Naiad fin protection
- Thread starter meridian
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The sailboat designers have looked at this problem extensively. It takes at least a 30 degree angle on the fin to shed weeds, kelp, or crab pot warps. The only other way I can think of is to glass a sharp stainless steel strip onto the leading edge to cut them. Keeping it sharp enough will be a challenge, but a few minutes of a diver with a file every few months should do it.
David
David
twistedtree
Guru
We have "kelp cutters" on ours. It's a stainless triangle mounted to the hull just ahead of the fins. Really the only risk with the fins and crab traps is if the line gets wedges between the top of the fin and the hull. In most cases they just shed away, and the kelp cutters help protect against that last little risk that they get caught in the gap. The leading edge is sharpened so they in theory cut kelp, but I haven't had the opportunity to test that.
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I don't have anything sharp, just a block on the hull ahead of the fins to stop lines getting between the fin and the hull. I have only once had kelp on a fin, and just fished it off leaning over the side from the side deck. I would think stopping and reversing a short distance would also clear anything just wrapped over the leading edge.
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Here is a slight variation........
Only once did we snag something that I recall. It was in the dead of night off the coast of Oregon. We think it was a crab pot line and buoy. It thumped the hull for about 15 minutes then stopped. Presumably, the line cutter had done its job. When we got to San Diego, we had a diver inspect the hull and stabilizer fin. He found nothing to report.
Only once did we snag something that I recall. It was in the dead of night off the coast of Oregon. We think it was a crab pot line and buoy. It thumped the hull for about 15 minutes then stopped. Presumably, the line cutter had done its job. When we got to San Diego, we had a diver inspect the hull and stabilizer fin. He found nothing to report.
sunchaser
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As others have stated, we see no issues either. Removing kelp from fins is easy. Avoiding crab pots is normal and the few times where an errant line was picked up we have found the props pull them off the fans and the line cutters do their job. Not once have I had to dive down to remove stuff off the Wesmars.
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Capt.Bill11
Guru
This thread supports my theory that complicated systems onboard can only lead to more complications.
Fins are hardly complicated. And once you have them, or some other form of stabilization, you'll never want to be without it.
This thread supports my theory that complicated systems onboard can only lead to more complications.
They're not complicated but yes, they do need servicing.
Active stabilisers weren't on my wish list to begin with, but having used them for a couple of years, they are now on my essential list.
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twistedtree
Guru
This thread supports my theory that complicated systems onboard can only lead to more complications.
True, but each of them also brings a set of benefits. Then you need to decide if the cost and complexity is worth it. By way of example, our boats have engines and gear boxes which are very complicated machines and require on-going maintenance. But clearly we all think the benefit is worth it.
twistedtree
Guru
That's the story I hear over, and over again. Once you's gone flat, you never go back.
....And once you have them, or some other form of stabilization, you'll never want to be without it.
:lol::lol:
BerettaRacer
Senior Member
One thing to note on vessels with stabilzers, a little trick, when boat is hauled for service, once you have the fins on exact center, is to make a permanent and prominent mark on the hull (we weld a bead on alloy and steel hulls) at the trailing point of the fins. This will give you a permanent reference point. Later, wether in or out of the water, gives you the ability to mechanically center the fin to the mark, and then adjust your electronic sensors to re-zero in the event of fin movement on the shaft or sensor failure. This saves the necessity to re-haul for the adjustment. This also lets a diver check center in a matter of seconds, and can then be easily re adjusted.
