NSW
1173 posts
If I were to consider buying a formula board for very lightwind cruising, do you think i could get hold of a very cheap fin that has been badly damaged that I could cut right down to say 30cms for putting on the board if i was going to teach anyone? With a 70 cm fin, people would have to be in really deep water before they could try uphauling..
Cheers!
NSW
714 posts
I dont think you would have any problem getting an old deep tuttle fin. I used a well worn fin for months while I was getting used to my board before I swapped to my better fin (made a huge difference BTW). Dont forget it doesnt have to be a cutdown 70cm fin, there are many shorter fins for deep/tuttle boxs around too (Tuttle fins fit deep tuttle boxes - if you can find bolts long enough)
I dont think you need to shorten it to 30, most people would uphaul in water greater the 70cm anyway. It gives them more room for when they fall in. 70cm isnt that deep when you consider what depth you want for learning.
JB
NSW
124 posts
My 2cents
30cm may be a bit too small for a formula, not enough surface area on the fin. Need to go to at least 50cm, this will allow the board to reach and go up wind (if needed).
NSW
1173 posts
i was just thinking, for those very light wind days, that a formula board could be ok for learning on, but a 50 cm fin might get in the way a little.......
WA
23647 posts
For learning, yep no worries. You can even glass an old buggered wave fin into a tuttle base.
Depends if you want to subject the fragile (very!) outer perimeter of a formula to many many mast drops!!
I'd at least tape a couple of pool noodles from mast base to boom.
NSW
78 posts
Yes, I agree with Mark. I bought a cheap second hand Formula to use as a trainer but it proved far too fragile. It only gets used for its intended purpose now, very lightwind cruising. The Drake fins for the Go boards are a deep tuttle I think! You might find a cheap one around somewhere.
