Electric ‘Flying’ Foiling Day Boats: The Best of 2024
Read about the latest hydrofoiling boat models designed to use less energy and increase speed.
Flying Hydrofoiling Vessels
The electric hydrofoiling boats market has exploded over the past couple of years thanks to significant investment due to technological advancements enabling boatbuilders to set new fast cruising range and speed records in the hydrofoiling segment, introducing new ways to explore coastlines and archipelagos and widening its commercial appeal.
Hydrofoiling boats are often called 'flying electric boats' since the bow angles up and away from the water reducing drag and allowing her to reach high speeds with virtually no wake, reducing friction, and using up to 80% less energy than conventional boats at high speed. The reduced drag provides a gliding motion over the waves, and you have to experience it first-hand and enjoy the 'walking on air' sensation. These sleek water boatman-esque vessels with oar-like legs offer an elevated view above water. To add to the serenity of the experience, most of the vessels on this list use electric propulsion and are entirely silent. If you want to create a little drama on the water and have a penchant for shiny toys, one of these futuristic flying vessels could be for you.
1. Candela's C-8 Polestar
Above: The C-8 cruising in Miami. Image via Candela.
Swedish boatbuilder Candela has set a record in the electric hydrofoil market with the C-8, providing a leading electric range of up to 57 nautical miles at 22 knots. Not only that, but the C-8 is also the fastest-charging boat on the market.
With a 69kWh battery, adapted from the Polestar 2 electric car, owners can expect a range of 57 nm while cruising at 22 knots, further than required for dayboat usage. The C-8 features a large, comfortable cockpit with seating for eight guests, a spacious sunbed, and a front cabin with beds to facilitate overnight stays for two adults, two kids, and a head. It comes with the latest gizmos and gadgets, too; all settings on the C-8, from switching on the cooler to navigation, are controlled from the boat's 15.4-inch touchscreen or remotely via mobile on the Candela app.
The C-8 can be configured with a hard top, a T-top, or an open cockpit day cruiser, and costs start at $390,000.
Watch the Candela C-8 Polestar in action in this video below:
Shop for Candela Yachts new and used on boats.com
2. Iguana Yachts Foiler
Above: The electric Iguana is capable of three knots on land and 30 knots at sea. Image via Iguana.
French boat builder Iguana Yachts, known for building amphibious tenders, has launched the world's first battery-powered amphibious boat, The Iguana Foiler, featuring folding foils and retractable caterpillar tracks.
The 33 ft Iguana Foiler is powered by a specially adapted version of Evoy's new prototype 300 hp electric outboard motor fed by a 120kWh lithium-ion battery bank.
To reduce drag in the water and increase range, it takes flight on a pair of curved retractable foils on each side and a third T-shaped 'fin' foil on the aft fitted to an extended lower leg of the outboard. Performance-wise, the Iguana Foiler delivers a top speed of up to 30 knots and a range of around 50 nm at an impressive cruising speed of 22 knots.
Shop for Iguana new and used boats for sale on boats.com
3. Navier N30
Above: The N30 is available in three configurations. Image via Navier.
N30 is the world's longest-range and America's first luxury electric hydrofoil boat. The sleek carbon-hulled 27-footer (8.2 meters) is small enough to maneuver easily in tight spaces yet large enough to enjoy a comfortable day out, with plenty of room for relaxation and storage. The Navier 30 is available two models with a cabin, open top or a hardtop.
Its projected range of up to 70-plus nautical miles sets a new standard, and the cruising speed can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (34mph), making it one of the fastest electric boats on the market. More than just a freshwater vessel, it's seaworthy and handles well, so you don't need to worry about any sudden change in the sea conditions getting caught out in a light chop.
4. BMW: The Icon
Above: The Icon looks like a floating, space-age luxury apartment. The reverse-bow, foiling trimaran is a uniquely shaped vessel that offers a stylish, futuristic touring boat platform like no other. Image via BMW.
By far the most outlandish boat on our list is The Icon, a 43-foot electric foiling vessel, a collaboration between BMW and German boat manufacturer TYDE. The flying watercraft's contemporary glass angular hull turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival 2023 and exploded on social media. It's as impressive as it looks, its fifty nautical mile range traveling at 20 knots and powered by half a dozen 530-pound BMW i3 batteries with a total power capacity of 240 kWh. Full throttle, you can zip above the water at 30 knots; it feels like you are literally taking flight. It is designed with the commercial transportation market in mind, such as transporting luxury hotel guests from high-end resorts to tropical islands rather than your average boater.
Read more about The Icon on our sister site, YachtWorld, Electric Watercraft BMW's The Icon: Glass Origami on Water.
5. Enata Foiler
Enata Foiler is Enata Marine-built (a subsidiary of a Middle-Eastern engineering group) and launched in 2019. Forty percent more efficient than a regular boat, it can reach torpedo-fast speeds of up to 40 knots, has a cruising speed of between 18-35 knots, and is equipped with a set of inboard 370 hp V8 marine diesel engines to transmit hydraulic power to two hydraulic motors fitted to the aft foil. Range-wise, it can travel 120 nm at 20 knots. Standing at 32 ft (9.8 m), the Enata Foiler can accommodate up to eight guests.
Wraparound windshield bow-facing provides well-needed protection. Joystick control enhances the skippers' flying supercar experience, and thanks to the dual helm, there is an option for the helmsman to control the vessel from the bow and the cockpit. The foils come in various colors, but the standout contrasting red ones are groovy.
Watch the Enata in action below:
All vessels on this list can be used as superyacht tenders and day boats.
To find out more about electric propulsion read:
Electric Outboards: The Wave Of The Future
Mercury's New Electric Outboard: The Avator 7.5e
Four Winns Launches H2e Electric Boat
