Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
Much of that depends on your rig as it sits currently. In most cases the hydrofoil is a benefit when the boat is significantly under-powered, where the motor has a hard time keeping the boat on plane at lower rpm levels. It will help keep the bow down on hole shot and lift the stern when tucked in, then while on plane helps the motor trim up or down for optimum running.
In most, if not all properly powered rigs, I would argue that the hydrofoil is a band-aid for an incorrect set-up between prop, motor height, and boat. If the prop is too high of pitch, it can cause a multitude of issues, most significant of note is porpoising....the prop is just too much to turn and essentially, the bow rises to a point the motor cannot hold it there, and down it comes and repeats the process. This is where many add the hydrofoil to tame the bow.
In an optimum situation for the boat and motor, the anti-ventilation plate is actually riding ABOVE the water line, which would eliminate any effect the hydrofoil has on the handling of the motor.
In my humble opinion, it's an inexpensive "fix" to a rig that is improperly set up.
Steve |
