Does A Hydrofoil On A Powerful Outboard Motor Effect Top Speed?

Question

I have a 20' 1987 Ski Centurion Barefoot Warrior Comp. with a 200HP Blackmax Mercury. I use it for all types of towing(combo, slalom, wakeboard, tubes) but enjoy racing also. I need to know if installing a hydrofoil on my outboard will slow my boat down at high speeds(65-80MPH) and what effect on my steering will it have? I can top out around 82MPH at full throttle with perfect trim, will I lose this with a hydrofoil?

Answer 1

it will greatly effect your turning, it will make the boat pull into the water more on turns so be careful and test how it feels at low speeds and then go from there, as for speed it might effect it slightly, but nothing much

Answer 2

Hydrofoil Outboard

Answer 3

Outboard Hydrofoil

Answer 4

Seattle is right, hard to tell without more info. A 5.5hp wont get that boat on plane, so you will be pushing through the water instead of riding on top of the water. A 20hp should get you on plane and increase speed quite a bit. Check the plate on the transom, it should tell you max hp for your boat. You don't need max to have fun, 20hp or so should do it. Keep an eye out for used one, test in water & in gear before you buy. Have fun, stay safe.

Answer 5

I just put the latest and greatest re-designed hydrofoil on my boat. It does not require any drilling of holes in the motor. Stingray XPRIII.



I had a terrible problem getting my boat on plane. Works great.

Answer 6

Nope if your engine is at the correct height with the cavitation plate 1" above the water when trimmed out than it won't slow you down , it will only give you lift on taking off once on plane no difference>>?

Answer 7

I'd bet it will slow the boat a little. I've put'em on afew boats & liked the results. On plane faster, will stay on the water at lower speed & you can adjust the bow rise/ wake.

Answer 8

I HAD THE PRE-CURSER TO YOUR BOAT WITH A 200 HP MERC. I ACTUALLY GAINED MORE TOP END (10MPH ADDITIANOL) AND STEERING CONTROL. I FOUND IT A GREAT ADDITION TO THE BOAT. I ALSO FOUND THAT I COULD START AT SLOWER SPEED FOR BEGINERS AND PLAN OUT FASTER.

Answer 9

If your talking about the fin just above the prop that can be added. I have heard doesn't change anything that much.

But also. Most mech.s don't like them and i have a buddy that agrees with them he had one. They can cause cavataion.

Answer 10

james j is a pretty good testimonial, but i don't think you will see any speed increase or decrease due to the foil. they don't cost but about $35, so it won't break the bank to find out.