Ef Floats Vs. Hd Floats (Outriggers/stabalizers)

[bass5891]

I see that there are two different types of foams for stabalizers. Either the Ethafoam (EF) or Hydrodynamic (HD). All I know is that for the EF is a couple inches off the water and the HD is touching the water. What are other differences and any advantages/disadvantages between the two? Which is best for bass fishing? Also, could you guys recommend some outriggers/stabalizers for me? Thanks!

[Goose52]

It sounds like you're looking at the two types of stabilizer floats offered by Spring Creek Outfitters.  These floats are part of systems intended for installation on canoes and kayaks. 

 

The EF floats are $100 cheaper than the HD floats and like you said, are really intended to be positioned an inch or two above the water when the boat is trimmed. The HD floats are tapered and can be run touching the water if you want, but they will still add drag.  If you intend to motor the boat, the added drag of the HD floats may not be an issue.

 

The advantage of the EF float is primarily lower cost. The disadvantage is that since the floats are a bit above the water, you will have some roll before the float touches the water and stops the roll (less primary stability).

 

The advantage of the HD float is high primary stability at the cost of some added drag. The disadvantage is higher initial cost, and higher cost in the event that you need to replace a float.

 

I run the Spring Creek system on my canoe and I chose the EF floats for the lower cost.  The somewhat lower primary stability offered by the EF floats really isn't a problem. I stand and fish all day and all I have to do when I stand up is shift my weight until one of the floats touches the water and the boat is solid after that. When motoring, I shift my weight to keep both floats out of the water so I have zero additional drag.

 

 

 

[Blackhawks]

Goose - That is one awesome setup!!! (jealous).

 

Do you have your electric motor attached to the rails of the EF Floats? If so, how stable is it when you are moving? Do you have something on the other side of the rail to balance the boat? 

 

I am thinking about a similar setup for my 15'6" Coleman canoe. I want to buy some HD floats (to take the kids out) and buy a small electric motor. I was thinking of of using this troller bracket (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/canoe-and-kayak-trolling-motor-bracket-0793353p.html#.Uua-bdLn80M) but maybe I don't need it if I attach it to the HD Float rails. 

 

Any input would be much appreciated.

 

B. 

[Goose52]

Goose - That is one awesome setup!!! (jealous).

 

Do you have your electric motor attached to the rails of the EF Floats? If so, how stable is it when you are moving? Do you have something on the other side of the rail to balance the boat? 

 

I am thinking about a similar setup for my 15'6" Coleman canoe. I want to buy some HD floats (to take the kids out) and buy a small electric motor. I was thinking of of using this troller bracket (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/canoe-and-kayak-trolling-motor-bracket-0793353p.html#.Uua-bdLn80M) but maybe I don't need it if I attach it to the HD Float rails. 

 

Any input would be much appreciated.

 

B. 

 

Welcome to BR !

 

Spring Creek used to sell a trolling motor bracket that would plug into their universal receiver (the cross-bracket). They discontinued it due to low sales. When I called them about it, all they had left was their toolroom prototype which I bought cheap.  In the photo below, you can see the bracket plugged into the UR.  It would be possible to order a longer UR than you need (Spring Creek will provide longer URs for xtra$), and make your own TM bracket that you could bolt right to the UR.  All this would work if you have your floats located aft as they are on my boat.  Some folks run the floats more amidships and in that case you'd need the separate motor mount.

 

If you haven't been there yet - check out the Spring Creek goodies here:  Stabilizer Floats

 

Regarding balance, I offset my seat a bit to the port-side to offset the weight of the trolling motor hanging off the starboard side

 

[Blackhawks]

Thanks for the input Goose!

 

It's too bad SpringCreek stopped making/selling the motor mount bracket. But after saying that, I want my HD Floats right in the center of my canoe so I can have optimum balance.

 

I think I'll just stick with that canoe bracket I found at Canadian Tire and see how it works. I'll need to hook up a broom-handle type of device so I can control the motor from the back seat. I know Minn Kota sells an 18-inch extenstion but that will not be long enough.

 

Happy fishing and thanks for the response.

 

B.