Tabs vs. Foil

F

fav1

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2005
RO Number
19807
Messages
34
I was looking into trimtabs to help with gettiing up on plane faster, especially with a few people onboard, but not sure if I want to spend the 400-500 dollars. As an alternative, was also looking at the Stingray hydrofoil. Wondering if anybody has used the hydrofoil or has any experiences with it. Do they really work with planning and overall control as they claim to, and do they add any undue stress to the outdrive. I know its a heck of a lot cheaper than adding trim tabs. The boat is SR 215EC, with 5.7 Merc.
 
I have been using a stingray hydrofoil for 2 years on a 21' cuddy cabin with an 5.7L/alpha 1 and it works great. It helps get on plane faster and keeps the nose down a slow speeds and full load of people/gas. I have not had any probelms with damage to the outdrive. I also faced the same issue of $50 vs. $500 - I am happy with the $50 for now.
 
When I first got my present boat I wasn't happy with the hole shot and trim. I added a Doel fin to the the outboard and it made virtually no difference, except I lost about 1-2 knots off the top end. The following year I added Bennett trim tabs and the difference was night and day, better hole shot, can plane at a slower speed and much better trim control overall. When I repowered two years ago I didn't bother to put a new fin on, but I will never go without the trim tabs.
 
The motor trim (which includes the foils) acts differently than the trim tabs. The engine trim keeps the motor output parallel to the travel of the boat and water surface. The trim tabs work on the hull, and put bow down, each side independtly. Better is the Trim tab--Benett is the better choice. You may notice some improvement with the dolfins etc. I have had good results with outboards on small boats with the dolfins. Better on larger boats with the tabs.
 
LOA my boat is 30ft...I have a single screw 5.7 Mercruiser...I wasn’t happy with the time to get on plane, so I looked into the Stingray hydrofoil...I heard good and bad about them...I finally bought one two years ago and installed it...The only disappointment that I have is that I didn’t buy one sooner...They are totally awesome and I get up on plane in a few seconds now...I also have trim tabs that I also use...I keep hearing that they may effect your top end...In my case I'm not worried about top end...I also find that I can stay on plane at a lower speed..
 
Best 50 bucks I ever spent on my 18' Celebrity bowrider with a 3.0L engine. Got on plane much faster, and was able to stay on plane at slower speeds. Didn't notice any top end loss.

I have heard that they put undue stress on the outdrive, so be careful. I'm currrently looking into Smart Tabs for my 21 footer. They are less expensive that Adjustable tabs, but they also have their drawbacks - not being adjustable.
 
to save some money . my bet would be the smart tabs. saving a few hundred bucks for a little time spent doing some adjustments. the smart tabs can be adjusted on installation . if it's not what you want your fist time trying them , adjust and reinstall. then try again . my set are on the way . i too have heard good and bad about them . but i've noticed that it's in the belief of the owner . it might not be right for someone elses 26ft . but perfect for my 14ft.........tim
 
Carver, I'd suggest that you take the foil off now that you have tabs. The tabs and foil will fight with each other. Without the foil, you can use outdrive trim for what it was intended.
 
Les:
I had the tabs when I installed the Foil.I found that the boat was forever getting on plane.I would put the tabs all the way down when taking off, but she would be forever coming on plane. and If I had more that 2 people on board it would not get on plane, so I installed the foil to see if it would help. Now what I do is trim my outdrive in and put the tabs down. Once I feel myself coming on plane I raise the tabs. When on plane I tilt the outdrive out and only use the tabs for leveling.By doing this am I causing myself a potential problem ?
 
I have a 23ft cuddy cabin with 5.7L, single prop. I installed the Sting Ray and I have been very happy with it. It may not be as effective as trim tabs, but it did help my boat plane faster, especially with heavy loads or later in the season when the hull gets dirty.
 
So far it seems all experiences with the foil have been good. If I was to go with tabs though, I think it would be with adjustables as opposed to the smart tabs. Being on LI, from time to time, on a good day, I will venture out the inlet and do some ocean cruising. It's my understanding that the smart tabs, not being adjustable, could have an adverse affect in conditions in which you wouldn't want the bow down. I figure with the foil, at least I have control of trim on the drive. As far as putting unwanted stress on the drive, I haven't been able to find anything definative one way or the other. Does anyone know, will using a foil stress the drive over time to a point of damage?
 
Carver, your tabs are either installed improperly or are way too small for the boat. Tabs down should get you up on plane much faster than a foil.
 
Now you have me wondering...Wondering to the point where I go outside with the flashlight to measure..I assume these tabs were installed by Carver, but dont know that for sure.I do have the manual for the tabs in my Carver manual.They seem to be installed in the proper location as per the instructions.They measure 12" by 8"..How can I tell if they are the proper size.?
The boat is 25.5 feet long and the LOA is 30ft?
 
With a 5.7 i/o, I would go with tabs. The tabs will help your boat plane quicker. An added bonus is if your boat is unevenly loaded from side to side you can level the boat.

In regards to the hydrofoil device, please go to your local outdrive repair facility and take a look at a broken outdrive. You will find the casting to be very pourous. There are many antiventalation plates broken by the added stress of hydrofoil devices. Also if the hydrofoil devices were so efective don't you think the outdrive manufacturers would have added them to the casting by now?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top