FCS fin plugs

[jt111]

Does anybody know where i can get replacement FCS plugs from (in the UK), i need to replace both plugs for my centre fin and can't seem to find any? I can only find the FCS emergency repair kit online??? Also when replacing the plugs, i'm assuming they need to be bedded in with a resin mix, would resin (polyester), colloidal silica and microfibres seem suitable for a polyester board, or does it need to be more sacrificial and less strong so no need for the microfibres; glass bubbles instead?
Cheers
JT

[kitesurfer]

Does anybody know where i can get replacement FCS plugs from (in the UK), i need to replace both plugs for my centre fin and can't seem to find any?

Have you actually even looked? Try google if you use the right key words it comes up at the top of the list. Also just bubbles will be fine for fcs plugs.

KS

[jt111]

I did have a good look and only found the emergency kit, and after posting this did find the ones from Homeblown (i assume they are the ones you meant), i'm popping to my local surf shop now and if they don't sell them will order online. Thanks for advice about bubbles.
Cheers
JT

[goofybynature]

Give it to a factory to fix up. Unless of course you are determined to have a poorly fitting, badly set rear fin!

[Tenaciousgreen]

Should be easy to find, Contact your nearest shaper and i 'll bet he'll sell you a pair. As for the fix, I only did one 3 weeks ago after landing on my fin and busting the plugs:

1/ You need to remove the old plugs and any loose foam/glass, sand down the area around the where the plugs will go.
2/ Check to see if the original fin lines drawn by the shaper are still there, they were on mine and allowed for easy alignment, if not pay attention to the alignment and mark it in pencil.
3/ Place a Fin on your replacement plugs and masking tape the bottom of the fin and the plug screw holes, this makes sure they go in aligned to each other and having the fin on helps align to the fin line.
4/ Cut two pieces of 4 oz glass about two inches x 2inches, these will be used to play in the holes with the plugs for added strength.
5/ Mix up a thick Q-cell resin mix, but not too hot as you want a longer curing time for extra strength.
6/ 3/4 fill the holes with the mix, place the glass patches over the holes, then push the plugs down into the holes, making sure you keep it aligned. you want the plugs to be the height of the rim above the board, you will sand them down later. Ensure that the mix has overflowed the holes, and flatten any glass sticking out to the board. Recheck alignment of the fin and leave overnight.
7/ The fix should be solid, so here comes the hard work, remove the fin from the plugs and use 60/80 and as you get closer 100 grit sand paper to sand down plugs and resin mix flush with the board. This can be hard work by hand due to the plug rims. If you have got access to an orbital sander use it.
8/Once flush you want masking tape a square round the whole fix and then mix up a hot coat resin mix (Just resin with hardener) and use a brush to apply the hot coat. Remove masking tape before it cures then allow to cure properly.
9/ Then use 100 grit followed by 240 wet and dry to flush making sure you feather out the edges as best as you can.
10/ To finish use either a really fine wet and dry (I use 2000) or buffer with a polishing compound for a good finish.

All done and your fix will be as strong if not stronger than the original, although it probably wont look as good! Don't be afraid and give it a go.

[jt111]

The plugs went in fine thanks. Since then i have replaced another set of rail plugs, this time one of the old plugs was in good enough condition to do a two stage repair, replacing the one while fin is held in allignment with old plug, then vice versa. Tbh its not a particularly difficult job, but the second time the plugs certainly look a lot neater. Second repair also required some glass work where the rear of the fin had pierced the glass, so slightly visible but unless you look quite close up they look fine. At probably over £40 per pair of fin plugs (guesstimate) to be installed by a repairer, unless you have an expensive board I would have thought repairing it yourself is the best option.

Done carefully, I don't see any difference in fit and allignment compared to the originals, I'm no pro so haven't noticed any difference in ride and would be extremely suprised if anyone did... Aesthetically they don't look quite so neat as the factory fitted originals, but if you're that worried you probably would just buy a new board...