After reading the numerous member feedback here I decided to remove my hydrofoil and try using smart tabs for all of the reasons I mention below but especially so stop the continuous trimming of my engine and to lower the planing speed. I bought a set of Nauticus Smart Tabs SX (60lbs.) with the PR500 kit.
I bought this 1995 Larson 17.6' speedboat that had a hydrofoil installed on its 130HP Johnson outboard. Being new to boating I didn't really realize how poorly it planed and thought the continuous trimming was normal. I was not impressed with how it steered compounded with the hydrofoil that caused the steering to be harder/stiffer than normal.
With the new smart tabs installed it made the boat a joy to ride. Instead of planing at 20mph and I can now plane at 13-14mph which helps greatly when pulling a tube. The bow rise has been cut more than half which helps again with visibility and acceleration to towing speed has decreased. With the hydrofoil removed from the engine the steering has become less labor intensive. I now just have to set it and forget it most times. Porpoising wasn't too bad before on smooth water but with the engine trimming in its most efficient angle if the water was choppy the boat would porpoise so I had to keep it trimmed down to prevent it. With the smart tabs the porpoising has been eliminated. I have to say I have been so amazed at the difference these smart tabs have made I just had to post my results here.
I bought this 1995 Larson 17.6' speedboat that had a hydrofoil installed on its 130HP Johnson outboard. Being new to boating I didn't really realize how poorly it planed and thought the continuous trimming was normal. I was not impressed with how it steered compounded with the hydrofoil that caused the steering to be harder/stiffer than normal.
With the new smart tabs installed it made the boat a joy to ride. Instead of planing at 20mph and I can now plane at 13-14mph which helps greatly when pulling a tube. The bow rise has been cut more than half which helps again with visibility and acceleration to towing speed has decreased. With the hydrofoil removed from the engine the steering has become less labor intensive. I now just have to set it and forget it most times. Porpoising wasn't too bad before on smooth water but with the engine trimming in its most efficient angle if the water was choppy the boat would porpoise so I had to keep it trimmed down to prevent it. With the smart tabs the porpoising has been eliminated. I have to say I have been so amazed at the difference these smart tabs have made I just had to post my results here.
