Outboard motor skeg mounted foil?

Appreciate your reply, and agree that the cav/vent plate systems are widely used. The Hydro-Shield is a patented skeg mounted hydrofoil which provides better lift, as well as providing more pronounced helm control. And with the mounting location and bracket system, provides protection to the propeller from underwater impacts. The cav/vent plate mounted systems are good products - but if someone is looking for a broader array of benefits, the Hydro-Shield delivers more benefits and performance. We have a 90 day 100% satisfaction guarantee on the product based on the success, and a lengthy testimonial base. So thought the cav plate models have been in the market longer, we hope to change the adoption based on consumer experience with this newly designed patented product. Thank you.

 

So how does it “control” and “help reduce cavitation”

 

Ondarvr, thank you for the question. One of the leading sources of cavitation is due to damage to the leading edge of propellers resulting from underwater strikes to sand, rocks, or other underwater obstacles (as well as sandbar weardown of the prop). The Hydro-Shield protects the propeller from damage due to low and moderate underwater impacts (nicks, scratches, dings and dents), and as a result, controls and reduces cavitation associated from propeller damage. I hope this helps, as the topic of cavitation often gets mistaken for ventilation issues.

 

Not sure whether these things might affect engine warranties, they are seemingly heading in the direction of being an excuse to not honour them.

 

We have had this question before, and all the engine manufacturers (Yamaha, Tohatsu and Suzuki most recently at the Miami Boat Show) have all stated that an addition of a Hydro-Shield does not affect the engine warranty. They say warranty law is complex, but what the manufacturers say is that the main issues around warranty disputes is when the electrical or mechanical systems have been altered. If you want to send us an e-mail, we can get you the senior contacts at the manufacturers who could provide you direct feedback. A customer last year asked this very question, and we were fortunate that Suzuki had a booth next to ours, so asked them to answer the customers question - the end result of the conversation was the customer purchased a Hydro-Shield at the show. Our e-mail address is info@hydro-shield.com

 

I am leery of anything that puts more wetted area in the water, unless it is reducing wetted area elsewhere. And a lifting device right aft, can't do that. Surf rescue inflatables have a "cage" around the outboard prop, but lose performance noticeably as a result, but the trade-off is not chopping swimmers legs off. You might have a market with power cats, where tabs are not easily fitted.

 

Mr. Efficiency, your concerns on more wetted area in the water are well founded and spot on. But the advantage of the Hydro-Shield is that there is lift to the aft of the boat, which gets it on plane faster, and improves fuel economy in the low to mid range settings. The prop guards which you mention are great devices for what you say, to mitigate injuries with props from all angles to the side - but as you say, the additional wetted area creates increased drag. As all things in boating are, its a series of trade-offs. With the Hydro-Shield, there is drag but its counteracted by the increased planing at the low and mid range settings - thus the improvement in performance. And prop protection from underwater impacts. The RIB market has been a great success, as are boat rental companies where firms have provided testimonials that they no longer need to replace 2-3 stainless steel props per month (let along the gearing that comes after several prop strikes). Your comments are sound, and perspective appreciated. We hope at some point you or a friend gets a chance to try this product - which has a 90 day 100% satisfaction guarantee (something not common in the aftermarket segment, but one founded on several years of usage and testimonials). If you get a chance, please visit www.Hydro-Shield.com to see some of the testimonials from customers and publications - you'll also see one from one of the larger RIB dealers in the Chesapeake Bay and the credentials of the author. Tks again for your comments, perspective, and contribution to this forum.