Hydrofoils

[jlemke]

I have seen a quite a few hydrofoils on bass boats and other outboard rigs, but how are they on an 5.0 I/O equipted 19' fiberglass bowrider? I am looking for improvements for getting skiers up and lower planing speed for wakeboarding. How about 1 piece (like SE Sports) vs 2 piece (like Doel Fin)?<br /><br />I already upgraded my prop to a Hustler with the holes in it for better hole shots. Can't wait to try it out, still a little frozen up here in MN though. <br /><br />One more, are Skeg guards worth the investment? <br />

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Hydrofoils

Jimmy, I have used the foils on several of my boats over the years, on hulls up to 21 feet. I have used all the brands, and the one piece Stingray is the choice for me. Doel fin is old school crap. I don't know if it will create enough lift to slow your speed down for boarding. As a last resort, you may have to drop down in pitch on the prop.

 

[roy w. shakun]

Re: Hydrofoils

check out www.adventuremarine.net, this vintage canadian guy makes the best quality powdercoated aluminum foils i have ever seen. my bother had a 21 cc with a 175 johnson, the boat would plane at 12 to 14 mph, instead of 19 mph. also, in rough seas you could trim down and really use the bow to push the hull thru, and keep from pounding. hole shots were almost instant, although that is not what we use the boat for. worth checking out!

 

[DJ]

Re: Hydrofoils

NorthWoods Jimmy,<br /><br />I disagree about Doel Fin. All of them will improve your pulling power somewhat. There are just too many variables: hull deadrise, engine X-dimension, weight, load, etc. to make a guarantee.<br /><br />You choose what you like. I do not think any of them will hurt anything. If they do not do anything for you, you do not have much invested and you can always fill the holes with JB Weld.<br /><br />More importantly-prop it correctly. Make sure your top RPM is what the manufacturer of your drive suggests.

 

[DJ]

Re: Hydrofoils

Northwoods Jimmy,<br /><br />I disagree about Doel Fin. I tend not to knock a product unless there is PROOF, it doesn't work. There isn't.<br /><br />There are too many variables to make a guarantee on any of them. The variables are: hull deadrise, X-dimension on engine mount, transom angle, etc.<br /><br />Generally, the fins will help the pulling power. They may bleed some top end speed-see above.<br /><br />Most importantly, make sure you're propped right. The engine should reach top manufacturers suggest RPM to be running efficiently. Fins are no miracle cure, however I've seen them turn sluggish rigs into respectable performers. I've also seen them cause problems: sluggish, too much spray, etc.<br /><br />The best part is: you're not out alot of $$$ either way. You can always fill the holes with JB Weld!

 

[crab bait]

Re: Hydrofoils

the ones i have don't know the brand name but look like doel style.. came in a brite orange blister pack.. anyway ,, it said on the package "" IF NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED RETURN TO WHERE YOU BOUGHT THEM FOR A FULL REFUND "" when i read that i bought 'em.. notin' to loose.. turned out be the best cottonpickin' thing i ever bought.... i love em .. can't say nuff about em..

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Hydrofoils

Ditto with crab bait. I've used both Doel Fin and Stingrays (and got them for my friends) and I really can't tell any performance difference.<br /><br />But you have to start out with the right prop first.<br /><br />In my opinion, they are only a help if everything else is set up properly.