Any advantage to a Doel Fin on non-planning Sneakbox outboard?

P

Paul Castelli

New member
I am trying to decide if there is any advantage to a Doel Fin on non-planning Sneakbox outboard? Seems like everyone has an opinion both positive and negative. Before I buy one and drill into my cavitation plate I was hoping some of those who have actually used one would share there experiences.
Thanks;
Paul
 
Paul, I have a couple that I have accumulated over the yrs. I never tried them myself, assuming it would just attract more weeds and add to my frustration. Should I bring them this weekend? Or in October?
 
Hey Paul,
I have been down this road a few times and thankfully each time it's worked out very well. I recently added a "Hydro-Foil / Doel Fin" to my Bauer Boat. Although this isn't a plaining hull, it enabled me to push that bow down a bit with excessive stern weight. Due to all of this, I installed one on my father's 16 Estuary Garvey and soon I plan to put another on my 14' TDB SeaClass. Can't say enough good things about them, obviously really have me sold on it.

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Well, then maybe I should at least keep one that fits the 15hp. I know I can't use it on the South Bay, but it might work on the Sam Hunt BBSB, though, that might only be sailed from here on out with the South Bay being my solo hunting rib.
 
Anthony Babich said:
Hey Paul,
I have been down this road a few times and thankfully each time it's worked out very well. I recently added a "Hydro-Foil / Doel Fin" to my Bauer Boat. Although this isn't a plaining hull, it enabled me to push that bow down a bit with excessive stern weight. Due to all of this, I installed one on my father's 16 Estuary Garvey and soon I plan to put another on my 14' TDB SeaClass. Can't say enough good things about them, obviously really have me sold on it.

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Good info on the Doel Fin, thanks. I've yet to try one. Couldn't help but notice the grass on your boat. That's a serious grassing job right there! (y)
 
Dave Diefenderfer said:
Well, then maybe I should at least keep one that fits the 15hp. I know I can't use it on the South Bay, but it might work on the Sam Hunt BBSB, though, that might only be sailed from here on out with the South Bay being my solo hunting rib.
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Dave, they work great on the SouthBay's only on the (Double-Wides) though LOL... we put one on my father's with a 25hp and it was a rocket. Just fit between the stern baffles on shallow water drive...
 
Anthony Babich said:
Hey Paul,
I have been down this road a few times and thankfully each time it's worked out very well. I recently added a "Hydro-Foil / Doel Fin" to my Bauer Boat. Although this isn't a plaining hull, it enabled me to push that bow down a bit with excessive stern weight. Due to all of this, I installed one on my father's 16 Estuary Garvey and soon I plan to put another on my 14' TDB SeaClass. Can't say enough good things about them, obviously really have me sold on it.

View attachment 58863
Click to expand...
Thanks Anthony, appreciate you sharing your experience. Can I assume that when you slow down the bow goes back up so you can run through bigger seas safely?
Dave Diefenderfer said:
Well, then maybe I should at least keep one that fits the 15hp. I know I can't use it on the South Bay, but it might work on the Sam Hunt BBSB, though, that might only be sailed from here on out with the South Bay being my solo hunting rib.
Click to expand...

Dave Diefenderfer said:
Paul, I have a couple that I have accumulated over the yrs. I never tried them myself, assuming it would just attract more weeds and add to my frustration. Should I bring them this weekend? Or in October?
Click to expand...
Sadly I will be in San Diego this weekend and will therefore miss the Tuckerton Show next weekend. Hoping to get to Long Island in October. Do you happen to know the date ?
 
If the boat is not on plane, the apparatus is likely to not do much at all. if it is on plane, then you should notice some differences in its handling and the speed at which it gets on plane. Under these critical speeds, there is not much performance to enhance with it.
 
Paul Castelli said:
Thanks Anthony, appreciate you sharing your experience. Can I assume that when you slow down the bow goes back up so you can run through bigger seas safely?



Sadly I will be in San Diego this weekend and will therefore miss the Tuckerton Show next weekend. Hoping to get to Long Island in October. Do you happen to know the date ?
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Paul, Saturday October 26th. Rain Date 27th.
Yes, when you reduce speed the bow will come back up slightly Enjoy the wedding! It will be rain rain and more rain here in there Northeast..
 
I have one on my Bauer boat as well. It definitely helps get the bow down and cruise at a lower rpm. Sometimes it does get annoying when trying to cover the engine, but a piece of burlap and some extra marsh grass will do the trick. I think it’s worth putting it on.
 
Paul Castelli said:
I am trying to decide if there is any advantage to a Doel Fin on non-planning Sneakbox outboard? Seems like everyone has an opinion both positive and negative. Before I buy one and drill into my cavitation plate I was hoping some of those who have actually used one would share there experiences.
Thanks;
Paul
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Paul, they are effective at adding uplift to the stern which helps push down the bow. Well not giving a true "planing effect "it does add to the ability to gain a few miles an hour while not doing a "pop a wheelie "
 
Paul, I have an old one that I had on a 40 hp back in the day. I'd be happy to donate it. You heading out this way this fall?
 
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