So I was trying to secure the center fin on my surfboard with the screw with a small screw driver and I kept fumbling with the screw. The screw would fall into the fin box channel and I would struggle to dig it out. So I finally got fed up with fumbling around with the screw with my screw driver and I did some research on the web to find alternatives that do not require a screw driver. Here's what I found.
1. Quick Fin Release system (QFR)
2. Wonder Bolt
The QFR system looked pretty cool. No screws involved. You attach it to your fin and it has a fin box "plate" that is designed to slip into slot and you apply a quarter turn and it locks into slot. There is a spring in the assembly that supposedly creates enough tension to lock the fin securely in place.
The Wonder Bolt system is simply a screw and plate system with a tab to tighten. No screw drivers needed, just simply use your fingers on tab to tighten.
Now the Wonder Bolt system is simple and straight forward. On the other hand, the QFR took a rocket scientist and an expert machinist to get it to work. Yes, I was able to use the directions to assemble the QFR system on my fin, but my fin (Proteck) probably did not have the "standard" dimensions that the QFR system was designed for. Well, I'm not exactly a "rocket scientist" but I did work in the aerospace industry as a R&D engineer. My uncle is an expert machinist. He helped me modify the QFR hardware so it would work with my fin and fin box. He machined additional holes for the roll pin and fabricated two way washer. These additions were done to make the QFR system somewhat adjustable. Eventually we got it to work but only after experimenting with all the different combinations and permutations of the pieces. I think I am going to write a letter the the folks at QFR. I want them to disclose exactly what type of fins the QFR was designed for. After this fiasco, I tried to come up with my own design. I came up with a locking system that was more user friendly and compatible with all types of fin box screw systems. One day when my design is refined and patents filed, I'll post an picture of my concept here.
2 comments:
The QFR-Quick Fin Release is designed for use on Bain fin boxes that have been the surfing industry standard since the 1960s The QFR works on Fins Unlimited,Rainbow Fin,True Ames Fins,FCS,Ofishl,Fiberglass Fin Co.Island Fins and many more.These Fin Co.are the best and biggest in the world.There have been over 35,000 QFRs sold world wide with only one complant(THIS ONE).QFR is always happy to make any adjustments needed to meet the customers needs if given a chance.Our phone # 310-615-0787
E-mail qfr@earthlink.net
As you can see the R&D guy never could show his Great design!!!
As of 1-11-2012
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