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Mark Hofman

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I've noticed a LOT of questions about hydrofoils and stablizer fins. Would it make sense to post something on the FAQ page about these accessories, their impact and the possible warranty issues?



Maybe someone can get a definitive answer from Brunswick/Mercury about how a stablizer fin/hydrofoil affects warranty repair issues.



Just food for thought.
 
MO, unfortunately, it takes time to research the issues and publish an accurate FAQ, especially on a controversial topic. I don't have it at the moment.



If you are offering to do it, then, I say on behalf of all the site members, we gladly accept! :)

 
I'll give it a shot with Mercury. If I can come up with something that's legal, ethical and accurate, I'll send you an e-mail with the documentation. I understand the time issue. Maybe I'll find myself in over my head and will have to drop the whole issue.
 
Mercury Marine comes right out with the whole issue in their website's FAQ section, so I'll just add a new post with that info. Then folks who do a search for posts on hydrofoils can read the info direct from Merc.

 
According to Mercury any modifications " additions" to the gear case will void your manufacturers waranty.
 
This from Mercury FAQ's



Q: Can I use aftermarket "fins" to help my boat get on plane faster?



A: Using a product often referred to as a stabilizer fin is a modification of the gearcase that may change the manner in which the boat operates on the water. With the unit trimmed fully down (in or under), a reduction of the time necessary to get a boat on plane may result. However, some V-bottom boats using a stabilizer fin may exhibit a tendency to roll over far to one side as soon as planing occurs. The direction and degree of the roll will be dictated by prop rotation, weight distribution, and degree of trim under. The boat roll can cause passengers to be ejected. Trimming up or out can reduce or eliminate the roll. Because it is not possible to know how a given boat will respond to the use of such a product without thorough testing, Mercury cannot recommend that such products be used or not used. Also, use of these products may cause or contribute to the failure of the anti-ventilation plate on the gearcase. Failures caused, or contributed to, by modification are not covered by the limited warranty.



The last sentence to me says it all. I would think if something like the alternator failed it would still be covered as that failure could hardly be "caused or contributed to" by a stablizer.
 
Thats correct... i should have stated that it will void the waranty on gearcase.
 
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