Fitting FCS II Plugs.

Seabase: How to fit FCS Original FCS II Plugs.

You’ will have chosen your preferred fin system. We still prefer the original FCS system above Futures and fit it as standard, but FCS II is gaining in popularity, and Fusion of course is the choice for EPS/Epoxy boards. Here is the definitive FCS video on fin fitment as defined by our factory and these boys should know, they’ve been fitting them for thirty years or more. The method is similar for all FCS plug fitting, you just need a variety of different tools. Seabase has a Fin Fitment Loan Scheme – inquire for details. (All you need for one week’s loan – deposit required, terms apply.). The setup cost of the whole system is around £150 ex VAT including the first set of plugs, the jig, router bit and dummy fins. Watch the Video …..

FCS II Original Plugs:

Choose FCS II Originals. Ideal for PU or EPS foam. Decide the angle of your fin setup – 5° or 9° offset.  You need 2 x side plugs and 1 x centre plug for a thruster setup. For a quad surfboard 4 side boxes. For a five fin 4 side boxes and 1 x centre box. FCS II boxes are added before laminating the board. Measure and mark the plug centres. Drill according to instructions in this video. Fit carefully, sand and seal. (You should seal the fitting to prevent any water ingress. Use a good speedcote around the area).

Using Resins:

When fitting boxes, plugs or stantions, with Polyester Resin, use a slower gel and cure time. Always use the recommended fibreglass filler or powders to ensure plug adhesion and to limit cracking around the fins. Do not use the fastest gel time – too much exotherm will cause the resin surrounding the plug to become brittle. The ideal resin for plug or box fitment is ISO 10X because of its more flexible characteristic, and its resistance to cracking & crazing. Do not use Polyester Resin in EPS foam. Epoxy Resin is ideal for either PU or EPS foam. If using Epoxy Resin – especially for FCS II or Fusion in EPS foam – use Resin Research 200CE with the standard 2100F hardener. Do not necessarily, use a slow hardener UNLESS you have a deep hole to fill. Slow hardeners may drain too easily, and cause voids that require refilling.  In nearly every case, we use the Resin Research 2100F fast hardener. (2100S and 2100X hardeners are used for concentrates of resin, where a fast hardener cause a high temperature en masse, and may crack or craze as a result). Adding Fumed Silica in small quantities to the mix (after catalyst or hardener is added) aids sanding and reduces drainage.

Use this guide for further details.