Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

[kfa4303]

HI all. Just wanted to know if any of you have any experience with hydrofoils on you old OMC motors. I'm toying with the idea of adding one to my '66 20 hp on a 14' tinny runabout turned fishing boat. Do they really help with planing and hole shot or are they just hype. Thanks for any input.

 

[JB]

Re: Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

Do a search, kfa. There are a bazillion opinions.

My own experience has been positive; quicker to plane, plane at lower speeds, no loss of top speed.

However, they must be correctly rigged or they give you dangerous handling and reduced top speed.

 

[archcycle]

Re: Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

Every person will give you a different answer. My setup performs better with one. It keeps my prop underwater when going fast through heavy chop. People make a big stink about drilling holes in their cav plates but it doesn't hurt anything. Try it. If it doesn't perform well, take it off and you're out $30 and 30 minutes.

Walmart actually has a good Attwood set. They angle upwards so that when you get up to speed they are almost entirely out of the water.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

Thanks y'all. I only ask b/c the PO obviously used one in the past as there are already holes drilled through the cav plate. I was considering giving it a shot. I've never used one before, but it seems like it should work in theory. I like the idea of getting on plane more quickly and easily as I am usually boating alone and tend to be a bit stern heavy. Thanks again for the input.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

Hydrofoils works fine, but are garbage collectors in form of kelp, algae, plastics bags, you name it, so check engine tail for unpleasent water intakes obstruction and engine overheat if boating in garbage seas.

Happy Boating

 

[Mel Taylor]

Re: Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

I used one on my '84, 25 horse pushing my 14 ft Mirrocraft tinny for ten years (until 1994) and it worked great. My son is now using that same motor with that same hydrofoil on a '54, 14 ft Lone Star tinny with the same results.

 

[tjandrews]

Re: Any opinions on hydrofoils (a.ka. "wings")

I have one each on a '54 10-horse, '56 15-horse, and a '64 9.5-horse, all Johnsons on aluminum boats. Wouldn't go without one, especially if I'm alone and there's a chance of chop. Really helps with the handling at moderate speeds, keeps the bow down so you can see where you're going. Be careful when setting the tilt, though, as you'll probably find it more sensitive than without the 'foil.