My 16’ Lund had a fin (Hydra Foil) on it when I bought the boat. I took it off before I even brought it to the lake. That was about 3 yrs. ago. I put it back on a couple of weeks ago, just to see what difference it would make. I haven’t been experience any issues, I was just curious. It sucked! Seemed to add drag & lowered my top speed by a couple mph. I took it off as soon as I got home. If anybody wants it they can have it.
Bob Van Gundy
803-727-4069
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
OR MABYE A DISTORTION IN THE EARTHS GRAVITATIONAL FIELD.
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Chris said a funny!
In electronics it’s referred to as F.M.
I’ve experimented with Dolfins… The only time i liked one was on a little 15’ Stratos that was a little over powered (rated for a 75 but running a 115), it stopped proposing but dropped my top end speed by 5mph +/- I’ve also seen them help on under powered boats loaded heavy to get on plain quicker.
A hydrofoil shouldn’t help with leaning on plane, actually it shouldn’t even be in the water at that point. If it’s just a weight distribution issue tabs will help alot, but it sounds like you have a bigger problem.
Leaning “a little” is an inherent trait most deep-v boats. It’s the nature of the hull. Some hulls are better than others and weight distribution plays a big factor also.
Not sure how you’re trying to run the boat, but try to trim your motor up some, raise the bow. Look at how your boat sits in the water. With everyone in their normal riding place, how does the boat sit? Side to side attitude is important, but forward to aft is just as important. If you are nose heavy it will make the boat “tippy” when it’s up on plane.
For me, trim tabs are a must. I’ve had them on every deep-v boat I have owned. Often times I run the boat without having to adjust either tab, but if something changes while underway, I just punch the button and the hull is level again.
One other thing to consider, Is the motor mounted properly? If the motor is mounted too low it can cause the boat to list to the port side. There are some good You Tube videos on how to recognize this problem.
I’ve had a doelfin and smarttabs and prefer the tabs. The tail really affected my top end. But the shocks on the tabs don’t do well in the salt so plan on swapping them out because they will fail. They are not too expensive and swap out in minutes. I also changed my hardware to all stainless.
I have found Dole fins work well if you run a high pitch prop, allowing you to plane without cavation and over reving! Trim tabs will do the same thing but a much higher cost!