Can anybody recommend a hydrofoil for my 19SS?  I've read up on them and with the price of gas, it couldn't hurt to boost fuel efficiency.  There are so many too choose from, it would be nice to narrow it down.

Do hydrofoils boost fuel efficiency?  Had never heard that.  I wouldn't think the 19SS would benefit from one.  Doesn't the SS have the extended running surface like the other SS models?  Are you having planing problems?  Isn't that more what the hydrofoil supposed to be for?  Even so, it seems that the use of them is loved by some and hated by others.  I think the wrong ones can put extra strain on the cavitation plate. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Hi Jim, We run a Mercury SE 300 Hydrofoil. I agree with Mikes comments.  I'm yet to be convinced as to whether it improves our ability to plane quicker.  I intend to take the foil off & compare the performance. Our Dealer Pricipal fitted it on delivery claiming that it improves the hole shot for skiing, in combination with the Hi Five Prop.

We have a foil on our 15' Aluminium fishing boat, only powered by a 70hp outboard. We wanted improved planing and after fitting the foil it certainly helped this boat. But the hull, boat balance & power is completly different from the 19SS.

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Gary
"POZOR"
2008 240LS, 350 MAG BIII

I had considered putting a foil on my 240EX B3 and spoke to a service manager at a marina and he stated that was a big no no because it put too much strain on the hull.  just my $0.02

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Rob
Make-U-Wet
2004 240EX 350Mag BIII

Jim DeSimone:

Can anybody recommend a hydrofoil for my 19SS?  I've read up on them and with the price of gas, it couldn't hurt to boost fuel efficiency.  There are so many too choose from, it would be nice to narrow it down.

As everybody else has already pointed out, I wouldn't put one on your 19ss.  If you are looking for better hole shot you could try upgrading to a 4 blade SS prop if you've got a 3 blade or aluminum on there now it will make a significant difference.

As for gas prices and fuel mileage, if you want to conserve fuel try keeping your hand out of the throttle and keep your RPM's down.

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W.O.T.

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Rob
Make-U-Wet
2004 240EX 350Mag BIII

I would never put one on my boat.  I had one on my old BR and it made my wake smaller and changed the handling of the boat.  Didn't notice any savings in fuel either.  I would say it would be a BIG mistake for your boat 

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Love your children, they may be taking care of you someday

Bryon, I'm about 90% happy with the handling of my new boat. In what way did the foil it affect your boat? I almost feel that the foil is causing resistance in the water. Next time out I intend removing the foil to compare. I have a funny feeling the boat will run better without it. Thanks

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Gary
"POZOR"
2008 240LS, 350 MAG BIII

Jim

I installed one on my other boat 20' Regal 5.0 merc w/ alpha i found a huge diff on that boat quicker up on plane.That one was called a stingray. OK i then installed one on my Boston Whaler 28hp it broke the cavitation plate called company they payed for repair and give me a new hydrofoil returned this 2 piece one for stingray sold motor.This bring me up to date i just installed a stingray on my crownline 225 350 Mag and will be installing one on the whaler ,new honda 4 stroke.I will be interested to see the diff on both boats hopefully this weekend.

Dana

hope this helps

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Dana & Lynda Howard
Lakeville. Mass.

Thanks for the input.  Let me know how your experiment works out.

Jim