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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 3:16 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:18 am
Posts: 224
Location: Boynton Beach, FL
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

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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:19 pm 
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Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:14 am
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Location: Wilmington, NC
X2...mine look very similar after 6 months.

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PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC


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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:22 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:29 pm
Posts: 2763
Location: High Point, 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?


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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:31 pm 
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Location: Wilmington, NC
I don't notice any difference in performance.

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PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC


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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:36 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:59 am
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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.


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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:42 pm 
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Location: Wilmington, NC
I also hang mine with bungee cord w/ jooks off the floor.

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PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC


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PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:55 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
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.
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1. Keep them sleeved until ready to use. Cardboard works great and is well priced as long as you dry the fins before inserting:
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2. If carrying them on your boat, position the Drive nose tilted down
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or fins up
Image

Once you get in the habit of it, it becomes second nature. 8)


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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 4:45 am 
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Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:14 am
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Location: Wilmington, NC
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.

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Cape Fear River - NC


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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 5:12 am 
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Location: Boynton Beach, FL
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)?

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Mike


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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 5:31 am 
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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.

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PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 2:28 pm 
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Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 4:34 pm
Posts: 236
Location: Hobie Cat: Oceanside, CA
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.

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