Smart tabs and hydrofoil stabilizers

mvbluefish · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2005, 12:28 PM

Have any of you guys used those hydrofoil stabilizers like the Doelfin, Stingray, or Se sport. I know they all claim better fuel economy, easier planing, and better control but have not heard anybody with the 17 comment on their real world usefulness. Iv'e heard some good comments on the smart tabs but only for the 21. Are they just overkill for a 17?

blacter · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2005, 02:07 PM

I added a StingRay hydrofoil to my 170cc and it performed as advertised. I needed the foil to keep the bow down until I got up on plane. I bought my 2004 with a 60hp Suzuki OB and learned that the motor was heavier than most. Even with the motor trimmed in all the way, the bow would go way up when I first started off. The hydrofoil made a big difference.

Putershark · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2005, 05:17 PM

You may want to try this one

http://www.bobsmachine.com/lift2.shtml#STABILIZER

Those extra rudders on this model really helps you carve up the water and unlike the Doel Fin I had used in the past, this one did stop the wondering at slow speeds as it says it will. The Doel Fin I had also flexed some and these don't.

Nice price point on them (same cost as many of the plastic versions) and it should return your investment money in lower engine RPM running while still running on a plane, which equals less fuel burn. Just call first to make sure they have one that will make and year lower unit.

Tight Lines!
Dave

boomer812 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-10-2005, 11:38 PM

I replaced the cheap steering box the factory puts in with a no feedback steering box and it is wonderful. No pulling to right. You can reach for your drink and the boat doesn't want to turn right even with the motor trim set straight. Best thing I EVER did to the boat and only $130 at Boathouse Marine!

hudson hawk · #5 (**permalink**) 01-20-2005, 07:21 PM

I installed the dolefins on my 2001 17' s/c 60 hp merc and it helped me out in a big way. I go out by myself often and I had a problem with water splashing up toward the motor and splashwell at wot. Also, the boat listed slightly to the starboard side. After installing them, it helped to minimize this situation and i get on plane faster. I have not experienced any of the negative effects of how the boat handles that other boaters complain about using this type of fin. If any thing the steering feels more responsive. For the money that I spent on them and the time it took to put them on, I am quite pleased with them. I considered upgrading to smart tabs but wonder if it is worth my time and money. Would they really make that much of a difference as opposed to the dolefins? has anyone ever switched from fins to tabs? From what i heard any boat over 19 ft. would benefit greatly from the use of tabs but for a 17 footer the fins are enough to get the job done.

Fischer53 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2005, 10:30 AM

Hudson Hawk - I have a 2004 17CC with 70hp. Been following the fin discussion closely. Your testimonial has pushed me over the edge. There will be a fin on the motor before I go back into the water. Thanks.

hudson hawk · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2005, 07:55 PM

Fischer53 good deal. I'm sure that you will be pleased with the results. It doesn't take a long time to put them on and the directions are straight. I'm sure you will feel a little apprehensive as i was when it comes time to drill the holes, but if measured properly, you won't cause any damage. The beauty of it is when you punch it wot
for the first time you will notice the difference right away.
Hurry up spring time!

Dorado_33 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2005, 01:36 AM

I have the 170 Bass and my out of the hole shot is slow. When my livewell is full with 5 fish it add extra weight. I know everyone talks about how good these products work on the 170 CC does anyone have experience using these product on the 170 Bass. Plus I am not sure what the Smart Tabs are.

mvbluefish · #9 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 09:58 AM

Recently received Bob's Machine shop Hydrofoil that Putershark (Dave) suggested. It looks like a very solid piece. I feel a lot better about my girlfriend using this as a step rather than the plastic models I had been considering. I think it ended up costing about $51. w/ shipping, very reasonable. They said when I ordered to call back at installation and they would walk me through grinding that might be needed to modify for proper fit for my engine (Honda 50). I put it up to the lower unit and I'm not sure where are what I'm supposed to grind so I'll call their techs to check. Can't wait to put the finshed job to the test. I love to cruise at minimum planing speed to save gas so this seems like a no brainer for my purposes, but will reserve judgement for the water test.

Fischer53 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 12:54 PM

I bought the SE Sport a few weeks ago in anticipation of the snow melting away from my lower unit. Like MVBLUEFISH, I am real interested in trying it out, but most of the water around me is still solid. If MV and HudsonHawk show up at the NE TBOT we will be able to dosome real life comparisions.

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