two questions

[brunolund]

. how useful are those aftermarket stabilizer fins? i was thinking of getting one after my lower gets back from having the ventilation plate welded back intoi proper size, but don't know if i'll need it once my plate is complete.

what should i use to clean my aluminum hull? it has what looks like lime build up on it. i tried starbrite, but it didn't touch it.
__________________

Don S.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: two questions

If you already have a weakened anti-ventilation plate, I would not recommend installing a hydrofoil as it places additional stress on it. Why do you feel you need one? Can't help you with the hull cleaning.

 

[marine4003]

Re: two questions

Bruno...as mentioned above,if metal is already fatigued don't add additional stress,as for hull cleaning,I've used this stuff on my JonBoat for years..works great. - http://www.streakmaster.com/

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: two questions

this is the best bang for the buck, for the everyday boater.
http://www.iboats.com/Nauticus_SX_S...1316725--**********.140905771--view_id.352485

 

[180shabah]

Re: two questions

Do a search for "hydrofoil" you'll get hundreds of hits telling you why you shouldn't use one and three people that think everyone else are idiots, because they have one and it works.

Then go get your self a set of tabs. You won't regret it.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: two questions

What about people running boats with smaller motors.

The small Smart Tabs show a rating of 40-50HP. For a boat with a larger motor I would never consider a hydrofoil, but the boat I would like use it on is a 9ft 6HP. It is often run alone and with tiller, a little hard to send weight to the front if the boat is empty and I am alone.

Everyone keeps saying get a hydrofoil for the motor, and then I go to the forums and everyone cusses them and says only use Smart Tabs. The boat previously had home made trim tabs. Unfortunately some parts are now missing from those and although I have access to a metal shop I really didn't want to reuse/rebuild the old tabs.

Has anyone any experience with this sort of transom modification?

 

[180shabah]

Re: two questions

Couple of pods on either side to provide som lift and bouyancy - Chaparral's are built that way. A little more integrated visually, but the same basic concept.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: two questions

There are a couple of companies I found doing this to aluminum flat bottoms. There is a small step built in the front of the hull addition as a small performance feature and the come in different lengths.

This (the from me posted photo above) is a do-it-yourself job (multi layered composite panels, glued together, & covered in glass) on a glass fishing boat I found on the net.

Seem they are all running larger than recommended motors and in search of more speed and stability.

I have also seen some kits for inflatables using another method (look kind of like long dive/swim fins) attached to the transom that achieve the same results.

The claim in all accounts, are the same as those made by the tabs people. The only difference is they are also designed for use with motors under 40HP, which the tabs aren't.

Any thoughts?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: two questions

are we talking about a pontoon boat here?

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: two questions

I wasn't, but now that you mention it maybe he does have one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: two questions

well this is the pontoon forum. does not sound to me as if it is a toon.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: two questions

It was moved into the pontoon section after the original posting, I don't remember where it was before.

I think it was a small mistake in the reorganization after the addition of the new groups.

Nice to know I am not the only one that makes them.