Do they help? I’ve got a 16 ft. v-hull with no issues that I’m aware of(I’ve only had it out once), and the hydrofoil came with the boat. It wasn’t mounted and the guy I bought the boat from couldn’t give me a straight answer. I just didn’t know whether it would be worth my while to bolt it on.
Thanks.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I had my 16 Sea Fox with 60HP 4 stroke for a year before getting a foil…would not take it off for anything…better hole shot, less chine walk, better top end…just be careful if you have to drill holes to mount it…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Yes…Had a problem with my 17 ft Scout not getting on plane after having a platform and some extra weight added to the rear and only using a 70 hp outboard. Added a SE Sport 300 and it jumps on plane quicker and at a lower speed. Helped with porpoising too. Easily the best $60 spent on the boat.
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
The holes are already drilled, so it was mounted at some time. I might bolt it on & see what happens when I go out Sat.
Thanks.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Just curious…which one did you get?
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
I speak only from experience on very small outboards (6-8hp) but they seem to be able to help a little if you are underpowered. You’ll possibly find better use if you have the engine sitting a little lower in the water, definitely gives more lift to the transom.
The real answer, so far as I’ve found it, though, is that you only need them if something is a little “not quite right”. There’s nothing wrong with using them, but generally speaking, a properly matched boat and outboard combo, with the motor mounted vertically appropriately, shouldn’t need it. Again, I’m a cabinet maker, not a boat builder, and I’ve only used them on small outboards.
I had a 6hp long-shaft that a hydrofoil worked WONDERS for. It lifted the transom rather nicely and basically forced it “on plane” even at low speeds (probably wasn’t truly up on step, but it rode far nicer). I swapped it for a 7.5 short shaft, same hydrofoil, same exact motor basically. The hydrofoil made it far worse. So I removed it.
… The Cross of Christ is the anvil upon which the hammer of evil wore itself out.
quote:
Originally posted by RedTideJust curious…which one did you get?
2012 Scout 177
Yamaha 70
It’s a Stingray Hydrofoil that came with the boat. The previous owner had removed it, but he didn’t say why.
I forgot to mention in my original post that it’s a 16 ft. aluminum v-hull, with a 45 hp. Mercury, 4 cylinder.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
mine is a stingray as well…again, I wouldn’t do without mine now…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Love mine. Put one on the 15ft War Eagle when I had to repower with a F25. Really helped to offset the effects of the heavier four stroke. Helped with getting on plane and allowed me more trim without porpoising.
If you do not have the instructions with it, go on line and get them. Motor height is critical when using them. If the motor is too low the steering and performance will be greatly affected.I`ve used them on five or six boats, on some they were great and others not so much.
I had one on my sea pro. Took it off and gained 7 mph on the top end. I’ve since installed smart tabs and like them although the shocks suck - one blew out and they sent me a replacement for free (good customer service), but now another is blown out.
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
President, Summerville Saltwater Anglers