windsurfing board parts

Question
I have a very old O'Brien windsurfer board with a broken fin. Board and sail in good shape---would like to replace fin but having trouble locating a source for parts.

Answer
Hey Linda,

If your O'Brien has a standard fin box, then replacing the fin should be no problem. Take a look at the picture in this link;
http://www.windance.com/default.asp?windance~shownewitem~CH_300

Look at the view on the left and compare it to your board. Your fin box may have the wide part of the slot at the front end of the slot (front being toward the nose of the board). Either way, this is what is known as a 'A box' or American. See photo & description here;
http://www.windance.com/info_source/assistant/gear_selector/fins/finbox_types.ht...

Hopefully your board doesn't have some special type fin that is only found on O'Brien. Many board makers used a specific design that worked only on their boards in the early days of manufacturing. It wasn't until around the mid 80's that they all starting making things universal and interchangeble. As you can see on the second link, there are newer and better fin systems but they are only found on boards from the early to mid 90's on. I'm fairly confident that your board will be an 'A box'.

Finding fins shouldn't be too hard. At the second link, check out new and used fins on the links just above the A box article. Also check ebay and your local craigslist. You can also find many links to board shops around the country at windsurfingmag.com under links.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover