Turbo Fins stretched out. Normal?

Hello all,

I have been using my Turbo Fins for a couple of months now and they are noticeably stretched/distorted. I was unable to find a prior post on this subject and I was wondering if this was normal as I don't have this issue on the standard fins.

I don't seem to have any issues with propulsion but I don't know if this could become a problem in the future.

Thanks again for all of your answers/comments.

Mike

_________________
Mike

X2...mine look very similar after 6 months.

_________________
PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC

I've not had that happen to mine and have 2 of my 4 units fitted with the ST Turbo fins.

The thing is - do they still perform okay? Worse? Better perhaps?

I don't notice any difference in performance.

_________________
PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC

LOOKS OK but how are you storing the mirage drive? I hang mine from the ceiling. Keeps them stright and ready to go. Good luck.

I also hang mine with bungee cord w/ jooks off the floor.

_________________
PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC

The trailing edges of the fins do tend to stretch over time for most users. They do not stretch due to use, but rather as a result of contact on a surface, especially when warm, like in the car or against the cockpit rails.

This usually doesn't affect performance to any major degree, although if both fins are stretched to one side, you may notice they can be easier to push with one leg vs. the other. On well lubed Drives, the pedals tend to not stay in the down position without help when using them as a daggerboard when sailing.

For your next set, you can keep your fins nice and straight like this with a few precautions.


1. Keep them sleeved until ready to use. Cardboard works great and is well priced as long as you dry the fins before inserting:


2. If carrying them on your boat, position the Drive nose tilted down


or fins up


Once you get in the habit of it, it becomes second nature.

Thanks for that good post, Roadrunner!

I frequently run into or am driven into submerged sandbars & find myself pivoting on the fins with the current until I can lift them out.

I would suspect that this is also a major contributor to the wavy trailing edges.

_________________
PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC

Thanks to all for the feedback and thanks Roadrunner for your insights.
To date, I have not seen any change in performance but we will see if it changes over time.
I'll have to look at how I transport my drive. I do store the fins flat but they do just lay in the back of our Pathfinder when heading to my destination.

What still bothers me though, is that I inspect the drive before and after use and it is after my ride when I observe the stretching. Could it be that I am pedaling in waters that are, currently, 85-89 degrees (Mosquito Lagoon NSB, FL)?

_________________
Mike

The fins usually flatten out with water pressure. I use a cardboard sleeve similar to RR's. Mine is a flat USPS Priority mail box, with the bottom flaps taped over. I also use a short length of bungee to keep it from sliding off. Been using the same sleeve for almost 2 years.

_________________
Southwest Hobie Island Club
http://www.facebook.com/southwesthic

Another way to distort the trailing edge is by having the drive improperly installed in the kayak.

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12836

Often times if its just the rear fin that's stretched, this is why. This also leads to rear fins falling off and damage to the back side of the drivewell.

_________________
Brendan Castile