I shaped a 6’6" fish 17.5x2.75x17x3 with a 6.5" deep swallow. Tips are 12" apart. I am using the lok box system with the fish keel fins. The fins base is 8.5" with a height of 4.5". I plan on placing the fins 7.5" up from tips 1.25" from the rails with 4 cant. As far as toe in is concerned should I line the fins up directly with the tip of the nose or line up 2"-4" off to the side of the center of the nose or line up 1" directly center and forward of the tip of the nose? What are the benefits surfing wise if I toe in lining up to the side of the nose vs. forward of the tip of the nose? What are the benefits? I plan on riding the board in knee to chest high east coast slop. I also would like to add a center lok box to have several variations. I plan on placing this 3" up from the butt crack. Should I place the side box’s further forward? Any pros cons and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hey RISurfer,
Over the last 30-plus years, I’ve done tons of boards like the one you describe. Also tried all sorts of fin set ups. With the long-based keels, you are going to find that they are very sensitive to toe-in. I would do little or no toe.
Also consider putting the fins a little closer to the rail, 1 to 1.25. and not so far up, 6.5 should do you right.
All this assumes “classic” fish rocker and bottom contour in the tail area.
What blank did you use and how much rocker did you add/remove (if any)? If the contour has any Vee at all, then you can toe the fins, about 5 or 6 off the nose. If the contour is flat, then go parallel. You won’t be disappointed…
With the tail 6.5 deep, I’d ditch the idea of a center fin. You’ll be fine with two properly placed fins. Add it later if you must.
HTH.
Hi PlusOne,
I used a 6’8" P blank. Flat bottom. No vee or concaves. So no toe in? Thanks for replying.
Rob
hey +1,
interesting…
so with vee you get some water displacement and thus toein makes a more cohesive interaction?
if so, wouldnt the fore-aft placement of vee affect the decision?
regards
Hey Meecrafty,
absolutely, the point where the vee “maxes out” pretty much dictates the main “pivot” point and thus the overall “feel” of the board. The rate at which it gets to a maximum and fades away will affect the effective turning radius of the board in typical turns. Fin placement must be optimal for the specific “personality” of that one board.
To make things more interesting, rocker must be considered as part of the equation; on a vee bottom; “Where is there more rocker, along the stringer, or along the rail-line?” (careful, not always the obvious is true, as either rocker can be the greater) Lastly, when the fin is needed the most, where should it be pointed to be most effective.
There is no one proper answer, as the feel one gets from each variant must be assessed and accepted or rejected. With the set-up that RISurfer is going for, I’d have to say he will be making a fast, skimming/gliding board which will turn well as more speed is generated. The fin placement should then facilitate the effort to first generate speed (pumping, trim, and positioning) and supply adequate hold in smooth turns without stalling. I don’t think he is after an abrupt-turning board, more like- get it up to speed first, then throw a big arc…
PlusOne nailed it right on the head. I just want a small wave board that travels fast and can turn when I need it to. Thanks.