Hydrofoil Question

[Mwerks]

I have a 2008 Smoker Craft 182 Promag which I understand has an inherent porpoising problem. I do not have room for smart tabs or any other tabs because of my kicker motor. I bought the Stingray SR3 because it was a no drill mount and I could see if that type of aid would fix my issues without holes. Basically my boat, other than having a poor design, is tail heavy with a Mercury 150 optimax, a Mercury Pro Kicker (90 pounds) a 22 gallon live well in the back (160 or so pounds) and a 280 pound fishing buddy. The Sting Ray SR3 solved all the issues with only a 2 mph loss at top end. Comes up on plane much faster with much less bow rise, planes at lower speed, no porpoising and is a lot more stable in rough water. The SR3 was mounted after changing props from a 14X19 3 blade to a 14X18 4 blade. The prop change did make a difference but did not solve the problem.

Note: If you follow the instillation instructions on the SR3 it will probably fall off. I made other hardware for installing it.

My question is that is there any performance difference with the different shapes of these tails where the SR3 is curved and others are flat. When this one breaks I would like to put a stainless steel "tail" on permanently.

 

[GA_Boater]

Mwerks Welcome.

This is your new thread moved from an inactive thread.

 

[alldodge]

My question is that is there any performance difference with the different shapes of these tails where the SR3 is curved and others are flat. When this one breaks I would like to put a stainless steel "tail" on permanently.

Howdy

Never used or seen anyone use the one your looking at. There are many styles and most of the semi soft ones will not help anything, only create more drag. I installed this one on my Rinker when it was about a year old.



Had to drill four holes and it allows the boat to plane at lower speeds. The draw back is you loose some top end speed. My Rinker has more then enough power so it was not needed to plane, just like the way it handles and I'm good with the slight reduction in top end. The one above is thick and has next to no flex, and it tips down on the back of it, this lifts the stern. Anyone which is flat I don't see it helping.

 

[JimS123]

My question is that is there any performance difference with the different shapes of these tails where the SR3 is curved and others are flat. When this one breaks I would like to put a stainless steel "tail" on permanently.

Every boat in my family is equipped with a DoelFin brand hydrofoil. The only boat that DOESN'T have one is an old woody with EVERYTHING mounted aft including the driver (rear steer). The buoyancy and design of a wood boat was much better back then, but that's another story.

The oldest fin now is in its 32nd season with no signs of cracking or wear of any kind. It is aerodynamic (not flat) and made of plastic. I suspect after 1450+ hours running time it will never break in my lifetime...

 

[jbetzelb]

i run the SE 300 on mine. I have had it for 15 years. kicks the rear of the boat up quicker. I have plenty of power but the SE 300 improves the performance.

 

[rallyart]

It is unlikely to break before the hull. I've never seen a stainless one so that's a good thing. Less money for you to not have to spend.