FAQ

Many of the most frequently asked questions about the system can be found here.

If you don't find an answer to any questions you might have, don't hesitate to contact us through our CONTACT form.

Do dual tab fins work in the GEARBOX box?

All dual tab fins are fully compatible with the GEARBOX fin system and will work without modification!

Can the GEARBOX box be installed in EPS foam?

The GEARBOX system is fully compatible with EPS foam and can be installed using an epoxy resin. However, care should be taken to ensure that the epoxy resin does not generate too much heat that could melt the EPS foam. This is more critical with the lighter-density foams. See our installation guide for more information on EPS/Epoxy installations.

Minimum thickness required to install a GEARBOX box?

The routed depth of the hole for installing a GEARBOX 2 is approximately 5/8" (16mm) at the point of installation. it is advisable to have at least 1/8" (3mm) of foam below the bottom of the box at the shallowest end. This means the board needs to be a minimum of 3/4" (19mm) thick at the point of installation.

What cant angles are available in the GB24 boxes?

Currently, three different cant angles are available - 4º, 6º, and 8º. In addition, there is a dedicated center box with 0º of cant.

Is sanding required before installing a box?

GEARBOX boxes are installed under the glass, so no sanding is required. However, if a box is retrofitted to an existing board, the area where it will be installed will need to be sanded to allow a couple of layers of glass to be placed over it.

How tight do the screws need to be?

The grub screws need not be overtightened to have a secure fit. All GEARBOX fins have a recess in their bases into which the grub screws tighten, so all that is needed is for the screws to be snug with enough pressure to lock the fin into the box. The screws should be checked periodically as they tend to loosen slightly under load when the boxes are new. Over-tightening the screws can cause them to strip the plastic and is unnecessary for a secure fit.

Do FUTURES fins work in a GEARBOX box?

Futures fins do not fit in a GEARBOX box as their base is much longer than the box slot.

How is a GEARBOX system installed?

The GEARBOX system is installed underneath the glass, most commonly installed when the surfboard is laminated. The process involves routing the holes for the boxes first, then, when it is time to laminate, the board resin is poured into the cavities, and the boxes are installed. Finally, the lamination begins immediately over the boxes. For more details on the installation process, visit this site's INSTALL GUIDE.

The boxes can be installed after the board has been laminated in certain circumstances, but they will still need to be capped with glass to complete the installation. This is most commonly done when a board is being retrofitted with GEARBOX or if a box is being replaced due to damage. However, this approach could also be utilized when the board is colored, and you do not want the color over the boxes.

How does the GEARBOX system deal with fin cant?

GEARBOX is a fixed system, so the cant angle is built into the box slot. We offer five (3) different cant angles - 4º, 6º, and 8º, plus a dedicated center box. Once the boxes have been installed in the surfboard, the cant angle cannot be changed.

How is the cant angle indicated in a GEARBOX box?

There are two methods for identifying the cant angle of a box.

1. The cant angle is also embossed on the bottom of each box's slot. This takes the form - 4º, 6º, and 8º.

2. There is also an indicator on the outside of the box, on the bottom. Takes the form of an embossed circle with the angle in large numerals - 4, 6, and 8.

Center boxes have a zero as their indicator!

Does the system have a dedicated center box?

GEARBOX has a dedicated center box with 0º cant that features opposing screws, as is commonly found in other systems. This center box is identical in shape to the side boxes, so there are no special considerations for routing and installing the box. Except that the jig's center line must be used when positioning the box.

Does the system use a specialized installation jig?

GEARBOX has a routing system that consists of three separate jigs. These jigs are only used to rout the holes. In addition to the jigs, a special router bit that works with them is needed. The jigs and the router bit can be purchased as part of our installation kit. There is an alternate install method that only utilizes the base jig, called the 1ROUT install kit.

We DO NOT provide a router as part of the installation kit. This is something the builder needs to provide. We recommend using a trim router as they are inexpensive and easy to handle.

GEARBOX - An advanced removable surfboard fin system.

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GEARBOX Surf has locations in Australia and Hawai'i (USA). Contact information is provided here, but the preferred method is to use the contact form on this site.

+61 2 4339 9580

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+1 808 639 5303

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