We get the appeal that pontoon boats have. These little buddies are great for recreational purposes such as fishing, sunbathing, and more. But do you know what’s not so good about a pontoon boat? That’s right, it’s the speed.
Sure, many of us are doing just fine with the boat’s max velocity of 25 mph. Still, some people are constantly looking for ways to increase their boat’s speed.
Luckily, installing the best hydrofoil for pontoon boats could be of help. Let’s find out how a hydrofoil can enhance your boat’s performance.
What Is a Hydrofoil?
A hydrofoil is an object that eliminates drag on any type of boat. This device works to elevate the boat in the water as it gains speed. So, the faster you go, the higher a hydrofoil can lift your boat.
Hydrofoils come in several shapes and designs. Yet, the most popular shape you’ll find on the market is more on the triangular side. It looks a bit like a whale’s tail fin. But, how exactly does a hydrofoil work?
How a Hydrofoil Increases Pontoon Boat Speed
Let’s explain the way hydrofoils do their job more in-depth. This technique is quite similar to how the wings of a plane work, but it’s in the water instead of the air.
Simply put, the water that moves against the top of the hydrofoil has a faster speed than the water that passes along the lower part of the device. As a result, there will be a drop of pressure between these two points, which causes your boat to lift several inches above water level.
Without a hydrofoil, the normal way that a boat works meets more resistance. As the boat reaches higher speeds, the hull will increase the pressure drag. In other words, you’ll need more engine power to overcome this resistance, which burns more fuel.
However, the way that you install a hydrofoil to your pontoon can have a profound impact on its speed. It’s time to discuss the factors to keep in mind before fitting a hydrofoil to your pontoon.
Things That Affect the Performance of a Hydrofoil
In some instances, people who use hydrofoils with their boats end up with even slower speeds. This could happen if you install a hydrofoil incorrectly.
To do things right, you must take a moment to think about the following factors first.
Hydrofoil Angle
The most important thing to do when installing a hydrofoil to your boat’s motor is to pay attention to its angle. Making even the slightest adjustments to this angle could increase or decrease the speed dramatically.
What you should do is find the perfect balance between lift and drag factors. Experiment with the angle of the hydrofoil until you reach a satisfactory mix of both.
However, you should ensure that this angle isn’t too big not to expose yourself to the risk of stalling.
Boat Weight and Size
It makes sense that the boat’s weight will have a major effect on the hydrofoil’s performance. Naturally, smaller boats will reach higher speeds faster than larger boats.
Also, the lighter your boat is, the easier it should be to lift off the water surface and reduce drag.
Yet, there’s nothing to worry about if your boat is on the bigger side. You can still install a hydrofoil on it just fine, and you’ll notice changes in its speed as well.
Engine Power
Hydrofoils can fit into most pontoon engines, so you shouldn’t struggle to find one to match your needs. Just make sure that the hydrofoil is compatible with the exact engine horsepower not to face issues later on.
On the market, you’ll come across products that can work with 35 to 300 HP, so you’ll probably find the right one for your boat.
Benefits of Using a Hydrofoil With a Pontoon Boat
Hydrofoils have many more advantages than just increasing the lift and cutting down on the drag of your pontoon. Are you ready to know more about these plus points?
- Boosts the power of your outboard motor
- Increases acceleration to a desirable degree
- Lowers the strain on the motor
- Extends the motor’s lifespan
- Causes less drag, which reduces the fuel consumption
- Improves the overall responsiveness of the motor, which makes handling and turning the boat easier
- Might help you save money on maintenance since installing a hydrofoil cuts down on the motor’s strain
Top 3 Hydrofoils for Pontoon Boats
Now that you have an idea of how a hydrofoil can transform the performance of your pontoon, it’s time to list our favorite picks.
1. SE Sport 300 Hydrofoil
This little guy is one of the most popular hydrofoils out there, and for good reasons. It works great with 35 to 300 HP motors, so we’re pretty sure you can find the perfect match for your boat on that scale.
What you’ll likely appreciate about this product is its unique shape. The design consists of a narrow streamline and a cupped underside. This helps keep the drag to the minimum, offering you faster speeds and awesome adventures.
Yet, the best thing about the SE Sport hydrofoil is its reasonable price, making it a nice investment for every boater.
2. Davis Doel-Fin Outboard Hydrofoil
Another hydrofoil that many users seem to admire is the Doel-Fin by Davis Instruments. Not only is it more affordable than the previous one, but it also has incredible performance that anyone can’t ignore.
The hydrofoil is suitable for motors starting at 5 HP all the way to 200 HP. This makes it a wonderful choice for pontoons as well as other smaller boats.
3. Attwood Outboard Motor Hydro-Stabilizer
Last but not least, the Attwood hydrofoil is a good product to get if your motor’s power is under 50 HP. This makes it convenient for towing waterskiers since it reduces the drag pretty fast at lower speeds.
What we also like about this hydrofoil is its super budget-friendly price, durability, and easy installation.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best hydrofoil for pontoon boats shouldn’t be a hard task. As long as you carefully consider all the factors that affect the performance of a hydrofoil, you should find your match easily enough.
Once you do, you’ll finally be able to enjoy less drag and higher speeds to do your favorite water sports with confidence.