hydrofoil on 18 tohatsu and 13ft 5in aluminum

[aregbert]

I have just spent over an hour reading about foils and whale tails, and that most would never use them, and recomend trim tabs. My question, is does anyone have experience with them in this type scenario? tabs arent really an option with this boat. My goal is to reduce the spray back at the back end of the boat as i am driving. I dont know that I could plane any quicker, nor do i need it. The boat is strictly fishing, old sears with 4 benches. Right now I gps 21-22 mph WOT with two onboard (guessing 450lbs). Thanks for the input.

 

[John_S]

Re: hydrofoil on 18 tohatsu and 13ft 5in aluminum

I run an Nissan 18E (2 stroke) on a 14' lite semi-v, and get similiar mph numbers. Are you sure the spray is coming from the engine vs a transducer or other part of the boat? If it is definetly from the engine, what is the distance from bottom of boat to anti-cav plate? even to 1" below bottom is normal. You can usually adjust up about 1" by inserting a spacer between motor and top of transom. Any higher, you will need a jack plate.

I would not add a foil regardless. Years ago, had a Stingray jr on our 14'/40hp, but it caused high-speed handling problems. I have Smart Tabs on that boat now.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: hydrofoil on 18 tohatsu and 13ft 5in aluminum

sound like the foot is setting to deep in the water, a foil would make it worse. need to raise motor.

 

[steelespike]

Re: hydrofoil on 18 tohatsu and 13ft 5in aluminum

I have to agree; motor is probably too low or some attachment or part is causing the problem.As stated The antivent plate(just above the prop) should be about even with the bottom of the boat.