5 fin Placement

General Discussion
1

Hi there

Just after some advice on where to put my quad trailers on my 5 fin set up. Done lots of searching but gets real theoritical real quick

Just after something basic that works, not trying to revolutionize the fin realm or anything.

Been looking at a few pics and if my thruster set up is’

Fronts; beginning 11" and 1" in from the rail

Back centre; back of fin 3 1/2" from tail

Was thinking quad trailers to be about an inch froward of the centre fin and 1 3/4" in from the rail.

Would that sound about right?

Board will be an all rounder 6’1", 2 inches shorter than my performance board.

Be stoked to know I’m on the right track or if that needs tweaking.

Thanks.

 

2

Hey Mandelbrot (love the name)

A couple of options exist:

Robin Mair’s set up at: http://www.hanaleifinsystems.com.au/resources/PDFDocuments/hfs_quad_fin_layout_2011.pdf

and

The McKee formula: http://www.mckeesurf.com/?page_id=267

Happy finning…

3

On a 6’1 typical all-arounder, I’ll put my fronts at about 11 1/2, and 1 1/8 off the rail. My rear fins are determined by my front fin placement, so I go back 5 1’2 from the fronts, 1 1/4 off the rail, and a 1/16 less toe. This gives a 1" to 1 1/4" gap between the front edge of the rear fins and the traliing edge of the front fins depending on the base of the rear fin. This gives a good balance (for me) between drive and response. There is some adjustability, but that’s my formula.

4

How wide is your tail going to be at 12" from tail?

5

Thanks guys, really appreciate the input.

Tail width is a touch under 15".

 

6

hey bro. the numbers you have are good. You could go even 2`` in from rail with the rears for shortboards.

 

7

I have boards with both Robin Mair’s quad fin setup and Mckee’s quad setup.

Robin’s layout is looser, McKee’s layout is stiffer. I wouldn’t go with a five fin using McKee’s setup. It is plenty solid, like a thruster but I think better.

Using Robin’s fins with his layout works really well too. I use the hammers in the back and they add a lot of bite.