Outboard Hydrofoils

What do hydrofoils do for small outboards? If you’re relatively new to the boating scene and you’ve found yourself on this page, it’s probably because you are looking for a way to ensure that the next time you head out on the water, it’s a much smoother ride. Outboard hydrofoils are used on smaller boats that don’t have trim tabs, as seen on boats that are generally above 16ft. Hydrofoils for outboards are a great way to get your boat up onto the plane faster and reduce porpoising.

What does it mean when your boat is up on the ‘plane’?

When your boat is "up on the plane," it means you've reached full speed, lifting the hull out of the water. To get there, you'll need to trim the motor into the transom and apply maximum thrust. Sometimes, as the boat picks up speed, you might experience something called "porpoising." This is when the bow lifts and falls repeatedly, making it hard to maintain a steady ride. When this happens, the boat jumps up and down, causing an uncomfortable ride for everyone on board.

What are trim tabs?

Trim tabs are two plates mounted on the transom of your boat that help lift the boat onto the plane. Larger boats, which tend to lean more, benefit from trim tabs because they allow you to lower one side to level the boat out. Outboard hydrofoils are a similar accessory that mimic this effect, offering the same stability, torque, and smooth handling you’d find in bigger powerboats. They help eliminate issues like "porpoising," where the hull rises and falls at higher speeds, making the ride uncomfortable. Hydrofoils also help your boat plane at lower speeds, stay on the plane, and can improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag.

Outboard hydrofoils are easy to install—you can mount them yourself at home in under 20 minutes, without drilling. They are suitable for a range of outboard motors and sterndrive engines, from smaller 40hp outboards to larger 350hp models. At Outback Equipment, we offer a selection of outboard hydrofoils from popular marine brands like SE Sport. The SE Sport 200 hydrofoil, available in black, grey, and white, is perfect for outboards ranging from 8-40 horsepower. The SE Sport 300 hydrofoil, also in black, grey, and white, fits motors from 40-350 horsepower. For easier installation, the SE Sport 400 hydrofoil, available in black and grey, features a slide-on kit, which means no drilling and easier removal for maintenance.

How to install your outboard hydrofoil to your motor?

What is cavitation, and can hydrofoils help reduce it?

Cavitation happens when your boat's propeller spins too fast, creating low-pressure bubbles in the water. These bubbles collapse and cause small shockwaves that can damage the propeller. You might notice vibrations, noise, or a loss of speed when this happens.

Hydrofoils can help by lifting the boat's stern, making it plane faster and more smoothly. This reduces the chances of cavitation. But if your propeller is damaged, the wrong size, or if the trim isn't set right, cavitation can still happen, even with a hydrofoil.

For outboard hydrofoils that need to be drilled into the motor, you will find that there is a fitting template in the box to help guide where you will need to predrill your holes for fitment.

Why shop with Outback Equipment?

• We’re Australian-owned and operated – We’re based right here in the south of Brisbane. If you ever need help with an order or a product, you can call straight through to our friendly local team.
• Plenty of payment options – You can pay via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, zipMoney, Afterpay, and direct deposit – whichever is most convenient for you.
• Delivered to your door – You don’t have to worry about darting across town to grab your order. We deliver your goods straight to your door to save you time and energy.

Enhance Your Boat’s Comfort and Control

Stay in complete control and comfort on your boat by choosing from the best marine gear. Explore a wide range of outboard hydrofoils, Boat T Tops, boat seats & pedestals, and outboard motor covers online to find the perfect finishing touches for your recreational boat today.