The boat of 2050? No, it already sails! And three Italians thought of it

Supercar look and lines, four foils to provide lift and motorization capable of propelling it to over 30 knots in foiling trim. Looking at the photos you would think it’s science fiction, but it’s actually a more-than-concrete project developed by Italian startup
Future-E
, which has already demonstrated its functionality with more than satisfactory water tests. It is called Future-E Foiling, is 5.2 meters long and is scheduled for delivery starting next year.

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Future-E foiling

In “The Spy Who Loved Me,” James Bond drove a Lotus Esprit with underwater capabilities. The DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” on the other hand, could travel through time and subsequently fly. In this case it flies over water and, at a glance, you would think it was coming from the future. The reality is that we are looking at an Italian project that examines the possibilities offered by new systems, taking foiling technologies and electric propulsion to their limit, combining nautical-derived technologies with those from aeronautics and the automotive world (and Formula 1). But let’s take a closer look at what it is and how it works.

Future-E Foiling – How It Works

Basically, behind the automotive looks and lines is a fast-commuter on foil, driven by electric propulsion. Trials (with endothermic motorization) have already demonstrated its feasibility, pushing it to 32 knots with a 115-horsepower Mercury Verado outboard. In the final version, however, the propulsion is 100% electric, given by a pair of outboard or single inboard surface drive. For this purpose, the “hood” will house a solar panel system.

As for the foiling system, however, somewhat more complex dynamics come into play. Inspired by the kinematic systems used for suspension management in Formula 1, the four foils will be adjusted, synchronously, by a dedicated kinematic system. This will thus be able to control the electro-hydraulic actuators by adjusting the individual foils with independent dynamics, but managed by a single control unit equipped with a gyroscope. Thus, human-machine interaction will be extremely simple, enabling a “driving” style similar to that of a sports car. Quality reflected in the dashboard, where inspiration from four-wheelers is definitely not hidden.

In terms of implementation, the hull will be displacing up to about 8 knots, the speed from which the Foil Assisted Mode is implemented, generating an initial lift phase. Above 16 knots you instead enter Full Foiling Mode, thus flying over water with minimal resistance. Maximum speed exceeds 30 knots.

Future-E Foiling – Interior

While in terms of exteriors it is a “closed” boat, with minimal and relatively unexploitable exterior volumes, it is in the interiors that the automotive logic fully meets that of the fast commuter. The doors open vertically and the roof is fully retractable, convertible style, while the interior instead hybridizes the two worlds. The wheelhouse occupies the entire forward portion, below the windshield, served in the center by a steering wheel and a rotatable and elevating wraparound chair. In the stern, however, is a more “relaxed” area, complete with a full-beam sofa to accommodate passengers.

Of course, in addition to enjoying the occasional joyride, the boat offers solutions suitable for use as a fast commuter or chase boat for larger yachts.

Future-E Foiling – Interior

Data Sheet

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