Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

[steveclv]

I have a 19' Bayliner Capri with the Chrysler 125 OB. The previous owner had installed a hydrofoil on the outboard and it's obviously been there for a long time.

The boat does plane at very low speeds - maybe 15mph or so - but I know that one or two on the forum consider them to be a waste of time and space but they never really explain why they feel that way.

What are the benefits of a hydrofoil and what are the downsides? I assume the major issue is increased drag but how much of a problem is that and do the benefits outweigh the negatives?

Anyone else with a Bayliner Capri without a hydrofoil? Any issues or do you need to be doing 30mph before it planes out?

 

[Marshall regal]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

not exactly sure why some dont like them....I had one on my 64 evinirude 90, the last outboard I had, and it worked just fine. It was abit oversized for the engine, but all in all, I had no problems with it. Was a classic boat too, tri hull, all 64 Evinrude, hard to find parts for the engine....especially the flywheel area, since it was only electric start. It didnt have electric tilt like the newer outboards do now, but when it was adjusted just right, that boat would fly.
I am or was wanting to put another foil on my merc io, but am afraid the drag on the lower unit may damage the tilt....I would think that if your careful not to over compensate for the drag when taking off, It would be ok...not sure if I want to risk that tho. Hope that helps

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

If you need the hydrofoil for stern lift or faster planning...then you're just masking and putting a band aide on your real problem. If you were to prop the boat properly, i.e. one that gives you enough stern lift and power out of the hole, you wouldn't need them.

IMO they are a waste of money and cause a lot of drag and splash back.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

I don't want to jump in the middle of this as opinions are strong on the subject. I spent a 1/2 day testing with mine on & off.

I noticed very little difference (if any) on getting on & off plane. I know that I'm prop'd a little under (14 1/2 x 20 SS Raker on a 235 Johnson) as I can get over my max RPM slightly if I tried. That said, my boat jumps on plane in no time...its a beast.

Where I noticed a difference is that I seemed to have less cavitation probs with it on, but that was just my experience.

I'm planning to do more testing with it this summer as I've reprop'd the motor. There are a number of designs as well, and I'm sure each has its own plus's & minus's.

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

I agree with 78 Crusader. If you need to strap on one of those things you're masking an underlying problem. Too big a prop, too much weight in the back of the boat, motor trimmed all the way down while trying to get on plain, or worst case tired power head. I've been in that same boat years ago and we never had a problem.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

Smart tabs..... NEXT!

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

Smart tabs..... NEXT!

Now Smart tabs are a good idea!!!!

 

[dorelse]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

Rereading OP's questions, he's really asking about Hydrofoils how they work, benefits & drawbacks. Guess he's learning this is a hot topic on here!

steveclv - I'm not the best guy to answer that so I won't! But...perhaps the question is...Does it work for your boat? Seems like you're happy with the performance. Best thing to do is next time you go out, run around with it on & off and see if you can tell. If you can't, leave it off...if you can, and want it back, put it back on.

Honestly, for me, I lost a little top end with it on, and couldn't really tell much else. The cavitation issue was minor.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

If you need the hydrofoil for stern lift or faster planning...then you're just masking and putting a band aide on your real problem. If you were to prop the boat properly, i.e. one that gives you enough stern lift and power out of the hole, you wouldn't need them.

IMO they are a waste of money and cause a lot of drag and splash back.

If the thing works on his boat, it works. It's also a lot cheaper (i.e. free since it's already on the motor) than a new prop or tabs. It makes zero sense to remove it and buy something and end up with the same performance.

But that's assuming that the boat performs better with it than without it.

 

[La Bullet]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

My Capri, first boat, came with them on the outboard so I didn't know it was an add on item and I don't know how it works without them. I know it planes quick but then again I never had a boat before, so if it ain't broke....
My Dos Centavos, Ed

 

[SwampThing]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

LA Bullet - Wow that's a heck of a hydrofoil. Mines more of the classic "whale tail" design.

Steve clv, I have a 1986 Capri Cuddy (1950 Model # I believe). My 125 Force came with the whale tail on it and I've never seen any reason to take it off. I might experiment this year. It was always my understanding that you loose a few mph in the top end but gain a bit in stability issues.

With that said, I use mine for it's supposed increased stability more than anything else.
I think from my own experience that it tends to exaggerate the effects of the tilt and trim. Nose down, nose up, as needed and I think it works quite well for this purpose alone.

 

[steveclv]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

Thanks all - seems that everyone has an opinion on them

I think I'll pull it off the next time she's out of the water and see what difference it makes. My personal thoughts are that it maintains the boat on plane at lower speeds but I'll test and see if I can tell any difference.

 

[444]

Re: Bayliner Capri 1900 - to hydrofoil or not?

Only way is to pull it off and try it for yourself. Some guys say the whale tails make all the difference, where others will say they do nothing but place additional stress on the lower unit casing.