How far forward should I mount my footholds?

[curt248]

Ok I got the right hold to fit. Now it time to get the left one in.

Anyone know if I need 3M 5200 or if any old marine grade 5 minute epoxy will work fine to hold in the holds?

Any advantage to 5200? 3M usually makes the best adhesive products so I'm assuming something is better about it. I noticed the 5200 was $12 at the marine store and other brand marine 5 minute epoxy is $2.50 at Menards.

 

[curt248]

Ok I got the 5200. I glued in the holds with it. I used 7 stainless screws to secure each one, but it seems that it may not have been enough. There are still some gaps inbetween the holds and the ski. Can I just fiberglass over them?

Do I need to scrape up the holds before I put the fiberglass down?

 

[freestylegeek]

Ok I got the 5200. I glued in the holds with it. I used 7 stainless screws to secure each one, but it seems that it may not have been enough. There are still some gaps inbetween the holds and the ski. Can I just fiberglass over them?

Do I need to scrape up the holds before I put the fiberglass down?

If you use some filler before you lay the glass, then I would say it's ok to glass over them. I use 404 filler and mix it to peanut butter consistency.

 

[curt248]

I filled in the gaps well with the 5200 and am allowing them to dry until tomorrow evening. The box says it takes 7 days to cure completly. I don't need to wait that long before glassing over them do I?

Is the filler necessary, if I'd like to glass them tomorrow evening? If so, where can I pick some up? Is there another brand if I can't find the 404 that will work too?

Do I need to reinforce the tray at all after the foothold installation? I'm guessing the glass I'm putting around the holds should make it at least as strong as before right?

Does 2 layers of glass (small 1.5 inch then larger 3 inch) sufficient?

 

[freestylegeek]

I filled in the gaps well with the 5200 and am allowing them to dry until tomorrow evening. The box says it takes 7 days to cure completly. I don't need to wait that long before glassing over them do I?

Is the filler necessary, if I'd like to glass them tomorrow evening? If so, where can I pick some up? Is there another brand if I can't find the 404 that will work too?

Do I need to reinforce the tray at all after the foothold installation? I'm guessing the glass I'm putting around the holds should make it at least as strong as before right?

Does 2 layers of glass (small 1.5 inch then larger 3 inch) sufficient?

The filler isn't necessary, but it ensures you won't have any leaks. If you don't use filler, you will probably want to use more layers of glass (like 4 or more) in order to completely seal the foothold. You want to lay the widest layer first, then work your way to the skinniest. I'd recommend one layer of glass from foothold to foothold just to add a little more strength.

If you have a West Marine anywhere near you, they carry all the west systems epoxy and filler that you need. It's just a little hard on the wallet.

 

[Air Biscuit]

Not to high jack the thread but hopfully someone can get back to me asap w/ some advice on where I should install mine....
Im 5'11", stock legnth hull, w/ -2.5 one the pole(may get a shorter plate to make it -3.5") But anyway the holds 5" from the back of the ski seems like im leaning way forward. Maybe i'll move them up 2" to 7" from the back of the ski? I know on the stand and in the water is 2 totally different things but just looking for someone whos specs are similar to mine and theyre suggestion i guess. Any input appriciated before i make the cuts....

 

[curt248]

I'm the same height as you. Most people suggest getting the holds as far forward as possible. The problem is the exhaust pipe that goes through the right side. I'd suggest moving them until you hit the pipe.

Some people take out the exhaust all together and have it exit in the front of the ski. If you are crazy about getting it shorter you could do that. They say the front exhaust is quite a bit louder than a standard rear exhaust. I've also heard that it is dirtier too (not sure in what way). Maybe the hull gets smoked.

Others dent the pipe to create more room (doesn't seem to be the best way of having a free flowing exhaust).

The super forward leaning thing is pretty standard for foot hold use. It is uncomfortable. I've been bending my knees quite a bit and that seems to help make it more comfortable and also drops the center of gravity (good and good).

If you only put your feet in the hold just before you do a trick that requires them, that will cut down the strain on your back etc. Otherwise, ride with one foot forward if your not about to do a trick.

I hope that helps. I just put holds in my superjet. Wow, the difference is night and day. It really opens the ski up to a ton of new options. I would say it's a must for any ski.

Make sure you pad the underside of the holds (where the top of your feet touch). I padded the top only. This makes for a very comfy fit. You squish your feet in and it's snug. I rode a buddies without padding on top and it just hurts the top of your feet right away.

 

[Air Biscuit]

Thanks for the response. I hacked up the hull a few days ago, followed the Wamiltons template 5" from the back. Only prob I ran into was the exhaust pipe did hit a little bit. I carfully dented the pipe to make it fit. Its minimal so I know Id never know the difference. I havent rode w/ them yet but cant wait. I know exactly what you mean when you say it opens the ski up. I feel like I have so much more room when im in a surf stance. Like I said cant wait to try them in the water.

 

[ksarge91]

Mine are an inch from as far back as I could get them. I have a -5 pole and it's a great set-up for flatwater but a major PITA in the surf.

 

[Rotorhead65]

Im planning my foothold install this winter but have some questions. I see everyone here saying mount them wherever they are comfy. My plan was to get the Blowsion kickers and for mat I was going to do the stiched mats. So I figured I would order my footholds and the mat I want, lay out the mat and trace the hole. Then thats where the holds would go right? This is my first time hacking anything up but I want to do it right and I want it to be very professional looking. What does everyone think of footholds? Which ones to get? My Foot is size 9, im 5'7" stock pole. I may lower it with a plate down the road. Ive never rode a ski with footholds but I want them. Any help is appreciated.

 

[curt248]

do some foothold install searches on here. There is tons of great info on here about how to do foothold installs. It will probably take hours or even days until you think you know enough to "do it right". There are a lot of opinions on which are the best. I went with water craft factories (wcf) because there were many positive reviews about those on here.