hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

If you've already got trim tabs, yes, a hydrofoil isn't needed. The manufacturer claims about improving fuel efficiency are BS (except for MAYBE the few drops of fuel you'd save by jumping on plane quicker).

 

[JimS123]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

The original hydrofoil has been on the market for 30 years or so. Since then several other companies have marketed competitive models. So far, they are all still in business. If they were that bad they would have gone out of business years ago.

In my neck of the woods, I see them on maybe 25% of the small boats. People I talk to say they like them for the same reasons stated in the ads.

Personally, I've been using them for 28 years and think they are better than sliced bread. I didn't mind drilling 4 holes in my outdrive, but but shy against adding a dozen holes in my transom. I'm currently running them on 3 boats - one is an I/O. I didn't know they were no good until I read about it on the internet.

Smartabs are very good as well. But since the $39 Doelfin satisfies all of my requirements I'm happy to keep them.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

Listen to Tabman

If either SmartTabs or Hydrofoils end up on that boat I will personally find it and remove them

Likewise.

 

[NYBo]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

Stop sayin' . . . People might buy more Hydrofoils

Ahem.

 

[rallyart]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

Yes torcano, I have direct experience with hydrofoils that attach to the cavitation plate. Mine was a Stingray brand and was an immense help on my 1980 Grew 18' with the Merc 470. It's been on for ages and I won't be taking it off.
It is a fix for problems and not a cure for the worlds ills. It does not increase mileage except that you can get on plane faster so you burn less fuel. It is absolutely the cheapest way to get your boat to plane faster and as a result helps get skiers and boarders up quicker. It made my steering heavier. Yes, they really do work and are cheap to buy and install, and easy to take off if the side affects are more negative than the benefits. Helm adjustable trim tabs are better and have added benefits but cost more. With them on your boat you should be fine.
This subject is polarizing. Personally, if I was going to think about Smart Tabs if would skip that step and just put on a set from Bennett. However, I am glad I put on my hydrofoil. My enjoyment of watersports went up greatly when it was installed. Now I've got my inboard and rarely take the I/O out.

 

[dan t.]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

This is as bad or worse than an oil thread, everything works and nothing works,we have heard it all a dozen times before, believe no one and make up your own mind

 

[Philster]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

I/O packages are matched to boats. Needing a hydrofoil on an I/O makes zero (or damn near zero) sense.

O/B and hulls have a bajillion combination of hulls/engines and an a mind boggling array of setups from wee little skiffs and jons to big boy boats.

It is likely that there is a % of O/B equipped boats that can benefit, because there are some with compromised setups, running smaller power with engines at all sort of heights, shaft lengths, setbacks, etc.

There is no way that someone can make the claim that hydrofoils are always bad. To do so is tantamount to completely ignoring what is out there in the outboard world.

.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

This is as bad or worse than an oil thread, everything works and nothing works,we have heard it all a dozen times before, believe no one and make up your own mind

And almost up there with the on-going bearing buddy debates!

 

[QC]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

The OP's boat is a 280 SeaRay Sundancer

 

[Philster]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

Yes... but some folks drifted into a discussion of whether foils have a purpose on any boat. Nyah.

 

[QC]

Re: hydrofoil that attaches to sterndrive

I guess I should've been more clear. It was rallyart's post I was referring to as it was addressed to torcano. Nyah