What do you guys think about running an 8" dorsal single fin on a 10' Malibu shape? Just looking for thoughts... and recomendations as well...
I believe the rule is an inch of fin for every foot of board; yet by dorsal do you mean the extremely raked back ones? Like this? If that was the case you might not need to go as long
yeh, something like that. The brand is actually "dorsal". I don't know how to insert a picture but you can see them at: http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Product_Catalog/SurfSailcom/surfsailcom.html
Longboard fin info 8" is way to short for that board. You may lose control when you don't want to. Increasing the length will give you more forward drive (Needed on our type waves) but will make it a bit harder for you to turn. That's where you can go with with a more flexible fin. You can also move the fin towards the front to loosen her up, go to far and there goes your drive. - Forward loose, rearward drive. Bring a screwdriver to the beach with you and just try it out. Stiffer fins are faster but it is harder for you to turn. Flexible fins are more maneuverable but it sacrifices speed if it increases in flexibility along with nose riding ability. They have a good selection with clear description what each fin is for. http://www.rainbowfins.com/surf/a_rfc_lboard.php?id=2
Thanks Hyatt. I guess I was just seeing if I could get by with what I have. Just got the 10 footer and the fin it came with (not the 8") is really heavy and super stiff. I feel like it really strips all of the livelyness out of the board. Looks like I'll be needing to spend a little more $. Thanks for the link too.
Go to your local surf shops and ask if they have any used fins. I found a used cutaway fin for my 9' for $22 . Cant hurt to ask! I forgot to mention if you have side bites ( 2x1 setup ), take them off and see what happens. It should free up those left-go-right turns at take-off. Experiment, give each setup a chance (just dont try it once) One setup will work better in smaller mushy surf and another in larger steeper surf. Just go and have fun with it.
The board does not have the ability to go 2 + 1, but thanks for the thought. Have you ever used the FCS Fatboy fin? Interesting design concept, but I can't help but wonder if it's just a load of hype.
I would actually recommend the FCS Fatboy. I have a really big 9'5" SOD custom. When I first got it I had a 10" rainbow fin and couldn't get it to turn to save my life. I tried a friends 9" Fatboy and loved it. Thats what I've had in it for the past year and don't plan on changing. I can turn the board, but it still holds my weight (230lbs) on the nose. Some of that is the board, but the fin helps a lot. Some shops do free FCS trials, so see if you could give one a try before you pay for it.
Yeah, in that case you'll want to go at least and inch or two longer. Probably something with a wider base and less rake, like the mentioned fatboy. Now I don't mean to hijack, but now that there's a good fin discussion going, has anyone here tried the Greenough Stage 6? Reviews on that?
