Hobie Forums
http://www.hobie.com/forums/

Fin shaft problems
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=34875
Page 1 of 1

Author:  Weysail [ Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:34 am ]
Post subject:  Fin shaft problems

Hi,
Just come back from the inaugural sail, thoroughly enjoyable, around 18 knots of wind gusting, with a roll or two in the sail, bumpy sea with the tide starting to run against it. I noticed that the s/s rods in the fins are sticking out at the tips, didn't feel anything from going aground, might have been when I was fiddling around, near the beach, trying to get them in straight?????

Are these dead now, or can they be repaired? I only used them for a minute or two. The button on the drive infill is missing, can that be reglued or shall I just walk into the Hobie shop and hand my wallet over??? Had to happen on a w/e!!! gggrrrrrr....

Author:  mmiller [ Sat Apr 09, 2011 8:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fin shaft problems

Well, that is unfortunate. Just as in a motorized prop... they can get damaged by contact with the sand or rocks on the bottom. You can simply re-insert the masts into the fins and go, but some here in the forums have done various repairs with tapes and solder type welding.

Be sure to use shallow strokes when near shore. The boat will go just as fast, but keeping the fins up and doing very short flutter strokes will prevent the fin tips from hitting bottom.

Turbo length fins are a bit more susceptible to this sort of damage due to the longer length, performance shape and materials. You could revert to the standard fins and masts if it is an ongoing issue for you.

Author:  Weysail [ Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fin shaft problems

Thanks for the prompt reply, I have used a foam friendly cyano, thin then a medium one, a few layers, that might get me back out for tomorrow. I'll try a better repair in the week.

I did wonder if I had the adjustable screws for the fins too tight and the fin material pressing on the end made the damage easier to happen, they're now loosened off.

Author:  chrisj [ Sat Apr 09, 2011 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fin shaft problems

A quick and easy fix is with a tyre repair patch kit. I fixed mine that way a couple of years ago and it's still holding.

Author:  mmiller [ Sat Apr 09, 2011 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fin shaft problems

Likely not an adjustment issue. Most common tear is a inch or two down from the tip. That indicates the fin contacted something stretched out then tore through the side.

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/