[Mayal]

I am looking at fitting a SE 300 sport hydrofoil to my 2008 sx18 alpha 1 leg. Has anybody used one or have any feedback. At the moment I am running a 23 pitch 3 blade prop. I have great pick up and top speed 52 mph however with learner skiers I cant go slow enough and have the boat on the plane and keep the kids happy. Is there any warranty issues with drilling 4 holes in the cavitation plate? Any feedback would be helpfull. Thanks Mayal

[mikeyt]

I'm not a fan of hydrofoils Mayal. I think you would be far better off to spend the $150-200 and install a pair of Smart Tabs.

Or...buy a 21p - 3blade or 22p - 4 blade prop for skiing/wakeboarding. It's good to have a spare anyway. I'm a little surprised that you are running a 23p prop. I think most? of us are running 19 - 21pitch props on the 4.3LX. I would have thought the 23p wouldn't give you much out of the hole but would definitely give you some superior top speed. Maybe it has something to do with the new Mariahs being a little lighter in weight than a similar size original Mariah?

[WetWilly]

Hi Mayal,

I think you will find that the general consensus here is, do not use any of the "hydrofoil" devices. Instead, most will probably suggest you install trim tabs such as the” Smart Tabs" system.

I'm sure as soon as mikeyt sees this thread, he'll chime in, as he has possibly the most knowledge on this product over all of us.

Another thing, Mercruiser frowns upon any modifications to their products. To give you an idea of their stand on these issues, go to this link on their FAQ page: http://www.mercurymarine.com/service...ation.php#1118


Good luck,
WetWilly

[mikeyt]

that's funny. Wet Willy & i were responding at the same time....

[WetWilly]

Dang, you just beat me there Mikey!

See, told you he would chime in!!!

[WetWilly]

What can I say,....Great minds think alike!

[Mayal]

Hi Guys, Thanks for your knowledge. I Just priced some electric trim tabs and the cheapest was $750 AU dollars not fitted. The 23p prop came fitted from Mariah. I too don't want too drill holes in my Merc. I think I will get a 19p or 21p 4 blade prop $400 AU approx. Not cheep to buy gear over here. I might look into ordering from the US as our dollar is so strong at the moment, It will depend on freight? Thanks Mayal

[mikeyt]

Hi Mayal

You dont need electric trim tabs on an 18' boat. Smart tabs run approx $150 (maybe $200 w shipping cost to Oz) and are self adjusting.

Here's the link if you want to have a look at them. Your boat would work fine with the SX9510-60 model. Same as i have on mine.

http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htm

[Mayal]

Thanks Mikey, I will have a look sounds great.

[dudders]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

Hi Mayal

You dont need electric trim tabs on an 18' boat. Smart tabs run approx $150 (maybe $200 w shipping cost to Oz) and are self adjusting.

Here's the link if you want to have a look at them. Your boat would work fine with the SX9510-60 model. Same as i have on mine.

http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htm

Hi Mayal, we have exactly the same boats. I put on the trim tabs that Mike suggested just before xmas. Got them from the company he suggested as well (thanks mike). They work fantastic, give that idea of the hydrofoil the flick mate, my boat sits with the bow down at low speeds even with tubes behind it. Gets onto plane really fast (2 - 3 secs) but then I have the 4 blade Vensura - dont know the pitch of it though. My top speed is still 50mph with 4 people.
The cost of the trim tabs delivered to the door in 1 week from order was about $180 I think (certainly wasnt any more than that) I installed them myself. Just take a look at the pics of MikeyT's boat to see where to place them, thats exactly where I put mine. But mine look better than Mikeys though and so will yours
Good luck. Mike has great advice and I hate to say it "he knows his sh*t.
Plus; use heaps of marine grade silicon (for peace of mind).