Purchasing Formula Fin Advice

jackfeder · Joined: 27 Apr 2013 Posts: 1

I am currently looking for fins for my Starboard Free Formula 138 (96 cm wide) for use with my Neilpryde V8 10.6. There are two fins which I am looking at purchasing:

Select 70cm fin

Drake 700 Race fin

What are the main differences between these fins?

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

You should consider your size and the ultimate wind conditions you plan to sail in.
Big guys, using only a 10.6, would usually choose something around 66-70, while sailors around 160 lbs would choose a 60-66, but depending on winds needed to handle.
Sometimes, bigger is not necessarily earlier planing, as pure drag can trump low end boatspeed to get planing.

d0uglass · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 3:30 pm Post subject:

I would say 70 cm is good.

Drake fins are the "stock" fins that come with starboard boards. They're fine but the Select may be a little peppier, especially if its newer.

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

looked up the board , as i am unfamiliar with that model
http://2004.star-board.com/products/freeformula.asp
there it is marked as supplied with a Drake Race 560
based on the pic, it is NOT so wide at the OFO/one foot off/30 cm
tail is marked as 66 cm
i know it is only a guideline, but i never get fins longer than OFO

personally I use a Select 66 on my BIC Techno Free Formula (94 cm wide) and i LOVE it ( i am 105+ kilos and use MauiSails TR 8.4 and 10.0)

i have nothing to compare it to other than a heavy huge True Ames SB weed fin - which is "okay"
can you try someone's fin ??
deep tuttle 66 cm should NOT be too difficult to find
mine is the older BTF and has a trimm box - okay so far

keep on rockin on the water bud !!!

BRIMAR · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 115

70 is only for 100cm boards with 11.0 and bigger.
if the One foot off is only 66 then get a 66 or smaller for BAF or maybe a 68 for upwind downwind.
but for just mowing the lawn i'd say 60-64