Is a Stabilizer Fin Worth Purchasing?

[jrivera7294]

I have been seeing lots of bolt on type stabilizer fin on the market. Are they worth purchasing or are they worthless?

 

[ryguy1101]

Re: Is a Stabilizer Fin Worth Purchasing?

They absolutely make a difference helping a boat get up on plane a bit quicker and reducing porpoising. They are obviously NOT adjustable except by tilt/trim of the engine. I have not personally seen an instance where a planing fin made a boat ride/perform worse than it did without the fin, so for the $50 it's usually worth it. They certainly don't help you stay dry in a beam sea like trim tabs can though!

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Is a Stabilizer Fin Worth Purchasing?

x2 from above and they can help you stay on plane at lower rpm's as well. They do however put added stress on your engine's mounts and your boats transom. If your rig is in good shape it's not a problem. Think of them as a cheap alternative to trim tabs.

Art

 

[archcycle]

Re: Is a Stabilizer Fin Worth Purchasing?

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

That said, I run one right now because my motor too large for my boat and it porpoises horribly without a pair of fins on it. With them it's great.

My previous motor was a 90hp, and using the giant hydrofoil from West Marine (listed as for motors 40-300hp WHOA that's a big range) I lost 20mph off the top end although it planed nicely at around 12 mph! Swapped that out for small fins from Wal Mart. I needed them on that motor too because in heavy chop sometimes the prop would find its way out of the water. The fins did a great job of keeping a good bite in the water.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is a Stabilizer Fin Worth Purchasing?

Does your boat have trouble getting on plane now? If so, they may (may) provide some improvement. I am clearly not a big fan....