hydrofoil

[Billten]

I have an older boat with a 94 Suzuki dt 40 and when I'm turning it feels like the boat is sliding out from underneath like I could lose control. Will a hydrofoil help this?

 

[NYBo]

Re: hydrofoil

Maybe, but you need to ensure the motor is set up properly first. How about some pictures showing the relationship of the motor to the transom and keel?

 

[H20Rat]

Re: hydrofoil

A nose down, trimmed in attitude will often cause that. (bow steer) If that is the case, a hydrofoil will make it much, much worse!! Like NYBo said, pics!

 

[slowleak]

Re: hydrofoil

A hydrofoil may make it dangerous.
If the boat does let go and slide, the leading edge of the hydrofoil can 'dig in' and bite the water causing either an abrupt stop or roll over.
Either way it usually means bodies in the water if your not careful.

What is the hull?

 

[Billten]

Re: hydrofoil

Slow leak the hull is fiberglass. It is an old boat with a single hull with the chines on the side. The hull is solid, EXCEPT THE FRONT BOW DECK. The motor after many hours of adjustments runs great and there is no problem with plane. I will as the admiral noted, get some pics out to you guys. Thanks much for the advice.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: hydrofoil

Does the hull slide sideways on a sharp turn? Is that the problem you are describing? Flatter bottom boats will tend to do that. I have never found it to be an issue, just something to get used to.

 

[JimS123]

Re: hydrofoil

It is an old boat with a single hull with the chines on the side. .

Where else could the chines be?

If you have a soft chine hull, what you describe is common and not an issue. Fins or tabs won't do you any good. Just get used to how it handles and adjust your speed and degree of turn accordingly.

 

[Billten]

Re: hydrofoil

Guys, Thanks for the tips and Jim, Love the comment on the chines; good one. Yeah the bottom of the boat does seem a little flatter than most and I'm sure that's just the way they were. So I will leave well enough alone. Only a back bay boat anyway. Again, thanks guys.