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Fin Repair

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Created by Pel > 9 months ago, 6 May 2011
Pel
WA, 66 posts
6 May 2011 9:20AM
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Hi all

I'm thinking about repairing my FSW fin, but have no idea on where to start. Can I use epoxy or do I need to fibreglass it? Any advice would be great.

Here's some pics:





Pugwash
WA, 7733 posts
6 May 2011 9:44AM
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Sand it back and don't worry about it... You might be better investing your time buying a nice new one, rather than repairing this one.

This model of stock fin was not the greatest performer when new

Mark _australia
WA, 23715 posts
6 May 2011 9:56AM
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I disagree on both Puggy - sorry

It needs some fill and reshape but that is easy and I think they were an OK fin.

Pel if you decide not to fix it I'll buy it I actually want one of them in a 25cm

But to fix: firstly you can use anything but spoxy is superior stengthwise to ployester resins found in fibreglass repair kits. That delamination type split needs to be fixed well.
Stand the fin with tip up, and dribble epoxy down into the split to fill it right up.

When that has set (next day), masking tape one side of the fin all the way around so the tape overlaps the perimeter of the fin - that is just so when you fill a chip, the filler has a little shelf of tape to sit on so it doesn't dribble off.
Fill can be anything - epoxy and wood dust is good, solarez filler that has some glass in it, or a auto body filler that has fibreglass in it. Using straight resin or Plastibond is not very durable.

Then reshape, sand back to about 400grade wet, and it will be like new.

Pugwash
WA, 7733 posts
6 May 2011 10:03AM
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^^^ I must admit I repaired both of my JP FSW fins using the method you described Mark - resin... it is very easy...

That said, nothing beats that new fin feeling

EDIT: Sell it to Mark and use the proceeds to buy a nice new one - must be worth good $$

Pel
WA, 66 posts
6 May 2011 10:33AM
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Cheers for the advice Mark, sounds like you've done this a few times!

Well it sounds like by the time I buy all the stuff I need and spend my time stuffing around I'm better off getting a new one. (Especially if I can sell it off!)

I'll send you an msg Mark, you can have it. If theres wind this arvo I'll have it with me at Pinnaroo Pt.

EDIT: Well, Mark didn't want it so it looks like I'll try to fix it.

wespyyl
WA, 118 posts
6 May 2011 11:20AM
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cut it down to 16cm and start freestyling

ikw777
QLD, 2995 posts
6 May 2011 2:04PM
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Will a little bit of epoxy and filler rescue this 42cm fin? Got kinda dinged yesterday...


dinsdale
WA, 1227 posts
6 May 2011 1:13PM
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ikw777 said...

Will a little bit of epoxy and filler rescue this 42cm fin? Got kinda dinged yesterday...


Yea, but you'll need a little more filler and epoxy than Pel .

FormulaNova
WA, 15109 posts
6 May 2011 1:32PM
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It seems it really was bomb proof tested. It just doesn't mention the condition of the fin after the testing

ikw777
QLD, 2995 posts
6 May 2011 3:49PM
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Passed the Bomb Proof test but failed the Turtle Test.

r2908
NSW, 214 posts
6 May 2011 6:36PM
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buy one of these bad boys in 25, pel... there made from kevlar or something

think i paid about $160,

decrepit
WA, 12887 posts
6 May 2011 7:34PM
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r2908 said...


>>>>
buy one of these bad boys in 25, pel... there made from kevlar or something

>>>>>


If they've got kevlar in them, don't even think about them!!!!!!
The worst thing you can put in a fin is kevlar, as soon as it starts to wear, it just turns into fuzz.
Well the kevlar doesn't wear, (that's the trouble), but the resin around it does, leaving kevlar fibres sprouting out of the surface.
The more you try and sand it back, the worse it gets!

(Just ask Pepe)



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"Fin Repair" started by Pel