Single fin insert

One-Off

Tom Curren status
Jul 28, 2005
14,128
10,250
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33.8N - 118.4W
I'm ruminating on my next build...

My last two-

7-7 channel bottom twin, meant to be a longboard beater at my local. Carves overhead waves like butter, but failed in it's design brief because it was too small to compete with the 9-0's. Too long to ride at beach breaks.

6-4 convertible. Most recent. Tried it as twin keel and as thruster. When the waves came up I found it was too small for me in overhead, hollow waves. I was dropping out of the sky. I'm getting too old (turn 60 in a few months) and after a back injury I am just slower on the pop ups. Maybe I could have insisted, but in new condition it was an easy sale.

So I'm thinking of a beach break board about 6'-10". I was thinking of another twin, but I also have a 7'-4" , 2+1 that has had some magic moments. I was measuring fin placements and with my rasta twin keels at 10 1/2" the fcsII box position would put side bites at about 12." Was thinking about throwing a single fin box to have both options. Is there an insert to fill the void if I find it better as a twin?

By the way, knowing the nature of this peanut gallery, I have preemptively decided to call it "The Crutch."


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Don't fuk with me just because I'm on a crutch-

 
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rowjimmytour

Tom Curren status
Feb 7, 2009
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I almost always surf beachbreak and combo reef I am 51 no shoulder issues yet (knock on wood). I just got a twin stinger pintail 6'9" x20" x2.5" plenty of rocker for steep drops. I am not sure yet on low end grovel side but waist to chest semi close out barrels works great. I also have a 8' x22" x2.75" ewing pintail 5 fin Malcom Campbell works great in beach break trim out running close outs and can sneak in cheater 5's.
 
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kpd73

Nep status
Apr 5, 2014
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I'm out here on the east coast in Rhode Island and frequently do bonzer searches on the craigs over there.
I was WILDly smitten with that 6'4 you made, but it disappeared before I could make a move.
Incredible outline and design.

Nothing of relevance to contribute here except a cross country compliment on your beautiful board work.
 

One-Off

Tom Curren status
Jul 28, 2005
14,128
10,250
113
33.8N - 118.4W
I'm out here on the east coast in Rhode Island and frequently do bonzer searches on the craigs over there.
I was WILDly smitten with that 6'4 you made, but it disappeared before I could make a move.
Incredible outline and design.

Nothing of relevance to contribute here except a cross country compliment on your beautiful board work.
Thanks. I got a few calls the first day and the first guy who called wanted to come by a few days later. When I told him if someone grabbed it first I'd have to let it go, he made arrangements to get off work and come by the next day...


re : the fin box insert, I guess I could just make something out of foam...
 

rowjimmytour

Tom Curren status
Feb 7, 2009
11,534
5,832
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Thanks. I got a few calls the first day and the first guy who called wanted to come by a few days later. When I told him if someone grabbed it first I'd have to let it go, he made arrangements to get off work and come by the next day...


re : the fin box insert, I guess I could just make something out of foam...
I have a quiver of quads with 5 boxes I always get on my customs in case I want to sale later never use(d) a cover never noticed.
 
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sdsrfr

Phil Edwards status
Jul 13, 2020
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I’ve seen people put tape over them if they really cared to cover them up.

I don’t know that anyone who has them has ever claimed to notice it. Id think unused fin boxes stiffening the tail would be more noticible to an average joe.
 

One-Off

Tom Curren status
Jul 28, 2005
14,128
10,250
113
33.8N - 118.4W
I’ve seen people put tape over them if they really cared to cover them up.

I don’t know that anyone who has them has ever claimed to notice it. Id think unused fin boxes stiffening the tail would be more noticible to an average joe.
Maybe you're right. People obsess over weird stuff. I have a friend who is obsessed with getting his boards as light as possible, obsessing about every 1/4 ounce ...and then he has probably over a pound of dirty brown wax globbed on the deck
 
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rowjimmytour

Tom Curren status
Feb 7, 2009
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Maybe you're right. People obsess over weird stuff. I have a friend who is obsessed with getting his boards as light as possible, obsessing about every 1/4 ounces ...and then he has probably over a pound of dirty brown wax globbed on the deck
If you must packing tape is nice and light and clear.