Need help planeing

[PaulP]

I need to get my bow down at a slower speed. I have seen those fin things on other boats, I am not sure of the exact name of them, It looks like the screw on above the prop. Has anybody had any luck,good or bad with them? Also do you have to drill through your motor and if so what happens if you take the fins off and now you have holes there, does that affect operation or warranty? would sure appreacite any advice on them Thanks Paul

 

[JB]

Re: Need help planeing

Hi, Paul.<br /><br />Those things are called hydrofoils. They are inexpensive and they work. You will be able to plane at lower speeds and keep your bow as low as your weight distribution allows.<br /><br />We put a Doel-Fin on one of our Montauks and a SE Sport 300 on the other. They both plane much easier. The doel-Fin boat lost about .5mph top end, the SE Sport 300 boat gained 1mph.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Need help planeing

I agree with Jb they work. You did not say what size boat it is for. I prefer the hydrolic trim tab that mount on the boat for several reasons. When have a strong cross wind most boats lean into the wind with the hydrolic trim tabs you can adjust it back flat for better ride. When your 300 lb fishing buddy and his ice chest and gear are riding next to you again you can adjust it level. Also you can adjust boat for best ride then adjust motor for highest speed and effecienty. <br />All trim tabs/hydrofoils I belive slow the boat but make for safer more enjoyable ride. Every one I have seen creates lift, lift in the rear means the bow goes down and more wetted surface. More wetted surface means more drag, more fuel, less speed. However is usually so small a difference for so great a change in ride it is worth it. Bennet hydrolic trim tabs are the best thing I have ever added to my boat. There is one place I have found an improvement in fuel mileage. On my boat I can now stay on plane down to 10 MPH before it was about 18. When running offshore and it is too tough to do 18 and that is a lot of the time here on the west coast I can still slow down and stay on plane and that equals better FUEL mileage. I do not think they will viloate engine warranty unless you bend or break the cavition plate but I do think will cost you a little resale value if for some reason you sell without the foil.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Need help planeing

Not only will they get you out of the water much quicker, but it will make the boat more stable. My only regret is that I waited so long to get one. They are a must……….