"JP" wrote in message
...

Are the after market Hydrofoil wings that are attached to Outboards
and I/Os any good?

They can be. If a little bit of lift will benefit the ride of the boat then
the hydrofoil can be a great help. If the boat is just too heavy or its
basically balanced well to start with then the hydrofoil will just add drag,
slowing the boat down.

If they work as advertised, why don't the
manufacturers install them?

Their value is dependent on the entire installation, including the boat. If
you didn't need the lift you sure wouldn't want the added cost and drag
associated with the hydrofoil.


Are they worth the money and will they
harm my boat or my engine??

If it improves the performance then it is probably worth it. If it does
nothing for you then it was a waste of money. The lift that the hydrofoil
provides is applied directly to the outdrive, so it will put an added strain
on the outdrive unit and transom. I have never heard of this causing a
problem, however.

I have a 23' Sea Ray with a 350 Mercruiser fuel injected engine. I
want it to get up on a plane faster. Will Hydrofoils work?

My gut instinct would say no. You should have power trim, so you should be
able to tuck the outdrive far enough up that the thrust can provide lift.
Have it trimmed this way to get on plane then ease the trim out once you are
going. On that large of a boat, with that heavy of an engine, I would think
the hydrofoil would be only a drop in the bucket.

Anyone have any experience with them?

I have one on my 12' inflatable, powered by a 9.9 Hp outboard. The result
is noticeable, but not dramatic. It makes a difference getting the boat on
plane with four adults in it.

Like someone else suggested, Trim tabs would be a better choice for you.


Rod