Can I / Or should I run Dolphins on my Boat?

Small Fry · 05-16-2002, 09:37 PM

I own a 18 ft Alumaweld FV with a 11 Degree bottom running a 200 Merc. :smile: It rides fairly rough. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] I know the first thing your going to say! (What do you expect)

Someone suggest mounting Doldhins on the motor.

I added them on my old 16 ft fiber glass boat running a 90 horse and boy what a difference.
My brother added them on his 16 ft boat this year and just loves the new ride. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

Has anyone ever done this???? OR

Can you add power trim tabs on a boat like this???

Or do I just live with what I have???

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Small Fry

[ 05-16-2002, 10:50 PM: Message edited by: Small Fry ]

Dan Christopher · 05-16-2002, 09:47 PM

you think yours is rough,, take a ride at 50mph in my northriver and you will see rough. :grin:

Small Fry · 05-16-2002, 09:51 PM

40 is bad enough.

You must be running a inboard jet.

[ 05-16-2002, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: Small Fry ]

Dan Christopher · 05-16-2002, 09:59 PM

yep with the infamous north river porpois.air ride seats though :grin: :grin: :grin:

[ 05-16-2002, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: MADWIZERD ]

Thumper · 05-17-2002, 08:58 AM

Oops. Thought the question related to trimming an inboard. Never mind.

[ 05-17-2002, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: Thumper ]

RIPPLE · 05-17-2002, 09:45 AM

I have run a Hydrofoil on my last two motors with great success. Planes quicker with little rise in the bow, stays on plane at slower speeds, greatly reduced porpoising, and keeps the boat more stable in the chop. I am a believer!
Have a great day!
:grin: RIPPLE :grin:

Salmonator · 05-17-2002, 10:00 AM

I'm not sure if if the stabilizers will get you a smoother ride unless your boat is "rough" due to porpoising. If it is just rough because of your 11 degree deadrise they won't help in my opinion. But they will help with getting on plane and staying on plane at a slower speed, which makes the bumps smoother only because you're not hitting them as fast.

RIPPLE · 05-17-2002, 10:14 AM

Agreed Salmonator.
:grin: RIPPLE :grin:

Salmonator · 05-17-2002, 10:19 AM

Ripple didn't realize until after I re-read that I basically copied your post :blush: :grin:

[ 05-17-2002, 11:34 AM: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

05-17-2002, 10:34 AM

If you do put a dolfin on inspect them regularly. I had a friend flip his boat when one of the fins broke off. It almost killed him and did lots of damage to his boat.

FallRiverGuy · 05-17-2002, 12:27 PM

I had a qestion about trim tabs but found the answer on the internet.

[ 05-17-2002, 01:29 PM: Message edited by: FallRiverGuy ]

HORNBLOWER · 05-17-2002, 02:07 PM

Small Fry,
A number of years ago I installed a Sting Ray fin on my 115 hp. Yamaha. Since it installs ON TOP of the cavitation plate, the under-bolts put a terrific torque on the plate. I ended up with a broken plate which had to be welded---twice. I removed the Sting Ray fin, and replaced it with a Stainless Steel fin, THE EDGE PRO SERIES (Cobra Marine Co.), which is installed on the UNDERSIDE of the cavitation plate.(supporting the plate) It works fine and has never been a problem.

Empire · 05-17-2002, 11:18 PM

It seems to me that if the fins were that great, at least one motor manufacturer would integrate them into the motors as standard equipment. That way they could brag about better performance as compared to other motor makes, and sell more product.

FallRiverGuy · 05-17-2002, 11:19 PM

I have been thinking of adding these to my 50 hp motor. Thumper, does the trim tabs make the fins unnecessary? Are there downsides to having these other that what Keta mentioned?

RIPPLE · 05-17-2002, 11:29 PM

I also figured that if they were so great they would allready be there. I also dragged my heals for several years because I just could'nt bear the thought of drilling four holes in my cavitation plate. Maybe it depends on the vessel but in my case it completely enhanced the ride and performance. I think that trim-tabs would be even a better bet and make the foil unneccessary, a little pricey though at over $300.00. Too scary Keta about losing one side, I am sure that would throw the boat into one hell of a twist or nose dive. The hydrofoil is a one piece unit unlike the "two" dole fins, but definitely something to consider.
:grin: RIPPLE :grin:

[ 05-17-2002, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: RIPPLE ]