The first electric hydrofoil boat crafted by an Australian company will make its debut at the Sydney International Boat Show in early August.
Founded in 2023 by Brent McTigue and Fiona Sutherland, Fibre Boats will debut its Fibre F5, billed as Australia’s first electric hydrofoil boat. It uses twin torpedo pod engines and direct drive electric motors to work the retractable hydrofoils which lift the boat above the water, helping to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
Electric hydrofoil boats are seen as a potentially significant electrification technology for the marine sector, offering not only electrified transportation but offering numerous other benefits.
In addition to increased efficiency – caused by reducing drag through the water, given that the boat effectively flies across the surface rather than pushing through the waves – an electric hydrofoil boat also creates less noise and results in a smoother ride.
“The science behind the hydrofoils is the same science behind aeroplane wings,” said Fibre co-founder Brent McTigue.
“As the boat picks up speed, it reaches liftoff at around seventeen knots. Because the hydrofoils so efficient there is no longer any range anxiety. It’s going to revolutionise how people view boating.”
This also ensures that there is less noise disturbance to the marine environment and eliminates pollution from traditional fuel-powered engines. The boat also causes “negligible” wash or waves, meaning it can be used in environmentally friendly areas.
The Fibre F5 is also able to retract its hydrofoil at lower speeds, allowing it to operate as a traditional hull for easier docking and trailering.
Measuring 5.5 metres in length, the F5 boasts a 50kWh battery able to deliver cruising speeds of 22 knots, or 40km/h, and can travel up to 76 kilometres on a single charge.
“It’s the first fast cruising boat in designed and made in Australia that is using fully automated & integrated hydrofoils to lift the boat out of the water, significantly reducing the energy needed to push the boat through the water,” said McTigue.
“By bringing recreational boating into the electric vehicle age, The Fibre F5 will do on the water what electric vehicles are doing on our roads. The hydrofoils are the key to this transformation.
“Hydrofoils reduce the energy needed to push the boat through the water by up to 70% With the reduced energy demand, there is no need for the huge engines that are typically used, resulting in fewer batteries, less weight, and much smaller engines. This makes the boat super-efficient.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.