First, please forgive me for the lengthy post.
I took the Classic to the rowing facility in Oak Ridge, Tn today for a sink or swim acid test. I'm happy to say that the post test inspection revealed no water inside the hull. Other than needing some new shock cord and fast pins (which had to be shortened to achieve a proper fit), everything went as expected and the mirage Drive functioned smoothly.
This was my first experience with a Mirage and I was very pleased with it. The Standard fins have been replaced once already with another set of Standards but I think its is due for a new set of fins again. The old standard fins propelled the boat but I felt like there was almost no resistance is I pedaled. I think the ST fins would be a better choice for me. I don't know if I want the extra resistance the Turbo fins supposedly provide but I do think I need/want more than the old Standard fins can provide.
Someone posted, in a reply to my first message, that the Turbo fins might put too much stress on the mounting points in the boat and cause it to crack. It is a V1 system with plastic cam locks to hold the drive in place. The boat seems solid as a rock in that area but I don't want to risk damaging it. Having said that, I'm a well known speed freak and would rather exert a little more pressure with my legs and get the extra oomph from the larger/more efficient fins if possible.
With all that in mind, I have a few questions that hopefully someone can/will answer:
1. How much more force do the Turbo fins generate than the Standard or ST fins? (A ballpark guess is fine.)
2. Do you think the Turbo fins could damage the boat due to the extra forces applied to the mounting points?
3. If I understand correctly, the Turbo fins need a longer shaft (mast?) when mounted to a V1 drive. Where can I buy the hardware to enable the Turbo or ST fins to properly mount on the V1 Mirage Drive?
4. I ended up towing my son and wife on their SUP boards about 3/4 of a mile back to the dock. I know the Turbo fins give you the ability to generate more top end speed but does one type of fin give you more the ability to generate more torque than the other?
Thanks again, in advance, for all your help.
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