Mistral Nick said...

I have just purchased a 33cm Makani weed fin for use with my 110l x65 Naish Grand Prix.
My question is do you have to change the way you sail? I feel that the fin is always on the verge of letting go. It seems ok down wind but as soon as I attempt to drive upwind it feels unstable and loose, almost as bad as carrying that pesky shoe string weed.

Move your mast track back a bit, and dont be heavy back footed trying to sail back up wind.

Pretty much what Hardie said. Mast track back about 3cm from where you place it when sailing a pointer. Even up the foot pressure between front and back foot when heading upwind. Found that corrected my issues when I first started to use weedies.

echunda said...
33cm is pretty small for a 110.

What sail size are you using for that fin?


As an example, i use a 6.6 koncept with a 34cm flying objects in a futura 101 and it's solid as a rock in all conditions.

Good point, I overlooked the size when i posted. On my 113 Falcon I use a FO 38cm weedy with a 7.3m and 8m, and in my 99 Falcon I use a 34cm FO weedy with a 7.3 and 6.6m. I am 92kg too though.

In addition to my other comment above, you could also be under finned which would def create an issue going up wind (on the verge of spinning out). Simple test, if the windward rail is dipping (i.e.: board not trimming flat easily) when you are powered up and planning going across the wind you are under finned.

sboardcrazy said...
I've got 5 Makani weedies ranging from 18cm - 38cms and have found them great in boards ranging from 78 - 95 - 125 litres.
I like them so much that this season I haven't even bothered to use my freerides ( There is also some floating weed in the lake).Getting upwind is very important to me and thats why I chose them as the forums rated them great for upwind.
I'm only a lightweight 64kgs and I like the way the boards settle more although having said that the 38cms had it trying to rail when I was overpowered last sail!
The smaller fins are freemove - very triangular shape - I think kiters can use them. I have had a bit of trouble with the 18cm spinning out a little but that's on my 78ltre waveboard. I'm not really that used to that board and I have to make sure to sail it with hardly any rear foot pressure even with freeride fins.
The makania are much chunkier than select fins.The big ones look like weapons!