wind range of a fanatic 86 board

Question
I sail in the New York city area (mostly Long Island and Northern New Jersey).  I weigh 162 and have had a good time on a 130 volume board (I waterstart, use straps/harness, jibe is so so).  I've been on a 116l board and found it easier and more fun than the 130l.  I recently got a 2006 fanatic freewave 86l board which I'm excited to try (when it gets warmer).  Can you tell me what wind range/sails would you expect an 86l board to work in given my weight?  Many thanks, Sasa

Answer
You will need a lot of wind for the 86l board. I weigh 145 and have a 85l board that I can only sail in 18 knots or more.  The biggest sail I use on that board is a 5.6.  Make sure you can waterstart this board before you go out in strong wind.  You will not be able to uphaul this board.  Given your weight I would say you will need at least 18 to 20 knots of wind. You can use anything from a 6.0 down in size.  Good luck and good wind.