For anyone curious, installed the L35 on our 190hp MerCruiser Stern drive on our 18.5ft/5.6m 3000lb/1350kg bow rider. Improved time to plane noticeably, especially with full 500kg load (8 people) on board, still planing in under 3 seconds when running a Solas Rubex HR4 prop, 4 blade 14x21 with high rake and high cupping.

Improved cruising on choppy water dramatically by holding the rear of the boat much more stable (not bouncing), like adding shock absorbers (as much as it lifts the rear it also stops it being lifted by outside forces, that's how a hydrofoil works).

No noticeable change in top speed for us keeping at around 47mph, not used long enough to have fuel usage figures, but appears to be using less and has reduced RPMs at set cruising speeds. 

Mount and bolts are all 316 stainless steel, brackets are 4.7mm thick and whilst I have not modified them, I did feel the leading edge could have been shaped a little and I still may trim the outside corners on the leading edge, bolts through teh skeg were trimmed down tot he edge of the nuts, foil looks like HPDE Thermoplastic (think white chopping boards but a bit stiffer), about 25mm thick in the middle and well shaped like a wing tapering off in both chord and thickness. Have hit some rocks at low speed, a few small scratches underneath and a couple of nicks in the front edge but no major damage and more importantly no damage to the prop.

Over all very happy with the result and very happy to recommend.

HAD SUPERB CONTACT THROUGHOUT THE PURCHASING PROCESS WITH ADVICE ETC. FROM DALE
AFTER DECIDING TO BUY THERE WAS A SLIGHT HITCH WITH THE ORIGINAL ITEM GOING MISSING IN TRANSIT, BUT AFTER CONTACTING VIA e-mail, DALE AT HYDRO-SHIELD DIRECT, IT WAS ALL SORTED WITHIN A DAY. ANOTHER ITEM WAS POSTED AND DELIVERED WITHIN A WEEK ALL THE WAY FROM THE STATES.
COULD NOT HAVE WISHED FOR BETTER SERVICE, TOP MARKS AWARDED.

👍👍👍👍👍👍

Great product I use it on a commercial crab boat and it keep traps from getting into the propeller it paid for itself the first day

Installed on Boston Whaler 230 Vantage with 300hp mercury , instant improvement on an already great performing combo , quicker on plane , planes at lower speed and much smoother in chop and crossing boat waves . Must be. More efficient and estimate added 3 knots to top speed 😎👌

Picked up 5km/hr speed and no more tangled ropes on the prop..very happy

Dale is offering an extraordinaire service even after sale

I lost my paper How to install
Dale answered me in a second to make sure everything was above expectation

I recomand Hydro Shield as a serious companie to deal with

Installing tomorrow will let you know how i get on delivery was awesome 👌

Haven’t installed yet but will let you know after I do. Thanks

I purchased this as a present for my brother. He couldn't wait to put it on and he loves it

Boat was a lot smoother and a lot quicker to plane

I am very happy with the way my boat handles now.
It comes on the plane quickly and it feels a lot smoother

this will be the third shield that I have purchased . I am going to be using this on my Carolina skiff that is in Florida, not only to protect the prop but the wildlife as well.

Installation was a breeze, and the added protection to the skeg and propeller will come in very handy when up the creeks in the NorthernTerritory..Nice an solid when installed 👍

Hydro Shield Review (Follow-Up)

This is my second Hydro Shield, and I can’t say enough about how impressed I am with this product—even after an unfortunate encounter with some rocks (totally my fault, not the product’s). The first Hydro Shield took the brunt of the impact, and while the bolts snapped off, it managed to leave what was left of my skeg intact, which I was incredibly thankful for.

That level of protection speaks volumes about the design and durability of the Hydro Shield. It’s like having insurance for your boat’s lower unit. The fact that I immediately replaced it with another one after the incident shows how much I trust this product to safeguard my boat and enhance its performance.

On the water, it’s a game-changer. The stabilization and smoother engine performance make every outing more enjoyable, and I have no plans to run my boat without one ever again. If you’re looking for a reliable way to protect your investment, the Hydro Shield is well worth it!