Skeg & Stabilizer
 

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Took the kids and wife to the lake. My Mariah did everything I expected it would do. I'm now making a list of things I would like to have installed.

#1. SKEG PROTECTOR (I purchased it with a 1" to 1/2" of it missing but it still steered good)

#2. STABILIZER FIN (I'm considering 1 of 2 brands SE SPORT 300 OR STING RAY)

If anyone would like to give me comments or expierence with any of these products. Please feel free!
THANKS!

Welcome to the club! I'm glad this site is really taking off!

As for the stabilizer, I'll repeat what I've heard over and over: Don't do it!!! Buy Smart Tabs instead. They have a really great explanation of why on their website http://www.nauticusinc.com/tech_bull...s_pdf_book.pdf

I'm hoping to install a set myself in the next week.

Thanks for the info indykoch!

What is your opinion on the SKEG PROTECTOR?

I wouldn't mind the skeg protector myself (due to the shallow lake we boat in), but I don't know much at all about them. I'm sure they help protect the skeg, but would it cause more damage depending on what's hit and where? What about the added drag/turbulance (if any)? Questions I have myself, and why I haven't installed one yet.

Didn't mean to ignore your question, I just don't know anything about them. I'll check some other chat rooms and see if I come up with anything.

I think the Skeg protector would be a good investment! It's just thick enough to protect you for beaching and things like that. If you plan to beach your boat, definitely get one. I've been thinking about one myself, but am still up in the air if I really need it. I'm usually just anchoring, not beaching. However, you might want to fix the damage on the skeg first, before installing it. Just to be safe!

And I'm with indykoch on the Smart Tabs, I'd pick them way over one of those fins.

My choice would definitely be the new Smart Tabs SX over a hydrofoil. With your boat the #60 actuators should be fine.

I've seen 1 boat with the skeg protector installed and that was because it suffered some minor damage after a confrontation with a local rock. Buying the skeg protector and getting the damaged skeg welded worked out about even (cost wise) and he thought the skeg protector would provide some additional protection. He didn't think he lost any top end with it installed but didn't know for sure. If you are doing a lot of beaching your boat on sand etc i would consider the keel protector strips also.

I'd say yes as well on the Skeg Protector. Though i don't run one on my boat, i think they are a great idea. I honestly doubt they'll do a whole lot if you smack a rock at any higher speed than idling along. The Skeg Protector is probably more for looks as it will keep the skeg from getting the scratches from dragging in the sand which happens on occasion :rolleyes:

As for the hydrofoil fin things, definitely stay away from those. I've heard of guys destroying outdrives at WOT with those things installed. Just tore the foils right off and left a cracked outdrive about to fall apart. Waste of money in my book. I'd go for the trim tabs as everyone has suggested. They seem to offer the biggest bang for the buck. I'm thinking they will be the next big addition on my boat!

Hope that helps Joe and welcome to the club!

Re: Skeg & Stabilizer
 

You are dead right about the hydrofoil things. Looks like they bind your outdrive just to lift. As for the Blackfin cover you encapsulate the skeg with a flexible adhesive that comes in the package. Then cover that with a composite. Cast aluminum is so brittle. Volvo has a new outdrive that is completely made of a composite. Time will tell how that works out.