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Author Topic:   Outboard Fins

Yoav Harlap posted 03-03-2001 10:51 AM ET (US)
I recently bought a new Conquest 23. The boat is equipped with twin Merc Optimax 150's and Mirage Plus props. I was not very happy with the way it went on the plane and added a pair of fins for both outboards. I feel handles better and stays on the plane better as well. It enables me to cruise at 30-33 Mph with no need to use the flaps. I found out that once I raised the flaps, the engine rev'd up by an additional 250 rpm, spead improved by around 3 NM and I assume fuel consumption improved. I have previous positive experience with fins on a 12 feet inflatable with 4 stroke Yamaha 40hp where it did miracles on the plane issue with a minor down side on turning diameter. I think it only did good on the Conquest but I would like to here some more information, specially if anyone has specific experience on installing fins on Opti's 150.
Thanks,
Yoav
Maerd posted 03-03-2001 11:28 AM ET (US)
Hello - Nice boat. I have 1999 21' Outrage with 250hp Mercury and 17 Mirage Plus prop. The prop plugs are really cheap ($5 for three). Just buy all three sizes and experiment. I believe I am using the large holes. Good Luck
awares posted 03-05-2001 10:10 AM ET (US)
Tell me more about what you installed on the
40hp 4 stroke. I have the Mercury 40hp 4 stroke on a 13' 2001 Sport. I am not happy
with the hole shot.
What brand did you install?
Does it require holes to be drilled?
Any comments or concerns would be welcomed.
Thanks, Allen Wares
Yoav Harlap posted 03-06-2001 04:29 PM ET (US)
Hello Allen,
The 40hp that I use on an inflatable 12' dinghy is a Yamaha. I have excellent experience with it so far. It was in heavy use during all the summer season and performed flawlesly. The brand you choose mainly needs to have support either "just in case" or, I assume, later when running hours accumulate. Yamaha are considered very good in this range of outboards. Mine is also equipped with the tilting mechanism that also performed perfectly so far.
The Doel Fins do require holes to be drilled but I see no problem as you can always fill them if you choose.
The fins do mean that you will have a larger turning diameter and may sometimes feel "loose" on directional stability but to a minor degree. In any case, they provide such better planning and fuel consumption that the disadvantages are dwarfed.
All the best,
Yoav

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Author	Topic: Outboard Fins
Yoav Harlap	posted 03-03-2001 10:51 AM ET (US) I recently bought a new Conquest 23. The boat is equipped with twin Merc Optimax 150's and Mirage Plus props. I was not very happy with the way it went on the plane and added a pair of fins for both outboards. I feel handles better and stays on the plane better as well. It enables me to cruise at 30-33 Mph with no need to use the flaps. I found out that once I raised the flaps, the engine rev'd up by an additional 250 rpm, spead improved by around 3 NM and I assume fuel consumption improved. I have previous positive experience with fins on a 12 feet inflatable with 4 stroke Yamaha 40hp where it did miracles on the plane issue with a minor down side on turning diameter. I think it only did good on the Conquest but I would like to here some more information, specially if anyone has specific experience on installing fins on Opti's 150. Thanks, Yoav
Maerd	posted 03-03-2001 11:28 AM ET (US) Hello - Nice boat. I have 1999 21' Outrage with 250hp Mercury and 17 Mirage Plus prop. The prop plugs are really cheap ($5 for three). Just buy all three sizes and experiment. I believe I am using the large holes. Good Luck
awares	posted 03-05-2001 10:10 AM ET (US) Tell me more about what you installed on the 40hp 4 stroke. I have the Mercury 40hp 4 stroke on a 13' 2001 Sport. I am not happy with the hole shot. What brand did you install? Does it require holes to be drilled? Any comments or concerns would be welcomed. Thanks, Allen Wares
Yoav Harlap	posted 03-06-2001 04:29 PM ET (US) Hello Allen, The 40hp that I use on an inflatable 12' dinghy is a Yamaha. I have excellent experience with it so far. It was in heavy use during all the summer season and performed flawlesly. The brand you choose mainly needs to have support either "just in case" or, I assume, later when running hours accumulate. Yamaha are considered very good in this range of outboards. Mine is also equipped with the tilting mechanism that also performed perfectly so far. The Doel Fins do require holes to be drilled but I see no problem as you can always fill them if you choose. The fins do mean that you will have a larger turning diameter and may sometimes feel "loose" on directional stability but to a minor degree. In any case, they provide such better planning and fuel consumption that the disadvantages are dwarfed. All the best, Yoav