fins/stabilizers

[noah4009]

I have a 1971 55HP Chrysler. I saw at Walmart a set of fins you attach to the LU fins. Looks like airplane wings. It's purpose is to keep boat level of sort as you accelerate. Its is rated for 30-50 HP. Can I use this on my 55? Are these things even worth the trouble? I am also thinking since these are suppose to keep boat more leveled, is this putting more of a strain on motor being more boat is in the water as you go faster then normal.

 

[JB]

Re: fins/stabilizers

Do a search on "hydrofoils", Noah.

Properly rigged they can get you on plane earlier and allow lower speed planing. Improperly rigged they can interfere with maneuvering and reduce top speed.

The jury is out. Most prefer Smart Tabs, but they are also solutions to a problem that you might not have.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: fins/stabilizers

Personally, I don't care for them -- but that's just my opinion.

They are useful on some engine/hull combinations, useless on others. At best, they can help with planing a boat. At worst, they can reduce top speed by a couple of MPH or more.

They will most likely fit your 55 with no modification BUT: Since you do not know how your rig will react, if you are not having a severe problem planing the boat, don't bother to try them. You may just be wasting your money.

Most of them simply bolt to the cavitation/ventilation plate with four 1/4-20 bolts so you will need to drill these holes---no big deal. They are easily removable and the holes won't interfere with the plate's function. You pays your money, you takes your choice.

 

[noah4009]

Re: fins/stabilizers

Hi, My boat is a 1977 starcraft. I have never even been on the water with it. Been working on motor all winter. LOL Guess I am just looking for something to do to it. Just joking, I am working on inside now. But what is planing and its purpose?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: fins/stabilizers

A planing hull is made to ride on the surface of the water versus a displacement hull which rides through the water. Planing hulls can be flat bottom, deep vee, round bottom, or other shapes--like a 3 point hydroplane or a tunnel hull. At slow speeds, your boat is displacing water. When the speed gets high enough, the hull pops out and rides on the surface of the water, --planing,--reducing drag, increasing speed, and reducing the necessary horsepower to maintain that speed. This is the simplified explanation since there are more forces at work.