Going to build a 5’0" twin fin Mini Simmons for a friend who will be traveling with it. Going to use FCS fusion boxes. What do you suggest for fins?
Hey thanks very much! We decided to go with the Trueames Hobie fin. it fits the bill perfectly and price is right. I would never have known it existed without the Help from Swaylocks. I have been here since the beginning and am still learning.
Sorry my last post went up and I had not read your reply Im a slow typer.The fin setup I suggested is a twin setup for fcs,its how I surf the simmons.I only add the center fin when the waves get over shoulder high and hollow,its a good option to have.
I am only the shaper. I work to my customers specs. In this case he is a very good surfer who travels the world and knows exactly what he wants. My goal here is to attempt to please him as he is paying me an honest sum of money for my work. Neither of us are that familiar with what is avaliable for FCS fusion boxes.
I am hoping for suggestions within the parameters of my original question. I know there are a lot of fins out there that would work on this board but I don’t know where they are. I still appreciate the input though. That is the beauty of Swaylocks.
Ive tried keels,MR twinny 7’s, fcs sf4 quads,5’s as twinny,all on several different simmons and none feel as good as the sf4 as a twinny/thruster setup. Its not a true thruster setup though,its the back 3 fins of a 5 fin.
Owner wants two fins. No toe in. No cant. I am duplicating a board he had before but it had glass ons. I am not that familiar with whats avaliable for FCS. Therefore I ask the question. I appreciate the input.
Hi cleanlines, I’ve toyed with fins on my simmons and have found that the Fcs sf4 quads work the best. I use the Mckee fin placement for the back fins,except I place the trailing edge 1 1/4" from the rail and toe in 1/8" and give it 4-6 degrees cant. I run the front fins of the quad set in the back as a twin fin, this works good in waves up to chest high. I use the Mckee placement and add a third fin in the center like a thruster, then drop one of the quad trailer fins in that box for waves over chest high. This adds drive and keeps the tail from sliding out,but the cluster is tight enough to still allow easy turns. I stumbled across the thruster idea because I wanted to surf my simmons in larger waves but only had center boxes left as I was out of rail boxes to quad it and there were waves tomorrow. So I gave the center fin a shot and it was magic. I’d be happy to hear some feedback from any one who tries this setup.
scarfini keels. but i think they are 3 tab, so you’ll need to put a single tab infront or behind the fusion boxes, or 2 fusion boxes in line for a bit of adjustability.
I know you already picked them but see here for Mini Simmons Fin review: http://www.minisimmonssurfboards.com/mini-simmons-fin-placement/.
I would really advise againt using boxes on these boards—the glass-ons are far superior—fins are way underrated in my opinion, kind of an after thought for most shapers and riders but on the Mini the fins can make or break the shape.
Less is more.
Paz.
[quote="$1"] ''...fins are way underrated in my opinion, kind of an after thought for most shapers and riders...'' [/quote]
There may be some truth, in your statement, as it relates to ''most riders'' but I disagree as to ''most shapers.''
Hi, check out the fin placement on this (my new wood board).
The plugs were put in too far back in my opinion, and these Rainbow keels (lovely fins) raked well back past the end of the board til I sanded 'em. They’re still too close for comfort, and not convinced they’ll help it run well.
Anyone got any thoughts on these options?
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Get or make new half moons or something less raked. I’m thinking more volume would suit the board anyway.
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Fill in the plugs and do glass-ons in the recommended Simmons position.
Cheers.
Note that FCS Fusion side fin boxes have cant built into them, either 5 or 9 degrees
You already got your answer on that one - just add a third x2 plug either in front of or behind the fusion box - most decent keels are three-tabs but they do make some with only two tabs. You should give your customer the option of using different keels if he wants. No part of that will prevent you from keeping it 0* cant and paralell to the stringer
shapers fins have some real nice 3 tab moon keels for simmons shapes now
local shaper who made my 5"2 mini simmons suggested these, and i like them so far. i actually liked the hobie's too by TA.
http://trueames.com/shop/ta-twin-fcs-fins
True Ames makes a high quality product. Foils are very nice.
I haven’t seen Indo Fins first hand but the selection looks good
some of the templates are similar to mine. Hmmm… I wonder why? (-;
Lining up a couple FCS Fusion boxes so the fin can be moved fore and aft
isn’t a bad idea. Cant will have a great effect on smooth drive and release.
I prefer 2 degrees which can be accomplished by shimming the carrier for
the router pattern in the FCS kit. 2 degrees is max in the adjustment.
I sure wish they made a 2 degree box. Oh well, maybe someday. It’s a good
system. Mini-Simmons type boards will accept Twinzer type set-ups very nicely.
As to the 3 tap choice. I find no need to employ it, as a performance option
placing to tabs fully forward and so stiffening the leading fin edge and allowing
the trailing edge to contort with the turning arc is good option IMHO.
Stay Stoked, Rich
Just a vote of confidence on your choice of the Trueames Hobie keel. It’s my preferred fin for fish, and my recommendation for glass-ons. Will work very will on your Mini Simmons.