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 Post subject: Torn Turbo Fin Repair
PostPosted: Sun May 17, 2009 7:53 pm 
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Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:25 pm
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Location: Central Coast NSW Australia
My original pair of Turbo fins have seen a lot of use and have suffered damage resulting in the mast end tearing through the fin:
Image

I would use Gaffer tape to temporarily repair the fin but it would lift after a couple of trips and the edges would catch seaweed. The tear lengthened over time. This repair has stopped the tear and allows the fins to flex. The PVC cement has low viscosity and can be applied in very thin coats that remain strong but flexible.

The materials needed are all easily available from a good hardware supplier:
Image
-bicycle tube repair kit
-plumbers PVC pipe primer and cement
-self adhesive fibreglass easytape (used in gyprocking)

1-Clean the fin and roughen the leading edge on both sides using the tool in the tyre tube kit. It is important to thoroughly roughen the fin so the cement adheres properly.
Image

2-Prime the area and apply the tube patch (as you would on an inner tube) over the fin where the mast ends. This adds strength to this critical area.
Image

3- Cut the easytape to length and wrap it around the leading edge of the fin on both sides.
Image


4-Apply the cement in thin coats ensuring coverage over the entire roughened area only. Allow each coat to dry.
Do not allow the cement to extend outside the roughened area or it will lift.
Image



It’s not pretty but after 3 months of use is showing no signs of lifting. :)
Image

Roadrunner has reported that the newer fins are made of a tougher material. This repair applies to the original Turbo fin material.
It beats Gaffer tape! :wink:


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PostPosted: Sun May 17, 2009 9:51 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
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Location: Escondido
Stringy, great How-To and well illustrated as usual! I didn't realize that PVC cement and primer had that kind of surface adhesive strength -- wow! How much does it change the flexing characteristic of the fin? Did you treat both fins? If not, did you notice any changes in the performance of the Drive such as rocking the boat, difference in pedaling force, etc.? 8)


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PostPosted: Mon May 18, 2009 7:55 am 
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Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2006 4:50 pm
Posts: 494
Location: sacramento california
How Ya Going Stringy !
Nice DIY repair on the turbo fins.
I had several smaller, less severe cuts on my fins and repaired them a year and a half ago using super glue.
The fin material seems to work well with super glue and the cuts have stayed closed .
Super glue could work well for a quick on the water fin repair fix.
Carry a tube in the onboard repair kit and it could come in handy someday.
:wink:
Have fun down there
Kepnutz


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PostPosted: Mon May 18, 2009 12:09 pm 
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nice post, better than the way most people do it around here
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PostPosted: Mon May 18, 2009 3:00 pm 
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Location: sacramento california
Duct Tape still rules !! :lol:


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PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2009 5:34 pm 
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Location: Central Coast NSW Australia
Thanks all,
Roadrunner- The PVC cement adheres very well if the surface is clean and rough. An earlier repair I trialled eventually lifted because I had not roughened the surface. I have repaired both fins though the tear in the one pictured is about twice as long.
I haven't noticed a difference in performance. The repair hasn't changed the flexing characteristic as far as I can tell as most of it is over the stiffer leading edge. The tape and cement remain flexible.
Brad - I originally used duct tape but found good quality gaffer tape lasted longer. I got tired of replacing the tape when the edges lifted after a few trips.
Kep- The initial tear was quite large (I forgot to secure the pedal bungy transporting the Tandem and ran over the dragging fins with the cart! :oops: ) I did try superglue but the mast would keep popping out. BTW -I recently fitted the Sidekicks to the Tandem and have become a true believer in them. Should have taken your advice earlier! :wink:


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PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2009 9:12 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2006 4:50 pm
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Location: sacramento california
How ya going Stringy.
Glad you are able to fix your fin because that rip was really big.
I only had small, sharp, clean cuts and small abrasion tears on the ends where the fin mast hit the bottom so the super glue prevented those from getting any worse.
Glad you like your new sidekicks, it must make sailing a bit less work than before and gives you time to adjust to any rapid changes in gusty winds.
Have fun down there. :wink:
Kepnutz


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PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:33 am 
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Joined: Sun Nov 12, 2006 5:52 pm
Posts: 79
Location: CT
I used gorilla glue. Remember to remove the mast. It works great. Visually not to appealing. But, the fins are in the water. No difference in performance. Lasted entire season. I did put new fins on when I upgraded to V2 sprockets. i did keep the old ones for a backup...

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 12:06 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:17 pm
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Location: Homosassa, Florida
Gorilla Tape

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