Do hydrofoils really do anything?

[JGIPSON]

Im still pretty new to the boating world, I was just wondering what exactly hydrofoils do exactly. And if I should get one for my new boat. 24'4" Vindicator powered by 7.4 merc, bravo 1 drive.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

if spending money, i would go with smart tabs, they help get on plane quicker, with low speed handling. makes the boat more stable. i would never consider a hydrofoil (whaletail) on a boat your size. here's link to the corp site, (owner memember of Iboats Forum), and they are available thru the I boats store. http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabs.htm

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

I see 20 to 26 foot boats with a hydrofoil on the outdrive. Makes me wonder if all the pressure of lifting the back of a boat that size is something you want to put through the outdrive. To me, some type of trim tab is a better way to go, because they are mounted to the hull, and lift the hull directly, not by lifting the hull by lifting the outdrive. That just has to put unnecessary strain on the outdrive.

If you have a big boat, you need a big solution, not a $20 piece of plastic.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

Hydrofoils, in my opinion are best suited for smaller boats that have planing and porpoising issues. As Tashas said, the tabs are a far better solution. They give a much more performance-oriented solution to the aforementioned issues.

The hydrofoil gives more lift to help get the boat over the "wave" created by the boat getting up on plane.​

 

[QC]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

jgipson,

I see on another thread that you're trying to get more speed out of your Vindicator. You really need less stuff in the water, not more . . .

 

[JGIPSON]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

yeah, i have learned that im pretty much at max speed, was just curious about handling issues with the hydrofoil. the bat seems to get up on plane pretty quickly right now, but is a little slow on handling response once running at higher speeds. As I said I am still pretty new to all this stuff. My previous boat was a 19 1/2 foot VIP with a yammie sterndrive and 5.7 liter v8. So this bigger boat is a lot different to me right now.

 

[QC]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

the bat seems to get up on plane pretty quickly right now

bOat right? If so then a little more pitch might help your top speed . . .

but is a little slow on handling response once running at higher speeds

Elaborate a little more on this. May be normal, but I am not really sure what you mean . . .

 

[flashback]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

yep, you have a big weight difference between the 2 boats.. handling will be quite different.. kinda like an MG and a Crown Vic.. As a matter of fact, I'll bet the VIP was a little faster at top end..All these folks are right, you don't want a wale tail....

 

[JGIPSON]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

i just meant that its a little different on handling than what im used to. It probably is just the difference in boat sizes.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

Hydrofoils on big boats break antiventilation plates. That's a lot of load for eighth-inch thick cast aluminum.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

Trim tabs or more master technique with the trim to help the boat handle.

Have you tried a 4 blade prop? Made a huge change in handling for my bass boat.

 

[Malibud]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

My boat ( a 20' Malibu 5.7 stringer) came with a hydro foil. It is a very shallow hull. Should I take it off? will smart tabs effect the wake ? I would like to keep or increase the wake ..
Thanks

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

Malibud;

Smart Tabs will give you a host of benefits that you won't believe until you try them. Currently the hydrofoil is most likely doing the following to your boat:

1) Helps the "hole Shot" some
2) Some improvement with time to plane
3) Torque list to the port (left) unless trimmed out
4) Triming out increases porpoising
5) Boat leans heavy to port in high speed turns.
6) top speed is reduced.

Also the fuel economy can suffer at intermediate and high speeds.

With Smart Tabs:

1) Low speed wander all but gone
2) Minimal bow rise at any speed
3) On plane at 14 to 15 MPH
4) faster acceleration (10 to 12%)
5) More Stable , especially in turns
6) Smoother ride with no porpoising (even when trimmed out)
7) more top speed (with correct pessure adjustment) 2 - 4 MPH
8) Better fuel economy especially at lower speeds.

The down side is the wake. Because the boat is running with less bow rise the stern is not drafting as much water and the wake is less. However, there is a solution. Use the PR500 Kit (plate retractors). This will allow you to pull the tabs up so that the boat stern has no lift. The wake is caused by drafting water.

 

[QC]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

The down side is the wake. Because the boat is running with less bow rise the stern is not drafting as much water and the wake is less. However, there is a solution. Use the PR500 Kit (plate retractors). This will allow you to pull the tabs up so that the boat stern has no lift. The wake is caused by drafting water.

Another reason I prefer helm adjustable trim tabs . . .

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

QC:

How is my Debate Buddy? What do you think of the SX series? Even though you can not fiddle with them while your running.

When my Dad was living and up in years he had to have his remote in hand any time he watched TV. He would always fiddle with it and without realizing he would change the channel. Then he got confused since the program did not make any sense. We fixed the problem, and gave him an old remote for some other device. He was delighted that the TV now worked correctly. True story!

Maybe when you get up in years, and confused with your helm controled tabs we will get you some Smart Tabs.

Just putting you on a bit!

 

[QC]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

LOL I like the SX tabs and will recommend to those who are remote control challenged . . .

For those of you that do not know our little history . . . some background. I believe that trim tabs should be standard on all v-hulls. I love Smart Tabs and have installed a set for a friend who is, well, uh, remote control challenged . . . They are priced right, the install is very simple, they do what John says they do, and will greatly improve any small boat when they are setup right. I happen to prefer helm adjustable tabs. However, they are more expensive, waaaaaaay tougher to install and require semi-constant attention to be used right; but they can do damn near anything I always chime in on these threads as John (Messr. SmartaTabla) never misses one and the Bennett guy has not been around much. I'm sort of a self appointed helm-adjustable-tab-defender-dude along with Boatist, f_inscreename and I think Studlymandingo (maybe it's Phatmanmike, I get those two confused as I get closer to remote control challenged age).

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

Well Mike and I live in the same area...

I am a fan of tabs either way; that being said, I really like to be able to adjust everything! I am waiting now on a new jackplate that will add yet another adjustment to the rig!!!

If you have nothing now and add Smart Tabs you will surely think you are on a different boat!!! This may be the route you want to go to start off with, you can always add helm adjustable tabs in the future if you feel you have the need for them.

If you run under lots of different conditions, then you may want to consider adjustable tabs.​

 

[QC]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

Heck, I want a flippin' jackplate on my 5 bhp 14' Sea Nymph . . .

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

QC;

I truly hope you did not take offense to my "put-on", and appreciate your support.

Just for the record, there are situations and applications where I would recommend helm controlled as well.

Regards

John

 

[QC]

Re: Do hydrofoils really do anything?

I truly hope you did not take offense to my "put-on", and appreciate your support.

Nah, I thought I made it clear that I was playing along. We're fine man, anybody who says no to Hydrofoils is good with me . . .