How do I get a finbox in?

Archive 1999-2004
1

I have my board laminated and I was wondering how I should put some fin boxes in. Should I go ahead and hot coat it then router out a hole for the box or should I set it in now and hot coat over the box. Thanks for any help.

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Howzit Kevin, Hot coat first then install fin box. Aloha, Kokua

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Should I use lam resin or hot coat for it?

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Dont Hot router out on the laminating resin, unless you want to tape everything off except where your routering. Or you will get a big mess. I would say after sanding is the best way. seems to be what everyone else is doing also

5

What kind of fin box?Some boxes go under the glass.If it doesnt go under the glass, hot coat…route…glue in with lam resin (I add white pigment and a bit of cabosil)…set it off slow or it will shrink and cause problems. R.B.

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Howzit Kevin, use lam resin to install fin box,add just enough white pigment to make the resin white. Cleanlines has it right ( read his input in this thread),but instead of cabosil filler I add aome milled fibers to strengthen the resin. Hope this helps.Aloha, Kokua

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Yo Kokua that raises another question that I mulled over for many years.When we put in a fin box (Fins Unlimited) just how well do we want it in there?In other words say if you were sliding along and hit an object like a rock or coral what will the box do?Pop out clean, or take a bunch of tail with it?I wonder what Bahne recommends on this thing?What say you guys? R.B.

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Howzit Mr. Clean, that is a good question, I personally install them to stay permenently. How about a system where the box is inside another box that will release if it hits the reef or a rock. Just a thought. Aloha, Kokua

9

you could rig the fin so that it snaps before the box goes. Just an idea. FCS’s are supposed to do that.

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I like Kokua’s idea …maybe a little “fin leash” so you dont lose the thing when it pops out.

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Howzit Mr. Clean, Boy we’ve got the gray matter(What’s Left)working now.Aloha,Kokua

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Howzit Elliot, unfortunally FCS fins are designed to break off from a side ways hit.Aloha, Kokua

13

oops, thought that’s what he meant. sorry.