Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

[Zac]

I just bought a starfire from around 1972, it has a 65hp mercury engine, for 250 dollars. It isn't <br />the best boat but for $250 I like it alot. Anyway today I took it out for the first time. When I<br />was going almost full speed I turned the steering wheel fairly sharp and the boat started <br />to hydroplane sideways. What could I buy or do that would help this problem?

 

[Hooty]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

Hey Zac,<br />Sounds like the ole boat is trimmed out about right. I don' think a whale-tail will stop the slipping out. They are mostly for getting the stern up and bow down coming out of the hole. <br />You might try trimming the engine in (prop closer to the transom) or lowering the engine, but like I said, sounds 'bout right ta me.<br /><br />g'luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Ross J]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

Sounds like you'd be better to add some runners down the outside of the hull. That way you'd stop the slipping and even increase the steering response.<br />Ross

 

[Hooty]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

Add runners to the hull (chine area) with caution. Next thing ya know, instead of slipping out, hull will "trip" (quits slipping and grabs the water) and propell ya right out of the driver's seat (been there,done that). You might try a deeper keel, but other than trimming the engine, I'd leave it alone.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Zac]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

Thanks a bunch guys I went out and bought a stablizer anyway just cause all the other things <br />it advertized sounded like it would help with some other problems. I installed it 2 days ago and finally got to try it out yesterday, it helped with alot of problems but like you said it didn't fix the original problem. Although it did help top end speed. We went 35mph with 4 people on board and pulling someone on a tube. That is with a 65hp, $250, 31 year old boat. Thanks for your tips I might try them both but first I will have to figure out the details.

 

[aeronutt29]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

I had a similar problem with a similar boat many years ago. The trick with adding runners to the bottom is to not over-do it. I used epoxy to glue 2 four foot long 1 inch aluminum angle extrusions to the bottom of the boat about 12 inches from center. The back of the extrusions was about 1 foot ahead of the transom. I'm sure some engineer could figure out something more scientific, but this $15 fix lasted for two years until I sold the boat and gave it just enough extra bite to prevent side slipping, but not so much that it tried to high-side. If you do a similar trick, let us know how it works!

 

[evin300]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

Get a SS prop for this boat, or at least try one. Would you take a high speed turn in the rain with bald tires on your car? Would you rather re-build your hull? or try a better traction device? Get it?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Will a hydrofoil stabilizer help my problem?

Dont see why a prop would help stop side slip or why you would put on a prop worth more than your boat<br /> Just use some common sense and you will be fine.