Will a dolphin's tail bring the bow down?

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J

Jib

I am considering putting a hydrofoil type fin on my 50 Honda to bring the bow down when powering. A friend did this on his powerboat and he planed out quicker and had faster turning response. I think this will help my 26X. Anybody tried this?
 
Jun 3, 2004
47
- - Newport, RI
Owner's manual?

I am not sure about the 26X, but the 26M owner's manual specifically warns against using hydrofoils on the outboard. The hydrofoil works by creating vertical lift at the transom - lifting the stern and forcing the bow down. At least in the case of the 26M, a significant portion of the boat's stability on a plane or near-plane is generated by the hullform at the stern - hence you do not want to lift the stern. The boat is already squirrelly to try and drive without purposefully countering the hull design. - AndyS
 
J

Jib

What stability?

I don't have any stability, Andy. If I can get up on top of the water I believe I will have more speed and control to combat the waves.
 
Jun 4, 2004
60
Macgregor 26X 97444, 94561
The Owner's Manual

of the Mac 26X ('98) also states not to use foils on the motor(50hp Honda) for stability reasons.
 
Jun 3, 2004
47
- - Newport, RI
None?

Jib - "I don't have any stability, Andy." Ok, "stability" is a relative term, you got me. On mine, both under slow power and up at w.o.t., the boat has good upright stability, i.e. it does not rock that much. It has very little "driving" stability though - i.e. I am constantly adjusting the wheel to try and go straight. A few things I have learned by messing around and reading these boards: AT slow speed, like when doing tight maneuvers around the docks at the marina, putting the daggerboard down about a foot greatly increases the boats turning performance, but at speed, having ANY daggerboard down AT ALL has a very negative effect on steerability - you'd think that an inch or two of board down would help the boat track straight. The boat tracks much better with the daggerboard all the way up. Also, the 26M drives much better under power with the ballast empty. It tracks better, steers easier, and cuts the waves nicer. If you're powering your X with any of these sorts of things in play, maybe try varying those. Also, you could get an idea what pushing the bow down will do by having a full-sized crewmember go up to the bow pulpit while under power one day. Just thoughts. - AndyS
 
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