Dumb Question re:hydrofoil mounting

[tehschkott]

2 questions

1.) The ventilation plate on my 9.9hp outboard does not have mounting holes. Do I need to drill them or is their non presence indicative that mounting a hydrofoil plate here is a nonstarter?

2.) If later I decide to remove the plate, do I leave the holes empty or do I use a blank?

This is the one I'm working with

Whale Tail XL® Aluminum Hydrofoil Stabilizer

I've gone through the forums and the message I'm getting is that for a small boat like mine (10ft Achilles SIB) with a small motor (9.9Hp Evinrude) these aren't a terrible option, though their benefits seem to taper off the bigger ones boat gets.

Thanks

(I realize this could also go under motors, am a little unclear of protocol here. Apologies if the SIB section is the wrong location, but it's for my SIB.)

[Johnscubanut]

Yes, just line up the foils not extending beyond edge of cavitation plate, drill holes & mount! I've fitted onto several sizes of engines, smallest 8hp. Simple! If foils removed, just leave holes empty. Hope this helps? John

[tehschkott]

Great - thanks

[jyasaki]

Drilling can be problematic; you end up with the drill hitting the lower unit. An extra long drill bit will help with that, as will removing the LU from the motor.

Would be a good idea to use a marine caulk on the newly drilled holes as well (though not required by any means.)

jky