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Turbo fins.
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4338
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Author:  Bluffer [ Thu Jul 27, 2006 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Turbo fins.

Do they make that much of a difference over the stock ones?
Are they a job to install? How much do they run.

Author:  Roadrunner [ Thu Jul 27, 2006 10:47 am ]
Post subject: 

Hi Bluffer and welcome to the forum.

Specifically, if you were pedaling an Adventure with standard fins at 40 cycles per minute you would be traveling about 7.0 feet/cycle and 5.1 feet/second. But if you had the Turbos, you would be moving smartly at about 9.5 feet/cycle and 6.9 feet/second. That works out to about a 35% difference. It does take a little more effort to push the Turbofins, however; nothing is free.

Speaking of cost, they'll set you back about $80 (PN 72065). They're not difficult to install, but the instructions are not totally complete, so it's possible to screw up a couple of things.

If you overtighten the allenhead screws, it's possible to crack the mast housing. I you overtighten the clew mount screws, you cause the aft sproket protector to bind. This will degrade the performance somewhat and possibly cause the "clew" adjustment to un-thread. Most of this paragraph doesn't apply, however if you have the older style drive (about 3 or more years old?).

Having read this, you know how not to screw it up. The instructions bring the above nomenclature into clarity. So if you can screw a lightbulb in left handed, this should pose no problem. If you are already left handed, you can practically do it with your eyes closed! 8)

Author:  Bluffer [ Thu Jul 27, 2006 1:47 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, just got into pedal power so may give it while to build up leg muscles before switching to the turbos. Dint think on em being harder to push. Is it that much more effort compared to stock just going at a liesure pace? Wondering if it would be worth it to a swap.
Thanks again.

Author:  Roadrunner [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

It doesn't take any more power or strength to go the same speed; you just pedal at a slower cadence. The Turbos are more efficient so you actually get more speed for your effort. They're also somewhat larger so they have more contact area.

The combination is very noticable. If you feel like cranking them up, it's like putting a hot rod engine under your hood -- the power is there if you want it.

There are a couple of regulars at the local lake who have also recently switched to the Turbos. One is in his mid 60's and installed them on his Sport. The other is a one-legged gent who put them on his Outback to extend his fishing range. They're both very happy with them. Aside from the occasional technical issues already mentioned, the forum members have certainly given them good reviews. I don't want to oversell them, but I think they're fantastic -- they'll take your kayak to a new performance level.

I think you'd be happy with them. 8)

Author:  Bluffer [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 7:50 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thank for info. im considering the upgrade, main reason I got this type of yak to begin with. The close rigs in the gulf here start at 3 miles out to 30 & beyond.

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