Fins / Wings for outboards

DD214

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2002
Messages
26
I would like to get some input on the<br />"DOL-FINS,STINGRAYS,AND OTHERS". Which one is best? Are they any good? Do they help? Do they help performance? I have a 125hp and want to help it all I can. <br /> Thanks for any replies.
 

BigD

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
39
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

I put the Stingray on my 70hp force that's on a 17.5' CC because it would not plane right unless I was at WOT, as soon as I would back off the throttle it would drop back down. Motor had power trim and had tried all levels to no avail. The Stingray did the trick for me, allowed me to slow down when needed and still stay on plane. Only problem i've had is that you almost have to oversteer a turn when going above 25mph.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

The larger the gearcase the larger the fin can be. The whole idea is so you can run the motor higher. That means less stress on the motor, better holeshot, better fuel milage and increased top end. <br /><br />Good luck!
 

DD214

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2002
Messages
26
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards them much harder now.<br /><br /> Thanks again.
 

Jango

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
132
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

I have a DOEL-FIN on My 85 Force /17Bayliner. Can plane at about half throttle with two people and throttle back and stay on plane at about 15MPH. Top speed is 35 - 37. Very satisfied.
 

V156

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
143
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

Go on and get one! I got a hydrofoil from my dealer for $20. Like BigD I tried everything with the trim but it was the same old song. Installed it in about 20 mins and man it handled like a different boat.Plus I couldn't believe the savings on fuel( I wondered if the gauge was broke). And it still runs like a race horse. Try it.<br /><br />Dutch
 

sfels

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 25, 2002
Messages
43
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

Here's a clip from the Mercury Marine WEB site about fins that you might find interesting:<br /><br />"Using a product often referred to as a stabilizer fin is a modification of the gearcase that may change the manner in which the boat operates on the water. With the unit trimmed fully down (in or under), a reduction of the time necessary to get a boat on plane may result. However, some V-bottom boats using a stabilizer fin may exhibit a tendency to roll over far to one side as soon as planing occurs. The direction and degree of the roll will be dictated by prop rotation, weight distribution, and degree of trim under. The boat roll can cause passengers to be ejected. Trimming up or out can reduce or eliminate the roll. Because it is not possible to know how a given boat will respond to the use of such a product without thorough testing, Mercury cannot recommend that such products be used or not used. Also, use of these products may cause or contribute to the failure of the anti-ventilation plate on the gearcase. Failures caused, or contributed to, by modification are not covered by the limited warranty."
 

sho305

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2002
Messages
172
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

As most newer light boats are; look at the drive and bottom from the side. If your cav plate is above the bottom with the plate trimmed level; you are good. If your cav plate is below the bottom you could run into problems as it will still be in the water on plane! You need to raise it up, or get a lighter boat.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Fins / Wings for outboards

I agree with Mercury to a point. This is exactly why they dont work on stern drives as well as outboards. However, like I said before, the whole idea is to be able to increase your X dimension.<br /><br />Yes, if your motor is so low the fin is under water starnge things will happen. Not as severe as Merc states (we tested this situation) but the boat will definately act strange. <br /><br />Once set properly, the boat actually becomes MORE stable at speed. And I'm talking into the 100 + MPH range. And it will turn better, not worse. <br /><br />We use the King Fin on larger motors (V4's and up). It improves everything including water pressure. You will be amazed how high you can run the motor. <br /><br />Good luck!
 
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