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Correctly repairing fins - this is how it's done!

Manuel Vogel

 · 13.01.2020

Correctly repairing fins - this is how it's done!Photo: Manuel Vogel
Correctly repairing fins - this is how it's done!
If your fin has kissed the rocks, it doesn't have to be the end. Find out how to repair windsurf board fins quickly and easily in our workshop.

Important:All fin materials contain glass fibre and/or epoxy resin - materials that are very unhealthy. You should therefore use respiratory protection when sanding and it is best to work outdoors.

In general, you will need the following for the repair:

  • Dust mask
  • Sandpaper (120 to 200 grit)
  • Sharp cutter knife
  • Superglue & filler (ideal is Ropid 100 from Toolcraft and the matching filler, available online for 4 euros each)
  • Possibly screw clamp

And this is how it's done!

Fibreglass fins are more fragile than those made of G10 or plastic. It becomes problematic when the individual layers are delaminated and gap apart, as in the picture above.Photo: Manuel VogelFibreglass fins are more fragile than those made of G10 or plastic. It becomes problematic when the individual layers are delaminated and gap apart, as in the picture above.
Sawing off the fin tip would only be an absolute emergency solution. Instead, try carefully removing loose fragments between the layers with a cutter knife.Photo: Manuel VogelSawing off the fin tip would only be an absolute emergency solution. Instead, try carefully removing loose fragments between the layers with a cutter knife.The aim now is to bond the individual layers together again in a stable manner in order to restore the old shape. You can use epoxy resin as an adhesive - but as the mixture with hardener becomes less precise the smaller the quantity mixed, we would advise you to use superglue (e.g. Toolcraft Ropid 100). No mixing ratio needs to be observed here. Prepare a place where you can press the fin firmly in place immediately afterwards using a screw clamp, because as the name "superglue" suggests, it should go very quickly. Drip a few drops of the low-viscosity glue between the delaminated layers, ...Photo: Manuel VogelThe aim now is to bond the individual layers together again in a stable manner in order to restore the old shape. You can use epoxy resin as an adhesive - but as the mixture with hardener becomes less precise the smaller the quantity mixed, we would advise you to use superglue (e.g. Toolcraft Ropid 100). No mixing ratio needs to be observed here. Prepare a place where you can press the fin firmly in place immediately afterwards using a screw clamp, because as the name "superglue" suggests, it should go very quickly. Drip a few drops of the low-viscosity glue between the delaminated layers, ...... fix the fin immediately with moderate pressure using a screw clamp and wait one minute.... fix the fin immediately with moderate pressure using a screw clamp and wait one minute.If there is any further damage to the leading edge, you can also repair this with superglue. To do this, apply superglue and ...Photo: Manuel VogelIf there is any further damage to the leading edge, you can also repair this with superglue. To do this, apply superglue and ...... let the filling powder (e.g. from Toolcraft) trickle over it. No mixing ratio needs to be observed, excess powder is not bound! Build up layer by layer...Photo: Manuel Vogel... let the filling powder (e.g. from Toolcraft) trickle over it. No mixing ratio needs to be observed, excess powder is not bound! Build up layer by layer...

...and sand away the excess material at the end with sandpaper. That's it! You can also repair fins made of G10 and carbon using this method.Photo: Manuel Vogel...and sand away the excess material at the end with sandpaper. That's it! You can also repair fins made of G10 and carbon using this method.

Plastic fins are at best deformed by ground contact - bursting or delamination is impossible. In this case, it is sufficient to cut off the deformed areas with a sharp cutter knife ...Photo: Manuel VogelPlastic fins are at best deformed by ground contact - bursting or delamination is impossible. In this case, it is sufficient to cut off the deformed areas with a sharp cutter knife ...... and finally sanded.Photo: Manuel Vogel... and finally sanded.

You can also find many more workshops on all things material in the print and digital editions of surf. Information about the magazine and subscription at www.delius-klasing.de/surf

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