Hydrofoils

[Gunn]

Wondering whether to put one of these on my "Wish List" or not?! Anyone use these, or have experience with them. Of the couple of reviews on the West Marine website, they weren't good. But I wasn't sure if they just used them on the wrong boat, engine, improperly, etc.
I'd like to hear if anyone has tried them. What I'd really like it for is watersports. It seems the ideal speed for wakeboarding is right at the point of planing. So one second you're going perfectly. Then all of a sudden, the boat planes and you start to fly (the water begins to look like concrete!). Then next thing you know, you're wallowing so slow, ready to fall. If I could get the planing speed down, with no other disadvantages, that would be ideal.

Something like this: West Marine link

 

[H2ONUT]

If it's the SE you want... IMO, it was the best one, I tried all of them.

 

[FYN409]

I had one of these on my last boat (21 Regal Cuddy) and while I don't know if it helped with on plane speeds, but it did help a lot with keep the boat from porpousing (sp?). I tried it without it and once the bow started bouncing it was difficult to get it to stop.

-Ryan

 

[270Wakeboarder]

I had the same problem with my 220 sundeck, I was either going to slow or to fast I could never get the speed right. I ended up having MM install trim tabs and OH my gosh what a difference. I went from a minimum speed of 20-22 mph to 16-18 easily. It made all the difference in the world for wakeboarding.

As far as the bolt on fin I have "heard" they decrease the time to plane ( you pop right up ) but I have also "heard" that they increase strain on the drive. No personal experience with them only hearsay...

 

[jhild]

Hi Gunn,

Have you tried running a Hi-5 or even a 4-blade prop? Might just give you what you're looking for without messing with the outdrive. As a second option, Smart Tabs would likely make a bigger difference than adding a hydrofoil. I know the fins are inexpensive and easy to install, but I'm not sure that's the best way to improve performance. Maybe it’s just me, but something about the fins just seems hokey. If a little extra surface area would improve performance without consequence, wouldn’t cavitation plates be designed that way? Just my thoughts...

 

[dbric36]

I know how some put the hydrofoils down but I put one on my last boat. A 19 ft cuddie cabin with an alfa one drive and it made a world of difference getting on plane, maintaining plane at a slower speed and handling in general. Not sure about top speed but I never really opened it up very often anyway.

 

[Gunn]

If a little extra surface area would improve performance without consequence, wouldn’t cavitation plates be designed that way? Just my thoughts...

Those were my thoughts exactly. I don't really plan on keeping the boat all that long, so don't really want to invest a lot in a 1995.

And I just convinced my wife that we needed the new 3-blade prop I got this past spring, so... I doubt I pull trying another one.

Sounds like they me be useful though; for $50, I guess it can't hurt to try. I also do have a lot of porpoising, as is usual, and though I don't mind it, that would be an added benefit to reduce it. Planing speed is the important thing though, when it comes to watersports. And...I can only do watersports until July 1st, and then not again until October; so I guess I could just install it for a few weeks early and late if I have to.

Thanks!

 

[jacktm]

I put it on my last boat a 24 Chris Craft it did help plane out. Fo rthe money it was worth it
Jack

 

[Clayton 210BR]

If you want to try one without drilling holes in your outdrive, you might consider the Sting Ray XRIII. I have 1 on my 210BR and it definitely helps plane quicker & stay on a plane at a much lower speed. It installs in seconds (1 bolt to the anode) and it's pretty cheap. Only real downside I’ve noticed is that you lose a few MPH top speed.