Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

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EdSalva
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Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by EdSalva »

I have an opportunity to purchase an older wooden Finn.
The only club near me that races, has "newer" boats.
Is it possible to update an old finn and be somewhat competitive by adding controls and a carbon mast, or is it better to get similar equipment?

NOTE: I am somewhat partial to these older wooden boats and have restored/upgraded some classic moths and added carbon spars.
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Ed
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by Ed »

Well......there is a question.... :lol:

Don't think I am going to rise to the bait though.....when there are so many others far more qualified to give an opinion on this than I am. But I would say that there seem to be quite a few who think it worthwhile trying....

I look forwards to hearing what others think.

Best wishes

eib
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PeterV
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by PeterV »

It depends upon several things. A Fairey Finn without the original tanks can be refurbished and the mast step and deck ring modified so that it can take a carbon mast. Then it will be nearly as fast as a modern Finn. A Fairey with tanks is stiffer and probably slower. A wooden Taylor in good condition is very good and the fastest of all the wooden boats. A Raudaschal in good condition is also fast, but there's very few still around.
The carbon mast needs to be able to move further forward, it's quite easy to modify the deck on a wooden boat to take a modern mast ring and adjusters and the foot needs to go further forward to match.
However, after all this work you'll still be slower than a modern Finn, from my experience with a Fairey And a Devoti about 3 minutes in an hour. You'll be able to hang in with the back of a modern fleet on most days and somewhat embaress them if the nut on the end of the tiller is up to it. The differences will be less inland and more marked in waves at sea.
The Finn fleet will accommodate you at all their events, they give prizes for Classics (built before 1985 and using an alloy mast and Dacron sail) and 'classics with carbon' (built before 1985 with a modern rig).
PeterV
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azimuth
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by azimuth »

I can't add much to Peter's post but you could always join us at CVRDA events where wooden Finns are just the thing!

I'm now worrying about the tanks in my Fairey but given my woodwork skills not messing with it has to be the fastest option!
Keith.

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EdSalva
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by EdSalva »

Thanks for the info,I'm Kind of going back and forth over the whole thing. I have room for 1 finn, not 2.

Hmm, tough choice.

I'ld hate to see a nice wood boat go to waste, however, I do like to compete, and with only a few nearby venues <6hrs.

BTW, it is a 61 Fairey, no tanks.
So besides the deck collar and mast foot, It looks like I'ld have added control lines as well.

Well, It's a thought, It may be a week or two, but I'll let you know what happens.
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PeterV
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by PeterV »

A 61 Fairey without tanks has been the basis for several fast modernised Finns, either with air bags or with tanks added along the Devoti layout. Both are good, it's just the original tanks that are very stiff.
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by Obscured by clouds »

I'd love a wooden Finn, but this one is rather too pricey:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/International ... SwIgNXtDIF
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Ed
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by Ed »

That one is not worth the money.

this one may be closer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Finn-Sailing- ... 1860205271

eib
Ed Bremner
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phil58490
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by phil58490 »

The Finn Ed linked to is on Apolloduck at a nicer price.

http://sailingdinghies.apolloduck.co.uk ... aid=483543
Just across the Tamar in South East Cornwall

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PeterV
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by PeterV »

The one on eBay don't touch, it hasn't been measured, it's by an unknown builder using a construction method that, as far as I know hasn't been used before for a Finn, and it has an ancient mast and boom to go with it! If it really does have a bespoke steel centreboard that's out of class as well! You would need to pay me to take it away.
The Jonty Farmer boat on the other hand is excellent and worth every penny.
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EdSalva
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by EdSalva »

Well after much ado, I was unable to land the boat over interstate trailer registration.

Thanks for the input guys.
Perhaps if the chance comes by again, I'll be able to land it.
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PeterV
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by PeterV »

Finn number 36 is for sale on the British Finn Association site, looks like a very original umnolested boat in pretty good condition, an excellent start for a good classic Finn.
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EdSalva
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by EdSalva »

Any thoughts on a 60 Newport Finn rebuild?
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PeterV
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by PeterV »

I'm not familiar with the Newport ( I don't think any came to Britain). I know they have been restored but I've no idea how competitive they are.
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EdSalva
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Re: Is it possible to make an wooden Finn competitive?

Post by EdSalva »

Thank you Peter. Best I can find out is that they are faster to windward and slower downwind as they are on the narrow side.
But then again, If you put a wing mast on and play with the mast rake, this could change it.
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