Pontoon Hydrofoil Q and A?

If you are thinking outside of the “BOX” about a Pontoon Hydrofoil conversion you will have questions. Here are some facts to help you into your VARA® Foil hydrofoil experience. Don’t hesitate to call or Email if needed.

THE VARA® DIFFERENCE

1) With our VARA® Foil Kit, there is no worry about invasive  damage to your boat’s structure. No aluminum grinding, destructive cutting to toons/ hulls, strakes or other manufacturer accessories with our hydrofoil system. No bulky high drag glued backing plates. NO permanent epoxy gluing as with the low-priced competitor’s permanently fixed hydrofoil solution. TRY REMOVING GLUED OBJECTS FROM YOUR TOON!

2)Each VARA® Foil  System is custom sized and built to your boats measurements. We are not a one-size-fits-all product. Ask the competition if they make their product fit each boat or if they sell a one size fits all tire to fit every car on the road. True “Fit” Hydrofoils provide more lift, speed, efficiency, fuel economy, and better ride per your boat specs. Proudly Built of all American-made 6063 aircraft quality aluminum for maximum durability gives you peace of mind.

3)Hassle-free Installation: Our VARA® Foil kit is installed as a DIY project in 2-3 hours. What’s even more convenient is that installations are done while the boat is in water, on a trailer, or even on a boat lift.

4)Fully Adjustable: The VARA® Foil features full X, Y, and Z axis adjustability based on how much speed you desire and amount of lift you need to generate. This is a 4-bolt easy location change without any major overhaul. You can even remove your VARA® Foil for the end of season storage or scissor trailering, if needed.

5)Easily Adaptable and Flexibility: With our system, there’s no need for boat lifting or specialized Center of Gravity (COG) location methods. Additionally, opting for a larger motor in the future or adjusting for natural COG changes is a simple, 4-bolt process with our 24-inch COG X-axis adjustment feature.

6)Sturdy Strut Design: The VARA® Strut is exclusive to our products. This patent pending V structure is designed for ultimate strength. Unlike single strut breakaway/shear pin designs originating in the 1950s, our VARA® Struts are designed to bear the static weight of the boat on dry land, so beaching is NO problem. Watch as we put ALL the weight of Pontoon on a VARA® Foil.

7)User-Friendly Pitch Control: With our patent-pending VARA® Plate technology, the driver uses the trim/tilt switch to easily adjust the changing bow pitch, accounting for up to 2 people moving while the boat is in motion. Our competitors antiquated fixed vertical surfboard skeg systems offer NO adjustability while Foiling.

8)Versatility: Our “True” hydrofoil system isn’t just for pontoons. It’s also compatible with tritoons and powered catamarans, showcasing its adaptability and efficiency across boat types. We don’t sell “Fins” or “Surfboard Skegs” as hydrofoils.

Upon comparison, you will agree our VARA® Foil Hydrofoil System emerges as the clear front runner!

USA PRODUCTS

Our entire PHA, Inc. product line is proudly made in the USA from the finest materials with the highest quality American craftsmanship.

VARA® KIT COMPONENTS

Standard VARA® Foil Kits include (2) 74” VARA® Attach mounting rails, (2) Plug-and-Play VARA® Struts, (1) VARA® Foil extrusion with fences, (1) VARA® Plate and ALL required mounting hardware.  Each kit is custom-built to your boat and engine make, year, and model. A DIY VARA® Foil Kit includes ALL unassembled materials needed for your VARA® Life enjoyment. We do not include installation tools, or water to float on. Installation is offered separately also.

PERFORMANCE PROMISE

Yes indeed, we guarantee a 25% increase in your (WOT) wide open speed if your boat fits our published guidelines. However, ALL data to date reflects a minimum 32% and maximum increase of 98%.

Average speed returns are 40% as each and every boat  application is different. This is REAL data provided by DIY installs and boat owners that supplied screen shots.

PUBLISHED BOAT GUIDELINES

1) Minimum (WOT) wide open throttle speed of greater than or equal to 18 mph. 

2) Maximum (WOT) wide open throttle speed of 46 mph. We will be reaching “the wall” for subsonic hydrofoils at/around 60-65mph.

3) All toons/hulls must be free of ALL drag-producing growth such as leeches, barnacles, mussels, slime, algae, hair algae, etc. Drag producing growth is also explained as additional non-desirable growth that was not originally supplied when boat was new from the factory. Dents, hollows, poorly applied rough bottom paint and repairs in tubes/hulls also affect boat drag.

4) No undesirable water in the pontoons, hulls, other compartments and structure. This can be extremely dangerous and affects the accuracy of the needed data.

5) All speed data stated/supplied must be collected using an accurate GPS device before and after the VARA® Foil install. We have had customers use the boat’s speedometer which is not the most  accurate way to collect speed data and results in erroneous data.

6) Props must be usable and efficient. Previous customer had a piece missing from 1 blade and 1 bent blade of his 3 blade aluminum prop. 

SPEED EXPECTATIONS

No. Each application for the VARA® Foil Hydrofoil System is a case-by-case scenario, and individual results will vary based on may factors. All claims, data, and testimonials are provided on a per boat accumulation of data or personal testimony. To date, ALL applications have increased speed performance by over 32%, and we stand by our product as a performance enhancer. Contact us for more information.

BEACHING with a VARA® Foil

Yes, Beach your boat as long as it is NOT on a hard, rocky bottom and use a slow speed approach. Treat the hydrofoil just as you would your pontoons. Witness the strength of our VARA® Foil Here.

FLYING PONTOON OR TRITOON BOATS

Our VARA® Foil System provides a semi-assisted foiling design which keeps the pontoons kissing or just slightly in the water – unlike full foiling you see in the Americas Cup racing. This enables stability of your platform from side-to-side while reducing drag. However, as the boat is loaded with more passengers and gear, the pontoons will ride lower in the water.

Trailering with a VARA® Foil PONTOON hydrofoil

Definitely, most pontoon trailers have no uprights or structure between the hulls that would interfere with loading on/off of a trailer. If your pontoon trailer currently has internal guide posts or rails, remove them and install external upright guides. We have recommendations and/or modifications if you have  concerns. Make sure you always have enough water for the VARA® Foil to float clear of the bunks,  easy on/easy off trailering is no problem. 

TRITOON TRAILERING

Most tritoon trailers require a cutout “window” in only the center bunk wood supports to accommodate the VARA® Foil Kit. This window size ranges from 9” in front and 12” behind the VARA® Foil profile ( 30-36″ total) on the two center bunks of trailer. This window opening allows for any future VARA® Foil adjustments front-to-back or even trailer tongue weight changes. Outside bunk/toon changes are NOT  needed, VARA® Foil fits between them.

TRAILER STORAGE

Center or scissor-style lift trailer types will NOT be convenient for frequent launches. However, beginning end of boating season launch and haul outs with these trailers are NO problem. Simply remove 4 bolts and remove the VARA® Foil assembly then set on deck for storage.  Contact us for more information.

Most drive-on, floating dock systems will NOT for work for storage unless they are modified to accept a VARA® Foil. Please contact us for more information.

Standard trailers with inside guide posts require inside guide post removal. Outside guides are then recommended.

BOAT LIFT COMPATIBILITY

Boat lifts with supports that run fore and aft parallel to the pontoons are storage compatible. Remember, there must be clearance between the bottom of VARA® Foil and the welded frame supports of storage bunks so VARA® Foil is not bent during storage.

VARA® Foil Kit Components

Unfortunately Not. All pontoon and tritoon VARA® Foil Kits are sold complete with a base model VARA® Plate for your specific engine make, model and year. This pitch control plate is an essential part of the kit, and provides pitch control similar to the elevator of an airplane for added control while people may move around while underway, or wind gusts tend to lift the bow,  or changing trim to go through waves much smoother and dryer than conventional pontoon or tritoon designs, etc.

VARA® Plate

For sure. We offer different configurations and base model upgrades for the performance-minded boating enthusiast. Contact us for more information to determine which option best fits your application.

VARA® Foil MOUNTING

Yes indeed. Each application is custom-built for your boat.  The VARA® Foil is attached to the deck beams below the boat. We do NOT recommend any hull penetrations including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets, fasteners and attachments that could compromise structural integrity or flotation of the pontoons, hulls, or OEM logs. In other words, if you screw directly into the air tight factory chambers of your hulls, you are responsible for the damage.

DIY VARA® Foil Kit install

This easily installed product is designed with you in mind and basic install tools, so Yes. Installation Manuals are available for download from the website and provided with each VARA® Foil Kit or VARA® Plate sold. We offer online videos on our YouTube Channel as well as technical support.  Customer install videos are available also. It should be noted that PHA, Inc. recommends using 2 people for the installation process which is expected to be a 2 to 3-hour project. If you live outside the Tampa Bay Area, contact your local boat repair shop in the event you want a professional to install your VARA® products. 

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Definitely. PHA, Inc. will subcontract professional installation of your VARA® Foil Kit or VARA® Plate for an additional charge in the local Tampa Bay Florida area. For basic installation options, owners must deliver and pick up the boat at our local shop.  Our premium installation package includes travel within 50 miles of the Tampa Bay area, new owner orientation, and one sea trial at the time of installation to help you learn how to operate your new, and improved vessel. Contact us for more information and corresponding fees for installation services outside the Tampa Bay local area. 

BOAT LENGTH

The VARA® Foil is designed for pontoon or tritoon boats that range between 18’ minimum and 34’ maximum length overall.  If you are outside these dimensions, an application may still be considered, but only at the manufacturer’s discretion. Please contact us prior to purchasing a VARA® Foil kit if your boat is NOT between 18’-34’ length overall.

SPEED GAIN

If your WOT speed is less than 40 knots (46 mph): You can expect to gain at least 25% increase (Guaranteed when our minimum guidelines are met). The maximum speed for a standard VARA® Foil is 52 Knots (60 MPH) where you approach the “Wall”. 

If your WOT speed is already 41 knots (47 mph) – 52 knots (60 mph): A VARA® Foil will help your fuel economy, ride, etc. but we don’t offer a 25% increase guarantee because your speeds will reach the wall before you achieve this.

HYDROFOIL AND WEEDS

The VARA® Foil is recommended for use in areas with minimal/some weeds and floating debris environments while thriving in clean water environments. Clearing the hydrofoil of weeds can be easily accomplished, if needed (Watch Video). However, if you frequently boat in areas with lots of large weeds or floating debris, tree stumps or underwater navigational hazards, it is highly recommended to unbolt your VARA® Foil while in these areas.

Pontoon HYDROFOIL Advantages

The addition of a VARA® Foil to a pontoon or tritoon has a significant impact on its performance. By reducing drag and increasing lift, the boat will achieve greater speeds with less effort and save fuel.  VARA® Foils also improve handling and ride, making boating a more enjoyable experience. The ride thru chop and waves is more stable, quieter, and dryer as you push less water. Less load translates to less wear and tear and better fuel economy from your engine.

VARA® WARRANTY

All products, applications, and devices are warranted against manufacturing defects for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.  This is the only warranty.  All other warranties, including, but not limited to the warranty of merchantability, warranty of fitness for intended use, and implied warranty are hereby disclaimed.

PAYMENTS

PHA, Inc. accepts payment by Credit Card, ApplePay, PayPal, ACH, Wire, and Affirm®. A 3.9% transaction fee is added to the purchase amount on payment types other than  ACH and bank wire.

ORDER CANCELLATION

You have 24hrs to cancel your order after payment is received. The Seller deducts any transaction fees, credit card processing fees, build, and design fees associated with the purchase. Re-stocking fees are applied to usable, uncut parts. We don’t charge back unnecessary fees as we desire happy customers.

RETURNS

Each product, application, and/or device is manufactured and packaged based on customer specific dimensions. Our products, applications, and/or devices cannot be refunded.  Custom-cut hydrofoil extrusion sections sold separately are non-refundable and not included in our “25% Speed Gain Guarantee” Performance Promise.

 

 

TIME FRAME

Once payment and measurement form is signed for a VARA® Foil Kit order, they are built, completed and ready for pickup within 7-10 days.  There is no fee for local pickup. The shipping/delivery method chosen determines actual delivery time.

SHIPPING COSTS

Our VARA® Foil Kit is shipped in two separate, oversized packages. The price to ship is based on the destination location and carrier selected. For example, the cost from our facility in Tampa, Florida to Carlsbad, CA (2,500 miles) using standard ground transportation is  $285.00.

TRACKING ORDER

Tracking is provided through the carrier, insurance and delivery option you choose.

VARA® Foil Fit and Compatability

Pontoon or Tritoon Round tubes are easy. We found that some straight sided toons (example JC pontoons and tritoons) pose a mounting change, but are compatible. We have completed 3 installs on “Flat Sided” toons and now turn the VARA® Attach angles inwards. We also have the option of supplying the Offshore Series VARA® Foil which creates more lift and is compatible with most Toons that have straight sides or  angled inner sides. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated customer Support Team for compatibility questions.

still have questions

We understand that every pontoon boating journey is unique, and you might have specific queries or concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated customer support team. We’re here to assist, ensuring you glide thru your pontoon and tritoon VARA® Foil experience with all the information you need. Dive deeper into your boating purchase with confidence at PHA, Inc!