Do Hydrofoils work?

[Patty Pooh]

I have a 1989 Bayliner Capri with a 1989 Force 125 on it. I am thinking about buying a sting ray hydrofoil to help improve the overall stability of the boat. Do they work and what is the best brand to get and model. Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

thisoldboat,<br /><br />What type of "stability" issues are you trying to address?<br /><br />If it's porpoising-yes, if it is slow out of the hole-probably.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

I cant speak for the Stingray but I used Doelfins on our boats.A 15' aluminum runabout<br />with a 50hp. and a 18' Cobia 120hp IO both <br />planed much easier stayed on plane with less power<br /> and tended to bound around a little less.<br /> They helped to get the bow down quicker and made it easier for little 5 footers to see out.<br /> They were on the boats for over 12 years and never gave a lick of trouble.<br />They say they sap a little top speed but I dont think you could tell without a speedometer.

 

[jeffmock]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

Hey TOB<br /><br />We have an '87 Force 125 on a 17' Fish and Ski. Last year I put a two part hydrofoil on and it made a great deal of difference coming on plane. My bro-in-law pulled my 220 lb rear up on skis like when I was a kid with 2 other adults and 2 kids in the boat. I was really impressed with the difference. Just my $.02.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

I have an "Edge" on my 90HP Johnson and it helps get on plane faster and can plane at lower RPM's.

 

[Squeakit]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

I have a 1989 Bayliner Capri 15ft with a Force 50hp engine. I installed a Stingray hydrofoil with good results - eliminated porpoising altogether. Chopped about 5mph off top speed (was 31 without, now 26 with) but the improved handling was worth it. Had to raise trim up one hole to keep from burying the bow. Good luck!

 

[aspeck]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

My local Johnson dealer installed one on my 75hp when we were trying everything possible to get my 15 foot Skeeter to plane with more than 1 person on board. They were relatively unknown then and it worked wonders, and I no longer had to run wide open to keep the boat from porposing. We had previously tried various motor height adjustments, even added additional pads to the keel. Nothing worked, till the hydrofoil!<br /><br />It did rob some speed, but it was definitely worth it. After about 6 years of useage, my brother "stole" my engine for his pontoon, so I got an 88spl - didn't need any help with that rig, so have been foil free for about the last 6 years.<br /><br />My experience says they do help with porposing and getting on plane.

 

[bubbaboater]

Re: Do Hydrofoils work?

I have found that hydrofoils have helped with the different boats that I have had. I have traded boats the last few years and putone on each boat and found that it made a differnce on each boat. I haven't seen much differnce in the top end od any of the boats. I fact on a couple with the motor trimmed right it added to the top end. We just got a new boat and I didn't like the fact that it took 2/3 throttle to get to plane. Just got off the phone from ordering a SE 300 Sport from Cabela's.