Great Hydrofoil / Stabilizer from Bob's Machine Shop!
I have tested and used this one personally since about 2002, and have written about it in the past as it has several key advantages...
Metal Construction (not plastic that can move when under pressure)
Smaller footprint and not some B-52-sized wing, that creates both lift and not a lot of drag at the same time like many designs could...
Great for keeping low speed wonder down, while crawling up some no wake zone... It has extra small rudders incorporated that help negate this condition on many hulls, even on those with an Engine Flats Jack installed.
Good price point / ROI (Return on Investment) since you can both launch the boat quicker and keep her on a plane at lower speeds. Fuel savings alone, once you get a feel on the new Skiff handling characteristics with the (usually) less trim angle of attack needed. Should offset the cost in short order.
Quite possible, you can keep your current Prop that might not be working as well as desired or needed, this instead of spending many hundreds more for a new one. That is (as I found) could even buy the one I wanted. Supply Chain issues again / still...
Something, you should keep near the very top of your upgrade list for sure!
They now, come in various colors to help match the color of your lower unit and look very close to OEM in color matching to your lower unit.
I know, they used some shots of my last install in their catalog...
I guess it is time for me to get a new one, so I can send Steve over at BMS some new install and use pictures!
A couple of tips that the install instructions do not tell you, that will make it even easier to put on...
1. Take the prop off, much more clearance to use the drill that way.
2. Have a couple of small C Clamps handy (they do tell you that) but, make sure you put something in the jaws of them so you do not mar up any of the paint either on the new plate or your lower unit.
3. You will need a pretty short Philips screwdriver to reach the screws when you go to tight it down.
4. An extra set of hands when you go to mount it will come in handy. I was fine holding it in place and even running in the screws, but when I went to go and put in the flat and lock washers, I did not have enough hands.
You can find out more about and order the one for your engine here:
https://bobsmachine.com/product-category/true-tracker-stabilizer-plates-2/
and by clicking on any of the product pictures above..,
Or, you can reach BMS at these contact points below:
Bob's Machine Shop 8802 E Broadway Ave Tampa, FL 33619 USA Hours :Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm EST General info: Info@bobsmachine.com Tech: Techsupport@bobsmachine.com
Phone: 813-247-7040
The product support team over at BMS is awesome to work with if you have any Technical questions before, or after you order one. Steve Pelini and I discussed this product and several quality BMS products in Episode #9 found on the Podcast page.
So, give this one a try, and let us know how it worked for you on your Skiff or Boat.
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you just cannot hitch up the Skiff and go, on these links:
Our main podcast page works great for your mobile device since they will stream right on your phone/tablet can be found by clicking Here
Our new Flats Nation YouTube Channel can be found by clicking Here and sharing them with family and friends if you find them Entertaining and Educational! We have some great guests in the works and planning stages on a wide range of topics and product overage soon.
Tight Lines, and God Bless!
