What is this plate for?

[Pilotn8]

I’ve never seen another boat with anything quite like this. What is it for? 1968 mercruiser 160 with the Chevy inline 6.

 

[jbcurt00]

DIY whale tail, hotly debated add-on that many think is useless. The boats PO thought it worthwhile, but not enough to buy 1...

 

[Scott Danforth]

prior to being a DIY whale tale, it looks like it used to be a road sign

 

[Pilotn8]

Haha that’s hilarious. Maybe I’ll experiment with it off once I get her running right.

 

[gm280]

Actually it is used to help plane out the boat easier. The do sell them for that very reason. But this one was home-made and probably accomplishes the exact same thing the store bought units do. I'd be interesting to hear from you when you try it on and off to see what different it makes if any. Let us know. JMHO