Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

[kykayak]

I just purchased a Saturn Kaboat SK487XL (See link below for details and pictures). If your not familiar with the kaboats, they are a hybrid between inflatable boat and kayak. This model is the largest the company makes. The boat is 16 ft in length, 50" wide, and will be powered by my Mercury 9.8 HP outboard. I plan to boat alone quite often. I know properly balancing the boat out is always a good thing. I plan to run my fuel tank in the bow of the boat. The company suggest the installation of a hydrofoil device on the outboard, to help with plaining and trim. There are two hydrofoils I'm currently considering first is a stabilizer called permatrim. Looks best, seems most practical, extending the cavitation plate. Second is a hydrofoil called SE 200. A little cheaper, but more of a hydrofoil device. Any others anyone would suggest for my application? Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Link to pics and info on Kaboat SK487XL:
http://xtbuy.com/GetItem.php?Id=170554468324

 

[kykayak]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

Also, I've considered trim tab devices, but the boat seems to be to narrow to consider using them. If anyone knows any products that would work, please help out, and speak up.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

Ayuh,... I'd Try it 1st,...

You're trying to fix a problem that may not even exist....

 

[5150abf]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

Well you are trying to push a 16' boat with a 10 horse engine so I really don't think you would notice if there was a foil or not, it just isn't enough power to have it or tabs for that matter to work correctly.

Also with a non rigid hull it will take even more power to push it so you are looking at maybe 5-7 mph, agian not enough speed to make either of those devices work.

 

[kykayak]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

Well you are trying to push a 16' boat with a 10 horse engine so I really don't think you would notice if there was a foil or not, it just isn't enough power to have it or tabs for that matter to work correctly.

Also with a non rigid hull it will take even more power to push it so you are looking at maybe 5-7 mph, agian not enough speed to make either of those devices work.

I don't think you quite understand what it is. A 3.5 HP motor can run 10-12 mph on it. A 10hp will run 17-20. It is 3 ft wide and only weights 80 lbs. So basically it's a sled.

Also not asking if I need a stabilizer, asking for suggestions on what to buy.

I go fast enough that it's hard keeping the bow down.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

Also with a non rigid hull it will take even more power to push it so you are looking at maybe 5-7 mph, agian not enough speed to make either of those devices work.

You'd be suprised. My 9 ft inflatable dinghy will put me on plane (7-8 kts) with a 3.5 HP.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

I go fast enough that it's hard keeping the bow down.

Try changing the running angle of the motor (that adjustable rod thingy in the mounting bracket). If you're bound and determined, buy the cheapest wing so you won't be out too much money ... :facepalm:

 

[dan t.]

Re: Help with selecting hydrofoil for unique small inflatable?

I use a Stingray Jr. on my 8ft 6 Quicksilver inflateable, 6 hp Merc, makes the diference whether it will plane with 2 people or not,it does make it a little twitchy with only 1 person.