Do Hydrofoils make any difference ?

Flanker · 17 September 2002, 16:45

I have seen Hydrofoils advertised, £15.99 up to 50hp and £22.99 over 50hp.

Could anyone explain what they actually do, in what circumstances you would you fit one, and if they are really worth fitting.

Thanks

Pete

TIM · 17 September 2002, 17:14

I have them fitted to the twins that I have, we have a problem of a heavy stern and it helps lift it,

For the price of them, if you think it would help, i would try them and if they dont , just take them off.

JCW · 17 September 2002, 21:12

Yes they can make a difference. On my set up they reduce planing time, give better stern lift, reduce planing speed. Dissadvantages are you lose 2 or 3 MPH on top end due to increased drag.

If you have a perfectly balanced boat you should not need one.

John Kennett · 18 September 2002, 07:52

Quote:

Originally posted by JCW
If you have a perfectly balanced boat you should not need one.

That's the key in my opinion -- you shouldn't need them, but in some circumstances they can be very useful.

Only fit them if you really think that your boat needs them.

John

Alan · 18 September 2002, 10:27

I have one on Blue Ice on the Yam 200 but since it was fitted when I bought the boat can't really comment on what it does for me!

badbaws · 18 September 2002, 16:04

I have a 4 metre searider and fitted them on with a 50hp mercury...it helps plane at a slower speed with more people onboard.... I have a good setup but being a small boat even with everyone centred around the middle and kit stowed in the right place it just helps u plane quicker....
Technical notion is it increases the boats overall length slightly and therefore should give u a better top speed....I noticed no difference in speed, but planes easier...therefore better for watersports.. and economy
Alex

matiboy · 18 September 2002, 19:14

they principly help you get on the plane quicker, particularly where you may be trying to pull a skier

I guess as it reduces the effort required to get over the plane hump, it will ultimately help on fuel on this basis alone ??

Will also help reduce porpoising

badbaws · 19 September 2002, 11:17

Hey matiboy what happened to your Valliant??
Alex

Brian · 20 September 2002, 20:34

The general concensus seems to be that these "hydrofoils" are a good idea-and relatively inexpensive as well.
In which case why dont manufacturers supply them as standard and/or make their cavitation plates bigger?

Ribald · 02 October 2002, 20:22

I have just bought a pair of Lalizas LZ-Gull Wing Hydrofoils which I hope to fit and test out this weekend. Will report back on the performance.

Flanker · 02 October 2002, 21:35

Great, thanks.

Pete