What are Hydrofoil Boats?

An Introduction to Hydrofoil Boats & Their History

Hydrofoil boats have wing-like structures or foils attached under their hull which lift them above the water surface as speed increases, reducing hydrodynamic drag, and allowing the vessel to glide smoothly. They are built of lightweight, durable material like carbon fibre and are corrosion resistant.

Hydrofoil Boats have many advanced systems onboard such as AI controls, automated systems, navigation systems and other lifesaving equipment.

Many companies are coming out with the latest hydrofoil boats with electric motors, catering to the recreational boating sector or even for public transport in busy inland waterways of urban cities, however, hydrofoils are by no means a modern invention.

Hydrofoil boats were created by Alexander Graham Bell and Casey Baldwin in 1908. They were used extensively in the early 1900s, especially during the First World War, by American troops, Germany and Russia to avoid mines. However, they were quite expensive to operate which is why many of them used as patrol boats were soon decommissioned.

Besides boats, hydrofoils have a variety of applications in water skis, kiteboards and other water sports equipment.

How do Hydrofoil Boats Work?

As air flows over and under an aircraft wing to create a lift, similarly, a hydrofoil pushes the boat’s hull out of the water by generating a lift, allowing the vessel to ‘fly’ or ride above the water, instead of pushing through it like displacement hulls.  Most of these boats can easily reach top speeds of 40 to 50 knots.

Also, since hydrofoil works only if the boat is still on the surface of the water, it prevents the boat from capsizing. And if by any chance, it manages to come out of the water, its design will force the hull to crash back into the water until the hydrofoil is submerged and adequate thrust is generated to lift the boat.

Hydrofoil Boats are becoming popular as they are quieter and offer a calm and comfortable cruising experience. When paired with electric motors, they have significant environmental benefits like reducing noise and water pollution. Some also have rechargeable batteries which makes them quite sustainable in the long run.

Real-Life Applications

They are mainly used for fishing, but given their high speed and range, they can be used for many purposes like commercial transportation, recreational boating, patrol boats, search and rescue boats, etc.

As cargo carriers, they can help transport heavy materials across the ocean in a matter of days. Their hydrodynamic design gives them an edge over conventional vessels.

Advantages

Hydrofoils reduce motion index. Hence less porpoising translates to improved passenger comfort, smooth ride and stability. They are not affected by rough waters compared to conventional boats. Also, most of these boats offer enhanced performance while minimising installation efforts.

Hydrofoil Vessels are quiet and generate minimal wake which is beneficial for marine animals like whales, dolphins and other cetaceans who are stressed by the noise from ships which interferes with their mating, breeding, and feeding patterns.

They require high investment initially but have a longer lifespan, lower operating costs and reduced maintenance costs as well.

They can sail in shallow waters as well as deep waters since some hydrofoil boats can retract or extend their foils, which makes them ideal for sailing in inland waterways, coastal habitats and estuaries.

World’s first commercially viable Hydrofoil boat

A maritime company based in Belfast launched a unique hydrofoil boat in June 2022. The boats are kept above water using electric-driven hydrofoils attached to the hull. This is a similar technique used by America’s Cup racing yachts.

The eco-friendly vessel is pushed upwards due to its underwater wings as its speed increases. The electric hydrofoil boat glides silently over water, as its hull does not part the waves, which reduces friction and drag, including operating costs, compared to conventional sailboats that run on fossil fuels.

The first boat in the series is the famous Candela C-8, infused with an innovative electric propulsion system. It can carry 12 passengers and has a maximum speed of 34 knots.

It must be noted that the hydrofoils fitted in boats are smaller than the foils on a hydroplane. The density of water is higher than the density of air, so not much pressure is needed to manoeuvre a boat.

Conclusion

Hydrofoil Boats are becoming popular among recreational boaters who want a sustainable and comfortable boating experience and commercial operators looking to reduce operational costs, boost fuel savings and meet stringent environmental regulations, in European Countries. With growing environmental awareness among the people and maritime industry’s goal to reduce its carbon footprint, Hydrofoil boats with electric propulsion systems might become the way forward in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is hydrofoil on a boat?

A hydrofoil is like an underwater fin or a curved wing structure that is made to lift a moving boat or vessel. It makes the vessel faster by reducing drag.

2. How much does a hydrofoil boat cost?

Their cost depends on the brand, features and other characteristics. However, generally, a simple hydrofoil vessel is around 5000 U.S dollars.

3. Should I add a hydrofoil to my boat?

Adding a hydrofoil to a boat boosts performance and speed, especially for boats that do not require trim tabs. They are also more stable than conventional sailboats.

4. When were hydrofoil boats used?

Hydrofoil boats were used in the early 1900s by navies of many countries. They were immensely used during World War I to avoid underwater mines.

5. Why are they not popular now?

These boats were very popular in the 1990s; however, they are not used or manufactured on a large scale now. This is because they are sensitive to impacts with floating objects and marine creatures.

You might also like to read-

• The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Boats – Top 20
• Boats with a Difference: The High-Speed Crafts
• Types of Sailboats – A Comprehensive Classification
• A Guide To Types of Ships
• Flettner Rotor For Ships – Uses, History And Problems
• 23 Important Maritime Codes Used in the Shipping Industry
• Top 11 Books On Boating

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Reference: Mit