hydrofoil stabilizer mounting holes

[Squeakit]

I have a hydrofoil stabilizer fin that I put on my Force 50 motor, used it once and decided that the loss of top speed wasn't worth the improved stability. I filled in the 4 holes in my cavitation plate with JB Weld because I was afraid the holes would aeriate my prop. I'm thinking about remounting the fin again and wonder if I take it off and leave the 4 1/4"holes open if it will cause problems or do I need to fill them in again?

 

[ehenry]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizer mounting holes

I removed mine and didn't fill in the holes and haven't had any problems.

 

[Squeakit]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizer mounting holes

Thanks for the reply E.F. I'll try leaving them open and see what happens. I like the fact that the boat (15ft Bayliner) doesn't bounce around as much with the fin on, but it shaved 6mph off my top speed which is only 32mph on a good day. Would like the option of putting fin on & taking it off without having to fill in the holes each time.

 

[steelespike]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizer mounting holes

Squeakit,You may need to raise your motor some<br /> I had one on a 15ft. with a 50 evinrude.I never checked speed but couldnt tell without a speedo.<br /> The foil sure helps hole shot, handling and<br /> reduced power planing.

 

[Squeakit]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizer mounting holes

Thanks for the reply Spike. Last time I had the fin on I did have to raise my engine trim up one notch because the bow was really plowing - that took care of it. I just didn't like the drop in top end, but the fin sure stopped my little boat from porpoising and bouncing around. What I'd like to do is just carry it in the boat and mount it when I felt like it and take it off without having to worry about the Holes in the cavitation plate.