Hydrofoil question

[AntsGrady]

Hi guys, just bought a 15' with a 35hp johnson. I want to install a hyrdrofoil to get on plain quicker. Seems the quickest cheapest solution. Any recommedations? I don't want to lose performance and top end but it needs something.<br /><br />Thanks!!

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Hydrofoil question

just was checking out the stingray jr. Any comments?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Hydrofoil question

Stingray and Doel fin seem to be the most popular.Stingray sits further back.Charlie

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Hydrofoil question

Thanks Charlie, seems where I'll be heading. Foundem cheap on Ebay but want to hear more input.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Hydrofoil question

It may get you out of the hole faster, but you'll lose 3mph off top-end dragging it thru the water.

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Hydrofoil question

I've read things that it won't slow you down and some say it will. Either way I think with more weight in the boat it would be helpful as it's not the fastest engine. It does get on plain but you know.....<br /><br />Anthony

 

[xltier]

Re: Hydrofoil question

that wouldnt be a problem for people who dont run wide open would it.i didnt think it was too good for the motor to run wide open all the time.i had a 18 ft.bow rider that just would not plane at all.think it was a little soggy.put that on and up she come.so i actually gained top speed in that one.thanks

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Hydrofoil question

In many case they work wonders. In some they cause more problems than they solve. Made a world of difference with my setup. Couldn't operate the boat without them. I have the Doel fin. I didn't notice any loss in top end but they did eliminate porpoising, and reduce time to plane substantially. It is important though that the motor is setup at the right height on the boat. The fin should not be in the water when the boat is planing. This will cause handling problems and reduce top speed because of extra drag.

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Hydrofoil question

I have an Attwood, which is the one with the fins that angle up a little on each side of the cavitation plate. It is on an 18.5' aluminum walleye-style boat with a 150 outboard. I didn't lose any top speed, and the boat steers and tracks much nicer with it. It also helps to stay on plane with lower engine rpm. I've heard that trim tabs work better, but are much more expensive so you could probably try out a foil and you wouldn't be out that much $$ if you ended up taking it off. Just my 2 centavos. . .

 

[poolecw]

Re: Hydrofoil question

I've heard of cavitation plates cracking due to the force that is exerted from the fin. They weren't designed to mount things on.<br />With that being said, my cousing added one to his motor and it is an improvement...better planning and handling. plus he can trim the motor higher.

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Hydrofoil question

I was also looking at the tiger shark hydrofoil....seems the stingray jr is the way to go thought. Can't find any info on the boards about the tiger shark.

 

[Crazy]

Re: Hydrofoil question

I put the StingRay On my 18 foot fiberglass 115hp merc and it is a totaly differnt boat ! plus I went from 32mph to 36.2mph at WOT and the water was Choppy and a strong head wind ! my boat had a bad pull to port ... pull no more ! I love this StingRay best $55 bucks I've ever spent on the boat . '' the 32 to 36.2mph i think cuz I can trim the motor out more , I have manual trim , and it plains out FAST !

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Hydrofoil question

Got the Stingray Jr!!! After I'm done prepping the boat(could be a month) I'll post my thoughts. Thanks guys!!

 

[mailman1]

Re: Hydrofoil question

I have a Cobra. It mounts UNDER the cavitation plate and lifts the boat [18 ft CC with 140 hp] Less stress on the plate. [pushes up]