trim tabs vs hydrofoil

[smithr130]

Ok guys I need some help from the experts here. I have a 90 bayliner capri 18 foot with a 90 hp. I currently have a hydrofoil on it which works well for getting it up on plane. I have been reading about the trim tabs and also about how the hydrofoil can cause damage to the lower unit. So my question is which is best, for getting on plane, handling, and also keeping the boat from bouncing around in choppy water. Thanks for all the help.

 

[alldodge]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

Ok guys I need some help from the experts here. I have a 90 bayliner capri 18 foot with a 90 hp. I currently have a hydrofoil on it which works well for getting it up on plane. I have been reading about the trim tabs and also about how the hydrofoil can cause damage to the lower unit. So my question is which is best, for getting on plane, handling, and also keeping the boat from bouncing around in choppy water. Thanks for all the help.

Have had the Stingray foil on my 95 23 footer since it went out of warranty and love it, no issues

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

This is the first time I've heard of a hydrofoil causing damage to the LU. I'm not really sure how it could cause damage. It sounds like the foil is working well for you. Try trimming/slowing down some in choppy water to have better control. The relatively light weight hull will tend to bounce more than a heavier hull.......

 

[tazrig]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

Trim tabs give you more control at all speed vs. a fin on the drive will try to lift the back of the boat up out of the water faster the faster you go but it won't tip the boat to the left or right if and as your load onboard changes such as being able to correct for people switching seats. Your fin will not damage your l/u. If all you are concerned with is getting up on plane faster stay with the fin. If you want to be able to control keeping your boat at the proper angle at all times then look into a pair of trim tabs such as these:

Bennett Trim Tab Kits - iboats

They work great but are expensive.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

USUALLY the only "damage" is the holes drilled to mount it but on very rare cases I have seen cracked and broken anti vent plates on lower units. Not at all common tho

If you want to improve the handling of the boat look into nauticus smart tabs... best thing since sliced bread... they'll do everything the fin does and much more

 

[smithr130]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

thanks guys this really helps boat comes out of hole real good but if kids go with us it does squat in back some exspecially when they want to knee board or tube that is my main concern and damage to the vent plate thanks again

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

When I bought my boat it had a hydrofoil on it and part of it had broken off. It still worked somewhat but there were stress cracks on it around all the bolts. I ended up taking it off and learned how to use the trim tabs properly. Trim tabs work great for getting on plane and stabilizing the boat.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

Trim tabs = legit
Hydrofoil = not so much (with a few exceptions)

Lenco and Bennet are probably the best know brands of adjustable "Smart tabs", but you can also make a set of semi-adjustable, or fixed "dumb tabs" like in the pics below.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

tp clarify.... nauticus is the only "smart tab" and bennet has recently come out with a competing version... the well known bennets and lencos are the helm adjustable tabs... quite different and much more expensive than smart tabs

 

[jestor68]

Re: trim tabs vs hydrofoil

Ok guys I need some help from the experts here. I have a 90 bayliner capri 18 foot with a 90 hp. I currently have a hydrofoil on it which works well for getting it up on plane. I have been reading about the trim tabs and also about how the hydrofoil can cause damage to the lower unit. So my question is which is best, for getting on plane, handling, and also keeping the boat from bouncing around in choppy water. Thanks for all the help.