Re: Smart tabs vs Hydrofoils
This is worse than a Ford vs. Chevy discussion because many boaters are sooooo opinionated that they can't or won't listen to the other side. Thus, I know I'm going to get blasted big time because I am going to take the unpopular side.
To preface my remarks let me say that there is no "one size all" answer. It depends on the specific boat's configuration. There are boats that don't need either, and others that should not be run without one or the other. Boats that are problematic typically fall under the category of being very stern heavy. Here are my examples:
20' Bowrider - OE stern mounted gas tank, 10 HP outboard added on a bracket, and OB gas tank installed under stern seat. Not feasible to move equipment around so have to live with a stern heavy condition. Could not get much positive trim without porpoising at mid range speeds, and lots of bow rise on acceleration. The trim tabs enabled full trim but did not satisfactorily reduce bow rise. Visa versa for the Doel Fin. But Fin and tabs together eliminated all objectional characteristics and gave a speed increase with no increase in fuel consumption.
14' Tiller Fishing Boat - boat used solo most of the time, so all the weight is aft. Bow rise corrected with tilt angle adjustments. Ran OK up to 18 HP, but when a 35 HP was hung on the transom, bow rise was not correctable. Doel Fin solved the problem and increased speed too.
23' Cuddy - long sleek light bow area, small aft cockpit. Bow Rise! Doel Fin fixed 90%. A double cupped special prop fixed the rest.
15' Wood Lapstreak Aft cockpit 1952 runabout, aft gas tank, aft driver - runs perfect needs nothing. Damn, they designed boats better in the old days.
I speak here not from what I read or what somebody told me, but my own personal experience and data. When I say data I mean RPM, GPS speed and GPH. Also, fins don't make the cavitation plate break off unless they were improperly installed (I have one on an I/O that has been there 26 years). And, the engine manufacturers don't put them on in the first place because they don't know what boat you are going to put it on.
So, my recommendation would be to buy both and try one, the other and both and see for yourself.
