Apparatus for securing fins to a surfboard

An improved device for being integrated into the water-side surface of a surfboard for receiving a removable surfboard fin, the device of the type comprising a unitary, substantially rectangular elongated member having a substantially rectangular elongated cut-away portion extending through one surface thereof and having means within the cut-away portion for retaining the base of the surfboard fin, the remainder of the fin extending from said one surface;

• the improvement comprising:
• a flange integral to said member and extending along at least a portion of said one surface of said cut-away portion for bearing against said surfboard in two planes, one such plane being parallel to said water-side surface and one such plane being perpendicular to said water-side surface, in response to lateral forces applied to said fin during surfing, a pin extending through the elongated walls of said member and through said cut-away portion in a direction perpendicular to the longer surfaces of said member and in proximity to a shorter surface of said member.
• said pin being adapted to receive a grooved portion of said fin base for relative rotational engagement therewith,
• a substantially cylindrical aperture extending diagonally through said member from the external surface thereof and extending through said flange and into said cut-away portion at a location therein substantially opposite said pin, and
• fastening means extending through said sperture and being adapted to engage a notched portion of said fin base for securing said fin within said device.