Just got my SB Spice 8'2" and I can't get any of my FCS2 fins sets to completely go in? This is a first for me? I have a huge quiver of FCS2 fins. Funny as I didn't have this problem w my buddies 8'8" Spice and we were able to demo a lot of fins to dial it in.

I have had a real problem with my Starboard pro. The Fin boxes not in properly and cracking.
New boxes under warranty: same problem as you FCS 2 fins won't properly go in. I had another shop look at the repair job which had been done under warranty and they were not impressed, the boxes look used. On this board the deck pad started to disintegrate almost immediately as well.
No problems on my previous starboard with deck pad or fin boxes - the thing was bomb proof.

I now have an infinity New Deal - absolutely amazing. I really like it and the Futers Fin boxes appear to be a big upgrade from the FCS 2.

Have the same problem with a new Kalama sup,the fcs 2 rear quads would not go past 3/4 of the way in,no matter how hard I pushed,and was worried I might damage the board,but finally used a protective cloth and a mallet,they went in!.also I had to reverse the action to get them out! As there was no way they will come out by hand ! The same with the fin box !

Bighugg said..
This was a major reason I have stayed away from FCS2 .

On the other hand, it means that FCSII boxes and installation are designed to be stronger.

I found out that you must learn to put and remove them with a very quick jab, whip-like, rather than brute force.
Use a towel, your sweat shirt arm, or your leash cuff to protect your hand.

And in any case, you can still use them as traditional FCS 1 boxes with 2 screws.

Disclaimer: I never tried the new Starboard ones (and I only use FCS1 Quobbas anyways), so I cannot comment if they changed anything recently, or used 3rd-party boxes.

theSeb said..

colas said..

Bighugg said..
This was a major reason I have stayed away from FCS2 .

On the other hand, it means that FCSII boxes and installation are designed to be stronger.

I found out that you must learn to put and remove them with a very quick jab, whip-like, rather than brute force.
Use a towel, your sweat shirt arm, or your leash cuff to protect your hand.

And in any case, you can still use them as traditional FCS 1 boxes with 2 screws.

Disclaimer: I never tried the new Starboard ones (and I only use FCS1 Quobbas anyways), so I cannot comment if they changed anything recently, or used 3rd-party boxes.

Your advice regarding the action is spot on.

However, I do have to say that the FCS II fins are a bit easier to insert and remove on my 2023 pro vs the 2023 spice.

I've had some stiff FCS2 boxes on some of my FireWire Surfboards. Nothing like this though. I've used the mallet and cloth method before but this time they just won't go that last bit to click in. I've accumulated some great FCS2 fins over the years. I also have some FCS1 fins, but no quads. This board really likes quads. The Starboard Quad set is adequate, but in small waves I was playing w some keel and twins and nubs in the 8'8" Spice I previously had and it came alive.

Shlogger said..
Update. I've lubed and lightly sanded a fin set. 2 out of 4 seated properly, 2 won't go any further without damaging board between the tabs in the fin box. Fin bottom is hitting board deck. I've contacted SB to see what they say.

Shlogger ,and get them to lighten the carbon models as well while you are at it ???as they are ridiculously heavy!

theSeb said..
They are tight. I used Wd40 lithium grease spray for first insertion and a towel to push down on the fin.

Since WD-40 Lithium is a petroleum based product, it will accelerate breakdown of plastic (e.g. fin boxes and fins)

Shlogger said..
Update. I've lubed and lightly sanded a fin set. 2 out of 4 seated properly, 2 won't go any further without damaging board between the tabs in the fin box. Fin bottom is hitting board deck. I've contacted SB to see what they say.

Keep us posted. Likely the same issue I described in a post above