Author Topic: Multi-Fin for my Nelo  (Read 3939 times)

photofr

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Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« on: May 17, 2018, 10:57:53 AM »
I am looking to add a ventral fin (belly fin) for my newly acquired Nelo board.
Totally opened to any suggestion.
Especially eager to hear people who have done this with success.
Get my undivided attention if you are still using a ventral fin!!!!

Here's my problem:
I have this great board but because of my weight, the board's behaviour in the wind is definitely a handful (read: horrible for me). This board has a butter-smooth bow that you could almost compare with the Ace. When side wind hits my 54 kg body, the nose gets tossed around like a butterfly in the wind, using the rear fin as the "perfect pivot".

Solution Hoped for:
My hope is to drastically change this behaviour by adding a fin 2 to 4 feet in front of my standing area. I was thinking a small fin box, or similar, but I am definitely thinking about a small front fin. In the process, I am also thinking about completely reducing my rear fin by about 2/3 - thus using a very small rear fin.

Note: I wouldn't even bother if this board were crappy

Have you guys tried this?
Did you have difficulties finding the perfect location up front?
Did you have a hard time finding the right fins?
And... most importantly: is it working well for you, to this day / would you recommend it?
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

stoneaxe

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2018, 11:06:00 AM »
I haven't been paddling anything recently that needs one. what limited experience I have says yes....worth doing on some boards. I'd contact Larry Allison to discuss all things ventral. He's done more to figure out what ventral works for a given board than anybody else.
Bob

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Luc Benac

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2018, 11:45:31 AM »
My experience with a ventral is positive and it helps maintain a board nose to the line in side chop/wind/quartering.
I have tried it with Boardworks Eradicator, Infinity Whiplash and Blackfish.
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Quickbeam

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2018, 11:47:11 AM »
I have a ventral fin on my Whiplash and love it.

I agree with Stoneaxe though. Larry Allison is the guy you want to talk to.
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Pierre

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2018, 01:05:06 PM »
removable daggerboard. ventral fin is crap when downwinding...
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photofr

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2018, 09:15:03 AM »
I feel that a ventral fin will be a whole lot easier to install than a dagger board.

I can make a hatch (usable for later for storage) and quickly install a fin box from the inside. I am not one to care for ANY warranties. I have never EVER taken anything back for a warranty issue - for any sport. Anything can be fixed.

I was more curious about how the someone's board has behaved with a ventral fin, especially in high wind / sidewind.
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

burchas

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #6 on: May 18, 2018, 07:38:54 PM »
removable daggerboard. ventral fin is crap when downwinding...

^Yours might be, mine works pretty well in downwinds.

After much tweaks, this new ventral fin from Larry Allison is everything I wanted. A ventral that will never leave my board.
Big advantage over other ventrals in boat wakes, heavy bumpy upwinds and sidewinds.

The big kicker of this fin though is the assisted foot steering, once you push down the rail the fin engages and starts directing
the board to the desired direction, almost acts as a rudder in downwind conditions (though not as easy and effective).
I think few more tweaks will be needed for making reaction time faster but I'm sure Larry will figure it out.

The only downside of this design is if your water is heavy with weed/kelp. It will catch from time to time and though I was able
to shake it off, this is not something I would want to think about constantly. Other than that this fin is something else.

As you say photofr, Food for thoughts ;)
in progress...

yugi

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2018, 10:53:51 PM »
...
The big kicker of this fin though is the assisted foot steering, once you push down the rail the fin engages and starts directing
the board to the desired direction, almost acts as a rudder in downwind conditions (though not as easy and effective).
...

qhich way? Surfy or countersteer?

Area 10

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2018, 02:43:14 AM »
Trying to correct some shortcoming of a board with a fin is usually a sign that you should have bought another board, I’m afraid. It can help a bit, but rarely entirely solves the problem, and sometimes brings new issues of its own.

burchas

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #9 on: May 19, 2018, 09:32:52 AM »
...
The big kicker of this fin though is the assisted foot steering, once you push down the rail the fin engages and starts directing
the board to the desired direction, almost acts as a rudder in downwind conditions (though not as easy and effective).
...

qhich way? Surfy or countersteer?

countersteer
in progress...

capobeachboy

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #10 on: May 20, 2018, 07:03:33 PM »
Trying to correct some shortcoming of a board with a fin is usually a sign that you should have bought another board, I’m afraid. It can help a bit, but rarely entirely solves the problem, and sometimes brings new issues of its own.

You should try adjust your position on the board and experiment with some different fins before you add a ventral. I had one on a paddleboard back in 2000 and whatever benefit it may have had was soon forgotten when it came to riding bumps and making turns. Also aren't the Nelos hollow construction? If so that will add to the complexity of installing a ventral and give you a big point of failure. If all else fails I agree with Area 10 above.
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photofr

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2018, 01:30:27 AM »
Spent a lot of time paddling on the 2.0 these last few days.
Swapping fins, moving up and down the board, long strokes, short strokes - and even wishing I had more power.

The ventral fin isn't completely out of the question, and installing one wouldn't be very difficult on a hollow board. In fact, it's rather simple, and the end result is a stronger setup as I would be installing from the inside with a hatch.
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

capobeachboy

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Re: Multi-Fin for my Nelo
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2018, 06:38:31 PM »
Spent a lot of time paddling on the 2.0 these last few days.
Swapping fins, moving up and down the board, long strokes, short strokes - and even wishing I had more power.

The ventral fin isn't completely out of the question, and installing one wouldn't be very difficult on a hollow board. In fact, it's rather simple, and the end result is a stronger setup as I would be installing from the inside with a hatch.

You're on the right path - also maybe try out a couple different paddles while you're at it +/- on length and blade size. Essentially the yaw is mostly caused by paddle stroke, so may get some flat water practice with a new paddle before you take it outside.
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