opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

[rpatton]

HI guys does anyone have any thoughts about whale tails on an io. We aquired a 17 ft 120 io that has a whale tail on it. Im wondering if i should leave it on or take it off. does it actuly do anything or does it put more stress on the drive and transom. Anyone pros and cons

 

[Bondo]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

HI guys does anyone have any thoughts about whale tails on an io. We aquired a 17 ft 120 io that has a whale tail on it. Im wondering if i should leave it on or take it off. does it actuly do anything or does it put more stress on the drive and transom. Anyone pros and cons

Ayuh,.... Yes it Does,....

If the hull Needs it, go to hull mounted Trim Tabs for the same effect, only Better,...

 

[southkogs]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

My boat had one on when I got it. I didn't notice ANY difference when i took it off. I might gain something with tabs, but I don't have any glaring problems either.

 

[SWD]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

Put one on my IO this spring......hole shot performance is amazing. Huge improvement for us anyways.

 

[jrclocks]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

Had one on both of my boats, 18.5' and 19'. Quicker on plane, helps getting skiers out of the water. Costs you about 3 MPH.

 

[alldodge]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

Put one (Stingray brand) on my 23 foot rinker right after warrenty period was over. Comes out of the water quicker but I see this as having plenty of power to push my boat in conjuction with the tail. Will say on plane at a lower speed, stability is good, but you do loose 2 to 3 mph at top end due to drag. If you bring the drive up just a little while stopped, it makes a great step to get into the boat without the ladder.

 

[JimS123]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

Whale Tail brand fins are mediocre at best. The original DoelFin is better than sliced bread. Improves performace for a fraction of the cost, plus you don't have to drill holes in the boat and rot out your transom.

Take yours off and see for yourself.

 

[pullin]

Re: opinion on Io WITH WHALE TAILS

...plus you don't have to drill holes in the boat and rot out your transom.

I'm pretty sure drilling holes doesn't have to cause rot. I suppose I should keep an eye on them, but my trim tabs haven't harmed the the transom yet.. they were installed in 1988.

My question is: If whale tails are such a performance improvement, why doesn't Mercury et al put them on at the factory? Or enlarge the plate above the prop (for the same effect)?