Repair or replace bent stabilizer fins?

[Miljack]

I've got some slightly bent tracking fins on our 99 Pro Air, any suggestions on if the fins themselves can be straightened? Are they a strictly bend and replace kind of item because of the brass alloy? If they can be straightened, is it neccessary to get them absolutely aligned perfectly?

thanks,
Jack

PS. I got the boat(PAN/Python) out a couple of weeks ago, and it runs great! I am seeing 4900/5000 rpm, buries the 50 mph speedos, and pulls like a train! I did burn half a tank in about 2 hours running time, but I was mostly running it WOT! :mrgreen: We can't wait to get some skiing and boarding in. The wake looks great for boarding with the tanks full, and not bad for skiing at speed.

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Repair or replace bent stabilizer fins?

Depends how bad your fin is I think. Once I hit a killer log that made the front fin look like an uppercase "L" almost. It needed to be replaced then. Another time though, it was just slightly damaged, with just a couple knooks, dents, bends, bumps, etc. in it... that time it was just repaired and straightened. Now its perfect.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Repair or replace bent stabilizer fins?

I'd go ahead and replace them. If one of them was to let go in a fast turn, you could put yourself into a dangerous situation, especially running as fast as you do. I replaced two of them on my '94, and they were less than $100 a piece. There's nothing to replacing them. They're just held on by six screws and some sealant. Check with your local dealer or with Mid-Ohio Watersports (they'll give you a 15% discount for being a PN member).