reviving a 25-year-old windsurfer

Question
We were given a windsurfer as a wedding present 25 years ago. After 15 years of use, it lived in our basement, but now our kids want to revive it. The sail is ok, but the centerboard needs to be replaced and the fin that is normally attached to the back of the board is gone as well. I think I've found a replacement "universal" centerboard at The House's website, but I'm not sure about the fin. Are the fins I see at that and other sites likely to bolt right into the board? (Is it that standard?) Or do I need to search for an antique replacement to be sure it'll fit?

Many thanks -
Andy

Answer
Hey Andy,

Hopefully the centerboard will work for you but make sure you can return it if it doesn't fit. Everyone had their own design back then and a 'universal' centerboard may or may not work.

As for fins, I'm fairly sure that your board will use an older style fin. The type of fin you will need comes in a variety of names; US box, A box, Chinook, and European box will work but the bottom tabs have to be filed off. You can usually find used ones on ebay or possibly through your local craigslist. If you look at fins at The House, the first fin on the list is a US box (or base) fin. This is the type you need. The small tab on the top in the picture may need to be filed down. European box fins will have two tabs that look like this.

Here is another view of a US box fin; http://www.windance.com/mfc-goya-211-wave-fin-c-1707-p-1-pr-6275.html

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover