Is your boat struggling to get on level ground?
Hydro Shield – Faster Planing and Improved Fuel Efficiency
According to manufacturer testing and real-world user experience, Hydro Shield can provide:
• 15–40% faster planing
• 5–8% lower fuel consumption at cruising speed
Results vary depending on hull design, engine setup, propeller choice, and load.
Struggling with Poor Planing?
Many boat owners experience that their boat:
- Feels heavy in the water
- Uses more fuel than expected
- Feels unstable at low speeds
- Runs with the bow too high
- Porpoises in waves
This is especially common on boats between 16–22 feet with 75–150 HP engines — but can affect boats of all sizes.
Why Won’t My Boat Get on Plane?
When a boat doesn’t lift efficiently during acceleration, the hull pushes through the water instead of rising and riding on top of it.
The engine must run at higher RPM, fuel consumption increases, and overall efficiency drops.
Hydro Shield acts as a hydrodynamic lifting surface mounted on the engine’s skeg, directly under the propeller. It concentrates and redirects water flow, helping generate earlier and more stable stern lift.
Improvements Many Users Experience
- Faster time to plane
- Maintains plane at lower speeds
- Lower RPM for the same cruising speed
- Reduced porpoising
- More stable and predictable handling
- Better control in turns
- Protection for propeller and skeg
How Much Can Poor Planing Cost?
A boat running unnecessarily high RPM at cruising speed can consume significantly more fuel than needed.
Typical fuel consumption:
Small boats: approx. 15 liters/hour
Mid-size boats: 20–30 liters/hour
Larger boats: 40+ liters/hour
With improved planing, many users report fuel savings of:
3–5 liters per hour on smaller boats
5–8 liters per hour on mid-size boats
8–12 liters per hour on larger boats
Over a season, this can represent substantial savings.
More Than Just Planing – Built-In Propeller Protection
Hydro Shield doesn’t only improve performance. It also provides physical protection for:
- The propeller
- The skeg
- The lower unit
A new propeller can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros/dollars, depending on size and material. Secondary damage to the drive system can be even more expensive.
Hydro Shield vs Trim Tabs
| Hydro Shield | Trim Tabs | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From 2,799 NOK | 15,000–25,000 NOK |
| Installation | 30–45 minutes | Professional installation |
| Hull modification | None | Requires drilling |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Hydraulic/electrical system |
| Planing performance | ✓ Very good | ✓ Good |
| Propeller protection | ✓ Included | ✗ None |
Hydro Shield offers many of the benefits people seek from trim tabs — without hull modifications or complex systems.
Before and After Hydro Shield
Before Installation
- Higher fuel consumption
- Difficulty maintaining stable cruising speed
- Porpoising in light waves
- Constant trim adjustments
After Installation (Typical User Experience)
- More stable ride
- Lower RPM at cruise
- Better control at all speeds
- Smoother and more comfortable handling
Will Hydro Shield Fit My Boat?
Hydro Shield fits most:
- Outboard motors
- Inboard/outboard (stern drive) setups
- Gasoline and diesel engines
Sizes:
Standard: 8–100 HP
Large: 100+ HP
Compatible with most brands including Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Evinrude, and Tohatsu.
Not sure which size to choose? Send us your boat model and engine details — we’ll help you select the correct version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it affect top speed?
Most users report the same or slightly improved top speed, depending on setup.
Does it work on pontoon boats?
Yes. Many pontoon boats benefit significantly from improved stern lift.
Can it reduce porpoising?
Yes. Many users experience reduced or eliminated porpoising due to more stable stern lift.
How long does installation take?
30–45 minutes using standard tools. No hull drilling required.
Conclusion – Get More From Your Boat
If you’re experiencing poor planing, high fuel consumption, or unstable handling, Hydro Shield can be a simple and cost-effective upgrade.
With over 10,000 installations internationally and available from a Norwegian warehouse, it’s an investment many users feel pays for itself within the first season.
👉 See Hydro Shield in the online store
Have questions?
Contact us or call +47 469 25 236 for advice.
Hydro Shield variants
Hydro Shield is available in several sizes for different engines. Click the button below to choose the right model for your boat.
