Do I Really Need A Fin Cover?

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> 10 years ago

General Gps & Speed Waves Foiling Gear Reviews Lost & Found WA NSW QLD SA VIC TAS

evlPanda

NSW

9207 posts

evlPanda

NSW, 9207 posts

1 Apr 2009 10:35am

OK, so the fin cover saved the fin a little last weekend when I was trolling upwind and I squeezed a little close to an anchored boat, hitting the anchor chain, but apart from that I've probably only tapped a rock once coming in to the beach.

Ok, so I wouldn't have this little scar on my shin if I'd left it on a few months back either.

But, I notice most people don't use fin covers. Are there any arguments for/against using fin covers?

Bristol

ACT

347 posts

Bristol

ACT, 347 posts

1 Apr 2009 11:10am

Definitely use one! I use mine all the time; it slows me down, and so I don't crash in to things as fast.

Leave the board bag on, for the same reason. I found you have to cut a hole in the bag for the mast base.

ducati

QLD

474 posts

ducati

QLD, 474 posts

1 Apr 2009 10:42am

Actually i'm more paranoid about UV damage so while I tend NOT to use a fincover
Like Bristol I leave my boardbag on
but also leave the sailbag on so my sail lasts forever and I only need a 9m sail which I can still use in 40kn in it's furled state........

555

892 posts

555

892 posts

1 Apr 2009 9:38am

The ultimate solution really is one of those fin quiver bags. You can ditch all those individual fin covers, and use just the one for all of them. As an added bonus, if you find yourself over finned at any point it's really easy to just change to a different fin. They do tend to hum a bit at anything over about 15 knots though.

Gestalt

QLD

14953 posts

Gestalt

QLD, 14953 posts

1 Apr 2009 11:40am

i'm going back to sailing one designs,

then none of this matters.

DavMen

NSW

1510 posts

DavMen

NSW, 1510 posts

1 Apr 2009 2:18pm

Last time I used a fin cover, I found it created heaps of drag, and then I lost it.

drift

VIC

737 posts

drift

VIC, 737 posts

1 Apr 2009 2:50pm

Help....expertise needed
Is there a boom cover available???..mine appears to get wet sometimes

Wet Willy

TAS

2317 posts

Wet Willy

TAS, 2317 posts

1 Apr 2009 2:51pm

I've been leaving the mast bag on; it helps the cams rotate more smoothly. Can be difficult to rig, though.

NDH47

NSW

102 posts

NDH47

NSW, 102 posts

1 Apr 2009 2:54pm

My JP fin covers are made of a different material on each side of the fin.

Could this help my upwind ability on starboard tack?

Could leaving my boardbag on assist in uphauling & waterstarting in chop?

Richiefish

QLD

5612 posts

Richiefish

QLD, 5612 posts

1 Apr 2009 1:56pm

mast bag makes a handy reusable condom in a clinch....

Bristol

ACT

347 posts

Bristol

ACT, 347 posts

1 Apr 2009 3:33pm

Can you get covers for the covers, so that the (original) covers aren't so UV-exposed? Dakine and Prolimit don't seem to mention them on their websites; maybe NP.

There's gotta be a market for these; might even turn the global recession around.

Gestalt

QLD

14953 posts

Gestalt

QLD, 14953 posts

1 Apr 2009 3:06pm

Bristol said...

Can you get covers for the covers, so that the (original) covers aren't so UV-exposed? Dakine and Prolimit don't seem to mention them on their websites; maybe NP.

There's gotta be a market for these; might even turn the global recession around.

you mean like a bag bag?

drift

VIC

737 posts

drift

VIC, 737 posts

1 Apr 2009 4:13pm

Is it possible to vacuum pack yourself and your rig to avoid any contact with water and/ or UV???
If so, how will it affect my gybes and my ability to attract sharks????

Richiefish

QLD

5612 posts

Richiefish

QLD, 5612 posts

1 Apr 2009 3:14pm

just smear Naish brand 30+ uv cream on everything exposed to daylight ! (yes this includes your car)

Gestalt

QLD

14953 posts

Gestalt

QLD, 14953 posts

1 Apr 2009 3:21pm

on a serious note,

aerospace protectorant works well as sunscreen for your kit.

Bristol

ACT

347 posts

Bristol

ACT, 347 posts

1 Apr 2009 4:26pm

Gestalt said...
you mean like a bag bag?

LOL, Gesty. Don't start that again.

swoosh

QLD

1929 posts

swoosh

QLD, 1929 posts

1 Apr 2009 4:09pm

as far as useful and informative threads go, this must be close to top of the list.

can we get it stickied?

sausage

QLD

4874 posts

sausage

QLD, 4874 posts

1 Apr 2009 4:25pm

Gestalt said...

you mean like a bag bag?

Then this would stop it becoming a (has)been bag

Thanks for the advice also guys - I've decided to keep my new boom wrapped in plastic so it doesn't get scuffed.

elmo

8890 posts

elmo

WA, 8890 posts

1 Apr 2009 2:27pm

I notice a certain prominent member of team SRM is keeping very quiet about sailing with fin covers left on.

pepe47

1382 posts

pepe47

WA, 1382 posts

1 Apr 2009 2:47pm

Noticed that certain areas of wetsuits can be protected with boardshorts too.

Richiefish

QLD

5612 posts

Richiefish

QLD, 5612 posts

1 Apr 2009 7:45pm

One of the best fin covers on the market are the ones Seaworld use on the dolphins to prevent "fin sunburn".

Another top notch product is the genuine Valiant, after market fin cover.You can get an EK fin cover ,but this is not a genuine Holden product ...

Mark _australia

23647 posts

Mark _australia

WA, 23647 posts

1 Apr 2009 6:06pm

WTF are you all on about????!!!!

They all come from Cobra in Thailand so they are all the same.

Richiefish

QLD

5612 posts

Richiefish

QLD, 5612 posts

1 Apr 2009 8:24pm

they may look the same, but they dont feel the same ! (comfortwise)

easty

TAS

2213 posts

easty

TAS, 2213 posts

1 Apr 2009 9:27pm

Help - my fin cover is stuck!

upwind

QLD

166 posts

upwind

QLD, 166 posts

1 Apr 2009 8:27pm

I reckon Gladwrap is the best..........wrap yourself and all your gear up before ya leave home and nothing gets wet, works even better if you don't leave home

Old Salty

VIC

1271 posts

Old Salty

VIC, 1271 posts

1 Apr 2009 9:36pm

I wear my fin cover as a sun hat. Makes me go faster on the water

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