Hydrofoil Stabilizers

[jp]

Have an older boat which is heavier in the back. Are the Hydrofoil Stabilizers worth the money to install? Are there any other drawbacks except losing some top end speed?

Really appreciate the feedback.

[ryan_ekubass]

i had a ranger 175 vs with a 115 opti on it and with dad and me adn a full livewell it took forever to get on plane we put a stingray something or other on it and she jumped right up on plane and didnt take the nose high or anything really kinda just lifted out of the water... we really didnt lose much top end maybe a 1 or 2 mph but u make up for it on the quicker take off...... but i was glad we put it on there it worked out really good....

[dc chopper]

I have only had a boat for 2 years now and that was some of the advice the folks here gave me. It really helps the boat plane out faster and more stable ride. Someone on here will have alot more info than I can give but it was money well spent on my end.

[jp]

Thanks for the info. Are there any negative ramifications to having this? motor problems?

[Shimano4Life]

I have heard good things about them, but they are an eyesore. Also, having been a mechanic for a while, I have repeatedly banged my head on these things while changing lower unit (gear lube) oil, putting bilge plugs in, etc. THEY ARE NOT SOFT!!! I can tell you from experience.

[offdtop]

Thanks for the info. Are there any negative ramifications to having this? motor problems?

I ran one on my first boat for 3 years and had no problems what so ever, as mentioned you will lose 2-3 mph top end. Have you thought about a different prop? 4 blade? you didn't say what size motor, if you have a 115 or bigger a 4 blade or a different pitch 3 blade may solve your problem also. My buddy had a Black max 150 on a Glasstream and he put a "whale tail" on it because it wouldn't jump on plane after he installed it - it would.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Deep V Tracker with a MASSIVE 90 Mercury and put one on 3 years ago and could tell a difference right away. Did not lose any top end speed, which could not afford to lose much since 39 is the best she will do and that is downhill with a stiff wind behind. Did notice she planes out much faster. Easy to install, worth the money.

[harryprocraft]

Deep V Tracker with a MASSIVE 90 Mercury and put one on 3 years ago and could tell a difference right away. Did not lose any top end speed, which could not afford to lose much since 39 is the best she will do and that is downhill with a stiff wind behind. Did notice she planes out much faster. Easy to install, worth the money.

i had one on a tracker to help with the porpising it was well worth the money!!

[BubbaBass1]

I may have done something wrong:

I put a stingray on my 75 hp. When I drilled the holes for the stingray the stabilizer fin underneath by the prop was crooked. It caused the boat to
lift sideways when coming out of the hole. Once on plane it leveled out and
was fine. It did get the boat on plane quicker and not much loss on the top end. Just be sure to have everything in alignment and you should be fine.

BB1