Type of Hydrofoil

[Eshaw150]

I have been told hydrofoils make a big difference in performance. im looking to plane out a little better

whats the difference between the short wide ones and the long narrow ones.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

Heres the deal, you should get smart tabs, foils are old tech, kinda like color and black and white tv, you can still watch a black and white but color is way better.

I run a foil myself because I fish shallow water and don't want to rip tabs off but they really are better.

To try and answer your question, not much, some may be wide and some may be long but they all have pretty much the same surface area and lift.

I actually made mine from 3/16'' plate aluminum but ran a Dolefin before that.

Some say that foils stress the motor mount but so far in 8 years I haven't had any problems.

99% of the people that resond to this post will tell you to get tabs, never tried them but from what I have read they are much better and Nautilus is an outstanding company with stellar customer service.

 

[Eshaw150]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

I dont really want tabs. I dont want to attatch anything to the hull. ive just about got the hull restored the way it was original. I dont really want tabs plus the cost of them is way out the roof. I i have to buy tabs ill just do without.

 

[jriegle04]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

i have a whaletale and it makes a heck of an improvement. no more screwing with trim to get it to plane out. i don't feel like i am preparing for lift off anymore either. i did loose a little top end speed but who needs to go 65 anyway. 60 is ok for me.

 

[Eshaw150]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

yea well i got a fishing boat and it dont quite go that fast. Mabey 30 -35 at about 4700 not at wot thats about 5300 but i dont keep it wide open.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

If your going with a foil they really are pretty much all the same, just find one you like and go.

Like I said I made mine, it is a flat plate with a small lip on the back, I have a 16' aluminum with a 50 that goes 30mph, I took it of once and hated it, took forever to plane and just didn't seem to run as good.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

foils may be good for some motors and for others it may not. for my motors, because the shaft length is 18", the foils will be below the waterlline even when on plane (my motors are from the 50's and 60's). i've consulted many about this, and there is no real solution except to get tabs (smart tabs).

 

[countvlad]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

i actually gained 200-300 rpms and better bow lift after i removed mine....

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

If your going with a foil they really are pretty much all the same, just find one you like and go.

Like I said I made mine, it is a flat plate with a small lip on the back, I have a 16' aluminum with a 50 that goes 30mph, I took it of once and hated it, took forever to plane and just didn't seem to run as good.

Agree- I have the smallest two peice i guess (doubt its still sold) availible on my 1987 70hp Johnson/16' fiberglass bassboat & it DOES help
I tryed without it & planeing took longer with more speed & at slower speeds i was all over the place

 

[5150abf]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

I'm going out Saturday night, I will pull mine and see what it does.

Last trip it ran 28.7 GPS adn planed at @12mph with it on, we'll see what it will do without it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

They help on some hulls, do not on others. Since they are relatively inexpensive, try one and if you do not like it, take it off. You will only be out 30 bucks or so and there will only be four 1/4 inch holes in the anti-ventilation plate. You can probably sell it on ebay or craigslist.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Type of Hydrofoil

I removed mine just to see what it did as id never driven it with it off.
I didnt care for it. the nose was straight up and "the wave" cought me and came over in the motor well. (i have some wet foam issues tho).
Sufice it to say i went back and put it right back on. Mine really needs it (for now).
Im also drawing a blank on the name of the thing, or id tell ya