"Hydrofoil" Motor Attachment Question

[tsanders71]

Hello Everyone,
So I bought one of those "Hydrofoil" deals that are suppoed to make your boat plane off faster... It is going on a 15 horse Evinrude which goes on a 14' aluminum V-hull.

Here is the question...
When I went to install it, it looks like there is a lead weight screwed on to the fins (excuse me for not knowing the proper terminology) just above the prop where this hydrofoil bolts on. I have to remove the weight (which has a "2" stamped on the top by the way) to install the hydrofoil. Do you think this will cause me any issues?

Should I try to bolt the weight on top of the hydrofoil once I get it installed?

I guess the million dollar question is should I waste my time or money on the hydrofoil? Do they actually work???

Thanks to anyone for any input!!

 

[ezeke]

Re: "Hydrofoil" Motor Attachment Question

The "weight" is a sacrificial anode.

 

[bktheking]

Re: "Hydrofoil" Motor Attachment Question

The weight is a sacraficial anode put there to be eaten away instead of the motor (i'm sure someone else will critique my explaination but it's the coles notes version). If you run this thing in salt and remove the anode it will shorten the life of your motor. If it's a freshwater motor that is pulled out of the lake/river I would remove it and install your hydrofoil. Lots of motors came with out them, freshwater ran ones are still like new without the anode.

Some fun reading

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrificial_anode