Compact electric outboard.

March 17, 2024 | Read Online

🏄🏾‍♂️ E-FOIL

Founded and led by Alexander Bachev, a professional athlete with extensive experience in Olympic sailing and kite surfing, SiFly is a European company that has quickly made a mark in the eFoil market. Bachev's vision was to create a hydrofoil that enables everyone to enjoy the sport without needing extensive experience or heavy equipment, which led to the development of SiFly's eFoils.

SiFly offers a variety of models, including the SiFly E, known for its buoyancy, high volume, and safety features like a fully covered propeller. The SiFly E board specifications include a weight of 30 lbs, dimensions of 190 x 80 cm, a volume of 170 Liters, and a maximum speed of 28mph. It's designed with a carbon fiber and fiberglass composite board and features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers a ride time of up to 120 minutes with a charging time of 2.5 hours. The company provides a selection of wings to cater to different riding preferences, including the Cruiser 1900 and Cruiser 1300 wings for beginners and intermediate riders, and the SiFly 700 Sport Wing for advanced riders looking for thrilling speeds and tight turns.

Here are some of the specifications for their e-foils:

• 40 km range

• 120 minute ride time

• 2 hour re-charge time

• Remote control - wirelessly charged, IP68 waterproof casing, smart fall-off detection (safety)

• Online connections for over the air updates

• SOS function

• GPS for speed, session tracking, and theft protection

⚙️ OUTBOARDS

Described as a ‘radically different outboard’, RAD Propulsion (based in the United Kingdom, founded in 2018) is bringing the RAD 40 drive to the marketplace - with plans for a RAD 120 drive and RED 2 drive. According to a company video, this outboard was designed from the propeller up. This unique design offers a much more compact design compared to conventional outboard designs and includes a 180 degree range of steering - to assist with maneuvering.

Here are the specification mentioned on the RAD Propulsion website:

• 40 kW of continuous power (analogous to ~55 HP)

• 63 kWh battery capacity

• 100 kg in weight (excluding battery and power distribution)

• 400V architecture (fast charger ready)

• Drive-by-wire throttle and steering

• 0 to 80 degree tilt

• Onboard data network, and safety ‘kill’ cord

The RAD 40 can be implemented as a single and twin configurations. The company provides CAD drawings of using this product in a catamaran, rigid inflatable, or a launch style hulls.

⚙️ COMMERCIAL

Wada Hoppah (from Boston - knowing this probably changes how you say their name!) is developing an electric commuter water taxi for use on the Charles River.

The planned dimensions for the boat will be 53 feet by 18 feet and will allow for a capacity of 35-40 passengers. At its heart, the propulsion system features a trio of GM 75kWh batteries, propelling the boat silently across the water without the use of fossil fuels. Designed to navigate the Charles' shallow waters, the boat will feature a trimaran hull design. Minimizing the wake with this design is meant to help decrease the impact on other’s on the river.

With a draft of less than 19 inches, an environmentally conscious design (and with planned solar panels), this vessel is not only unique but also an example of sustainable urban transportation.

Follow this company’s progress on the Instagram page (here).

🖌️ SOCIAL MEDIA POST OF THE WEEK

Navier takes Elon Musk for a spin in San Francisco.

📄 CAREERS

RAD Propulsion, based in the United Kingdom, is looking for an embedded engineer. This company also appears to provide industry placements for engineering students. All as of March 17, 2024. Check out their career page here.

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