Forums > Windsurfing General

Do I Really Need A Fin Cover?

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Created by evlPanda > 9 months ago, 1 Apr 2009
evlPanda
NSW, 9207 posts
1 Apr 2009 10:35AM
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OK, so the fin cover saved the fin a little last weekend when I was trolling upwind and I squeezed a little close to an anchored boat, hitting the anchor chain, but apart from that I've probably only tapped a rock once coming in to the beach.

Ok, so I wouldn't have this little scar on my shin if I'd left it on a few months back either.

But, I notice most people don't use fin covers. Are there any arguments for/against using fin covers?

Bristol
ACT, 347 posts
1 Apr 2009 11:10AM
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Definitely use one! I use mine all the time; it slows me down, and so I don't crash in to things as fast.

Leave the board bag on, for the same reason. I found you have to cut a hole in the bag for the mast base.

ducati
QLD, 474 posts
1 Apr 2009 10:42AM
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Actually i'm more paranoid about UV damage so while I tend NOT to use a fincover
Like Bristol I leave my boardbag on
but also leave the sailbag on so my sail lasts forever and I only need a 9m sail which I can still use in 40kn in it's furled state........

555
892 posts
1 Apr 2009 9:38AM
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The ultimate solution really is one of those fin quiver bags. You can ditch all those individual fin covers, and use just the one for all of them. As an added bonus, if you find yourself over finned at any point it's really easy to just change to a different fin. They do tend to hum a bit at anything over about 15 knots though.

Gestalt
QLD, 14627 posts
1 Apr 2009 11:40AM
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i'm going back to sailing one designs,

then none of this matters.

DavMen
NSW, 1508 posts
1 Apr 2009 2:18PM
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Last time I used a fin cover, I found it created heaps of drag, and then I lost it.

drift
VIC, 737 posts
1 Apr 2009 2:50PM
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Help....expertise needed
Is there a boom cover available???..mine appears to get wet sometimes

Wet Willy
TAS, 2317 posts
1 Apr 2009 2:51PM
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I've been leaving the mast bag on; it helps the cams rotate more smoothly. Can be difficult to rig, though.

NDH47
NSW, 102 posts
1 Apr 2009 2:54PM
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My JP fin covers are made of a different material on each side of the fin.

Could this help my upwind ability on starboard tack?

Could leaving my boardbag on assist in uphauling & waterstarting in chop?

Richiefish
QLD, 5610 posts
1 Apr 2009 1:56PM
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mast bag makes a handy reusable condom in a clinch....

Bristol
ACT, 347 posts
1 Apr 2009 3:33PM
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Can you get covers for the covers, so that the (original) covers aren't so UV-exposed? Dakine and Prolimit don't seem to mention them on their websites; maybe NP.

There's gotta be a market for these; might even turn the global recession around.

Gestalt
QLD, 14627 posts
1 Apr 2009 3:06PM
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Bristol said...

Can you get covers for the covers, so that the (original) covers aren't so UV-exposed? Dakine and Prolimit don't seem to mention them on their websites; maybe NP.

There's gotta be a market for these; might even turn the global recession around.


you mean like a bag bag?

drift
VIC, 737 posts
1 Apr 2009 4:13PM
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Is it possible to vacuum pack yourself and your rig to avoid any contact with water and/ or UV???
If so, how will it affect my gybes and my ability to attract sharks????

Richiefish
QLD, 5610 posts
1 Apr 2009 3:14PM
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Bristol said...

Can you get covers for the covers, so that the (original) covers aren't so UV-exposed? Dakine and Prolimit don't seem to mention them on their websites; maybe NP.

There's gotta be a market for these; might even turn the global recession around.


just smear Naish brand 30+ uv cream on everything exposed to daylight ! (yes this includes your car)

Gestalt
QLD, 14627 posts
1 Apr 2009 3:21PM
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on a serious note,

aerospace protectorant works well as sunscreen for your kit.

Bristol
ACT, 347 posts
1 Apr 2009 4:26PM
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Gestalt said...
you mean like a bag bag?

LOL, Gesty. Don't start that again.

swoosh
QLD, 1928 posts
1 Apr 2009 4:09PM
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as far as useful and informative threads go, this must be close to top of the list.

can we get it stickied?

sausage
QLD, 4873 posts
1 Apr 2009 4:25PM
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Gestalt said...

Bristol said...

Can you get covers for the covers, so that the (original) covers aren't so UV-exposed? Dakine and Prolimit don't seem to mention them on their websites; maybe NP.

There's gotta be a market for these; might even turn the global recession around.


you mean like a bag bag?


Then this would stop it becoming a (has)been bag

Thanks for the advice also guys - I've decided to keep my new boom wrapped in plastic so it doesn't get scuffed.

elmo
WA, 8868 posts
1 Apr 2009 2:27PM
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I notice a certain prominent member of team SRM is keeping very quiet about sailing with fin covers left on.

pepe47
WA, 1382 posts
1 Apr 2009 2:47PM
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Noticed that certain areas of wetsuits can be protected with boardshorts too.

Richiefish
QLD, 5610 posts
1 Apr 2009 7:45PM
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One of the best fin covers on the market are the ones Seaworld use on the dolphins to prevent "fin sunburn".
Another top notch product is the genuine Valiant, after market fin cover.You can get an EK fin cover ,but this is not a genuine Holden product ...

Mark _australia
WA, 23437 posts
1 Apr 2009 6:06PM
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WTF are you all on about????!!!!

They all come from Cobra in Thailand so they are all the same.

Richiefish
QLD, 5610 posts
1 Apr 2009 8:24PM
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they may look the same, but they dont feel the same ! (comfortwise)

easty
TAS, 2213 posts
1 Apr 2009 9:27PM
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Help - my fin cover is stuck!

upwind
QLD, 166 posts
1 Apr 2009 8:27PM
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I reckon Gladwrap is the best..........wrap yourself and all your gear up before ya leave home and nothing gets wet, works even better if you don't leave home

Old Salty
VIC, 1271 posts
1 Apr 2009 9:36PM
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I wear my fin cover as a sun hat. Makes me go faster on the water



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"Do I Really Need A Fin Cover?" started by evlPanda