Are my fins fixable?

[milbournosphere]

While I was in the water this weekend, the rubber nub that holds the strap lock in place decided that it had given up on life. I ended up having to macgyver a solution using one of my knife straps to get back to the beach:



I checked and Oceanic only gives a warranty for 1 year, and I'm definitely outside of that window. I really like these fins and would like to fix them if possible. Has anybody ever had this happen to them before, and if so, how did you fix it? I had thought about putting a bolt through the rubber, but i think that would get in the way of the snap lock, as well as rub on my boot. Ideas?

 

[00wabbit]

There are replacement straps available. That might solve it for you.

 

[milbournosphere]

It's not the strap or the lock, it's the rubber nub that molded into the rubber of the fin. Are you talking about getting some aftermarket spring straps? The bulk of those that I have seen usually attach to the nub that's on the fin.

 

[rhwestfall]

I dare say, it appears its time to shop for new fins (unless you like to keep using your emergency fix as a permanent method).....

 

[Keith.M]

It might not be bad idea to raise the issue with Oceanic. Altough you may be outside the warranty, that is really no excuse for that to be breaking and maybe they will make it right.

---------- Post added January 22nd, 2013 at 01:55 PM ----------

The worst they could do is say no.

 

[milbournosphere]

Keith, I think I'll do that; it certainly couldn't hurt. I've got a pair of Mares Avantis I can use in the mean time, so there's no rush on my end. I would just rather try to fix them than throw them away over such a silly issue.

 

[j2s]

Run a bolt [round headed bolt] and nut [ nut will act as the nub] thru the fin and get spring straps......

 

[milbournosphere]

That's a good idea, I hadn't thought about using a nut to replace the nub. If oceanic won't replace it, I'll probably go that route and see how robust it is.

 

[buddhasummer]

Looks terminal. Agree definitely contact Oceanic I've heard great things about their customer service. Good luck.

 

[TXreefer]

That's a good idea, I hadn't thought about using a nut to replace the nub. If oceanic won't replace it, I'll probably go that route and see how robust it is.

Be sure and get stainless steel. Should work like a champ.