Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

[Taz59]

Seen a few of these fitted do they help.
Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

Cheers

 

[Philster]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

Not on a boat that is set up right. Most I/O boats and most boats with a proper, matching engine that isn't a dodgy setup will not benefit.

Honestly, they can be dangerous. That's why engine builders and boat builders don't offer them.

Now, on some smaller, odd combinations of boat/engines (think of the millions odd O/B and boat combos) they can help. These tend to be slower boats with barely any planing power that are always heavy in the rear. They don't do much maneuvering, so the hydrofoil really doesn't make the handling dodgy at all.

Hope this help.

Cheers.

.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

Agree with above. I don't like stressing my cavitation plate either. Lots of force from rushing water that the lower unit was not designed for. I know, I know, there are lots of people using them. Just my obsevations.

 

[maagee79]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

What exactly is the purpose of them? I have a 15ft boat with a 150 tower on it the old motor had one the new motor doesn't. I did have problems planing out last year just thought motor was a dog.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

They are supposed to add lift like an airplane wing.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

Hydrofoils do work but I am unfamiliar with how effective that brand is. It seams pretty simple and similar to others.
They accomplish a few things that are very nice like less bow rise on starts and a lower planing speed but often make steering harder. Think of them as a fix for a problem and not as an improvement in design though.

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

All the designs are pretty similar and work similarly.
Pros:
-They will help get you on plane faster by forcing the bow down much like a trim tab.
-They can reduce planing speeds.

Cons:
-On a setup where the engine is not mounted high enough and the anti-ventilation plate (commonly referred to as the cavitation plate) is below the waters surface, they will cause extra drag reducing speed and efficiency.
-In rough water, they can put extra stress on the anti-ventilation plate and crack it.

My suggestion before adding things like this is to optimize your setup. Engine height, propeller selection, weight distribution, etc.

If you have a particular problem with your setup (like porpoising), let me(us) know and we can offer up some suggestions.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

I have a 1989 reinell 19 ft with omc 4.3. I have been running hydro foils on it for 15 years. Last 10 of that was with the SE300. My boat is powered properly and did well before the hydrofoil. With the hydrofoil it kicks the back of the boat up as soon as you hit the throttle and it planes quicker. Pulls better. Better fuel economy, smoother at high speed and it wont porpoise during high speed turns. I see all of the negative comments on hydrofoils on this site but my 1989 has 600 hours on it. 500 of that was with a hydrofoil with no issues to report.

 

[Philster]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

I would file that under 'lucky'.

When something is ill-advised (adding hydrofoil), it does not mean 100% bad results. Like putting the wrong tires on a car or doing anything that is ill-advised, a disproportionate number of people will experience bad results. In the case of a hydrofoil, you risk -- not guarantee -- squirrelly handling/behavior, drag, etc. The risk is taken on for no good reason. Props, tabs, engine heights and other setup issues are inherently wiser/safer.

.

 

[ericp501]

Re: Do these help you-Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

Seen a few of these fitted do they help.
Hydrofoil SST-B Hydrostabilizer

Cheers

I did smart tabs over the hydrofoil.. Much better reviews and I def noticed a smoother ride and I get up on plane faster