Foils...on a Pontoon? Can it be done?

I often find myself reading the threads on this forum even if they have nothing to do with any boat that I have. I came across a few having to do with hydrofoils and find them very interesting. So before putting to much thought energy into it I just wanted to ask:

24 foot pontoon boat, approximately 2000 lbs lightly loaded
115 horspower outboard that will push it to 24 mph (gps speed)

any thoughts on some form of foil assembly that would give significant gains in speed or less fuel consumption. I'm thinking realistically, not thinking to lift the whole thing out of the water.

Plus, wouldn't that be cool to see.

 

Many pontoons already have lifting strakes on them for increased performance. Each mfr. has their own version, and each claims their's is best (although they usually don't say what they're best for).

To get significantly better performance than the strakes provide, you will need to go to a third 'toon running down the middle of the boat. There are some mfrs. that specialize in third "add-on" aftermarket toons. You might also contact the mfr. of your pontoon and see if they offer a third pontoon for your particular model.

Larger-diameter pontoons will probably get you up out of the water higher and give you better performance.

It may be possible to add hydrofoils toward the rear of the pontoon (e.g. - HYSUCAT), but then you are getting into the radical mods that you didn't want to do...

 

If you mounted a well shaped foil towards the forward end of midship, bridging the pontoons, at say a 3 degree angle and an aft foil, mounted the same way, but at 2 degrees, you'd probably push it fast enough for the foils to offer some benefits. Considering the depth of the pontoons, it wouldn't be much lift, before the foils were sucking air and losing their effectiveness. Of course we're talking some pretty high loading here so you want some fancy engineering to keep them attached and capable of supporting the boat.

 

Cn it be done? Yup.... I did it.
I had a HYDROFIN installed a couple of months ago and am just getting it all figured out. Jason Minor, the developer came out and put it on my 24' Voyager U log pontoon. To say its an improvement is an understatement. Better fuel economy was evident immediately, and top speed went up from 24 to 34....maybe 35 if I cheat. It rides a lot better too....you need to consider it if you are serious. Bottom line, you've got to get about 15-16mph before they actually do their thing. There may be some minor adjustments, but once they are set....forgetaboutit... they work great. Why didnt someone think of this sooner? Or maybe we all did, we just didn't have the time/interest/testicles/drive to do what Jason did?

 

Of course it can be done, and has been done. This is from Pontoon and Deck Boat Magazine

 

Interesting. What is the "suspension" strut all about ? The main foil swivels at the pontoon log, with the other end end supported by that telescoping strut, seems complicated.