Outboard Hydrofoil Fins

[JordanB380]

I know these fins work for under powered boats, but do they benefit a boat with a maximum rated engine, the issue is with the bow standing tall due to the weight of the engine, once on the plane the boat is fine, slightly bow high again but not too bad, but the problem is where i launch there is a 1 km speed restriction zone of 5 knots and at that speed its not a pleasant ride. I'm just wondering would i benifit from fins on my engine, i dont fancy putting sand bags in the bow as i fish far from land and i am tide restricted so i neeed as much speed as possible to reach my fishing spot quikly.
Any suggestions?

[Nick Hearne]

In my experience yes they will improve the stern digging in by lifting it; I have used them on 3 boats now to good effect.

[paddlers]

Marmite product but I have to say I agree completely with Nick !
I've had then on four boats over the years & they've all got the boat out and on the plane quicker & easier !
I had a 14 ft Fletcher in the 80's with a 35hp Chrysler that wouldn't get me out skiing without one....!
On the downside you may lose some top end speed (not much) and the reason my current engine doesn't have one is because somebody used the fin as a step & snapped the aluminium fin off requiring a repair !

Good luck !

[JordanB380]

Thanks Guys, might just get some to try as they are'nt to expensive )

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by JordanB380

but the problem is where i launch there is a 1 km speed restriction zone of 5 knots and at that speed its not a pleasant ride.

Fins won't help at that speed. They may help once you run up the throttle a bit, but under 5 knots, I don't think so.

jky

[JordanB380]

I undstand at 5knots it wont help, but when i go to get up on the plane it kind of sit in the hole due to the weight

[Nick Hearne]

From my experience running around the harbour at 6 knots it dose make a difference and then getting up on the plane with lots of weight in the back makes a huge difference!

[9D280]

if you have power trim, trimming in for the slow bits can help.