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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:06 pm 
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Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:54 am
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Does anyone have any input on whether upgrading to turbo fins on the Adventure Island makes any sense or do most people just stick with the standard fins?

Thanks,

jbr


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:09 pm 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
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Location: Oceanside, California
Go Turbo.

The higher speeds make Turbo fins an excellent choice. Otherwise you are only able to use the MirageDrive and slow speeds. Kinda like pedaling a one speed bike down hill!

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Hobie Cat USA
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:03 pm 
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Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:12 am
Posts: 441
Location: Florida
Turbo fins for the Island mean less leg reps for the same speed vrs. the standard fins. To me the extra reps (like a bike in low gear) are very tiring.

The turbo fins also make a secondary daggar board for sailing.


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 Post subject: turbo fins
PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:47 pm 
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Joined: Sat Feb 16, 2008 10:43 am
Posts: 28
Location: Mt. Vernon, Iowa
I upgraded to the turbo fins over a year ago. They are the best as far as I'm concerned. Very easy, relaxed leg motion translates into amazing forward speed. And I'm a 60-year-old diabetic with bad knees!


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:47 pm 
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Hobie Team Member

Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:04 pm
Posts: 598
Location: Hawaii, Big Island
I'm older than Hawk, but able to keep up with younger paddlers. Highly endorse them.

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PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:12 am 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
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Location: Escondido
Is it true that Dan negotiated with the Hawaiians when the first Haolis arrived? :lol:

Seriously, Turbos have a much better pull at the higher AI speeds, give better response in no wind (or just when kayaking) and help get the boat around quicker on tacks. Definitely the best way to go! 8)


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PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:47 am 
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Thanks everyone for all the great replies!
Turbos sound like the way to go.


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PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:30 am 
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Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:10 pm
Posts: 18
Location: Germany;Formentera (Spain)
I bought my AI (2007 version) with Turbo fins, but after 8 weeks of usage the metal pin in the fin (mast) came through the bottom of the fin (on both fins!) so I decided to change them and use now the standard fins (the black ones).
Of cause the Tubos were more efficient, but I think there are some constructional problems. Also I think that the higher forces on the mirage drive caused some damage there (broken sprocket and damaged hole in the drum, instablility).

So, as far as the constructional problems aren't solved, I would suggest to use the standard fins to avoid the problems mentioned above (this year used for 6 weeks and up till now no problems, but, of cause, a little bit slower when pedaling).


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PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 11:32 am 
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Joined: Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:21 pm
Posts: 2498
Location: Central Florida
It seems the constructional problems are solved.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=10415

Kayaking Bob


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PostPosted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:57 pm 
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Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:34 pm
Posts: 139
Location: Northern VA
I was thinking of upgrading to the turbo fins on my 2007 AI, but I got to talking to my dealer about how I use the boat. I do like to go out and do some Chesapeake Bay "gunkholing". Sometimes that gets me into some shallow little inlets & streams. For that reason I decided to go with the ST fins instead. The ST fins are similar in shape and stiffness to the turbo fins, but are the same length as the stock fins. I've tried both the full size turbos, the STs, and the stock fins, in a single outing (nice dealer who had some loaner drives available). The ST fins were a nice compromise. Stiffer pedal feel, similar to the turbos, but no additional depth penalty. They're about half the price, as well. If depth isn't a concern, then maybe the turbos are more appropriate for you, but I think the ST fins give the best of both.

Happy sailing,
- Jim L


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PostPosted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:06 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
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Location: Escondido
reconlon wrote:
It seems the constructional problems are solved.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=10415

Kayaking Bob


It also appears that Turbofins are a lot tougher now than they used to be back on '07!

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=10567
8)


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PostPosted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:27 pm 
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Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:04 pm
Posts: 227
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
My dealer said he thinks that the 09 AI will come with the Turbo fins standard. Any validity on that rumor?? He also mentioned a new super wide and stable fishing Hobie Kayak w/ mirage drive. Brand new model for 09.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:30 pm 
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Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:07 am
Posts: 619
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
I've been in quite a bit of shallow water already, and found that you can just leave one leg mostly forward and one mostly back and wiggle the drive blades up near the hull. The deeper it is, the more of a stroke you can take. It's not great, but then, paddling in shallow water was never great either. ;)


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PostPosted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:49 am 
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Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:07 am
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Location: Punta Gorda, FL
We got to try out our Turbo Fins for the first time yesterday afternoon. I like high gear! :D

What have you all found as far as adjusting the clew tension on T Fins? The tuning guide says tighter is faster, looser has more torque and is easier to pedal. I set ours on "fast"! ;) I like how they feel, very powerful. Should I bother experimenting with a looser setting?


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PostPosted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:17 am 
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Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:25 pm
Posts: 2863
Location: Central Coast NSW Australia
G'Day Tom,
Roadrunner reveals all about tuning the Turbo's in his excellent guide found here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=10176
After following his advice I can report that looser works better for me.


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