Creating an energy-efficient boat
In 2016, the Swiss company Hydros with the expertise of Enata, a Swiss company based in Dubai, presented 3D images of the Foiler 41 a proto with foils requiring several years of research. The Dubai-based company, which specialises in the design and manufacture of composite structures, bought out the Lausanne-based start-up specialising in the energy efficiency of boats - Hydros Innovation - shortly afterwards. Thanks to the technology developed by the Swiss company, Enata Marine was able to design the Foiler, a 31-foot flying tender.
Hybrid propulsion adapted to the automobile
This 31-foot (9.45 m) flying boat built in the United Arab Emirates made its debut at the Dubai International Boat Show 2018. The shipyard announces that since its launch at the Emirati show, 5 models have been sold. The Foiler is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system adapted from the automobile, with two 320 HP BMW engines. The boat is capable of sailing in fully electric mode up to 10 knots, for 10 minutes.
Foils for greater efficiency
In order to fully support itself on its foils, the boat must reach a speed of 18 knots. But the boat starts to come out of the water at 12 knots. It is therefore through the combined action of the engine and the side foils and on the rudders that the Foiler can sail out of the water. It is also possible to use it without foils. When the boat is out of the water, the retractable foils and lift-up propellers allow the boat to gain height and to be easily stored in a superyacht garage.
On its foils, the Foiler reaches a maximum speed of 40 knots (74 km/h) with 7 people plus a pilot on board. It takes off from 1.5 m above the water and the shipyard announces that it is possible to sail in Archimedean mode through waves of up to 2 m in height, all in comfort. In more difficult conditions, it is possible to retract the foils.
With the foils, Enata announces fuel savings of 20%, reduced drag and a wake three times less than on a traditional boat. "With this hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, the Foiler is a modern yacht in every sense of the word, offering greater energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact, lower operating costs and maximise range." indicates the construction site. The Foiler has a range of 130 miles and a 300 L fuel tank. By sailing over water, passengers would also feel less seasick..
A boat that's easy to sail
The foils are easy to use. Simply press the "Fly Mode" button and the foils and rudders are quickly deployed using a hydraulic cylinder. To return to the classic configuration, simply press the "Float Mode" button. As far as driving is concerned, Enata points out that the Foiler is very easy to drive, even easier than an "ordinary boat", as there is no time lag between the moment you turn the steering wheel and the manoeuvre taking effect. "Handling is quite similar to that of a sports car." explains the construction site. The aft foils (on the rudders) ensure the longitudinal stability of the boat. In this configuration, the boat remains stable and the impact of waves on the hull is reduced. When cornering, the yard also ensures that the boat is well supported with foils and rudders that have a good grip on the water. The turning radius has also been reduced for safety reasons.
The foiler is made entirely of carbon fiber with mechanical parts made of high quality stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. The foils and rudders are also manufactured from carbon fibre in autoclave to ensure high rigidity and strength.
