quick DIY board repair

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

So I was rushing and I left my fins on in my golf bag.

Bad idea!

One of the fins got ripped off and the screws got pulled through the board? I'm wondering if throw some washers on there if ill F up the board for later by letting water in.

Anyway I'm down here in Bama and I need to get out asap. I can score some stuff for repairs from a hardware store, but I won't be able to visit any board shops for a few days.

Any ideas to get me out and riding tomorrow?

Ill throw up a pic as soon as I get near a computer.

Thanks
Andy

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Hey Andy, that sucks!

I stripped out a fin on my old LF 132.
I used 5 min epoxy between the fin & board to stablize it & it worked.

Sounds like that coupled with some washers could be the ticket!

Kiteboarding on christmas day!? Is Felix coming out?

Chooch · Fri Dec 25, 09 12:31 am

Go finless and have a merry x-mas!!!!!

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Nak · Fri Dec 25, 09 1:27 pm

If you go the washer route, make sure and find something at the hardware store you can use as a bushing. You want to keep the bolts centered in the hole or the fin could end up at the wrong angle.

Disclaimer: I've not done this, but it seems like the following procedure should work. It would be best if Hein chipped in here...

If you want to fix the holes with epoxy, I think it might be a good idea to get some studs that fit the fins. put the fins in place using the marks on the bottom of the board as a guide. Mark the center of the hole on top of the board, using the studs as a guide, with cross marks that extend past where the repair will be. Fill the holes with epoxy. Let cure. Drill the hole for the mounting bolt using the cross marks as a guide.

Good luck & Merry Christmas!

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

If you have a drill, you could slap tape on the board bottom, then pour in marine (or hardware) epoxy and let harden.
Then pull tape off, mark for holes using fin as template, drill, and reassemble, +/- washers. May help to drill a smaller "guide" hole first, or not, depending on particulars...
I think the washers are a good idea.
OR
If you want to, you can figure out how to jig it up assembled so the geometry is right, seal around the fin base with modeling clay/tape or something, just pour or inject epoxy in with the screws in place. The screws may need to be backed out of the fin a couple turns to allow clearance to let in the epoxy, and should be coated with petroleum jelly first....
If it is nice and warm the epoxy should flow in and fill the voids, for the most part. This may work better if you DO NOT use 5min epoxy.
The first way is probably easier to get right though!!!
OR
slap tape on and just ride!
Good luck!

pdxmonkeyboy · Sat Dec 26, 09 11:41 am

Don't use regular Epoxy on a foam based board. I tried that once thinking...what's the diff polyester smollester. Well things looked great until the chemical reactin of the epoxy really kicked in. Then the aweful mixture of foam and epoxy goo starting growing out of the hole I was fixing. It was kind of like those black snakes on the 4th except that it was liquid foam and goo.

Not good.