Fin Box Repair

Jayson · Since 17 May 2011 68 Posts

I hit a shallow reef at low tide and damaged one fin box
Im up in the north of the Philippines with limited equipment. I have a tube of sun cure. looks like the fin box has to be replaced. I found a old board with a fin box. So I am going to take it out and try to change it.

Any tips or suggestions with limited gear?
Thanks for your help

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

What type of finbox is it? Procedures differ depending on whether it is fcs,future,or mini tuttle.

demo243 · Since 16 Dec 2013 21 Posts

If possible pictures would help alot too...

Maybe see if you can find some Epoxy? Something fast if possible... although that might be hard to come by.

Suncure can do some amazing things... but if it is going to go on thick I would say try and do it in multiple layers and use really bright sun to cure it... never replaced a fin box with it though... rebuilt a quarter size junk out of the nose of a board with it... but I think the problem youll have with the fin box is the box itself will keep the UV from getting to all the resin, since the box will need to be resined in... hence my suggestion for epoxy - one of those 5 minute ones would be best - maybe check a local boat yard?

Jayson · Since 17 May 2011 68 Posts

Thanks for the reply's Still havent fixed it.
Its a future finbox.

I was thinking of taking a small drill bit and using it to cut out the finbox as cleanly as possible?
Then cleaning out the hole
next tapeing around the hole to keep the mess down.
then putting in the suncure with new box

will the sun cure make a good bond with the foam?
is there any special cleaning I should do?
Should I put a strip of glass in there?

Does this sound crazy?
Thanks

demo243 · Since 16 Dec 2013 21 Posts

Cant really speak as to how to instal the fin box- as I have never done so. If I remember right though most fin boxes have some glass over them. IE if you look at it there is a flange-or step that is part of the box- this is covered in glass.

The replacement box will have to be attached to the foam of the board somehow. Most are resined in I think... but you wont be able to do that with suncure since the UV light wont pass through the box itself. So the resin that holds the box into the board will never cure since it needs the UV light to cure- this is where a fast epoxy would help... although not sure what type of foam the board is made of and sometimes you have to worry about heat from the epoxy melting the foam... dont remember which foam blank has that happen - if it is an EPS board (Most kite boards) you should be fine. You might be able to get away with some sort of rubber cement or glue...but it wont be perfect.. and I dont know if it will screw with the glass or anything... And then once the box is in you can glass over it for extra strength

Here is a link to initial fin box install- Might help a bit

http://www.swaylocks.com/forums/installing-future-fin-boxes-without-router

I think the most important question is how much do you like this board? If you like it a lot it might be worth leaving it alone and having it repaired professionally either somewhere down there or when you get home.

Might be worth while to look for a used board down there, buy it, ride it, sell it back or give it away when you leave and then have yours professionally repaired when you are home. If its cheap enough who cares if it only lasts a week since its standard surf construction...

That is my plan for when I go hatteras next time. Just fly with my kites and pick up a used board... ride it for the week... if its still in good shape sell it to a shop... if its beat - give it away to some kid to fix and ride ...

Good Luck!

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

It would be cool to see pictures of how it comes out.
Sounds like a challenge, best luck getting a good result.

Jayson · Since 17 May 2011 68 Posts

got the finbox fixed ill try to post a few pics. The box was actually loose and slightly detached from the fiberglass so the box was easily taken out and the new box was inserted without any real cutting!
used suncure so well see if it holds?
Thanks for the help!
yesterday was 35 knots with 4 meter waves so just in time Smile

demo243 · Since 16 Dec 2013 21 Posts

Great - Keep us posted on how it holds. And when you get a chance walk us through how you fixed it too- always good to have these tricks in your back pocket for trips and what not