next level fin system

Crafting superior boards with superior boxes…

Under-the-glass

Boxes are placed beneath the glass to ensure structural integrity and a watertight installation.

ADJUSTABILITY

The system offers 3/8" of adjustment for meticulous fine-tuning, significantly impacting performance.

STRENGTH

The design highlights strength in all areas. The elliptical shape enhances stability and efficiently spreads loads.

EASY INSTALL

The box has a distinctive dam shape that makes installation easy, allowing the glass to drape smoothly over it.

SHAPE

The elliptical shape distributes load forces and enhances foam stability, while being aesthetically pleasing.

AFFORDABILITY

The boxes are inexpensively priced to make them accessible to everyone.

Routing System

We are developing an update to our routing system to improve the installation process.

Our existing installation system consists of three primary parts—a router jig, a trim spacer, and a router base.

These are currently custom-made by us utilizing a clear acrylic. Due to the shape of the existing jig and trim spacer, there is more material waste than we would like to see.

So we decided to revisit the design to see if we could both streamline the manufacturing process and reduce the amount of material while also enhancing the functionality.

Once we have completed more testing on the system and the install process, we will switch to the new routing system. At that point we will also upgrade the installation guide to use it as the reference.

For existing users, this will be an optional upgrade, as the current system is unaffected by these improvements. We will be looking into a discounted upgrade path for existing customers once we have the new system finalized.

There is a lot of detail to cover to explain the features of the new system, so we added a blog post that adds more detail, click on the button below.

Stay tuned!
System Details

Canard Box

We are hard at work on our new canard box and excited to start sharing some info.

We have been working on a fresh design for our canard box that we started a couple of years back.

This one features improved strength and a 1 1/4” [32 mm] long slot that will provide 3/8” [9.5 mm] of adjustment for a single tab or 1/4” [6 mm] if you use our 1” [25 mm] base. It will come in three standard cant angles—0°, 4°, and 10°, which should cover most of the usage scenarios.

As with our regular GBOX box, it features a domed dam to make it easy for glass to drape over the dam during the laminating process.

The 0° would be used primarily as a trailer center fin box. While the 4° is intended to be utilized as a back fin box in one of our BLNDR quad setups, where the back fins are small. The 10° are intended for use as canard boxes but could also be used anywhere a higher cant angle is desired. But they could be used with bigger fins if the full length of the slot is utilized for the base.

Due to the design of the boxes, we can actually accommodate any cant angle between 0° and 10°.

These boxes are incredibly strong, as they incorporate G10 in their construction. This gives them an almost indestructable quality.

Finally, the box has an additional feature on the dam, an integrated slot plug. This plug fits into the slot and creates the top half of the dome. It has been designed so that the glass can be easily cut once it has kicked, allowing the plug to be removed and reused, if needed. The cant angle is embossed on the top of the plug.

For anyone using our new GB24 (now GBOX) box, a new jig will not be required, as we will provide an insert that fits into the existing jig, making it easy to start using the box.

The testing process is about to get under way within the next week or two, so we will be reporting back with a lot more details during and after that process.

We have written a blog post that shows more images and details of the box; click on the button below.

GBCN Box

Fin System

Our latest generation GEARBOX product elevates the system to another level.

Leveraging our experience with the existing generation, GBOX is more robust, simpler to install, and offers enhanced adjustability.

We optimized the design for enhanced post-installation stability and created a new installation system to align with these enhancements.

The Box

The box serves as the heart of the system. Both its outline and bottom feature an elliptical shape.

The shape distributes load forces and enhances foam stability.

Its standout feature is the elliptically domed dam, which allows the glass cloth to drape smoothly over it, making it easy to achieve a clean, air-free lamination.

Additionally, this design ensures that the cloth layers fit snugly against the dam, reinforcing the installation.

Details

Routing System

A comprehensive routing system streamlines installation.

This comprehensive kit includes a router jig, a replacement router base specifically designed for Makita trim routers, a detailed layout guide for accurately positioning the jig on the shaper's marks, a router bit with a guide bearing, a depth gauge, and a trim spacer for precise dam trimming.

Details

Starter Kits

A starter kit is the easiest means to get started with the system.

Anyone interested in the system should start with the starter kit. This kit provides everything needed to test it out. It is a cost-effective and universal way to familiarize yourself with the system.

There is also a legacy version of the kit for people using the previous GEARBOX system; they will use the router bit from that system. This is the most cost-effective way to get started with the new system.

Details

Resources

There is a lot to learn about this new system, and we offer information to make this easier.

We provide as much information as possible to help our customers succeed with the new system.

To this end, we offer a variety of resources that can be beneficial. These include layout guides to assist in selecting the ideal fin setup, as well as information about the system and the requirements for fins to fit this box.

A fin layout primer is also provided, which can help users understand the results of changes to the fin setup.

Details

FIN PRIMER

This primer provides extensive information about fin setups and the effects of specific changes. It also covers some terminology used in these discussions.

LAYOUT GUIDES

A variety of fin layout guides are available for download. These cover all modern layout styles for both surfboards and kneeboards.

TECHNICAL

Technical details are provided for the system. These details cover aspects such as the base of the fin to ensure a proper fit for a GBOX box.

Testimonials

Mick Pierce

Shaper/Designer

Eastern Light Surfboards, Australia

"I have been using the GEARBOX fin system for many years. After reconnecting with Robin Mair and Lancelot Pearson, I realized that GEARBOX is the surfer shaper experience you have with the HANALEI FINS, which pair perfectly with this surf science fin system created by Robin.

In 2024, a new installation kit will simplify the installation process.

The new GB24 dome box is elegant and beautifully designed. It offers 3/8" [10 mm] of adjustment both forward and backward, and its design provides added strength due to its shape.

Once you team up with HANALEI FINS and GEARBOX, your product will see a quality upgrade."

Russell Lewis

Shaper/Designer

Reverse Logic Surfboards, Hawai'i

"I have been using GEARBOX and HANALEI FINS for over 12 years.

During that time, I can honestly say that the GEARBOX system has been the best I’ve ever used. The boxes are light yet incredibly strong and don’t break even with larger twins and keels.

The latest GEARBOX allows for approximately 3/8" of forward and backward movement, which is quite helpful for asymmetrical boards.

HANALEI FINS, designed and made by Robin Mair, are the most progressive fins on the market. I have tried many different shapes and sizes. Although I was initially skeptical, the results of surfing with them are truly amazing. The turns are quicker, the fins are faster, and the sensation is unlike any other.

I strongly recommend Robin Mair’s GB24 and HANALEI FINS to anyone who wants to get more out of their boards and surfing. Cheers."

Mitch Haynie

Shaper/Designer

Mitchin Surfboards, Hawaii

"I love the new GB24 boxes!

One rout installation is quick and easy, and the alignment system is accurate. The new roundtop design eliminates all bubbles.

Super strong. I’ve crashed into the reef and ripped out my fin. The boxes were fine. The fiberglass fin was damaged.

They look great, work great, and are an improvement to the GEARBOX system."

Aaron Vanderstaay

Shaper/Designer/Builder

AV Timber Surfboards / Moon Eagle Surfboards, Australia

"I have used the GB24 boxes in all my builds for six months. I love that they have different cants in the box, so I only need to cut one even hole when using the high-density insert. Most of my boards feature multiple double concaves and/or channels with VEE, so with this system, I can experiment with the various angled fin plugs to find the perfect one.

The last board I built was an '80s twin replica with a significant amount of vee and channels. I reversed the 4-degree box, giving me the exact cant for the fins I desired. The jig also proved helpful here, as it has little feet that can be inserted or removed, eliminating the need for shims. Additionally, the jig is transparent, allowing you to see what you are cutting.

I also make my own timber and fiberglass fins. Previously, I only used glass-on fins for my boards. Now, with a full slot, I can create a timber fin with sufficient strength in the base without worrying about cant.

I also discovered that the box is very strong. I landed on a rock in the last swell, and the fin split at the top. There was zero damage to the box or board!"

GEARBOX

GEARBOX is an innovative fin system that is strong, light, adjustable, easy to install, dual tab compatible, and customizable.

Our unique, patented LOAD BEAM COLLAR offers customization options through the installed cover! The system has an inexpensive routing system that simplifies and expedites installation.

Although our attention has shifted to the new version of GBOX (GB24), we continue to provide access to the legacy system for those who prefer to remain with it.

GEARBOX
HANALEI FINS

Hanalei Fins

Visit our sister site to explore our fantastic range of high-performance fins.

HANALEI FINS consistently produces high-quality, truly unique advanced fins.

There is nothing like them on the market, and the range is extensive.

Check them out.

HANALEI FINS

Use the dropdown menus for in-page navigation on the Resources page.