Trim tabs verses foils

Question
QUESTION: I have a 30 foot partially enclosed 135 HP I/O pontoon. It is 4500 pounds bone dry. Would trim tabs be worth the extra money over a hydrofoil. Power trim tabs can cost $600 plus installation, where as something like a Stringray hydrofoil is less than $200.

ANSWER: Hi Wayne...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

First of all, you didn't mention the reason you're contemplating installation of trim tabs or a hydrafoil, so I have no idea what symptoms you're expierencing that would warrant such accessory.

Secondly, pontoon boats are primarily designed for slow to moderate cruising. In the event you're intent on ultimate speed, then I suggest you consider moving to a more appropriately designed vessel that will achieve your desired expectations.

Thirdly, I do not anticipate the likelihood that either of the 2 accessories mentioned above will provide you the level of satisfaction you might be expecting, so save your money and be content with the current performance. However, it does surprise me that you're unable to properly trim your stern drive. Perhaps it might be a good idea to consult a local marina for guidance.

Safe Boating
Ron

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Ron. I am new to boating so not familiar with all the terms, but I seem to loose traction sometime, especially on sharp turns. This pontoon is reasonably fast. I can easily pull three floats or one float and one skier. As long as I'm in a straight line its OK, but sharp turns start to churn air. I have read that the Stingray foil will help this, but of course this is their advertisement. We really love this Suntracker PartyHut because it is plenty roomy and converts to a camper on floats for staying overnight. That's what my wife and it do most, but take the kids and grandkids tubing/skiing on the weekends.

Answer
Wayne, thanks for the clarification.

Trim tabs and hydrafoils are used primarily to assist a boat to quickly plane on the surface of the water during rapid acceleration. And, on mono hulls (single hulled boats), trim tabs help to balance the boat and prevent it from listing to either side, particularly when you have a lot of people onboard. So long as everyone onboard your boat is evenly distributed, including equipment and fuel, etc., you shouldn't have a listing problem, particularly with dual pontoons.

The next opportunity you have, check to make sure the cavitation plate (a flange at the top of the lower unit) on the stern drive is at the same level with or slightly below the very bottom of both pontoons. If it is higher, it's adviseable to replace the lower unit with a long shaft model. Otherwise, it sounds like you might require a different prop. Best you consult a local marina for a more detailed assessment. On the other hand, maybe your lower unit isn't trimmed down low enough to keep the prop below the surface of the water, which can cause the rpms to increase during fast turns.

Safe Boating
Ron