Hydrofoil was the best money I spent for my 17’, 40hp Tracker. I don’t have to shove the throttle forward to plane out. Just ease the power on and the hydrofoil will do the rest.
I went through the same issue with my boat, a 17’ Alumacraft Navigator with a Yamaha 115 four stroke. The hydrofoil is a complete game changer. Incredible how i get up on plane quickly and with little bow lift. Top speed is same, maybe even a mph faster.
I have a 15' 1965 Sea King that has a newer 40hp 4 stroke Mercury on it. I'm thinking of getting one of these, but the thought of drilling those holes has me nervous about it.
I understand if I had a newer motor I would have reservations as well. All I can say is I would do it again regardless of the motor it really made a difference for me.