Hydrofoil

[longshot 1]

I have a 86 Bayliner Capri with a 130 HP Volvo Penta engine and a 275 O/D. When idling along in gear it looks like a drunken sailor behind the wheel it wanders all over. I have checked the steering and there is very little play not enough to bother that much. I am wondering if it is the Hydrofoil. Could the hydrofoil cause this?

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Hydrofoil

Some boats designs cause this reaction. but the hydrofoil could make it worse in certain cases.

I have found that different trim settings can reduce the effect. Try running with the trim all the way down and then raise it a bit (try several higher positions) and note any change.

In my case keeping the lower unit about level with the water (as you might when cruising) improved this wander quite a bit.

Good Luck.

Bob

 

[longshot 1]

Re: Hydrofoil

This O/D doesnt have a trim it only has a power lift with a manual tilt setting. The tilt is all the way down I may bring it up a notch, also I think I will try it without the Hydrofoil first. Thanks

Richard

 

[steelespike]

Re: Hydrofoil

I/Os tend to wander terribly.Very careful attention to the boats movements can help you to react before it wanders too far.try to avoid overcorrection.Also I have heard that the smart tabs help.I've had good luck with foils but I now think the smart tabs or similar devices are the only way to go because there are usually many positive results with few bad side effects.Foils can cause negative problems.

 

[longshot 1]

Re: Hydrofoil

Spike,
Thanks for the tip on the Smart Tabs. I was reading up on them and I think they would keep the boat much stabler.

Richard