Hydrofoil on OMC

[chocking]

I have read a number of post/replies on hydrofoils. They sound perfect in my case. My play around boat, a 86 17ft Starcraft w/ an OMC 3.0 Stern Drive is very stern heavy. I'm looking to improve planing.

These seem easy to install. Drill a few holes in the caviatation plate and attach. Any real tricks or pieces of advice..

Looking for any advice on which Hydrofoils seem to be best..
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pony]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

I don't own a stern drive, but it was always my understanding that they ride a little lower in the water and that a hydrofoil would never fully come out of the water at WOT and slow you down from the drag. Maybe I am wrong, I am sure someone else can chime in on that part.

IMHO trim tabs are going to be a better answer for you, but if you're dead set on a hydrofoil it is as easy to install as you point out. I have one on my boat, but it was only after lots of testing etc, as they only help you on certain set ups. I would try moving weight around in the boat and exhaust all other things that may help you plan better first before resorting to a foil. JMHO.

 

[Mike722]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

I had an 86 Bomber 18' w/ the 3.0 OMC that had one on when I got it, so I do not know how it would act without it. However, with 2 adults and 3 small kids it was always hard to plane.

If I remember right it never came out of water at WOT top speed was 32-35 by myself and 25 or so with the family.

Nice boat but too loud and under powered.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Don't waste your money. Buy some trim tabs and you'll have much better results.

 

[chocking]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Trim tabs seem awfully expensive for a part time play around boat ( I use my Lund Pike for fishing).

As replied to earlier, do foils work okay on stern drives or would the foil sit too low in the water creating drag??
Top speed is usually about 38 mph ( by GPS) by myself.
about 29-30 loaded.
I do like the boat, just want it to ride a bit better on plane at lower speeds...Being a bow rider with a smaller front space, you tend to get more wiegth in the already heavy stern... Thought about actually creating some weight forward.
Love the boat, just always lokking to improve anything.
Thanks for the info so far.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Hydrofoil on a sterndrive is asking to damage the cav plate. The foil is not large enough to get you on plane much quicker anyway.
My 19 i/o had one on it when i bought the boat. The boat handled terrible! Caused a list to one side and steering pull.I junked it!
Put on a set of Smart Tabs and man what a difference!
Jumps on plane very fast handles great and i can slow down to about 12 to 15 mph and stay on plane!
Best money for a quick bolt on product you could ever spend.
They have just come out with a lower cost version of Smart Tabs,about 150 bucks. You would never regret buying them!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

I have to agree Smart tabs improve things all around.
Hole shot,Staying on plane at lower power, no wake speed control.By far the better solution.
That being said:: I had very good luck with Doelfins on
a 15 ft 50 hp outboard and a 18ft Cobia i/o with 120 hp.
If you must,try the Doelfin.Keep in mind It could screw up handling as well.IThey do reduce top speed a little but I couldn't tell without a speedo.

 

[QC]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Please consider what people here are telling you. Trim tabs are wonderful and Hydrofoils are cheaper . . . Yes, there are some people that report good results, but I would bet a ton that those same people would've been happier with trim tabs. Hydrofoils introduce potentially unsafe handling characteristics, however, if used properly, almost all V-hull handling characteristics are enhanced with trim tabs.

Believe what you want, but consider that many boat manufacturers install trim tabs as standard equipment, yet not one I/O or OB manufacturer sells their own hydrofoil . . .

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Smart Tabs all the way and the customer service is imposable to beat. Where else can you call the owner of the company and just chat!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Check out Bennett trim tabs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

I've used both hydrofoils and my current boat has Smart Tabs. I removed the foil from my previous boat and I would have to hurt someone badly if they attempted to separte me and my Smart Tabs.

 

[chocking]

Re: Hydrofoil on OMC

Thanks for all the input people. I have been doing some research on Smart Tabs, and they do seem like the ticket.
I think that will be my investment. A little more, but not bad compared with what seems to be limited success along with some potential side effects from hydros.

Thanks