying a board from an acquaintance and need some advice. She said that there is a small crack in the tail (picture provided) and that she has still ridden it without water getting in. Is it OK to buy still or is it too much damage and needs repair? I added more pictures of the board as well.

[oldmansurfer]

Wherever there is a crack in the board it represents at the very least an area that is weakened. On the edge of the board it is very likely to get damaged again and the next time it will be worse since it is weakened by the first crack. Generally if there is a gap or ridge in the glass then it should be repaired before using. If it is cracked but the surface remains smooth then you can probably use it but plan on getting it repaired sometime. This is just my theory. Wait for others to post their views. I guess it depends on the construction of the board. If it has a closed cell foam blank (which is not the typical board) then maybe not so critical.

[waikikikichan]

Looks to be a cheap China made board:
1) no shaper's signature
2) FCS stickers over the plugs on the deck
3) ultra thin glassing on the tail

Can't tell if it's been repaired or not, but boards are bound to get dings sooner or later ( sooner with Fish/swallow tails ). It really comes down to how much she's selling it for. $100 ? $250 ? If it's smooth repair should be okay, but I still might put a Solarez/Suncure cap over the whole tail to re-enforce the area.

[dtc]

repairing a board is no big deal, most boards need it at some stage. Even if it is cracked, it doesnt look too bad - a surf shop can do a repair or you can get started on your ding repair skills and do it yourself.

As wkk says, its not the crack that is the issue as that can be fixed. Its the price - a good price + cost of repair = worthwhile purchase.

[jaffa1949]

Finger nail test for sticks,
drag your finger nail across the ding
if it flicks or clicks
it needs a fix.

Often with cracks like that solar resin.

If the price is good then it is an opportunity to learn easy fixing skills.

[LordSea]

Well thank you all for your input but I'm on the fence between this one (selling for 170 but I'm talking her down to like 120) or a nsp 7'10 board that the owner only road once but didn't like surfing (lol). I think I'll get around the same price as her but his comes with a stomp pad as well as a leash. If I get hers I would definitely want to do the repair myself to make sure it's done right.

[waikikikichan]

I bought my wife the NSP 7'10" Fun board, and she loves it. Should already have a pad on it. You won't have to worry about cracks on it. If it's the newer models with FCS fins versus the older bolt thru the deck version, I would get that instead of a thin glassed China made board. Especially if the price is similar.