My judgement may be clowded by the fact that I already have a fin blank on hand that just needs a little foiling. Do you all think that this fin (see below) will work on a 6’8" displacement hull board. I tried moving it around to see where would be the best placement location. Would putting the leading edge of the fin 17.5 inches from the tail be too extreme? If I move it back any further then it would look ridiculous given the length of the fin (10"). I could chop it down to be an 8" or 9" fin, but that would drastically reduce the cord length. Should I just start over with a different fin? I don’t have any experience building hulls, so any advise would be appreciated.
That is the most forward that you may want to have your fin. If you use a 10 inch FU box, set it so that is the most forward position in the box. In that way if you choose to use a smaller fin, you will have max rearward adjustment. for every fin, there is a point as you move it forward, where ‘‘drive’’ drops off rapidly. This can be compensated for, by a more rearward sweep of the fin. Me, I’d opt for a smaller fin, but that’s just me. The planshape looks excellent. It should provide outstanding performance. Be careful not to ‘‘over fin’’ the board.
I’ve used raked fins on similar length hulls, but got better results (for me) with more upright fins. 12.5" up for trailing edge is my preferred placement on few boards between 6’8" and 7’4". The more raked fins I had to push even further forward.
Can’t see much about the board except the outline, if it’s a moderated semi-hull the raked fin might be just fine. But if it’s a 1" tail rocker blade, and you’re using it in the kind of dribbly lined up waves they’re intended for, a more upright very high aspect ratio fin will go better IMO.
Thanks for the help! How about this setup instead? I taped off where I will cut the fin, and placed the forward edge of the fin at 12.5 inches from the tail. I considered making it more upright but then I reconsidered. I surf in Santa Cruz, which is kelp central. I’m worried that I will be making full stops if I don’t have enough rake in the fin.
Swied- I have to! I was surfing first peak a lot awhile ago…yeah, don’t go too big a fin. Try a flexy raked med size fin.
You’re putting a box fin in, right? If so, you probably should try several fins. Hitting kelp will knock ya off ur board w any fin. Ask me how I know. Been knocked off my feet…
The placement looks excellent, for that tail shape. Still going to use a box? If so, set the box so that the fin is centered, and has max fore/aft adjustment, for that final fine tuneing.
After making a few fins for myself I am always amazed how anyone can sell a fin for $49 and still make a profit. It is a dusty time consuming process to make a fin.
Thanks Bill. I apprecieate all instruction that you have given me on fin placement. I’m just going to foil this fin, chop it, and glass it onto the board.
All my years of riding hulls and making singles…go with a fin box. To get the best out of the shape, rocker, waves and the way you surf, you really have to move the fin around to find the right place, especially if its your first venture into hulldom. If you glass it in, you’ll never really know if it’s in the right place. You probably don’t need more than 9" of fin depth, especially with the round pintail. Save the glass-on until the next hull you make when you have a better feel for the optimum fin location.
By the way, that is a really, REALLY nice outline.
Thanks Mike. I will go with your advice and put it at 12.5". I just measured the rocker on this board, and it is 1.75" at the tail. Would you please explain why a more upright fin is preferred? The kelp at low tide is pretty insane around hear, and I’m imagining that a more upright fin will hold onto the kelp. Do you think it make or break the ride of the board? There are several nice right points around here and I probably wont be taking this board out unless its at least shoulder high.
