One for the geeks and/or course board designers/testers.
Why four fins on course boards? Why camber?
I realise that multiple fins give you a reduced heeling moment for a given amount of lift, compared to a double or single fin configuration, in which the centre of lateral resistance is deeper. However, they also give you more tip vortices and reduced effective aspect ratio.
Why camber? It reduces effective lift while retaining the drag associated with the total surface area.
Have people tried twin or single fin configurations?
Back in the 90s I used to design, build and race sailboards for a living so I know a bit about some of this, but am happy to be brought up to speed on the different variables relevant to kite raceboards. Maybe one day I'll even take one for a spin.
Some good info here, not all posts are relevant to your question.
I think multi fin - 4 - are the norm now on all the latest designs, seems logical due to the lateral forces from the kite.
Looks like most of the bigger brands and popular custom boardmakers are using tuttle box fins. Some are using powerbox or mini tuttle, bummer they cannot adopt a standard.
Hi Steve, was there a link to go with your post?
And yes, trying to get a standard system is fraught. If you adopt a standard too soon you miss out on better innovations. If you adopt a standard too late you miss out on the economy of scale and interchangeability.
I suspect kiting will be ripe for some standards in the next few years, especially for safety systems. Just be thankful for now that twintip fin and footstrap spacings are relatively compatible.
Are slotted fins still around? They were very successful on windsurfers a few years back in preventing cavitation.
