I have a Starboard Formula 167 wide (2012?) With a F4 CRAD 72-2 xs (7 degree?) fin and R3 10.7 & 9.6 sails. I've always had a lot of trouble controlling the board when the wind gets up above about 12 knots. Even if I slip the universal all the way forward I still have trouble with the board riding up on the fin (too much lift).
I'm guessing the fin I'm using in combination with the wide board is too much for my 78kg. Any suggestions of different formula fins that could help my problems (I'm guessing there are plenty around now that most people are moving into foiling)? I only use the formula in light to mid strength winds for up/downwind work.
Also, have anyone tried a lot shorter fins on formula boards with slalom sails for across light wind sailing? Does this work?
Thanks for your help
Using smaller fins is ok, you just lose upwind performance, but you are not there for racing. I was using an rsx 60 cm fin to go across the wind and with smaller sails around 8.7 when wind was over 14 knts. Also before that I just chopped the bottom of an old 70 down to 60. A 70 fin was still manageable until around 16 knts with 10/11 m sails, I am about your weight. You can try and depower the sails with more downhaul and outhaul, use long harness lines and really hang off the boom and out of the board, move straps forward if possible.
I have used "high wind" 70cm Formula fin with more rake/less area, and down to 60cm slalom fin, plus sails down to 7m, to depower everything and allow more beam reaching instead of the max upwind/downwind angles that Formula gear is designed for - all worked fine for my 90+kg to create light wind freeride fun
I still have the 70cm if you are interested
Select to expand quotewdshort said..
I have a Starboard Formula 167 wide (2012?) With a F4 CRAD 72-2 xs (7 degree?) fin and R3 10.7 & 9.6 sails. I've always had a lot of trouble controlling the board when the wind gets up above about 12 knots. Even if I slip the universal all the way forward I still have trouble with the board riding up on the fin (too much lift).
I'm guessing the fin I'm using in combination with the wide board is too much for my 78kg. Any suggestions of different formula fins that could help my problems (I'm guessing there are plenty around now that most people are moving into foiling)? I only use the formula in light to mid strength winds for up/downwind work.
Also, have anyone tried a lot shorter fins on formula boards with slalom sails for across light wind sailing? Does this work?
Thanks for your help
I had exactly the same problems with my 167w, I purchased a Virus fin from Poland years ago that was made to suit and it turned it into a different board, much better behaved although still a handful for me in strong winds
Fin should match your weight.
Around 64-66 should hold well and be controllable up to 22 knots up and downwind.
Thanks for your help guys, does anyone have or know of anyone selling good fins or good ones to cut down?
