Fin Angle

[Tink]

Looking at the fins within the club, it was noticed that a number of
them were slightly bent. This gave rise to discussion.

I can understand that the fin acts like a rudder if it is not parallel
with the length of the boat (i.e is not lined up with the bow-stern
line), and hence causes the boat to try to turn.

What effect would a rudder that is parallel with the length of the
boat, but not sticking straight down have (i.e. sticks out the boat at
an angle other than straight down but is lined up with the bow-stern
line) ?

Would it do the same as a rudder pointing straight down - resist
change to movement and help stabilise the boat, or would it provide a
force on the boat to try to bring it pointing straight down ?

Many Thanks

Sam

[Carl Douglas]

If bent exactly sideways, that will not necessarily enhance fin
performance but, if it's by a few degrees only, it won' much impair it.

If it is at all twisted, then you have a problem. Your fin-blade should
line up exactly with your bow, & it is quite easy to check that by
looking from the stern with the inverted boat.

Finally, if the leading edge of the fin is bent, that may give you
surprisingly big problems.

HTH
Carl

--
Carl Douglas Racing Shells -
Fine Small-Boats/AeRoWing Low-drag Riggers/Advanced Accessories
Write: Harris Boatyard, Laleham Reach, Chertsey KT16 8RP, UK
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URLs: www.carldouglas.co.uk (boats) & www.aerowing.co.uk (riggers)

[Fordmeister]

On Dec 8, 9:21 pm, Tink <tinkerbell_h...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Looking at the fins within the club, it was noticed that a number of
> them were slightly bent.  This gave rise to discussion.

We have one Dane but I think he is a pretty straight guy ....

Sorry, couldn't resist, its Friday and I have had a shocker of a week