Value of Hydrofoils

[cigar_stub]

I have a 19' center console with a 2002 Yamaha 115 HP outboard. Can anyone offer up an opinioin on whether I should add a hydrofoil? What are the benefits and/or pitfalls of using them? I'll be using the boat mostly for fishing, but will from time to time do a bit of tubing and/or or skiing.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

They add about two pounds of weight. Now that you have my opinion, I need to ask if you have a performance issue that you think a hydrofoil would help with. If not, why add something that can actually hurt handling and slow you down. If they were a cure for all handling ills the engine manufacturers would redesign the AV plates to resemble a hydrofoil. If you do a search on these forums for "hydrofoils" you will probably find 90% of the respondents opposed to them and 10% feel they help with something. I am not a RIB (rubberized inflatable boat) owner so I can't vouch for use on those boats, but many users have them, apparently to control porpoising. You said you "have" the boat but apparently have not used it much so I would certainly not add anything until I got familiar with it under all conditions of load and speed. If a performance issue pops up and you've tried all other remedies, then I would consider Smart Tabs before a hydrofoil. I've used them, taken them off, thrown them away and now run Smart Tabs to aid in hole shot, control porpoising, and to allow planing at slower speeds.

 

[cigar_stub]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Excellent input. Thank you. In the only two times I've had the boat on the water, it seems to be slow "out of the hole" and I suppose I was under the impression these hydrofoils would help. I don't know what "smart tabs" are, but I'll look around to see what they are.

My other problem, which I'll be correcting shortly, is that my tach is not working. So I can't judge if I'm reaching WOT. Someone else suggested the prop may not have been correctly chosen from the start.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Visit the Nauticus web site. There is an excellent tutorial on how self adjusting smart tabs (trim tabs) work vs hydrofoils. They attach to the back of the boat, not the engine and definitely aid hole shot. But again, if you have not made wide open throttle runs and noted maximum speed to ensure the engine is operting in its recommended wide open throttle rpm band, fix that first as you may indeed have a over-propped (too much pitch) problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

also using you power trim properly makes a big difference in the performance.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Make sure your cavitation plate above the prop/gearcase...the plate you attach a hydrofoil to...is within an inch of the bottom of the boat when the motor is straight vertical. Fix your tach or get a tiny tach (google it) and try a different pitch prop. Foils are good to help get on plane and keep the nose down on boats that have been irreparably altered by previous owners...like chopping the transom down. Learning how to tilt/trim with the right prop will probably solve your problem though, provided your outboard can achieve the ideal WOT rpm range.

 

[cigar_stub]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Thank you. I'm planning on getting a replacement tach asap. Funny thing is the one I have is "warrantied" for life. If I want to sent it to Faria, it's $26 for the repair that might take 3-4 weeks. I'm going to buy a new one and then perhaps have this one repaired for a spare.

Just got in from a business trip and the Selco manual I ordered arrived. I don't even know what the WOT is yet, so don't know if I'm approaching it with this prop or not. Before doing anyting else, I'm going to get the tach working. And as for the trim position, I'm still getting a feel for that. This center console is much different than my last boat (16' aluminum with 60 hp merc). So far, I'm starting out with the motor all the way down, then raising it slightly as I go along to smooth out the ride.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

play with the trim it is a total experiment with every boat, my center console, as soon as i gun it to come out of the hole i have to start to trim out, or the motor will push the bow down, and cause it to plow, my trim position can effect my top end speed as much as 10 mph.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

If you still want a set of hydrofoils, pi$$ Tashasdaddy off and he will give you a free pair!!!​

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Don't even consider a hydrofoil for you application. Spend a few more bucks and by the SMART TABS- I did-- absolutely the best money you will ever spend on your boat. I read all the posts- took the dive, bought the tabs and test drove it this week-- They do everything they claim to do, quick hole shot, quick to plane, stops porpoising- added 2 MPH top end.

Not only are they great- but where else do you buy a product and get to talk to the President of the company if you have questions? John will email or call you and help you every step of the way

I installed them in less than an hour

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

I think the new composite Smart Tabs are only slightly higher in price than the fins anyway. No comparison​

 

[tommays]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

haveing a 3.0 without power steering i can tell you the fin made it really hard to turn


It was a good item when the only other pick was a full blown hyd trim tab setup


Tommays

 

[manitoba1]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Avoid the hydrofoil and get the smart tabs. They work great as claimed.

 

[bigtwin]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Today I tossed the hydrofoil and installed Smart tabs and I am never looking back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cigar_stub]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

Looks like the smart tabs win hands down in the opinion polls. That's probably the way I'll go, if I do anything. I'm going to wait and get some time on the water to get a better feel for the boat. Thanks to all for the input.

I still need to fix the tach, and the GXXDAMX trolling motor. I can't seem to get that working. I had the batteries checked today and they are fine, but all I get is an occasional movement of the prop no matter what position I put the foot pedal. It's either a short in the motor (24 volt 71lb thrust Motorguide) or the wiring to the motor. Going away this weekend (to keep the wife happy we're visiting friends of hers) but when I get back I"m going to hook direct to the batteries to eliminate the wiring.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

There are only a few things that a fin will do to help and very rarely are they used correctly, this results bad reviews. Tabs improve many issues, are better for all round use and normally are what people need.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

smart tabs also work great for slowing your boat down as trolling plates if you get the trolling kit for them. No need for a kicker anymore.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

My kids 10 foot invader bounces like crazy at all trim posistions with out the hydrofoil. With it on it is smooth as glass but hurts the performance of the boat. Will smart tabs work on a very small boat 10 foot 25hp with power trim?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

it will help​

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Value of Hydrofoils

If it hurts the performance the set up's not correct, normally the motor is mounted too low.