hydrofoil

[crankybaits]

has anyone tried installing a hydrofoil.  I really don't want to drill the cavitation plate on my engine, but am not apposed to it.  Cabelas now sells one that says that you don't have to drill.  I'm having problems on my hullshot when I have the livewell full.

[Pa Angler]

Hi, I have a SE300 on my Tracker 17SC Deep V with a 90HP ELPTO Merc and yes the cavitation plate was drilled. If your skittish about that have a pro do it. I have had no problems with it and you will be happy with the results with it on, Especially when your floating in rough water.

Chow

The Pa Angler

[Ben]

When I put my hot rod motor on my Stratos several years ago, it would blow the prop out just as started laying over coming out of the hole. I "temporarily" put an SE Sport 300 on to cure the problem until I could get the prop tuned. Well, the prop was done a couple of months later but 4 1/2 years later I still temporarily running the hyrdrofoil, not because I need it now but because I love the way the boat comes out of the hole with it. I nail the gas and there's almost no bow lift, the boat is up and gone it a matter of seconds. I doubt I would ever run without one. Even if it does look dorkey as hell.

If installed, I do recommend retightning the bolts ever so often. I find mine get loose from time to time, plus I have several friends with them and they have the same problem. We all even carry a couple of spares just in case we loose one.

Not too sure about one that doesn't bolt one either.  The only one I would condsider would be the SE Sport 200/300, depending on size motor you have.

[Team_Dougherty]

I have a hydrofoil on my boat and it makes a big difference in the hole shot. The bow settles down quicker and it can stay on plane at a lower speed. I did notice a ½-1 mph drop in top speed. My outboard is only 25HP. I mounted it myself it is not that tough. Just make sure it is square on the motor clamp it in place and use transfer punches to mark the holes before you drill. When you do drill use very sharp drill bits so it does not walk and the holes stay round.

Transfer punches http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3577

Paul

[paparock]

I had both a hydrofoil on the cavitation plate and one on my motors skeg on my 21ft. center console. The skeg one was a Manatee protector. It helped protect the sea cows from prop damage while also offering some protection for the prop from striking hard bottoms. It also helped the boat jump up on plane quicker. Sometimes getting your prop ported can also help. You would need to talk to a prop specialist to evaluate if you could get a better prop for your desired use and if porting would help you.

[zam]

I installed a hydrofoil last spring and it made a big difference, much bigger then I thought it would. the ride was alot more comfortable in rough conditions. I drilled holes in mine, but I have heard rumors that it could null your warranty. I,ve also heard storys of cracks devoloping from it, but I think it was worth it for me

[rbaddis]

I bought a 17 ft. sea nymph with 115 evenrude last spring that has a whale tale on it.  This boat practicly jumps up onto plane!  I would highly recommend it to anybody looking for a better hole shot. I absolutely love it!