Whale tails question

[rpatton]

Can anyone tell me do they work or not on a stern drive. Also how do they afect speed.

 

[Philster]

Re: Whale tails question

Not for stern drives. Consider trim tabs. The tails help or hurt speed, depending on what you slap them on, but they should never be on a stern drive boat. They can create dangerous handling issues, too.

I consistently give them an exemption for some outboards. Think of the hundreds of thousands of outboard boats out there in all sorts of odd varieties -- one frankenstein after the other. In the world of odd boat/outboard combos, a whale tail can help.

For any normal boat, get tabs.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Whale tails question

What problems are you having? What size boat?

Usually tabs are the answer to most sterndrive issues such as excessive bowrise, porpoising, slow time to plane due to plowing, etc. The whaletails put pressure on the drive and affect steering. Pushing up in the middle of the boat via the drive causes instability, while pushing at both edges stabilizes. Also the larger the boat the less any plastic fin can have any effect on the hull action.

The fins are really aimed at keeping a prop from blowing out or cavitating on outboards where the motor height can be set higher, a way to tune for top speed.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Whale tails question

I want Phil on my side in Family Feud to hit the button....

 

[steelespike]

Re: Whale tails question

I've had success with foils(doelfins) on 2 vastly different boats a 18' 3.0 Cobia I/O and a 15 ft Startcraft Nova with a 87 50 Evinrude.
They did as advertised Planed quicker with less bow rise So my height challenged mother and sister could see over the bow. Also less bow rise when slowing.
They didn't adversely affect handling or speed though I never compared with and without.
Both were on thje boats for several years The I/O was removed when my niece destroyed the gear case while
arguing with my sister about a safe passage for the boat. The outboard was removed when the motor was put on a
new pontoon.I don't recommend the foils for the reasons mentioned.Tabs do as better job but need to be installed carefully and used gently.
They to can cause strange handling, poor speed and excessive fuel use.

 

[rpatton]

Re: Whale tails question

Thanks guys i will be taking off

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Whale tails question

I want Phil on my side in Family Feud to hit the button....

ditto