Usually after approx 1 hr of foiling the bolts that connect the foil in the fin (foil) box are always loose after a session.
I tried different length of screws, rubber / metal / teflon washer.
Same in different foil boards (FMX 178LR, Exocet RF81 II)
Anybody has any tips to make sure it doesn't happen?
This happens, when the mast sits not perfectly in the box.
When You insert the mast tighten the screws, but not too heavy.
Then: push the mast forward with Your body weight, then tighten the front screw.
Push the mast back, then tighten the back screw.
Do this 3 times forward and back. Then the mast sits perfectly in the box and the screws should stay tight. Besides that is is also better for the screws, when You dont put too much strength on them, what is not nesessary with this technique.
I'd shim the mast head to the box top like every manufacturer now recommends for tuning race gear.
Are both screws loose? How loose? Are you rocking the mast back and forth the mast while tightening? I usually do this with the fuselage connected so I have more leverage: rock forward and tighten front screw, rock back and tighten back screw. Repeat several times until you feel the screws are tight. Remember to apply a lot of pressure when rocking back and forth (you will definitely put more pressure when foiling).
dry silicone, like mclube on the mast head and foilbox can help a LOT.
Thanks guys! I never moved the mast forward and backwards with tightening on each move.
I will try it out next time on the water.
WillyWind: The back screw is usually the most loose.
I have also regularly loose bolt on my tuttle box when i start foiling after a short time. Therefore i have a torx screw driver available on the water with me, mounted on a corc for flotation and connected on a rubber band to my impact vest. Also i have updated all bolts on my SAB foil for the same tx30 torx. Now I simply check and tighten the bolts after a short time without leaving the water.
^^ Could be a fun crash with a T30 shaped hole in your chest. I hope its very secure.
Select to expand quoteRobertos said..
Thanks guys! I never moved the mast forward and backwards with tightening on each move.
I will try it out next time on the water.
WillyWind: The back screw is usually the most loose.
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