Fin length?

[halfaday]

I have been sailing now for the last 2 years and trying to build up my quiver as much as my wife will allow. So I have some moderate/light wind gear 7.5 and 8.9 with a 155 Go and was wondering about fin length. How much length should I have with these sails to maximize early planing and the rest? I have been using a 52cm and seems to be working fine on the 7.5 but just started sailing on the 8.9. Is there a general rule for sail size to fin length and also how does my weight(145lbs) play into the equation?

[chewy]

Halfaday, don't be such a push over. Don't let your wife decide what you can and can't have, are you whipped? Do you need a pair larger gonads to go with your new larger fin?

Hope all is well and we can sail together soon, your caring brother in law.

[Bobson]

Size does matter!! Chewy, aren't you listening....this guy is using an 8.9 METER SAIL.......NICE!

Hey 1/2-a-day,

I would say the 52cm fin is a good mid-size fin for free riding for that set up. I would get something in the 60-65cm range to get you planing earlier with the 8.9m. I'm guessing at your (featherweight)size with the 8.9m and Go 155 you could be planing in 10kts with a 60-65cm fin. I would also say that you're probably only going to plane in wind 1-2kts lighter with the 65cm fin than with the 52cm but when it's blowing a nice steady 10kts, its sunny and warm......you'll be more than happy with the purchase when you're planing instead of schloggin'!! Remember to keep the boom rigged high(nose to eye height) and hang your weight off it to keep weight off the board when trying to get up on a plane.

Call Bosuns at 386-1308 or Excel at 383-8667 and they'll be able to order one for you. It's a very good investment as if you take care of it...it'll last a long time lots longer than a sail.

ps. Lemme know when you're thinking of heading to Nitinat so we can sail big gear together!!! BIG GEAR RULES!!

[KUS]

52 cm is fine for an 8.9, you could go longer but ......why

My 2 bits: I recall you are well past the beginner stage, ditch the Go Board, pick up a cheap slalom....you won't need the humongous fins and will go faster, gybe better, learn more with an up-haulable (for you) ~100L Slalom, your 7.5 and have more fun. Those Go's are sooooo limiting, hand it off to wifey to learn, you'll never look back

[halfaday]

Chewy - Thanks for the marriage councelling! Wondering if you need some more fiberglass?

Bobson - I think I'll pick up a longer fin. If it means planing earlier then that's what I want to do. The Diablo is a fast sail I love it!

Kus - I have a 105L F2 that is collecting dust right now that I will have to dig out. My water starts are consistant now for the smaller gear.

[Bobson]

Hey 1/2-a-day, Don't let that GO board too far out of reach. When it's a sunny hot day with 10-14kts of wind and you want to get out on the water and RIP, rig up the Diablo and the GO and BIG fin and rip anywhere you want and back and don't worry about making it back to your launch. I will keep the BIG GEAR and BIGGER FINS as I love cruizing where and when I want.

Have fun.

ps. As well you can get in on some fun racing at Nitinat this summer too. The racing is infectious. Just ask the guys that did it first time last year.