SB 158 was the first board in the new generation of formula boards that followed the searching for limits of Starboard (first the big SB 186 (and partly SB X186), and later on the tiny SB 147). The SB 158 introduced the kind of shape, Starboard was to follow the next few years.

With the 158, Starboard also seemed to leave their problematic and misleading volume specifications (called "virtual volume"). The ISAF has measured the board to displace 162 liters, and as to shape the board is first and foremost known for the very sudden, pronounced scoop.

As to sailing, owing to the mentioned scoop the 158 was one of the first formula boards you dared sail very deep, full powered up - without having to fear going over the handlebars big time, when you from behind run into steep, short chop. However, the steep scoop can make the board feel a little sticky when overtaking the chop and waves.

Together with the new 158 the customers received a couple of wedges, made from the same stuff as the foot pads. If you choose to glue the wedges on the foot pads at the back of the board (inside of the straps) it is pretty easy to force the board on the leeward rail by pressing with your toes. Some sailors thought it was a brilliant idea - others quickly tore them off again.

Most of the 158s (in this place all of them!) suffered terribly from a productions defect that very quickly made the board soft (and wet) between the foot straps, and in the area around the chicken strap towards the fin box. Many boards didn't stop with this delaminating, to soften and to let water inter - on a lot of boards you simply went through the wood/sandwich laminate end exposed the foam. To send an older damaged board like this for repair might not be worth it. But if you are motivated and have the patience (the board have to dry out), of course you have the possibility to repair a damaged 158 for yourself. And if you can gain an old, damaged 158 for an old song, this might be a shortcut for your first formula board.

Another (much lesser) problem with the 158 is that the deck covering the fin box isn't very durable. The holes for the fin bolts easily gets very big, and you needn't use much strength tightening the bolts, before the deck are pulled a little down the fin box. A couple of layers of epoxy/glass weave solve this little problem.

A very good fin for the 158 is a Deboichet R13 - possibly raked a little forward (up to +6/+8).

The "normal" place for a SB 158 to get soft is around the plug for the chicken strap between the straps at the back. At this instance the owner has tried to delay the time for de-lamination by gluing a big pad over the place.

The weak deck over the fin box has been strengthened with a little epoxy/carbon weave.

Remains of a little glue on the ordinary foot pads suggest that the board at a time has had wedges.

This 158 has been repaired at the weakest point around the plug of the chicken strap. And if you take a closer look, you'll see some small rather interim repairs between the pads to the right. This is also a "classic" place for the 158 to delaminate - coming from the heel of your hindmost foot - for instance when pumping.

Please notice the holes for the fin bolts, which have gradually grown too big - and at the same time some moisture has penetrated to the veneer around the holes.