Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

[buckeye_sean]

I've got a 9.9 Nissan 2-stroke (only motor) on my 17' Basstracker alum. that I use to fish a restricted lake. When I'm by myself or only with my 5 yr. old son, I have no problem with the boat planing out at WOT. However, when I fish with another full size person it drags butt. I've tried adjusting the angle of the motor, but no dice. <br /><br />I realize it's only a 9.9, and perhaps I just have to live with it. However, I've been considering trying out one of the "dolphin?" fins I've seen at local Walmart or Meijers. I figure for $25 it's not such a gamble. What do you folks think? Am I wasting time and money, or do you think I would see some improvement.

 

[buckeye_sean]

Re: Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

-bump-

 

[digimortal777]

Re: Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

it mayhelp get the stern up out of a drink a bit<br />but as you said it is only a 9.9

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

You might want to try a lower pitch "torquier" prop.

 

[buckeye_sean]

Re: Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

Just seeing if anyone had any actual first hand experience on a smaller motor 5-15hp...

 

[OBJ]

Re: Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

Hey Buckeye!!! Be out yer way this weekend. My son lives in Renoldsburg.<br /><br />But to the question....You may be able to help things by looking at the engine set up on the transom. Where is the anti-cavitation plate in regards to the keel of the boat? General rule of thumb....the cav plate should be even with or not more than an inch above or below the keel....above is preferable. Generally improves performance. <br /><br />Do you know what kind of rpms the engine is turning? If you could find that out and if need be change prop pitch to get closer to the operational rpm at WOT, this may help also.<br /><br />The Dolphin may or may not help. Good to know how the rig is set up before hand.

 

[buckeye_sean]

Re: Any benefit to "dolphin fins" on 9.9?

OBJ, thanks for the response - should have nice weather for your trip, although a bit chilly for August here.<br /><br />Anyway, cav. plate is right at the keel. No, I don't have a tac yet, (it's on my list) but I do notice that the RPM's seem to go up a bit if I sit on the front casting deck while my son drives and down when I sit back by the motor. (Just an experiment I did.)<br /><br />I'll try to purchase a tac in the next few weeks so I can get some numbers and try to repost this later. Maybe then I'll see if I need to reprop or if my problem lies elsewhere.