Skid Fin Material

[99R]

Looking at the proposed rule change for skid fin material by Mike Ross maybe we should consider going to rubber props? I think your opening a can of worms here.

[Matt Dagostino]

ditto.........................

Steel, aluminium,titanium,brass...........at 70mph it all will hurt about the same anyway. Move on, reinforced cockpit sides is a much more interesting discussion!!

J-Dad

[17W]

Let's Hope...........

Aluminum......the bracket or the fin is going to bend. Sounds dangerous in itself. Another poorly thought out proposal!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Old Rookie 13 W]

Fin material

Ask Warby what happens when a turn fin bends ,OUCCH

Just when Sam has the carbon fiber fin perfected, go figure ? ?


D Shaw 13- W

Don't jump, Don't dump, HAVE FUN !!

[hydroplay]

Not to worry. I have found a local place that can spray-bond micronized aluminum to plastic or other metals. It gives a real aluminum appearance. It can be done to your existing fins so other than having a totally unnecessary expense mandated by some moron, you can be udderly safe and legal again.

Yes udderly. We're from WI the state with all the cows and no stupid proposals.

[Brian10s]

Question of the Day

Which of the following issues would improve safety (both on & off the water) in regards to hydros fins:

1. The actual material that the fin is made out of.

2. The idea of fin having a shear pin that permits it to be "knocked" up in the event it comes in contact with something "harder than water" (This would the Candian rule that they already use up there and some have explained in another thread).

3. The practice of "sharpening" the leading edge of a fin.

4. Other ideas?

5. Or are the fins fine as they are and some are chasing their tails in the name of safety.


Comments?
At least this should entertain us until the meeting reports start coming in.

[Jack Stotts]

I'm not a stock racer but feel compelled to comment There are many grades of aluminmium with widely varying strength. Many of these are pretty tough, so unless you get technical and specify the grade, you have accomplished absolutely nothing. As Matt has stated, at 70 MPH there is practically no difference. The comment on the results of a bent fin can not go unheeded. In my CMH, I can not get an aluminium fin to stay straight for more than 1 heat.

[17W]

Safety Issue......

I'm not a stock racer but feel compelled to comment There are many grades of aluminmium with widely varying strength. Many of these are pretty tough, so unless you get technical and specify the grade, you have accomplished absolutely nothing. As Matt has stated, at 70 MPH there is practically no difference. The comment on the results of a bent fin can not go unheeded. In my CMH, I can not get an aluminium fin to stay straight for more than 1 heat.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but if is brought forward as a safety issue.....wouldn't it apply to Stock & Mod? Such as the "A Tuck Issue".

I can only echo Sam's statement!!!!!!!!!!

[David_L6]

I'm not sure what the exact wording of the proposal is.... From what I've read here it looks like the fin will have to be made of aluminum? because it is supposedly safer - breaks, bends, gives, deforms, - easier than other materials?

If that is the case, let me say this. The only turn fin I've ever broken was made of carbon fiber. I did not hit another boat. I did some kind of weird sideways blowover, spin, and barrel roll at the end of a long straight-a-way. Don't know if impact with water broke the fin or if I did. I was tangled up in that mess of a wreck and couldn't seem to get away from the boat. I think the fin was broken by impact with the water. I've bent thin stainless fins before, but never broke one. So far I've never bent or broke an aluminum fin. I wouldn't want to get hit/run over with a fin made of any of the above materials. Judging from my experience though, I feel that there'd be a better chance of a carbon fiber fin breaking - instead of slicing through me - than aluminum, steel, or stainless steel.

Can someone post the proposal? I'd like to read it.

[Bob Rusnak]

Aluminum

Aluminum......the bracket or the fin is going to bend. Sounds dangerous in itself. Another poorly thought out proposal!!!!!!!!!!!!

6061 T6 1/8 thick fin will not bend. Used it on 500 Hydro's for years. The important thing is the heat treat condition.

[Old Rookie 13 W]

fin material

Sam I should have known you would have the cure for this problem should it get passed , I like Daves testimonial on carbon fiber having the ability to brake on impact instead of bending . but lets don't make carbon fiber the rule ,I think our brothers in Canada have the right idea & much easier to implement !

D Shaw 13- W

[Dave M]

Nope

The tuck rule did not apply to Mod until someone decided to back door it into Mod through saftey after the commision voted the tuck rule down. Unless the rules of engagement have changed, Mod and Stock still are seperate. It took until the Ococe race of the year the tuck rule was implemented to Mod, when in Stock it was rule from meeting date.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but if is brought forward as a safety issue.....wouldn't it apply to Stock & Mod? Such as the "A Tuck Issue".

I can only echo Sam's statement!!!!!!!!!!

[17W]

Understood......

The tuck rule did not apply to Mod until someone decided to back door it into Mod through saftey after the commision voted the tuck rule down. Unless the rules of engagement have changed, Mod and Stock still are seperate. It took until the Ococe race of the year the tuck rule was implemented to Mod, when in Stock it was rule from meeting date.

As I stated it came about because it was a safety issue.......in the eyes of the masterminds.

[Trihedral_1]

I will offer some data on this.
6061 T6 Aluminum has a tensile strength of 45,000psi & “Brinell Hardness” of 95.
Stainless can be upward of 200,000psi and 350 on the hardness scale.

That’s a big difference. It’s probably why my steak knives aren’t made of Aluminum.

PS: I like those carbon fins. They’re cute.

Jimi O (305R).

[James Aderholdt]

Maybe the safety board should think about props next????? New Rule: "No propeller shall be made of metallic material due to safety concerns. All new propellers can be purchased at Wal-Mart in the Sporting Goods Section. Look for the ones with a special lock nut included for safety(Minkota is preferred)". Just being a little sarcastic!!!I've seen more drivers and crew injured from props than from skid fins. Some times safety proposals are not justified, just because someone adds the word "Safety" doesn't mean it's always the best thing to do. Just a couple of cents from over the pond.