Re: Stabiliser/Hydrofoil for '81 Merc
Unicorn;<br /><br />I am John DeAgro from Nauticus, Inc. and we are the manufacturer of Smart Tabs.<br /><br />Since you are from Australia i thought you might be interested in an article from Powerboat magazine on a similar boat to yours in your own waters.<br /><br />The Jan. 2001 issue of Powerboat magazine in your country wrote an editorial on Smart Tabs (by Jim Harnwell). The boat was a 5 meter aluminium with a 75 hp two stroke Mariner. Here are a few quotes from the editor: "During the four years I've been running my boat, it has displayed no particluar vices when it comes to handling and performance, so i was keen to see what, if any, improvements could be made with the addition of Smart Tabs."<br /><br />"A run out into Jervis Bay with a blustery westerly wind creating substantial chop saw a GPS recorded top speed of 31.5 knots at 5800 RPM, and improvement over non-tab speed of 28 knots at 5600 rpm. I recorded a minimally faster acceleration rate with the Smart Tabs activated. <br /><br />"Driving at speed in a cross wind also resulted in a pleasing discovery. Like most smallish, light boats, my runabout has a tendency to bounce around when driven hard across chop in windy conditions".<br /><br />"Without the tabs the ride was uneven and difficult to control in the chop generated by the 25 knot westerly."<br />"With the tabs the boat handled much better, digging into the water and remaining level and easy to steer".<br /><br />"More interesting was the way the tabs helped push the bow of the boat down when rising up on the plane."<br /><br />I suspect that some or all of the things you would like to fix on your boat are the same as this editors boat. <br /><br />Do a search on this site under hydrofoils and Smart Tabs.
I meant to mention it.<br />It's a 50 HP 4cyl 2 stroke.