Stingray Hydrofoils??? Yay or nay??

[dunny961]

I was wondering if my fellow pontooners had any comments or experience with the Stingray hydrofoils? I've used a Stingray classic on an aluminum boat with a 25hp with pretty good results when I was running the river as a teenager. The Stingray XRIII is made for heavier boats and pontoons. Just trying to see what changes I want to make for this boating season. Also considering a Merc Spitfire prop also. Any help would be appreciated!!!

[68dodgeramman]

I put one on my last boat, a 17' bow rider with an 4cyl. I/O and it was a definite improvement. It helped it to get on plane quicker and with top end a little. And definitely with the "yaw". But I haven't put one on the new toon, yet. I was hoping somebody else had some input on this too.

[Bamaman]

I had one on my old StarCraft 24' twin toon boat with a Yamaha 115 hp 2 stroke. It worked great, and you could feel the difference.

[HandymanHerb]

I Prefer my prop guard, gives me better slow speed handling, protects the prop, people and other things that swim, I had a fin on mine with the 50 HP when I bought the toon, but it was lifting the rear and letting blow out, off helped but it went away with the propguard.

Also it acts like a jet drive, so in low water you can tilt it up and it will still suck the water in and jet you through, this is why it handles better at low speed, because it directs the water flow in a jet that lets you steer in very slow speed

[68dodgeramman]

I Prefer my prop guard, gives me better slow speed handling, protects the prop, people and other things that swim, I had a fin on mine with the 50 HP when I bought the toon, but it was lifting the rear and letting blow out, off helped but it went away with the propguard.

Also it acts like a jet drive, so in low water you can tilt it up and it will still suck the water in and jet you through, this is why it handles better at low speed, because it directs the water flow in a jet that lets you steer in very slow speed

Herb -
Is there any noticeable difference in top end and hole shot with the Prop Guard?

[SeaBreeze]

I Prefer my prop guard, gives me better slow speed handling, protects the prop, people and other things that swim, I had a fin on mine with the 50 HP when I bought the toon, but it was lifting the rear and letting blow out, off helped but it went away with the propguard.

Also it acts like a jet drive, so in low water you can tilt it up and it will still suck the water in and jet you through, this is why it handles better at low speed, because it directs the water flow in a jet that lets you steer in very slow speed

Herb -
Is there any noticeable difference in top end and hole shot with the Prop Guard?

I think I just read on prop guards website that 13-14" guards are for pontoons and any other vessel that does not exceed 25mph, hmmm, that would limited top end a little. After breaking a few props in the river over the past several years, I am interested in trying one of these.

[HandymanHerb]

With the Merc 90 I didn't lose a mph, my old 50 lost one mph but still made it up every where else, the extra handling control it gives you would make up for any loss, but yea I don't think they make them for anything faster than 25, fits me I top at 22 mph with two aboard.

PS: I forgot my brother done ate up one prop last year before I got the prop guard on the newer engine, now worse case is you break the guard, but that is cheaper than a prop and you can still get home

Also we love we drop anchor and swim around the boat, this way the kids can't kick or run into to the prop, so no prop cuts, alligators like it too.