No difference with or without a hydrofoil?

[Beefer]

When I bought my boat last summer, it had a hydrofoil on it. I wasn't excited about that, but figured I'd leave it on and see how it went. She jumped up on plane, got good fuel economy (3mpg), and topped out at 33mph (gps), that's before I had u-joint problems. As some may know, I spent the last 2 months doing some work on the boat (cosmetic/cleanup, except for new u-joints). Didn't do anything with the engine while it was out. Putting it all back together, I decided to leave the hydrofoil off, and see how she performed, as I could always put it back on.

Splashed her last night, and took her for a run. I didn't notice any difference in planing. Didn't run very long (just back to my house), so I don't know about mpg, and didn't bring my GPS/FF/DF, so not sure about speed. I was only in the ICW, and the water was flat as glass. Should I expect to see a difference when in chop or the GoM?

 

[rallyart]

Re: No difference with or without a hydrofoil?

How fast you get out of the hole and how slow you can run with the nose down are really the only things the foil is likely to help with. In a storm you can sometimes run at a better speed with a foil on because the hull is flatter at below planing speeds.
If you don't notice much change with the foil off, just leave it off.

 

[ufm82]

Re: No difference with or without a hydrofoil?

This is my take on the foils when in a body of water with real wave action such as the Gulf as you mentioned. I have been out in the Gulf, Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair in my boat. I have been on those bodies of water in waves of up to 6'. (Long story there.) When I was out in those conditions I wondered about foils. (I have tabs on my boat.) Since I was basically plowing along in the waves and I wanted to keep the nose up so I didn't stuff a wave, I ran with a little up trim to keep the bow up. That speed makes for a long trip and kills fuel mileage. I would have to think that a foil on the L/U, when trimmed up a bit at low speeds, would dig in and actually try to raise the bow/pull down the stern even further. This would also kill the speed and make you work the engine even harder. I have to agree with rally- if you saw no difference leave it off until you have a chance to really see if it was a help or hindrance.

 

[Fed]

Re: No difference with or without a hydrofoil?

You might find a little more low speed wander without the foil.

 

[5150abf]

Re: No difference with or without a hydrofoil?

It almost has to reach plane at a higher speed and need more speed to maintain a plane, but if you like the boat without it don't run it.

I know on mine there is a vast difference without it, took it off once and won't do it again.

I am up right now and can maintain plane at 12mph, I river fish and there are some shallow spots so getting up and out is important to me.