Fin size for Tabou Rocket 145

killeen_john · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 61

I was looking to try a smaller fin for my 2012 Tabou Rocket 145 (250 x 76) than the 48 cm (orange MFC designed?) fin originally supplied with the board and searching here turned up a few threads suggesting the MFC Liquid Pro works well. Looking at the Maui Fin Company website, I see a few different freeride options including the Liquid Pro and HF-Ride although not really clear what the difference is. I was thinking about trying a 42 or 44 and would be grateful to hear your suggestions. I'm 190 lbs and would be using a 7.5 sail.

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

avoid g-10 for high wind app's from 36 cm and larger, if possible.
carbon or molded fins are stiffer. won't waggle around in chop or in cornering.

g-10 has one flex characteristic. molded fins are usually stiffer all around, but definitely in smaller sizes. flex is great in lighter winds. bends and lifts more. a feature to avoid in gusty and choppy conditions

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

I can't speak to the HF-Ride but I can to the Liquid Pro. The LP is a very good freeride fin. I found it a very slippery fin, not a fin you can push against with a lot of force but very fast.

I don't see that much difference between a 42 or 44 cm fin for you. A lot depends on your riding style. If you are a heavy back footer get the 44. If not, consider going down to a 40.

Coachg

akrausz · Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Posts: 158 Location: FL

I also think a 42 or 44 sounds about right. Some manufacturers like Select and Makani have fin selectors where you can plug in your numbers and see what they recommend. My experience is it's tough to narrow down any further without trial and error. I read the MFC web page and couldn't figure out the difference either, except the HF-Ride is a newer design. Maybe send them an email.

killeen_john · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 61

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I had emailed Maui Fin Company last weekend and haven't heard anything back yet. I'm sure they're operating at reduced capacity during this covid-19 pandemic.

I arrived at the 42 - 44 range using the James Douglas calculator which suggested 43.8 cm (ideal wind) or 41.7 (overpowered).

The Select-Hydrofoils fin selector tool interestingly suggests a 48 cm fin for my weight and a 7.5 sail size.

akrausz · Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Posts: 158 Location: FL

There are some old Liquid Pro sail sizes floating around the internet. 44 for 7.5 and 42 for 7.0. Fin area is likely a better apples to apples comparison. I think that is part of why you see 48's and 44's recommended for the same sail. Factors like board, wind and rider are very significant.

Ugly_Bird · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 335