Fin on foot

kt4vq

Cadet
Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
18
I do not know what this thing is called or where to get one but, I had a large fin like thing that was added to the foot of my old motor. I don't know what it is called but I would like another one.<br /><br />Do any of you know what it is called and where to get one?
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Fin on foot

Search these forums for "Smart Tabs" for a better solution!
 

Dave Abrahamson

Lieutenant
Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
1,497
Re: Fin on foot

NautiJohn,<br />Is there any possible(read that ANY)way a foil might be to someones benefit over your Smartabs?<br />I don't often see a thread where someone asks for advice on foils and you don't tell them to purchase your product instead.<br />Are foils really that bad for boats?<br />Can they be to ANYBODY'S benefit?<br />Especially for the folks who don't have the $150+<br />to shell out for tabs, but can spare 30 bucks to try a foil?<br /><br />Dave
 

quantumleap

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 16, 2004
Messages
813
Re: Fin on foot

kt4vq asked specifically about where to find a Hydrofoil. I think that post by nautiJohn comes across as borderline solicitation rather that helpful advice. It sounds like a sales pitch! Moderators????
 

Dave Abrahamson

Lieutenant
Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
1,497
Re: Fin on foot

I posed this question a few weeks ago Quantum, it seems that because he pays iboats to advertise on this site...........he's immune from getting yelled at for soliciting. web page <br />Great product though ;)
 

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: Fin on foot

Without knowing what kind of boat/motor application kt4vq has how could you possibly suggest "Smart Tabs" for a better solution! I had a 10' Quicksilver inflatable with a 15hp Mariner on it that went like stink but the bow raised up really high when you first took off. I found a small sting ray at a garage sale for $10 and what a world of difference it made. Don't think the tabs would have been the better solution in that case.
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Fin on foot

Dave;<br /><br />As a matter of information, iboats is not being paid to advertise our product, and the moderators are not iboats employees. I am sorry if I have offended you or anyone else with my posts. <br /><br />I am promoting people to look at our product, as well as others have. <br /><br />You asked: Is there any possible(read that ANY)way a foil might be to someones benefit over your Smartabs?<br />1) Obviously cost is an advantage.<br />2) Performance - there is no comparison.<br /><br />You agreed on a different post that motor manufacturers have been following the same course for 80 Years. Hydrofoils have been arround for over 25 years, and none of the manufacturers have changed to significantly larger anti-ventilation plates.<br /><br />If all the person wants is a little help in planing, and the boat does not exceed about 25 MPH the typical handling issues of a hydrofoil should not be a problem.
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Fin on foot

Boatin Bob;<br /><br />The first boat I invented these tabs for was a 10' zodiac with a 10 HP motor. You have no idea how much better that boat can handle. But it's $99. not $10.
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Fin on foot

I hate to sound like Nautijohns back up man, but why would you want the engine to do something the boat should do. I have had those fins on two other boats I have had and liked what they did for me, and at the time, I would have not had the money to buy the Smart tabs if I had known about them. Knowing what I know now, I would have not ate lunch for a month to be able to afford them, I feel they are that good. Wouldnt have hurt my waistline either.
 

mollyog74

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
47
Re: Fin on foot

I know Im kinda new here, but I have to back up Nauti as well. When looking for help, most people want exactly that, help. KT didn't even know the "fin" was a hydrofoil, so its probably safe to assume he doesn't know of any other products that may work better out there. If I ask a question the more info the better. If he doesn't want to go that route, he doesn't have to. But as a member on this site, please feel free to lead me in another direction that I might not expect. It may lead to a better boating experience. This is a site for those seeking information. Information was just provided. Sheesh get off the poor guy's back.
 

ae708

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
591
Re: Fin on foot

Yeah Molly.. tell it like it is. John, you'se de man! Keep on giving us the information and help that we need to improve our boats. Hopefully I'll get to try out MY new Smart Tabs this weekend.
 

kt4vq

Cadet
Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
18
Re: Fin on foot

Thanks for all of the feedback. I found the "Hydrofoil" on iboats and placed an order today. I am putting it on a 16 and 1/2 foot fish and ski with a 70 hp outboard. The problem I have is that the boat is a little un-stable and will bob in and out of the water some when triming out for the highest trim/speed. My current top speed is 30 mph.<br /><br />I am also changing the prop because at WOT I am turning about 1,200 RPM too many. I understand that for every 2 inches of pitch change I will drop around 200 - 300 rpm as well as pick up a little top end speed.<br /><br />Thanks for the feedback.
 

quantumleap

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 16, 2004
Messages
813
Re: Fin on foot

Lube Dude, That is exactly what you sound like. I'm thrilled that you found, and had success with his tabs, but this forum specifically prohibits solicitation, and his post was exactly that! If a rep from Stingray or Doelfin was on this site and had made that identical post on a trim tab thread you guys would have been all over them like stink on sh**!
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Fin on foot

Quamtumleap, I enjoy many of your posts, but if the administration dosnt jump Nautijohn for solicitation, it shouldnt be any of your business. I also think there are more here that welcome his advice than want him to stop.<br /><br />Now we have someone than has made the decision to purchase a product that I think he will be less than happy with, He seems to have a porposing problem and that fin isnt going to solve it, (most likely). I think the handling issues should have been addresed first. Not a band aid which is where he is now.
 

mollyog74

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
47
Re: Fin on foot

Gotta put my 2 cents in again. <br /><br />Solicitation...?<br /><br />Did he write a 2 page thread on how hydrofoils suck, and that smart tabs are THE answer to all his problems. Did he go on and on about how the things work, how much they cost, and what kind to buy for his boat? Nope. He just said that he might find some enlightening info on some other posts. Lets face it, someone else woulda chimed in and problably said the same. I think youre just concerned because it happened to be someone who works in the tab industry. Hmmmm, someone who might just know what he is talking about. Again, I love this forum because of all the info to be found. I don't want anyone to be kept from informing me. KTV made his decision on the hydrofoil( by the way K...you probably will not be as satisfied with the hydrofoil as you may have been with the tabs) Now, if KTV or anyone else looking for advice says, "Not interested", and the info keeps on coming, and is shoved down their throat, then maybe iboats would need to step in a little. <br /><br />Oh and by the way lubedude, if a hydrofoil rep put in his 2cents on a tab posting, I don't think nauti would have minded. He is very honest on pros and cons of all devices out there. Just read other posts.<br /><br />Again just my thoughts. I feel bad for kt4vq. Hope you are happy with your hydrofoil, and sorry we stepped all over your thread. You may just want to read other posts on smart tabs, hydrofoils, and bennet tabs. You may learn what will help the best for stability and porpoising. Although hydrofoils are the least expensive, they might not be your best option. Does iboats have a return policy???
 

louisp

Cadet
Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
25
Re: Fin on foot

Hands down, the best hydrofoil on the market is made by COBRA. It's either stainless steel or alumunium, depending on your application. NO spray like some other products and looks to match an $8000 motor (you get the idea). No I'm not a saleman, just a satisfied customer times 3. Downside, I've only been able to find them at Overton's. Good luck, LP.
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Fin on foot

Easy there Mollyog, Im on Johns side and always have been. Ive got Smart Tabs on my boat and love them, Im not sure where you are coming from here?
 

Canuck 16

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 25, 2004
Messages
102
Re: Fin on foot

Well...<br />I think the hydrofoils and these so called "smart" tabs are both bandaid solutions! If the boat needs trim tabs, buy real trim tabs! Their made by either Lenco or Bennett, and between those two, I'll only own Bennett's.
 

mollyog74

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
47
Re: Fin on foot

Sometimes, i cant type worth a darn to say what i wanna say. And even more stupid, I directed my comment toward the wrong guy. (At least my husband is glad my wrath is not aimed at him for once). My comment was directed towards quantum, not lube dude. Anyway, Im not trying to sound mean or cranky, I just think people are getting a little silly about a well intentioned comment. Wether smart tabs are good bad or ugly, I think its ok for someone to point out that they are an option, even if it's the guy who makes em. Thats all.<br />Sorry if I sound b!@#y.<br />Keep the information coming as far as I'm concerned. We are all here to learn.
 
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