Plugging fin holes

shaggydan22 08-20-2003, 12:36 PM

I'm looking for the best non-permanent way to plug fin holes. I was thinking since the fin hole is a 1/4" clearance hole, that I could use a 5/16in set screw and it would make its own threads in the foam. Would this work? Any other ideas? thanks in advance.

(tahoe) · (tahoe) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 08-20-2003, 12:59 PM

I haven't tried this, but what if you taped off one side of the board, fill the hole with melted wax, then remove the tape and shave smooth after the wax cools ?

(typhoon) · (typhoon) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 08-20-2003, 1:45 PM

fill them with silicone...works like a champ

shaggydan22 08-20-2003, 1:59 PM

i'm trying to think of a way so i can ride my board with the holes plugged, someone can ride it with fins, and i can ride it again with the holes pluged again without leaving the boat.i don't care a hole lot if its real smooth or not. just so water doesn't come through.

(typhoon) · (typhoon) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 08-20-2003, 2:04 PM

put a binding screw or screw in it-maybe cutting it down

(toolfan) · (toolfan) **Join Date: Jul 2003** 08-20-2003, 2:15 PM

pencil eraser

trickskisrock 08-20-2003, 3:44 PM

I used to fill my holes with wax. Really only took a few seconds to do. Not a lot of wax needed either. When you were done, you can punch it out with pencil or screwdriver.

stealthmode 08-20-2003, 3:50 PM

why?

shaggydan22 08-20-2003, 7:21 PM

i ride a o'brien vision. so it has a 4 fin setup, but i don't use fins. when i do just plain nose or tail blunts on the surface, water shoots straight through and squirts me in the eye. kinda sucks if you have contacts.

wakesmear 08-21-2003, 6:29 AM

How about foam ear plugs. If you got a large size they would probably have enough compression to stay in.

(fbroen) · (fbroen) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 08-21-2003, 6:38 AM

I plugged my Premier holes with marine caulk. Figured it would be easy to drill or poke out if I for some reason ever would want to. Has worked like a charm all season. Yeah, me too was tired of getting squirted in the eye... = )

(tdeneka) · (tdeneka) **Join Date: Aug 2002** 08-21-2003, 6:49 AM

You might be able to find set screws that are the right size/pitch at home depot. Make sure you use stainless steel!!!

(typhoon) · (typhoon) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 08-21-2003, 6:51 AM

the longer binding thumb screws would fit perfect and have the same thread...

(craiger) · (craiger) **Join Date: May 2002** 08-21-2003, 7:49 AM

Is it really necessary to fill the holes? Does it make that much of a difference in the way the board rides? I can see how it might make a small difference, but nothing noticeable (unless your a pro or you ride every single day for a couple of hours)

shaggydan22 08-21-2003, 10:11 AM

ty-one-on - i'm not sure how it is on all wakeboards, but for o'briens, the fin bolts dont actually thread into the board. just goes through and threads into the fin.

rammer - read my second post

(typhoon) · (typhoon) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 08-21-2003, 10:19 AM

good point i was thinking that, but it is actually only the fin. surf wax...

pans210 08-21-2003, 3:51 PM

if you are just wanting to get rid of the water squirting up, just put a piece of tape over it on top.

zanek 08-21-2003, 4:42 PM

hey...if you just want to be able to use your bining screw...stick it up ( backwards from the way you put it on normally) and just screw a nut onto the screw.

(kristian) · (kristian) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 08-21-2003, 10:33 PM

Duct Tape!!! Just put a small strip over the wholes and just whip off the tape when you use fins.