to dolphin or not to dolphin

[Sea Hawk]

225 merc on a 22ft. chris craft "sea hawk". Thb boat does well getting up out of the water, but could use a little help getting the bow down quicker. I was concidering a set of fins for my lower unit.(these would only be used to get through the summer. I will be installing elctric trim tabs in the fall) So do these things work? is it even worth trying them out even if only for a couple months?

 

[Ross J]

Re: to dolphin or not to dolphin

Having used the Doel Fin type I would say yes.<br />Reasoning as follows - <br />1 - One of the cheapest to add.<br />2 - Only requires a couple of holes in the caitation plate on each side.<br />3 - Can be removed when and if required.<br />4 - Come in different sizes.<br />I wonder if you could "borrow" a pair from the shop to try, then you would be certain of the outcome prior to purchase. Perhaps a return agreement if needed.<br />You may even find you like them and keep them as well as trim tabs!!<br />Ross

 

[BillP]

Re: to dolphin or not to dolphin

I'd say if you can't get the bow down by trimming the engine down it won't help to use a Dolphin. That Chris is a heavy boat but the 225 should be plenty to push the bow down...regular trim tabs trim down past the engine thrust angle and would be better.<br /><br />In my limited experience (been using a Dolphin on ONE boat for 16 yrs)it helps get deep vee and underpowered boats on a plane faster...also keeps the bow down at low speeds. On my high powered outboard boat (conventional, NOT vee)the only thing it helps is preventing cavitation when trimming the engine up for speed. It won't hurt to have the Dolphin anyway.