With all of the attention paid to the contours of the bottom of the board and angles of fins and making sure there are no sings... When using a 5 fin systems (expecially futures) has anyone ever considered hole the trailer fin leaves when you have a quad setup in? I feel like this would create drag. I am looking for a 5 finner but can't imagine surfing futures with that empty fin box. I know there are lots of hydrodynamic theories about the surface of a golf ball and yada yada yada but it doesnt seem to add up to me.
Once the slot fill with water, there's very little drag from the empty box... nothing compared to an actual fin. Of course, slots create more drag than plug holes, and there's sometimes fillers you can buy for empty boxes. But the bottom line is, you won't feel the difference.
Bro! I thought that I felt the same thing- but with a longboard with the adjustable fin... I was not sure- that is until years ago when I saw Rabbit Kekai carrying his board in Hawaii... he had used some tape to cover the void areas in the front and the back... I got home and tried it- and seriously felt a difference! now I do that to all my boards- they actually ride much smoother! So get some packaging tape- or some kind of vinyl tape that is easy to peel off and cover up that big hole in your board!!!
this is really what it comes down to. you could completely bend your brain thinking about it if you want to, but i reconciled myself w/ by figuring that if it's not an issue for guys like slater, fanning, parko, etc...that it's prob. not an issue for me either.
they make fillers for those empty slots if you think its gonna make a difference. I have a pair and use them...not sure if it really matters for performance, other then peace of mind.
Two words: Darc Drive I put one in my Roberts White Diamond 2 Quad (5-fin) and it's fixed the problem that I normally have with quads (tail-release on hard turns) and eliminates any concern about an empty fin box. http://thesurfersview.com/features/reviews/item/711-the-darc-drive-fin-from-shapers Sold here in FCS or Futures http://www.wetfins.com.au/surfboard...-fins/shapers-fins-darc-drive-5th-fin-future/
I'm a speed freak and have box fillers in all my empty future slots, but, supposedly, deep concaves keep water flowing right over the slots. However, if the board in question has a pronounced "V" in the tail, it makes sense that a significant amount of water would channel through the center slot. If you're riding world class waves every sesh, then it doesn't matter...it's only in mushy/gutless waves that every drop of juice helps.
Beware the testimony of those paid to endorse manufacturers' products. Experiment for yourself and trust your own experiences. I have used the box fillers and I couldn't feel the difference when I was TRYING to... actually LOOKING for the difference. Maybe it's just me, but I could not feel any difference whatsoever.
bingo. was riding my layzboy quad this afternoon & got going plenty fast w/ the empty center slot. vee in the tail & everything.
Great feedback. I am no WQS rider but just always wondered about this. As someone mentioned, I am just trying to get the most out of the waist high mushy sessions in my future. Im looking at new boards for waist+ days and love the 5 fin option but can't push myself to get the futures. It's probably a mental thing.
God bless all y'all. Worried about drag. Surfboards are like women, all different and all good. 5 fins, singles, twins, glass ons- all deserve love. Never met one I didn't like. Even the ones with dings and fin box gaps. Though I have to admit some are simply to high maintenance and I can't keep 'em around for to long but I can find a pocket on them all. Yes, I am proclaiming myself a surfboard lothario. Sublimating sexual energy? Affirmative. Probably like every dude on this dang forum pecking away at this dang keyboard. Dang it, it's cold outside.
