Hodrofoil off..What to do with holes in drive?

[fattyboy]

The previous owner of the boat I purchased this fall installed and then removed a hydrofoil. My question is should I fill the holes and refinish or just let the holes go as is. I boat in fresh water. I also can't help wonder what effect, if any, hydrofoils have on the outdrive in terms of potential damage. Does the addition of a the hydrofoil cause cyclic loading on the drive. Could be irrelevant but it would be interesting to see a stress analysis.
2002 SeaRay 180 br, 4.3L Merc, Alpha 1
Sorry for another hydorfoil post so soon.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hodrofoil off..What to do with holes in drive?

you can leave if they are not throwing water, or fill with marines JB weld.

the effect of a foil on the outdrive, is that the foil adds lifting stress to the drive, intermediate, and motor mounts, the complete system. instead of where the lift is suppose to be, and needed, at the bottom of the transom.

 

[guy74]

Re: Hodrofoil off..What to do with holes in drive?

the effect of a foil on the outdrive, is that the foil adds lifting stress to the drive, intermediate, and motor mounts, the complete system. instead of where the lift is suppose to be, and needed, at the bottom of the transom.

I'm not an expert, but it looks like to me that the little bit off lifting stress that you would get from a foil is a moot point. Look at the stresses that the drive is meant to withstand, it pushes the whole boat and withstands the stresses that are trying to push it under the boat. Think about it you trim the boat under way with the out drive. I would guess the the total lift we are talking about is less than 200lbs. There are people that use the motor, or out drive as a ladder to get into the boat. As for the holes, if they bother you and you want to fill them, I second TD's response as to use JB weld. I have filled in porting holes in props with it and never had it come out, just make sure it's clean first.
Goodday,
Brian

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hodrofoil off..What to do with holes in drive?

Put a piece of tape under the hole and fill it with epoxy. Touch it up with paint -- or leave them as they are. Either way works.