Aloha - so what, here goes the first instal of fcs. What I need to know is can I get away with making my own template and drilling them out with a forstner bit - or should I get the $145 install kit? How hard is it? I’ve watched Greg’s video of epoxy and he just drills away like butter??? Many Mahalo’s
Sorry to hijack your thread but what fin systems do the readers feel is the easiest to install?
Hey,
Use Probox, they accept your FCS fins AND provide degrees of adjustability. Easy to install and already come with inexpensive plastic install jigs.
If you’re dead set on using FCS plugs we have an FCS layout jig template on our website so you can make a cheap homemade centerpunch jig. Layout is critical.
Looks like this:
You can get the downloadable PDF here:
http://www.greenlightsurfsupply.com/templates.html
Take it easy,
Brian
When are you guys gonna start carrying the probox kits Brian? I used your 5’11" fish template for my first board. Unfortunately, it is really only a 5’9" template but that’s what I get for cutting without actually verifying the dimensions. Looks good anyway.
The primary cause of FCS failure is improper installation,
There’s more to it than just holes for the plugs…there’s also the holes to the deck, the glassing schedule, etc…
It’s not hard - install kit not 100% necessary - though it is nice and makes it even easier. If you’re planning on doing alot, get the kit.
Definitely get the template and consider the jigs to hold the plugs if you don’t make your own.
Do a more thorough search on the install.
Foamez has a bunch of installation manuals in PDF form
Hey Kim_dude,
We have Probox boxes, fins, install kits, and bamboo panels for making your own fins to fit the Probox system in stock now. Just haven’t had time to put them online yet. I’ll put them up this weekend for you.
Check out Larry Allison’s thread on foiling and glassing bamboo fins
http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=364178;#364178
Sounds like you might’ve had ‘scale to fit page’ on when you printed the template. Your board’s rocker will also affect the template’s overall length and shorten it. Glad you dig the shape though 
Take it easy,
~Brian
just used a whole saw to drill the whole a 3/4 or 1" piece of elect conduit to put in the whole, then a wood bit to drill the foam out to the deck (grind the tip off) then make a over size fin template out of 1/4" aluminum wood or plastic just make sure you get the spacing right then instal with resin ,k1 glass bubbles and chop strand fiberglass this is lighter and work much better than what fcs dose
I recommend the kit. I’ve never had plug failure or meltout with EPS, and I do it right. I guess if you’re confident, you could make all the tools and jigs yourself. For me, it was money well spent.