If you are thinking outside of the “BOX” about a Tritoon 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.
1)Fully Adjustable: The VARA® Foil Tritoon hydrofoil features full X, Y, and Z axis adjustability based on speed desired and amount of lift you need to generate. This is a 4-bolt easy location change without any major overhaul. Easily remove your VARA® Foil for the end of season storage or scissor trailering, if needed.
2) Natural Fit: Our VARA® Foil accessory requires no destructive removal of strakes, aluminum hull grinding for glues, permanent gluing or other manufacturer warranty voiding changes with our hydrofoil system. Also, No permanent slow bulky glued backing plates to fit. We refuse to let you permanently “glue” a plunger to your new car and risk decreasing your boat’s value as with the low-priced competitor’s permanently fixed hydrofoil solution. TRY REMOVING A GLUED OBJECT FROM YOUR TOON! See how that works!
3)Custom Built: Each VARA® Foil System is custom sized and built to your boats measurements. We don’t sell a One-Size-Fits-All hydrofoil 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 custom “Fit” Hydrofoils provide more lift, speed, efficiency, fuel economy, and better ride matched exactly to your boat specs. Proudly Built of all American-made 6063 aircraft quality aluminum for maximum durability gives you a peace of mind.
4)Hassle-free Installation: Our VARA® Foil kit can be installed as a DIY project. What’s even more convenient is that installations are done while the boat is in water, on a trailer, or on a boat lift.
5)Easily Adaptability and Flexibility: With our proven 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 hydrofoil and prop designs originating in the 1950s, our VARA® Struts are designed to bear 3000-3500 lbs of weight, 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 bow pitch, accounting for up to 2 people moving or desired ride changes 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 Tritoons. It’s also compatible with Pontoons and powered catamarans, showcasing its adaptability and efficiency across boat types. We don’t substitute “Fins” or “Surfboard Skegs” for hydrofoils.
9) A 15% speed increase guarantee. No other manufacturer can or will offer this with their product.
Upon comparison, you will agree our VARA® Foil Hydrofoil System emerges as the clear front runner!
Our entire PHA, Inc. product line is proudly made in the USA from the finest materials with the highest quality American craftsmanship.
Standard Tritoon 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.
Yes indeed, we guarantee a 15% increase in your tritoon (WOT) wide open speed included when your boat fits our published guidelines. Production Tritoons with extra added static and/or crew weight and/or drag producing accessories like unwelded strakes, unsealed toons that allow water into toon, Sealegs ©, I/O motors, Ski decks, or tritoons with smaller motors than recommended may not receive this same speed guarantee.
It has been brought to our attention from previous customers that if an engine is not performing to 100% manufacturer horsepower standards that will adversely affect speed results. In ALL 3 cases, the injectors were the culprit for the lack of horsepower and more importantly “Torque” at the high end. It’s important to note that ALL 3 cases sent their injectors out for cleaning and the engine produced the horsepower it was advertised to. It is the purchasers responsibility to ensure their motor is operating at 100% efficiency to receive any implied warranty. PHA, inc. will request a certified printout from a UTI/MMI certified mechanic using proper testing equipment and results digitally/video’d of the results for the motor used in conjunction with the VARA® Foil Kit.
All guarantees are Subject to FAQ question and answers online @ tritoonhydrofoil.com of boat and motor current conditions, and PHA, Inc. terms and conditions posted online. These terms and conditions are truthfully signed by purchaser at time of VARA® Foil product purchase.
1) Minimum (WOT) wide open throttle speed of greater than or equal to 24 knots.
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, rolled on bottom paint, 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 tritoons, hulls, other compartments and structure. This can be extremely dangerous, weight of boat, and 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.
7)Engine must maintained as per manufacturer or certified mechanic recommendations. We have had 2 customers with clogged injectors state ” our engine is running fine”. They were not intentionally misleading but in both cases, they had clogged injectors that were NOT serviced for over 15 years. These injectors would not allow the boat motor to produce it’s advertised horsepower, therefor a great example that no accessory can fix a problem with an engine horsepower problem.
8) Boat must have no more than 2 strakes and these strakes must be welded completely around perimeter of strake and starke displaces water and weight of water plus strake for optimum gains.
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 pontoon applications have increased speed performance by over 32%, and we stand by our product as a performance enhancer. We have recently discovered that rolling bottom paint on toons and/or VARA®Foil, large zincs that act as brakes, sealegs®, and other speed diminishing products, strakes, accessories and/or finishes may adversely effect VARA®Foil results. Engines not performing at certified peak performance will also effect VARA® Foil performance and speed guarantee as pointed out in down below in FAQ.
Contact us for more information.
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.
Our VARA® Foil System provides a semi-assisted foiling design which keeps the tritoon tubes 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 tritoon will ride lower in the water, and speed reduction can be expected. Weight is your enemy, speed is a hydrofoil’s friend.
Definitely, most tritoon trailers have no uprights or structure between the hulls that would interfere with loading on/off of a trailer. If your tritoon 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 trailers may need a “Window” cut in center bunks only allowing VARA® Foil to rest on trailer without bending the extrusion that is below the center toon.
Your outside bunks require no modifications with our standard VARA® Foil. Most tritoon trailers will require a 30″ cutout or “window” in the center bunk supports to accommodate the VARA® Foil when it lands on trailer. 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.
Center or scissor-style lift trailer types are NOT convenient for frequent launches. However, beginning and end of boating season launch and haul outs with these trailers are NO problem. Simply remove 4 bolts and remove the VARA® Foil assembly from boat, 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.
YES, 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. We easily cut a 30″ window in the center bunks only.
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.
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. If PHA,inc. does not have your make, model, engine VARA®Plate in stock, we will send a template to you that can be matched and returned for our team to custom fit your VARA®Plate prior to shipping. Also , if your platform has 2 engines, an additional VARA® Plate will need to be ordered for that make and model engine.
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. Note: Toons without strakes have the best performance believe it or not as they produce less wetted surface or parasitic drag that goes well with a VARA® Foil Accessory.
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.
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.
The VARA® Foil is designed for pontoon or tritoon boats that range between 20’ 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 kit if your boat is NOT between 20’-34’ length overall.
If your WOT speed is less than 40 knots (46 mph) but more than 24 knots: You can expect to gain at least 15% 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 15% increase guarantee because your speeds could reach the wall before you achieve this.
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.
The addition of a VARA® Foil to a 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.
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.
PHA, Inc. accepts payment by Stripe w/ Credit Card, ACH, Wire, and Affirm®. A transaction fee is added to the purchase amount on payment types other than ACH and bank wire.
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.
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 “15% Tritoon Speed Gain Guarantee” Performance Promise.
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.
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 is provided through the carrier, insurance and delivery option you choose.
Tritoon Round tubes are easy. We found that some straight sided toons (example JC pontoons and some underskinned 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 for U shaped pontoon models in some cases. 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.
No, your engine must be at peak performance and performing at 100% efficiency as determined by a certified mechanic using recommended certified service manual for your engine settings which can verify your engine current horsepower output using dyno testing or equivalent measurement of peak 100% operability of your engine for maximum VARA® Foil performance and 25% guarantee. Examples that can limit peak performance follow but are not limited to: All your engine certified service manual checks, and recommendations, ignition parts, fuel and fuel components, drive gear inc correct and properly maintained propellor with no damage, filters and components, cylinder components, crankcase and components, exhaust components, intake components, throttle components, charging components, cooling system and components, proper engine height, cylinder/piston condition along with pressures and compression, All engine component conditions with proper settings certified recommended settings and ranges for peak performance.
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!
