Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

[Mjust]

Im just curious on what your thoughts are on installing a hydrofoil on an Aplha One outdrive pushing 200+HP. Ive looked at the SE 300 for $50 and it claims to improve handling and performance. Thoughts or experiences??

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

To Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)

 

[jastacey]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

There was one on the boat ( 19' Bayliner ), when I purchased it, It made the boat kinda hard to turn, ( stiff steering ), took it off and it made a huge differance in the steering resistance, it really didn't make that much differance in the time, in getting on plan, I plan on getting a set of smart tabs

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

Are you experiencing a specific handling or performance issue that you are trying to correct? If not -- why add a foil? If you have a hard time getting on-plane, staying on plane at slower speeds, porpoising, chine walking, or some other handling issue, then think about corrective measures. Stern heavy boats can have a problem getting on plane. Redistribution of weight can make a big difference -- without adding a foil. Besides, there is a far better solution for not much more money -- they are called Smart Tabs. Nearly everyone on these forums, including me, has used a foil at one time or another and since Smart Tabs have appeared, the foils go into the trash where no one else can get their hands on them.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

i only recommend foils to people i don't like. i have 2 sets in the shed. go with smart tabs. go to the iboats store, and search smart tabs. another reason is you are trying to lift the stern of the boat, why put the stress on the outdrive, put it at the bottom of the transom where it belongs.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

DO NOT waste your money on the "hydrofoil". They are a band-aid solution that doesn't really work. They put an incredible amount of stress on the antiventilation plate(it was not designed for this). They create additional drag. They are not ajustable, so they continue provide lift even when you no longer need it. ALL of the lift is at the centerline, this is an inherently unstable point to focus lift.

Did I mention that because of all of the above that they can be dangerous and cost you a few mph on the top end?

 

[licketdsplit756]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

Note: To All Those Who Own Hydrofoils. Im Opening A Recycling Business For Hydrofoils. Dont Delay Thow Yours Away. Im Not Sure They Would Even Make Good Frizbees. Lol

 

[nlain]

Re: Hydrofoil?? Your Thoughts???

Hydrofoil, NO!! Smart Tabs, Yes.