Fin box problem/question...please help! Pictures attached

[blueocean123]

I purchased a board used a while back. Love the board, but the the fin "boxes" aren't really what I usually see. They support futures fins but are just rectangles cut into the board with some resin, no plastic "box" or anything (not well done/ cheap in my opinion). My main problem is my fins won't fit properly. It's a quad and 3 are secure but are a REALLY tight fit and one barely fits(pictures attached). Today one of the fins popped out and I realized the screw wasn't even touching any part of the fin! Is there any way to install proper plastic fin boxes that will ACTUALLY fit the fins? Or is there another way to fix the problem? Thanks so much in advance to anybody who can answer

[billie_morini]

blue, that's pretty weird and will fail. It's not that big a deal to install "real" boxes. I'd do it if I wanted the board to last more than a few surfs. You'll buy boxes, cut larger slots, and "glue" the boxes in with mixed resin. Just make sure you know whether the glass was applied using poly or epoxy resin. billie

[dtc]

TBH, it looks like they 'forgot' to install the actual fin box. Or, if used, someone took the boxes out (which is v weird). I suspect the former - a machine made board and quality control didnt pick it up. Anyway, as billie said it will fail - you are just relying on the foam (weak) and board covering (glassing), not anything actually designed to hold a fin

Anyway, as Billie also said, installing actual fin boxes shouldnt be too hard. If you dont want to do it yourself, hit up your local surf shop. There might be a bit of cutting involved

[waikikikichan]

If it's a old Boardworks, there were some "bandit" boxes coming out of China were the pin at the back would break off. Yours seem fine. Try put that fin that "sticks up" in the opposite side box and vice versa, and see if it "sits" down. It might be the fin is "tall". Also try checking the length of the grub screw by backing it out all the way. Some used boards might have a mix of Futures or FCS grub screws. Pull them out to check.
Having worked in a surf shop for over 20 years, I haven't seen bad box ( except for the bandit Boardworks ones ), usually there is a simple fix. Don't waste your money and ruin your board, leave it as is.

[dtc]

Listen to wkk instead of me! Seems weird but if he thinks it's ok, follow his advice

It's not uncommon for fins not to fit a box properly

[blueocean123]

Thanks everyone! It is a board works board and I will probably head into my local repair shop to see if they can put in the boxes. Would rather spend a bit of money instead of having it fail thanks again!

[waikikikichan]

but the the fin "boxes" aren't really what I usually see. They support futures fins but are just rectangles cut into the board with some resin, no plastic "box" or anything (not well done/ cheap in my opinion). My main problem is my fins won't fit properly.

Dude, you don't get it. The fin boxes ARE there. It doesn't look like the one on PU/poly boards which you can see thru the glassing. The one's on Molded-Epoxy are set in under the top sheet which is not opaque. I have seen times when the top sheet was not router out properly and made the slot a bit tight. It just needed a light shave with a screwdriver or razor blade. But most likely it is the fins fault. Put all the fins into the suspected "tight" box one by one,( Yes, Future center and quad rears can install in a front box ) and see if they're tight or loose.
I don't see the need to spend $150+ to replace 4 boxes, when they're not broken on a "Used" board. Just figure out the problem on the fins, get the grub proper length and screws them in nice and tight, and go surf.

[billie_morini]

Ah-so, Waiki, this board has "stealth" fin boxes! This Old Dog learned a new trick today. I guess the first clue is there is a set screw. What would Surfing Waves forum do without you?! (big smile)

[waikikikichan]

No problem, I just like helping people save money. ( that's why I'm a terrible "sales" man ).

Here an example where you can't and can "see" the Futures box.

Same for the FCS style plugs, the original style and the Fusion ( aka Peanut ), you can't tell which one it is under the top sheet.

[billie_morini]

Well, Waiki, I must be hungry. Looking at the composite photos you were generous to share, conjured this image in my mind:

[billie_morini]

Seriously, Waiki, thank you. (big smile)