Hydrofail???????

[gasman]

Are they worth it 


Don't have a problem getting to or staying on plane while at higher speeds but when cruising at slower speeds, say 10 to 15 MPH, the back of the boat sits low and the boat does not move smoothly through the water. I have tried adjusting the trim but cant seem to get the nose down at slower sppeds.

Is this to be expected or will a Hydrofoil help solve this issue?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/SE-Sport-Hydrofoil/699943.uts?productVariantId=1184235&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=02750007&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=028599CB-958E-DF11-A0C8-002219318F67&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=41499689711&mr:keyword&mr:match&mr:filter=57965610191&gclid=CMzi4I7slb0CFSISMwodG0EA-A&gclsrc=aw.ds

[FC]

I put the same one on my boat, it made a big difference! Prior minimum planing speed was about 16-17mph and it brought it down to about 12-13mph. This helped me out a lot for the rougher days when it's tough to do more than about 15mph, you can stay on plane instead of just guzzling gas plowing. With a full load (overload) for a week in the San Jauns it hops right up on plane too.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Yes,  HydrofOil plates work. 

I've used them before. If your boat has correct weight distribution, then they'll get you up on plane at a slightly slower speed. They'll help an improperly loaded boat some but won't perform miracles.

-Steve

[gasman]

Yes, HydrofOil plates work. 

 

-Steve

You caught that 

[Westside88]

They do work to help a boat plane at slower speeds or if you have trim issues.  I like my Searay better without it because it doesn't turn as quickly.  I had one of the Cabelas combo ones that also have a trolling plate. I've heard for some boats they can make a real difference

[FC]

I like my Searay better without it because it doesn't turn as quickly. 

Mine corners the same or better unless you have it trimmed to max, then it aerates the prop on hard turns.

[MagKarl]

Yes, they work great to keep you on plane at lower speed.  I have a model called Stingray hydrofoil from the 80's.  They do create a bit more drag though and top speed is reduced a few MPH, nothing's free. 

[Badhabit]

They work in most cases. IMO before I spend money and start drilling holes in my motor I'd make sure my motor height was correct and not set too low. See image. If the motor is set too low it will make the transom plow through the water thus taking more energy to make the bow come down and stay down. If your motor is too low and you raise it up you should notice an increase in rpm's, quicker planing time and better economy and easier to steer.

[lokidog]

My opinion is that it depends on what size/weight of boat that it is going on.  I had a 13' inflatible with a 15 hp, the hydrofoil allowed that thing to bounce up and plane at about 6 mph, it also helped keeep the boat from porpoising (bow going up and down and up and down).  I put one on my 19' Alumaweld with a 90 hp engine.  It did not make as noticeable of a difference, however, I think it does help a bit.  Do I think it would make a difference on my 21' Trophy with a 150hp engine, probably not as the hydrodynamic lift would likely not be enough to help on the heavier motor and boat.

I tried one of the type that does not have the shape of a wing, it did not make any difference.  The Doel Fin is what I would recommend. 

http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instruments-440-Doel-Fin-Hydrofoil/dp/B0014490TS

The one on my 15 hp is a one piece unit and fit snuggly enough that I never did drill holes for it.  The larger one on the 90 is only attached using the forward bolt as it fits tightly enough that it will not pivot even with only one pin.

Hope this helps

[gasman]

Thanks guys for the responses 

Sounds like it would help to achieve what I am looking for  not on th etop of my list to get but its one thing to consider.