Doel-Fin adjustments?

[AltheaToldMe]

I know, I know.....Doel-Fins suck....save it please.

My Doel-Fin has two vertical tabs on it's outer edges that can be turned inward or outward. What are these for and how do they affect the way the Doel-Fin acts?

For those who think they suck, I will tell you that I removed it this weekend to see what the difference was. I gained about 3mph on the top end (GPS) and the boat felt a little "sportier" in the maneuvering category. I seemed to lose a half a second or so to get on plane and it took me another 2 or 3 mph to stay on plane. It also felt like I "felt" the engine more. Hard to explain, but I seemed to feel the engine more than with the Doel-Fin.

I'd like to get smart tabs, but not this season. I need to redo the console first. Right now, I think I am going to put the Doel-Fin back on.

Any ideas on the vertical tabs?

 

[rndn]

Re: Doel-Fin adjustments?

I would guess they are there for steering torque adjustments.

 

[Splat]

Re: Doel-Fin adjustments?

Agreed

Bill

 

[QC]

Re: Doel-Fin adjustments?

For those who think they suck, I will tell you that I removed it this weekend to see what the difference was. I gained about 3mph on the top end (GPS) and the boat felt a little "sportier" in the maneuvering category. I seemed to lose a half a second or so to get on plane and it took me another 2 or 3 mph to stay on plane.

I think this info might be better for those who think they don't suck . . . Sorry, couldn't help it. Oh, and I tried . . . Really I did :redface: BTW, I think the best adjustment may be up there in your quote . . . Stop it!! I can't . . . Stop it!!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Doel-Fin adjustments?

Before you put the fin back on, spend some time running with different trim pin settings. You might get back the lower plane speed, without the extra drag that the fin is adding (based on higher speeds without it).

I had a fin on my MFG when I was first setting it up, but after reading these forums, I found that proper trim angle (no power tilt/trim, just a pin) gave me better overall handling and performance than with the fin. Just took a few hours on the water and a hand full of tools. And a little learning curve on my part.