hydrofoil stabilizers ??

[excalibur-oc]

I have been considering the purchase & installing a "dolphin tale" for my 175 hp j on the 185 airsllot. I am new at this so I am not sure what improvements I can expect if any.
What does the jury say?

 

[AlanR]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

I had some on my Johnson gt 150, It planed ALOT faster but lost top speed even when she was trimmed out loast about 5 - 6 mph you can also expect worse steering. as for your 175 unless your pushing a 28ft + boat i wouldnt sugest them

 

[MattP51]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

This is what I found out about them:

For all outboards and stern drives (5 hp and larger)
Instantly planes any boat and saves up to 50% on fuel!
Virtually indestructible black molded plastic
Planes boat faster, even when it's loaded down and holds plane at lower engine speeds and reduces cavitation. Noticeable results—better gas mileage, higher top speeds, increased control with a smoother, steadier ride (even in the turns). Helps keep bow down and reduces porpoising for added safety. Makes larger boats easier to steer at lower speeds. Also pulls up skiers in half the time.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

Some boats they really help and others they don't. I have a 16 ft bass boat with a 150 Merc on it and one of these http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&parentId=cat21370&id=0000919
The biggest advantage is being able to maintain plane at a much lower speed and it turns much better. The only disadvantage is it makes the T&T very sensitive. I don't know if it affected top end or not as it goes faster than I care to go any way.

 

[excalibur-oc]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

Bill.
That one you had looks a little more elaborate & larger than then ones I have seen.

Very interesying guys.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

Bill.
That one you had looks a little more elaborate & larger than then ones I have seen.

Very interesying guys.

Its 18" wide.

 

[h_lankford]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

yeah, mine were smaller than the ones in link above. On a 16 ft Wahoo with 60 hp, I tried it: faster hole shot, popped up onto plane quicker, able to stay on plane at lower rpm, eliminated all "cavitation" in super tight turns .Disadvantage: extra drag clearly lost 200 rpm at top.

I took them off and instead tried a 4-blade prop insead of the standard 3. This also gave the better hole shot, and reduced cavitation, and did not hurt top end. Did not change rpm staying on plane.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

I had a set on an old inline Mercury 115 attached to my 17.5' Maidencraft hull. On top end, it was like I was draging an anchor and caused me to loose top end speed along with my rpm's. I also recall a significant loss in fuel economy because of the extra drag and lug on the motor. Just my opinion, but I believe I'd opt for the 4 blade prop before I put another set on my boat. I'd also look closely at my set-up to try to more evenly distrubute the load I was carrying. This may actually be all you need to do and would be an excellent first step to take in looking for a cure, let alone the least expensive of all other options. Good luck in your quest.....................ALAN

 

[why*Knot]

Re: hydrofoil stabilizers ??

I have the same one that bhile shows on a 17ft center console and I think it works great. I get up on plane quicker and can stay on plane at lower RPM's thus saving fuel. I did not notice any loss on topend but did notice that the steering seems to also be better.