Hey SUP Foilers,
I am considering converting my 7'4 x27.75" 104L Minion and my 8'10 x 30" 120L Sunova Acid for foiling. But before I do that I need to decide what the merits are of the two foil box options that are available on the market - Deep Tuttle v Twin Track
- Which box is easier to retrofit into a SUP than the other?
- Is one box heavier than the other when adding weight to the board? Is weight a factor to even consider?
- Is one box stronger than the other?
- Which box gives the most options in terms of the number brands of foils on the market?
- I would still want to do normal SUP surfing so which box is easier to add a blanking plate to fill the box?
Appreciate your thoughts as it is a one-way decision as retrofitting the foil box will determine the SUP foil I would get so want to make sure I've thought about that before getting the router out!
Cheers,
Stev-0
Track mount is much more versatile. Stick almost any foil in it. Move it back and forth. Shim it to change angles. They used to be a pain to fit but new ones have open holes so you can leave the bolts in place. You might want to use a leash if you're worried about losing your foil.
Deep tuttle is stronger and easier to use provided you don't want to change anything. Whack the mast in. Do up two bolts. Go. Force is spread over a big chunky box anchored to the top and bottom skins. Bolts go right through the board. Deep tuttle is tapered so inherently strong and secure. The foil bolts show on the deck of the board so you know exactly where your back foot has to go.
I would have thought duct tape would be the perfect cover for any foil mounting holes.
Like Gorgo said, plus:
Deep tuttle is tapered
Actually, it is only tapered on the front & back walls, the sides are parallel. This enables using shims on the top part to change the angle of the mast (and thus the AOA - angle of attack - of the wing) if needed.
Tuttle boxes are cleaner but that said after finding the need to play with the angle and position having the twin track option is the only way I will ever go till something better comes, its the one thing that's held me back getting the go foil. You will also probably find if you ever change foil then the position will be different also. Im pretty sure most from now on will be plate mount.
I spoke with the top guy at Takuma and Kai Lenny at Surf Expo about this very question. Both prefer plate mount and say they see fewer failures with plate mount.
I was a Tuttle fan. I'm switching to plate mounts.
Blanking plates / infills are available for both systems. Been around for ages through windsurf shops
I'm really keen to know if go foil are planning a plate mount for 2018, I have asked but never got a reply.