I had to make some washers for my fin screws tonight and thought I would make it easier to insert and remove them from the recessed holes on my boards with standard tuttle boxes. The holes are recessed about 25-30mm below deck level and are too small in diameter to get a finger either side of the screw head. By extending the rubber washer into a strip, two tabs are created allowing the screw to be placed perfectly. I dont know why I haven't done this before as most of the time when I need to get the screws out I have resorted to tipping the board upside down and shaking them out. You can sometimes guide the screw in and remove it on the tip of the screwdriver but this is hit and miss and magnetic tips don't work on 316 stainless. This should work well on thicker tailed boards with powerboxes also...







More info here...
whitelionwindsurfing.blogspot.com/2011/05/fin-screw-tabs.html

It would be a great idea if all board makers did the elongated oval hole, like Starboard do, so you can get two fingers in.

It seems that they're a bit slow at times to implement simple ideas.

By the look of the length of your finger I think a tuttle will be no issue at all.

Mark _australia said...

OK was asking for that haha

but seriously can't you just poke the bolt up from below?

Not on a fat slalom board...unless uoi have really long fingers.

That's a great idea, so helpful for the fittment and removal of the screw. No lost screw in the sand either

magnet?

AUS718 said...

That's a great idea, so helpful for the fittment and removal of the screw. No lost screw in the sand either

You could also leave the screw in the board all the time.

I use a tap washer (silicone type) on the underside of the board.

Cut the round washer so it has two parallel sides, same width as the fin. Then insert the screw thru the board, it'll screw into the washer and stay attached to the board inside the fin box.
I was sick of losing screws after removing the fin.

I've had the same fin screw in the board for a couple of years now.

J

The tap washer in the finbox is a great idea for power boxes with the step down above the barrel nut.
Tuttle boxes are a different story with the top of the head sitting flush with the top of the fin box cavity.

Nice Dr J .... but you need to drink tea. I would be a little scared of pulling a little white string...

always one in a crowd haha