Torn Turbo fins Hey Matt

Well, I fished for about 2 hours with my brand new st turbo fins. As I tore the boat down, I discovered that one of the support masts had punctured the fin and ripped it about two inches. After reviewing this board, it appears to be a common problem. Seems to me that if the mast went to the bottom of the fin or actually even thru the fin this problem wouldnt happen. Some reinforcing of the fin at the end of the mast would also help. Will Hobie warranty this? Considering an update or fix to the problem?
Thanks,
Dan

Mine both have holes in them. I put Gorilla tape over the splits (2 layers) and it works well (someone else's on the boards idea). I change it ever couple of trips and carry some on the kayak with me. On the water it is easy to pull the splits off the rods and go on your way. Doesn't seem to have any effect on speed. I change to a good pair when I know I'm not going to be on the oyster beds.

It may be something like taping you ankle, then you will hurt your knee, then you tape you knee and you hip goes out. It may be best to damage the fin rather that damage the drive. Don't know but it's minor to me.

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I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.

You hit something. It happens. Keep those fins off the obstructions..... I think most of us have at least one messed up fin, if not several. I keep spares with me... Oyster beds make a mess of them.

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Yakkingaway
Portsmouth, VA

Well, I've hit things with my original fins and never had an issue. It also seems an easy fix to me, either extend the mast to the bottom or reinforce the fin at the end of the mast. If the common repair is gorilla tape, Hobie should be able to do better.

Dan

Turbos are longer and not as robust at the tip. Its a balance in performance vs durability.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Curb.... er, ah..., bottom finders! That's what we need!

Mmmmm, I've had my first pair of Turbo ST's for about two years. They are somewhat deformed but not ripped in the least.

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Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.