stingray hydrofiol

[cjames]

I'm getting many different opinions on this. 24' sportfisher, merc alpha1, hydraulic trim tabs, around 6000 lbs of boat. I'm tempted to try a stingray on the outdrive, some say I could plane at a lower speed which would be quite nice. A little added stability wouldnt be bad either.

If anyone has had experience with a stingray on a boat this size, I'd love to hear about it.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

Do a search on, Whale tails, hydrofoils, Smart Tabs. You can read for hours.

I think the general concensus around here would be some kind of helm adjustable tabs on a boat of your size.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

do you want to put that kind of force on the outdrive, NO. smart tabs, bennetts, the boat is too big for hydrofoil. i have 2 set in the shed, that i have taken off, because of the bad performance, out wieghed the benefits. i think this should be address in the i/o forum for the best results.

 

[athiker]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

From your 1st post, you already have hydraulic trim tabs? What results do you get from using them? Have you used trim tabs before?...just curious b/c I would be surprised if you got more results from a hydrofoil than from the existing trim tabs...unless they are way undersized?

From reading about the Smart Tabs, granted slightly different animal than the hydraulic, but they actually recommend removing any add-on hyrdofoil when installing their tabs.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

hydrofoils have there place on small stearn heavy boats, but really not above 18 feet. tab work much better.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

On a 24 footer i'm suprised it hasn't broke the cav plate..Get rid of the foil
Ooops...re-read the post,thought you already had a foil on it...

 

[180shabah]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

I have one of those stern heavy boats. 18'. V6 alpha. That thing made my boat plane almost instantly, and yes I could hold plane at a lower speed.

Do I still have it?

NO

It knocked 8mph off of my top end and scared the he!! out of twice when the stern lifted in a turn. Bow plants are fun on PWC's, but not in a family boat.

 

[cjames]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

Thanks for the responce. I did do a search, and didnt find much that answered my specific questions. I do have oversize hydraulic trim tabs, and yes, I know how to use them (my first time was interesting though) I agree that theres a learning curve involved.

The idea is to get the planing speed down. As it is, the boat falls off plane at 18mph. As you can imagine, it can get annoying, and frankly sometimes 20mph is a little fast for the sea condition.

After hearing all your input, and also my friends opinions, I think I'll pass on the hydrofoil. I've yet to talk to anyone thats pleased with the performance of one on a boat the size and weight of mine.


Again, I quote my first post, "If anyone has had experience with a stingray on a boat this size, I'd love to hear about it."

Thanks

 

[John_S]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

Since you already have the manual tabs, you might try posting over in the props forum. While your planing speed seems reasonable to me, you might benefit more from a particular type of prop. Good luck.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

hydraulic trim tabs,

I simply have got to slow down and start reading these posts better!

 

[QC]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

I have a 23 footer and Hydraulic Tabs. I would also call mine oversized. I can plane at 12 MPH, so I am confused about your issue. To accomplish the lowest planing sspeed you need to have them in the full down position. Is that what you've done? Can you get us a pic of your transom?

 

[Tabman]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

Do you know what size Trim Tabs you have? Often installing larger Trim Planes will make a big difference in lowering the speed the boat will stay on plane.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[Four86Winns]

Re: stingray hydrofiol

I had a stingray hydrofoil, and it broke my cavitation plate. Believe me, its not worth it. The performance was alright while it lasted, but still, i repeat, NOT WORTH IT. However, there's another brand that mounts underneath the cavitation plate, so the stress isn't just on the screw holes, does anyone know how that one is?