Board purchase

Question
Hi Dean, I've been sailing for 5 years now. Harness, tacks, getting better at waterstarts. I want to go to newer style board. I presently sail a 2001 Techno 283 (152 volume, 69cm width) I have sail ranges from 5.8 to 9.2. Most of the wind I sail in is 12-16mph with an ocassional 15-25 day. I use a Bic Nova for the 14 mph day and less wind days. I feel like I should move down to a smaller/modern board. Although a 140-150 would probably suit me fine I sorta feel like I already have that in my 283. Do you think  a 130-135 would be alright? I'm 6 feet tall and weigh 180 lbs. I think I still am going to have to up-haul at times so I don't want to go too low of volume. I've been looking at the Mistral Explosion, JP Excite, Fanatic Shark F2 Stoke (although I'm afraid this board may be too technical to sail?) and then finally... the new Starboard Futura. I want to go faster and learn jibes but I don't want to get to technical of a board so that it's too hard to sail. If you know what I mean. Thanks a lot for any advice. I hope I didn't give you too much info!! Doug

Answer
I sail with a friend who weighs the same as you and he uses his 125 liter (old) Seatrend almost all the time. He can waterstart and jibe effortlessly however he can easily uphaul it when necessary. I think you would be fine on this size.  I would start to look at boards in this volume because your Techno at 152liters is too close to say 135 or 140 liters.  Call around to some of the mailorder board sellers and your local shops and ask what they have in 125 liter boards.  Also check your local Craigslist ads for used boards but don't buy a board that is more than around 5 years old.  Take note of the width of the boards after you have done your research and don't go too wide or too narrow.