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PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 1:44 pm 
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After consulting with my Hobie dealer I am left with some questions regarding the proper replacement fin for my PA. My dealer couldn't tell me if there was a special turbo fin for the PA or if it uses the standard turbo fin. I think I saw on my drive "V2" printed on it and didn't know if it required anything different. Before I order a pair I want to be sure they are the right ones. I have been trying to buy a pair from my dealer for three days and keep getting the "call me tomorrow deal" which surprises me cause he seems to be a great guy. At least he was when I was buying a 2200 dollar boat. I am in sales and if I have a customer wanting to spend money I am calling them back. Anyway maybe he's got a lot going on and I hope its nothing in regard to his personal life.
I figure that 3 days could have had my fins three days closer in shipping already. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.


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PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:17 pm 
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There is only one stype of "ST Turbo Fin".

Order 81192001 ST Turbo Fin Replacement Single

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Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:51 pm 
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my dealer could not figure our which fin and mast the PA took so I looked it up myself and told her what to order, it was the same number that Matt just posted.
you might want to think about ordering an extra set of fins and masts to have spares on hand incase you have a mishap on the water.


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PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 6:49 pm 
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Many thanks guys. I am not giving up on my dealer either. I think he is a good guy but maybe he has too much on his plate for one reason or another. He has some in stock and I will be ordering a pair. Love my Hobie!


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PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:29 pm 
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Tybee, congratulations on your new boat!

There are 2 versions of the ST Turbofin kit. This kit included fins and masts. The fins themselves are identical, but the masts differ. The V2 (standard on all '09 and newer Drives) uses threaded masts that screw into the sprockets whereas the '08 and older version uses slotted masts that are retained by Allenhead screws. These masts are not interchangeable. Your PA Drive should have the V2 sprockets. Fins and/or masts can be ordered separately (without the kit) if you need replacements.

Didn't your PA come with Turbofins as standard equipment? If so, it seems like you already have what you need. Fins are not that fragile -- it's almost impossible to destroy one. Worst case if you poke a hole in one, you can just remount it and use it again. If you bend a mast, you can straighten it out. If you manage to break a V2 mast, you will not be able to replace it on the water and will likely need a new sprocket as well. In a pinch, the Drive will operate with one fin (but at reduced power)! Turbo kits are usually sold to upgrade Drives that do not already have Turbos.

Don't let me talk you out of it though -- if that's what you want, get the V2 version (unless you're upgrading a second older Drive). 8)


Last edited by Roadrunner on Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:35 pm 
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OMG... your dealer can't answer such simple questions? Even with a damned manual that spells it out?

Fair dinkum... some people just shouldn't be selling Hobie kayaks!

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:57 am 
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Thanks Roadrunner, I actually poked the mast through the fin when I was fishing unfamiliar turf and encountered an oyster rake at slow speed. The leading fin was the only thing that contacted the rake fortunately and the mast wasn't bent. The mast poked a small hole through the fin about two inches above the tip. I am sure I can remove the fin and reattach it and it will be fine. I figured I better get some replacements just in case since I don't want to be paddling the pa too much. I did fish all day and covered at least 7 miles with the mast poking out with no further damage or loss in performance. The fins were actually stationery in the down position when I hit the rake and due to the irregularities in the rake the PA rotated clockwise and it that's what forced the mast through the fin. I had to pull the drive to free myself from the rake. By the way I fished a bunch of flooded grass that day and the PA paddles great like a paddle board allowing for great sightfishing. I fished with two revos with standard fins and there was no difference in speed to speak of. If they had turbos that would definitely be a different situation.


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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:47 am 
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Just un-pin the fin at the clew outhaul, slide it down past the breach and then back on. Good as new!
Image Image

With the fins out or bungeed up, the PA will go over almost anything, backwards or forwards. In shallow water, it's easy to stand up and pole it. Also amazing how quick it is for its size! 8)


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PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 5:43 am 
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I brought my drive to work this morning and fixed it in about three minutes. If I had brought my split ring pliers I could have fixed in about 30 seconds. When I came back inside I saw your post. My mast stuck through my fin almost exactly like the one pictured. My replacements are on the way although I probably wasted my money. It will make me feel better knowing I have them.
I got mine in July and have fished it a fair amount, all in salt water. This boat is ideal for just about everything I do with it. I love the storage, the seat, the ability to travel much greater distances in heavy current and wind with little effort and the speed too. I just tightened my fins a bit to gain a little more thrust after watching the kayakfishnation vid. If the weather doesn't nasty up too bad tomorrow morning I will test it on the way to catch some trout and reds. If I don't like it it is easy enough to adjust.

Hobie is the only way to go!


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PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:32 pm 
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Tybee Bomb Squad wrote:
I just tightened my fins a bit to gain a little more thrust after watching the kayakfishnation vid.

Unfortunately that info is not totally accurate. In theory it's a good idea, but in practice, not so (at least for speeds below about 15 MPH). It's true, tightening the fins makes it harder to push. But, it also reduces forward thrust while increasing sideways thrust. Forward thrust is made by the fins twisting like a propeller blade. When you tighten the clew outhaul like it shows in the video, it removes this twist and makes the fins act more like wash boards -- you end up pushing the water back and forth with less forward motion! Since they are harder to push this way, you'll also get fatigued sooner.

In their defense, the Hobie instructions also provide the same incorrect information. Even worse, the factory assembles them that way (or at least has in the past). How can I be so sure? I've done a lot of experimenting on this and would add that the loose clew alternative is race proven. Hopefully Hobie will update their info one of these days. It was a great idea -- it just didn't pan out in speed realm of kayaks.

The optimal setting for Turbos is shown here:
Image
Adjust the clew outhaul so that the fin foot (rear corner) is tucked in the sprocket guard slot about 1/8", just enough to keep it from popping out. As a double check, the fins should have about 1/4 to 3/8" vertical sliding room on the masts to wind up and twist.

Image

The fins set this way will give you the best acceleration, top speed and fastest cruise for the effort. Try it out! 8)


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PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 1:14 pm 
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Roadrunner you have been a great help. I wondered about the wisdom in limiting the fin flex but I thought hey these guys know more than me. I will adjust the fins back to this position as that is approximately where I had them.

Thanks again!


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PostPosted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:04 am 
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I loosened the fins as you suggested and I believe after using the drive yesterday at the coast that it was easier to make speed. I must have had them tighter from the get-go and not realized it. It really seemed to speed along effortlessly with the fins doing more of the work. In retrospect the fins were probably at factory setting as I doubt my dealer adjusted them any. As far as the fishing report yesterday it was pretty weak. I only caught a half dozen slot reds and five flounder on artis in about three hours fishing.


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PostPosted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:12 pm 
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Got my fins in today and they were ST fins not ST Turbofins. Too short by a good two inches.


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