Posted by johnabee on 08/24/06 - 11:16 AM
#1
I just bought a 130 Sport. If I do not have someone up in the bow while underway, the boat porpoises like crazy. It is stern heavy.
I looked into after market hydrofoils. My boat has the 40 Mercury EFI 4-Stroke on it, and many of the hydrofoils are set up for the 2 stroke motors. Don't waste your time with the Sting Ray brand. They do not fit the Mercury 4-Strokes! Too narrow for the lower shaft. Will not fit.
I installed a Doelfin hydrofoil. Got it at West Marine. Bolted them into the cavitation plate, and problem solved. Nice steady ride, regardless of the weight distribution. Makes a total difference, and much faster to plane.
Not sure about the Whale Tail Hydrofoil. More expensive, and not sure if that brand is too thin as well. For me the Dolfin brand worked out great.
Edited by johnabee on 08/24/06 - 11:50 AM
Posted by doug_in_NS on 09/07/06 - 6:06 AM
#2
Thanks for comments on Doel Fin.
I'm considering them for my new Dauntless 160 with Merc 115 4-stroke. Hard to get on plane unless really moving.
Also considering trim tabs but, wow, much money! Maybe for next season to help balance loads of passengers and also to correct for list on windy days.
Nervous about drilling into my new Merc. Guess starting with a new bit and small starter holes should be easy enough.
Thoughts anybody?
Doug
Halifax, NS