Hydrafoils

[mrloring]

I have a 14' Cutter runabout with a 28 hp Johnson and was going to install a hydrafoil on the outboard. Do these work?

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Hydrafoils

You're going to hate this answer but it's "Sometimes". It depends on what you're looking for. Try a search under Hydrofoils and you'll get many opinions. I think the most success seems to come from boats that are sternheavy to start with and maybe slightly underpowered. I don't know how heavy your boat is, but 28 HP seems like enough for a 14' boat. Good luck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Hydrafoils

Those fins really do work on smaller motors on heavier boats. This is from experience with the same motor( 1989 28 HP) Johnson on a older 16' Wellcraft fiberglass, which is a heavy boat for it's size. Tried it without the fin and it had a hard time getting on plane. Put the fin on and it popped right up. All you can do is try it on your boat. But I think you will see a much better responce with it.. I run about 23-26 MPH on that boat with just the 28 on there. It amazed me that it would go that fast with that small of motor. I expected maybe 18-20 at best. This was GPS speed..<br /><br />BTW- I'm running a 9 1/4 X 11" prop on it..

 

[Tufan]

Re: Hydrafoils

Hydrafoil does work. <br />It helps you get on plane faster and decreases trim pressure which gives you better navigation ability and fuel efficiency.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Hydrafoils

Yes, they work. Motor height is critical or it will actually slow the boat down some if the hydrofoil is too low in the water. Handling is greatly is greatly improved with them and you get on plane much quicker.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Hydrafoils

Do a search on this site under hydrofoils and you will see plenty to read about - pro and con.