[Mr. NiceGuy]

The tiny clevis pin on one of my fins fell out and sank once. It rendered my Mirage Drive useless. Trying to paddle back against wind and tide that day sounds similar to your experience. There were white caps and it was a mo'fo.

I've tried to make a list of essential replacement parts and tools to stash away somewhere on my Hobie Outback. Many items are very small, but critical if we need them. I stash them in multiple places, including vacuum sealed in plastic and stuck with GOOP inside my hull in a place that's easy to reach. First hand experience over time is a good teacher. All experience is good experience.

Buddy system is the best.