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Quadrofoil Q2S – (Zane)     07-07-17 – 11:26 PM

    • Howdy old friends –
Life gets busy, but on one of my periodic check ups I couldn’t help smile about Quadrofoil’s newest release.
I know, I know… surface piercing is dated, problematic etc. but I had to admire their simple and elegant design. The top V-section provides take off lift and accommodates extra passenger weight, plus stabilizes turns while the low foil section allows for higher speed/less drag.
I don’t know about this one, but the original was 5kw. Maybe not the most efficient ever, but not bad for a 2 person craft.
Anyway, hope everyone is well! My build is still planned, just delayed…

 

 

 

The International Hydrofoil Society (IHS) Hydrofoil Correspondence Archives

 

Updated last February 27, 2005

Hydrofoils: Pleasure

Hydrofoils: Pleasure      Top

Archive; 1 or 2 Person Sports Hydrofoils
Click on link below to open

//archive.foils.org/oneperson.htm
[Date/Time=03-24-2002 – 1:30 AM]

Name:webmaster@foils.org [Msgid=237493]
Archive; Buy, Sell, Restore Hydrofoils
Click below to Open.

//archive.foils.org/hysport.htm
[Date/Time=03-24-2002 – 1:37 AM]

Name:webmaster@foils.org [Msgid=237495]
Archive; Adding Hydrofoils to Motorboats

      • Click below to Open

//archive.foils.org/motofoil.htm
[Date/Time=03-24-2002 – 12:19 PM]

Name:webmaster@foils.org [Msgid=237622]
Archive; Human Powered Hydrofoils
Click below to Open

//archive.foils.org/human.htm
[Date/Time=03-24-2002 – 3:05 PM]

Name:webmaster@foils.org [Msgid=237681]
Archive; Build Your Own Hydrofoil
Click below to Open

//archive.foils.org/yourown.htm
[Date/Time=03-24-2002 – 3:53 PM]

Name:webmaster@foils.org [Msgid=237697]
Archive; Where To Buy Hydrofoil Yacht
Click Below to Open this Archive.

//archive.foils.org/hysport.htm

[Date/Time=03-25-2002 – 3:41 PM]

Name:Webmaster@foils.org [Msgid=238092]
Archive; Hydrofoil Racers-Power
Click Below to Open this Archive.

//archive.foils.org/racers.htm

[Date/Time=03-29-2002 – 7:07 PM]

Name:Webmaster@foils.org whitewn@speakeasy.net, [Msgid=239981]
Older Hydrofoil for Water Skiis

ViewThread

      • I recently purchased a very old, aluminum
      • hydrofoil set-up that’s made to fasten
      • to a pair of water skiis. It looks like
      • an upside-down triangle with the hydrofoil
      • (the part that “looks like an airplane”)
      • fastened to the bottom (the point on the
      • triangle). I don’t know how to fasten
      • the set-up to the skiis. Has anyone ever
      • run across a similar set-up? If so, can
      • you help with ideas for assembling mine?
      • Also, is there any literature (owners
      • manuals, photos, etc.) that I might find
      • on the net?
      • Thanks for any help you can give me!!!

[Date/Time=04-29-2002 – 12:55 PM]

Name:Jeff B. justjeffb@yahoo.com, [Msgid=253211]
Older Hydrofoil for Water Skiis

      • Sounds like an early version of the Air Chair. In the unlikely event you are not familiar with this, you can find several websites on the Air Chair and competitors by typing “Air Chair” in the address area of Microsoft Explorer browser and hit return. Maybe some of the photos of Air Chair would give you some ideas. In any case, it sounds potentially dangerous. Due to the high speeds and significant forces involved, the selection of materials and attachment of foils to skis should be professionally designed to preclude a sudden failure while in flight.

[Date/Time=05-03-2002 – 7:16 PM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=255141]
Water Spyder Model 2-B

      • I have what is left of an old hydrofoil Model 2-B made by WaterSpyder, I think in the 1960s in Ontario, Canada. I could use some help in finding parts for it, or anyone interested in buying it. It is a small 2-seater billed as the first hydrofoil sport craft. Anyone out there ever heard of such a thing? Any info is welcome.

[Date/Time=06-27-2002 – 7:29 PM]

Name:Matthew Burns matthew_burns06035@yahoo.com, [Msgid=276277]
Dublin Dynafoil Needs Parts

ViewThread

      • Two friends and I have just rescued a Dynafoil from a scrapdump in Dublin, Ireland. It is mostly intact, but needs an ignition box or c.d.i and coils, and also one of the cast aluminium foils on the front rudder is broken. Do you know anyone who has spares? We could probably repair the foil, but it’s the c.d.i and coils which are the biggest problem. We really want to get this wonderful machine running, so any help would be appreciated.

[Date/Time=06-29-2002 – 7:39 AM]

Name:Eddy dexterbug@mac.com, [Msgid=276806]
Need Dynafoil in Evansville IN

      • I worked in sales at one of the first Dynafoil Dealers in 1975 in Van Nuys , California. We were Recreational Vehicles and Supplies across the street from the Van Nuys airport. We sold max and attex all terrain vehicles Dunecycle three wheeled dirt carts ang guppy sailboats, an expensive toy store. The Dynafoil was so far ahead of its time that it never took off. The twist and foil start out of the Dynafoil had to be individually taught to all of my customers…. needless to say I loved my job teaching customers how to ride and pull skiers. I myself have been looking to buy a Dynafoil with trailer. No luck I’m living on the Ohio River in Evansville, Indiana now and could really kick some butts with the Dynafoil these jet kiers and Sea doos couldn’t begin to keep up with a Dynafoil. It is a shame the inventor Died and no one has continued the business…….

[Date/Time=06-29-2002 – 10:24 AM]

Name:Don Williams kgustov@sigecom.net, [Msgid=276831]
Ideas on Where to Get Foils

ViewThread

      • This is a response to Barry Steele (

barry_steele@yahoo.com

      • ) who posted the following back in Nov 2001: “I am initially working on a towable hydrofoil with basically 3-axis aircraft-like control to allow the craft to jump without a wake to cross. (Jumping another boat’s wake can be dangerous and illegal.) Additionally, long rides in choppy water will really beat you up. Especially if you are 40+ like me. An adjustable foil would allow you to use your energy when you really want to perform vs travel. I am working on a recumbent seating system with dual front foils having individual spoileron controls and a separate rear skeg (rudder). The spoileron controls should allow bank control, counteract tow forces and control the height. The rudder should control yaw. If this works out well enough, the next version will be powered. I’d appreciate any suggestions. Such as: The front foils need control, should I rotate the entire horizontal surface of the foil? Can I instead have trailing control surfaces like an airplane’s flaps? I’m planning on building the foils in from flat aluminum.”
      • I have been kicking around ideas similar to what you are trying to accomplish. Fluid dynamics is not my area, but there is something you might want to consider. Helicopter main rotor blades are available with widths from approximately 5″ to over 1′ (huey). You can’t buy them new ($$$$$$$$$$$$) but there is an interesting alternative. When a rotor blade is damaged or timed out, the manufacturer won’t sell you a new one unless you return the old one. I suppose they don’t want you to repaint it and sell it. However, it costs money to send a 10′-15′ blade to the manufacturer. So most manufacturers don’t require the whole blade, just the first 6″ where the rotor mounts are. I have had a little success in getting a helicopter repair shop to give me the remaining length, you might get more responses if you give them a little monetary incentive. The blades I have came off a Robinson 22, they are 7.2″ wide by 1.1″ thick, 9′ long, no discernable wash-out (twist), and STIFF. All aluminum and honeycomb (construction is fantastic, no wonder they cost a fortune new) and have a cross section almost identical to the foils used on the Windrider hydrofoil catamaran. If you like I can send you cross section.
      • At one time last year I got an e-mail from a helicopter shop that is run by the son of one of the engineers on a Bell hydrofoil project. I was looking for partial or rejected sections, but he said if I gave him the NACA numbers or design criteria he could custom make the foils I needed in carbon fiber. I don’t know what he would charge, but if you are interested I will dig up his number.
      • Lastly, I am a manufacturing engineer for a medical device company. A lot of what I do is building custom manufacuring machinery, much of which is computer controlled. Using a router motor, leadscrews, stepper motors and drivers, and an old pc it is possible to build a cnc machine that can not only cut your patterns from flat stock, but can change the profiles and contours to any shape you need. It isn’t as expensive as you might think. Without knowing all the details I believe we could put it together for under $2000. It could cut any shape within a pre-determined area in wood (I’ve seen oak foils on boats weighing over 1000 pounds), plastic, aluminum, or fiberglass. BTW, I’m looking into using G10 (FR4) fiberglass (used to make fins for supersonic rockets) with an overlayer of carbon fiber (for extra stiffness) as an alternative to metal for smaller foil boats. The material isn’t much cheaper, but it is easier to machine, lighter, and won’t corrode.
      • Let me know if I can help,

[Date/Time=06-29-2002 – 10:37 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=276833]
Plans for small motor sport hydrofoil

ViewThread

      • First let me congratulate you on one of the best sites I’ve ever been to… Extensive to say the least. I’m interested in building a two place hydrofoil in the 10 to 25 hp range but would up the power if the right plans were available. I’m looking to have fun with my nephews building and flying a hydrofoil and want to be safe. Can you direct me to information that I am seeking?

[Date/Time=07-03-2002 – 8:53 PM]

Name:Gary A Sloat sloatg@mail.davenport.k12.ia.us, [Msgid=278582]
Plans for small motor sport hydrofoil

      • I wish I could say that the plans you want are available on the mass market and that all you have to do is order them, but that is not the case, unfortunately. The closest thing I can think of to what you are asking for is an experimental craft by the Back Yard Yacht Club. It was called the Interflight Hydroflier. Scroll down the page at

http://www.stevproj.com/Carz/XBoats2.html

      • to see photos and description. Unfortunately BYYC never got it fully developed to the point that they could offer plans for sale. BYYC did sell plans for the Sportfoil, which was a more conventional, motorboat style hydrofoil, but they sold out of the plans and did not reprint them. I have been thinking that most of the people who bought those plans probably never used them, so I have been keeping an eye out for them on the eBay auction site, but so far no trace of them.
      • There were some plans in Popular Science and Science and Mechanics back in 1960. These were wooden foils added to about a 16 foot runabout, as I recall. These magazines do go up for auction occasionally on eBay. There is info on our site at

//archive.foils.org/linksout.htm#plans

      • and at

//archive.foils.org/popmags.htm

      • .
      • Hydrofoils, Inc. built at least one 16-foot, two person hydrofoil back in the 70s but never developed it into a generally available product. There used to be a photo of it up on the company site at

www.hydrofoil.com

      • , but it has been taken down as the company’s focus shifted to larger craft. The company owner Ken Cook is an IHS member… I don’t know whether the plans could be made available, but it could be worth contacting him.
      • Other pages on the IHS site of possible interest include:

//archive.foils.org/upright.htm
//archive.foils.org/oneperson.htm
//archive.foils.org/motofoil.htm
//archive.foils.org/students.htm

      • Finally, I occasionally see Volga hydrofoils go up for sale or auction, such at the one currently listed at:

http://www.frenchcreekboatsales.com/pleasure/volga.htm

[Date/Time=07-03-2002 – 9:03 PM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=278588]
Plans for small motor sport hydrofoil

      • Barney gave you some good advice and direction to sources.
      • You might want to specifically check out our Archve on small Jet-ski type Hydrofoils.

//archive.foils.org/oneperson.htm

      • A number of these craft are built small companies or individuals who might be willing to share plans or sell partially assembed boats to you.
      • In addition there is a thriving new market for small Sailing Hydrofoils. Try out our Links page or the Hydrofoil Sailboat Section of this bulletin board and Sellect the See “all messages” option to see our archives of lots of small sailing hydrofoils.
      • Best of luck
      • Bill White

[Date/Time=07-04-2002 – 3:08 PM]

Name:Bill White whitewn@speakeasy.net, [Msgid=278808]
Plans for small motor sport hydrofoil

      • Popular Science did do an article on making your own wooden foil boat. They used both a homemade boat (a real kluge) and a 14′ plywood runabout. This would be a excellent project for you, inexpensive, effective, and not too difficult. The foils were oak and made on a table saw. I have the original article as well as the plans that were offered for sale. If you drop me a line I’ll e-mail you a copy. The design they used could be easily attached to a small fiberglass or aluminum runabout.

[Date/Time=07-09-2002 – 7:21 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=280245]
Plans for small motor sport hydrofoil

      • I have a Dynafoil, and I am in the process of scanning the owners manual, parts manual, and service manual. It’s a lot of documentation, but I’m hoping that I can reduce the size by converting it to a Word document. I can also take measurements and generate blueprints for parts as needed. I might be able to manufacture some parts if necessary, but time is an issue. My copy of the service manual is just that, a copy. Many of the photos are difficult or impossible to see clearly. If anyone has an original service manual, I would love to make arrangements to scan it. Like everything else I would provide the scans for free to anyone in need.

[Date/Time=07-09-2002 – 7:33 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=280246]
Have Dynafoil; Need Orig Service Manual

ViewThread

      • I have a Dynafoil, and I am in the process of scanning the owners manual, parts manual, and service manual. It’s a lot of documentation, but I’m hoping that I can reduce the size by converting it to a Word document. I can also take measurements and generate blueprints for parts as needed. I might be able to manufacture some parts if necessary, but time is an issue. My copy of the service manual is just that, a copy. Many of the photos are difficult or impossible to see clearly.
      • If anyone has an original service manual, I would love to make arrangements to scan it. Like everything else I would provide the scans for free to anyone in need.

[Date/Time=07-09-2002 – 12:09 PM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=280368]
Where to get Dynafoil Info

      • There are several people who have corresponded with IHS concerning Dynafoils, including notices of Dynafoils for sale. I suggest you go to the IHS main page at

https://foils.org

      • and use the search engine at the bottom of the page to look in the archives for “dynafoil”. Then contact any likely looking correspondents by email to ask if they can help.

[Date/Time=07-12-2002 – 7:15 PM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=281879]
Yacht Design Source

      • In response to John Turnbull’s inquiry in the correspondence archives page

http://archive.foils.org/buyferry.htm

      • .
      • I am a member of the International Hydrofoil Society, and my company specializes in custom built yachts and our team has some of the most talented hydrofoil designers (engineers) in the world, all of them with military hydrofoil background.
      • We currently offer three BUGATTI YACHTS hydrofoil designs, ranging from 32ft all the way to 146ft, which are custom built to our customer’s specific requirements. It happens that I have recently designed a 32ft, called the TT- Titanium Tender Hydrofoil, which may well suit your needs. If the price is of the TT is not on your budget, we can build you a cheaper version as per your requirements.
      • John F. Rodrigues
      • President & CEO
      • Bugatti Yachts
      • 1515 N. Federal Hwy. Suite 300
      • Boca Raton, FL 33432
      • Ph.: (561) 330-0490
      • Fax: (561) 498-7229
      • Web site is

http://www.BugattiYachts.com
[Date/Time=07-14-2002 – 5:33 AM]

Name:John F. Rodrigues JFR@YachtBoutique.com, [Msgid=282206]
Yamaha OU-32 1-man hydrofoil

ViewThread

      • I was asking that old question “whatever happened to the Yamaha personal hyrdrofoil I saw on Beyond 2000 many years back?” With a little more searching, and some help from Google, I found the following Japanese page hosted by Yamaha. Besides having some good photos of the OU32, it also has a RealMedia OU-32 movie! Hope you find this as much fun to view as I did.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/cp/challenge/expansion/ou32/ou32.html

      • It’s a shame they never mass produced it. Even 14 years later, it still looks pretty darned sexy and fun!
      • — Aaron Sakovich

http://www.alphant.com/alphaman.html
[Date/Time=07-21-2002 – 5:02 PM]

Name:Aaron Sakovich aaron@alphant.com, [Msgid=284927]
IHS membership

      • Dear Aaron,
      • I have sent you a e-mail to the address listed here and to the one on your web site to invite you to join IHS. In both cases, the e-mail was returned undeliverable. See our web page

www.foils.org

      • for information.
      • Sumi Arima
      • Membership Chairman
      • IHS

[Date/Time=07-26-2002 – 1:37 PM]

Name:S. Arima arimas1@juno.com, [Msgid=286886]
IHS membership

      • His website gives his email address as

alphaman64@home.com

      • , however I don’t think that can be right either because the @home network went bankrupt!

[Date/Time=07-27-2002 – 8:00 AM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=287107]
Restoring a Wetbike

ViewThread

      • One of my friends and Irecently found an old wetbike on my uncle’s farm. It has been sitting under sheets for eleven years(round about!!). Since he said he had no use for it anymore, we decided to restore it. We looked inside, and everything looks pretty new. There is no rust and no signs of animal damage inside. My uncle could not find any owners manual and now we would like to know if you can help to find out more about the engine and spare parts (if we need any…). We have not tried to start it yet but we will tomorrow.
      • We would be very happy to hear from anyone who can help, just to define clear questions.

[Date/Time=08-03-2002 – 2:32 PM]

Name:Jorma Lux luxusa@hotmail.com, [Msgid=290021]
Restoring a Wetbike

      • A Wetbike is not a hydrofoil, per se. It rides on the surface, more like a waterski. I have a Wetbike (in my collection of boats & projects). The engine is a product of Suzuki of Japan, but not distributed by American Suzuki Motor Corp. Suzuki suggests contacting Certified Parts (Ultranautics) at 1 800 356-0777. If I can help, email me.

[Date/Time=08-04-2002 – 7:16 PM]

Name:Barry Steele barry_steele@yahoo.com, [Msgid=290530]
1958 Grumman 14`8` Hydrofoil

ViewThread

      • For Sale: Museum Piece – Hydrofoil-Grumman 1958 14’8″.
      • New Mercury 40 HP, Trailer, Original 35 HP Evenrude Lark (stuck), Morse Controls. Runs great. Can deliver in Southeast US. $27,350.00
      • 160 Harner Road, Kathleen, GA 31047 (478)987-0356


[Date/Time=08-19-2002 – 5:56 PM]

Name:Myrel Harner ireneharner@juno.com, [Msgid=298164]
1958 Grumman 14`8` Hydrofoil

      • I’ve always loved the Grumman foil and hoped to find one, yours looks truly museum quality. Unfortunately, it’s about twice what I could afford. I am trying to build a boat that is similar, could I possibly convince you to send a few more pictures? It is difficult to find any pictures of that model, much less high quality modern pictures. I hope you get what you are asking for it, it is a truly beautiful model.
      • Thanks,
      • Scott

[Date/Time=08-23-2002 – 12:58 PM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=300159]
Older Hydrofoil for Water Skiis

      • I think I saw the hydrofoil ski’s you are talking about. It is a pair of ski’s(not a single slalom ski) rigidly mounted a foot or two apart, with a set of surface peircing foils. The picture I saw was in an old (mid 60’s to mid 70’s) Playboy from my fathers collection

      • . The design seemed straight forward enough, and shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out. If you can send me carefully laid out pictures I may be of help. A word of warning, from what I remember an average adult could get foilborne at less than 20 mph. If you do get them assembled and try to use them, don’t exceed that speed until you are foilborne and confident. If you get to 20 mph and aren’t foilborne then you probably have a ventilation problem and going faster will not fix it, it will only get you hurt worse. The pictures I remember showed a man skiing side-by-side with a woman, about 1.5 feet above the water, with the skis almost parallel to the surface (not much upward trim). Let me know if you need help, and especially if you get them working.
      • Scott

[Date/Time=08-23-2002 – 1:36 PM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=300178]
Russian Hydrofoil Repairs

ViewThread

      • I am an engineer in Miami, Florida. I have much interest in small hydrofoil boats (I bought the two Dynafoils you may have seen listed), and I am planning to make a couple of designs of my own. I have access to computerized machine shop tools (CNC lathes, mills, etc.). I’m not trying to turn this into a business opportunity. I was able to repair some parts on a Russian hydrofoil that belongs to the neighbor of a friend. I attached a couple of pictures of the Russian foil.


[Date/Time=08-24-2002 – 4:11 PM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=300630]
Dynafoil Enthusiast

      • I just recently purchased the Dynafoils that were listed on the IHS website. I am trying to find other dynafoil enthusiasts and owners.

[Date/Time=08-24-2002 – 4:15 PM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=300631]
Older Hydrofoil for Water Skiis

      • I did not see the original post for information on hydrofoils for water skis but am responding to Scott Smith’s post of 8/23. I have such a set, dating back to about the ’60s. It is, indeed, for a pair of skiis, not a single slalom ski. The set is about 300 miles from here so I can only give you my best recollection of dimensions. The skiis are positioned so that the skier’s feet are about one foot apart and the arch of the feet is directly over the strut. At the bottom of the strut is a longitudinal bar to which two foils are attached; one forward of the strut and the other behind it. As I recall, the forward foil is positioned to provide lift and the aft foil provides downward force, counteracting the moment caused by the pull of the rope. I believe that the aft foil is the larger of the two but could be mistaken about that. There was a third foil used for “training” but that was taken off and lost many years ago.
      • This is a *very* slow speed device–even 20 mph is too fast. Speed is critical. I ask the boat driver to accelerate very slowly (a typical waterski start is neither necessary nor desired) and to stop accelerating when the skiis are on the surface. Then a little more speed will fly it. Too much speed and it will fly out of the water. The skier can control the height somewhat by raising and lowering his arms (arms must be straight at all times). Raise the arms to fly lower in the water and lower the arms to fly a little higher. The unit is very difficult to control. It wants to porpoise. Many people have tried to ride this contraption but I am the only one that has been successful (to a point). In 50 years of waterskiing I have had only one accident–I dislocated my shoulder taking a fall while flying it.
      • I hope that this is helpful and relevant to the discussion. If you need more information, let me know. –Mike

[Date/Time=08-25-2002 – 7:41 PM]

Name:Michael W. Preis mpreis@liu.edu, [Msgid=300993]
Older Hydrofoil for Water Skiis

      • I was recently sent this reply about the skis. From the reply it seems like controlling them is very similar to controlling an ‘Air Chair’, so you might want to do some reading at their website. Please let me know if I can help, or if you decide to sell them.
      • Scott
      • Reply Posted:I did not see the original post for information on hydrofoils for water skis but am responding to Scott Smith’s post of 8/23. I have such a set, dating back to about the ’60s. It is, indeed, for a pair of skiis, not a single slalom ski. The set is about 300 miles from here so I can only give you my best recollection of dimensions. The skiis are positioned so that the skier’s feet are about one foot apart and the arch of the feet is directly over the strut. At the bottom of the strut is a longitudinal bar to which two foils are attached; one forward of the strut and the other behind it. As I recall, the forward foil is positioned to provide lift and the aft foil provides downward force, counteracting the moment caused by the pull of the rope. I believe that the aft foil is the larger of the two but could be mistaken about that. There was a third foil used for “training” but that was taken off and lost many years ago.
      • This is a *very* slow speed device–!
      • even 20 mph is too fast. Speed is critical. I ask the boat driver to accelerate very slowly (a typical waterski start is neither necessary nor desired) and to stop accelerating when the skiis are on the surface. Then a little more speed will fly it. Too much speed and it will fly out of the water. The skier can control the height somewhat by raising and lowering his arms (arms must be straight at all times). Raise the arms to fly lower in the water and lower the arms to fly a little higher. The unit is very difficult to control. It wants to porpoise. Many people have tried to ride this contraption but I am the only one that has been successful (to a point). In 50 years of waterskiing I have had only one accident–I dislocated my shoulder taking a fall while flying it.
      • I hope that this is helpful and relevant to the discussion. If you need more information, let me know. –Mike
      • Posted by – Username: Michael W. Preis.
      • Poster’s email address is:

mpreis@liu.edu

      • .
      • Message Id 300993
      • Message Category: Hydrofoils: Pleasure

[Date/Time=08-26-2002 – 7:56 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=301156]
Russian Hydrofoil Repairs

      • Is it possible that you can give me more information on the lifting system that I saw on the photo’s?
      • Is it made of steel our wooden beams?

[Date/Time=09-05-2002 – 4:53 AM]

Name:Mark van Rijzen dutchhydrofoils@wanadoo.nl, [Msgid=305679]
Russian Hydrofoil Repairs

      • The front view gives you the best idea of the arrangement. This is a Volga 70, a quick web search might get you better pictures of the foils themselves. Okay, the rear foils are very similar to the front, if not the same. The foils are polished stainless steel, bolted to the aluminum hull. The foils are not bolted to the struts, they are welded, so to dissassemble them they would come off the hull as one big unit. As I recall the chord of the foil was about 6″. They are flat on the bottom, and the top is a portion of a circle. They are not airfoil shaped. I believe they were about 3/8″ thick in the center of the chord with sharp leading and trailing edges (not as sharp as a knife, but maybe as sharp as a dull lawnmower blade). The owner told me that the lower foil had a 1 degree downward angle, and the upper foil had a 4 degree up angle. Those angles would be in relation to the hull, as I believe the hull has a slightly up trim while foilborne. When cruising, the water level reaches an equilibrium somewhere between the foil surfaces. The rear foils are close together and in line with each other vertically, with the same dihedral (as I recall). But the front foils are staggered with the top foil behind the bottom foil. This HAS to be a design feature as the struts are swept back from top to bottom. If the foils followed the struts then the upper foil would be in front of the lower foil. Also the upper foil has less dihedral than the lower foil. The boat was powered by a 4-cylinder volvo I/O. The owner likes to show off his boat (and it is a beauty) so if you want to see it (in Florida) I’ll try to contact him for you. BTW, I did discover an interesting trait about this boat that I hadn’t expected. The foils only lift the hull a few inches above the water (it was designed as a river boat). I expected the ride to get rough in seas greater than 1 foot. But when we took it out in 3 foot seas it handled very well. Normal boats in a heavy chop slam into the waves forcing the bow up. So the roughness isn’t just the boat slowing down at each wave, there is also a lot of bouncing up and down. This forces most boats to slow down a lot. With this boat the foils force the boat to stay level as it hits each wave, forcing the bow of the boat through the wave without bouncing. It still slows slightly, and you want to run a little slower to save the hull from excess fatigue, but it is a suprisingly smooth ride. I have a few more pictures which I will send you, and hope to get some better ones by the end of the year.
      • Scott Smith

[Date/Time=09-05-2002 – 8:11 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=305714]
Older Hydrofoil for Water Skiis

      • Okay, I found the ad for the skis on e-bay. It was a 1974 ad from Playboy. I scanned it in at 600dpi and I am attaching it here. It’s a big picture so I thought the Webmaster at IHS might want to post it to the gallery. Be sure and read the other replies, there is so good info on controlling these. BTW, I would be more than happy to help you get them working, or if you should give up I would also like to buy them from you.
      • Scott Smith

[Date/Time=09-06-2002 – 3:48 PM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=306315]
Strap on foil assm 4 a 125cc scooter

ViewThread

      • Hi,
      • Have scooter and just moved to coastal town. Thought crossed my mind maybe there is some sort of hydrofoil assembly to mount a scooter on. Taking drive from the back wheel via rollers to a propeller. Prefer hydrofoil to lessen drag etc etc. Hopefully can be transported by scooter to launch site then quick assembly.

[Date/Time=09-19-2002 – 5:03 PM]

Name:Vivian Dewey vvdewey@yahoo.co.uk, [Msgid=312044]
Strap on foil assm 4 a 125cc scooter

      • A fascinating concept, and it could probably be done as a design and build from scratch project. I don’t immediately see how it could be done as a strap on, especially if the boat part has to be carried on the scooter itself as opposed to towed on a trailer. But we have a lot of hobbyists as members and visitors to the website, so maybe someone will come up with something. Note that your idea implies detail design requirements beyond the basic problem… for example, dealing with effects of salt water corrosion, protecting the engine from accidental water ingestion, an automatic stop feature in case you fall off into the water, etc., etc. Probably more trouble than it is worth!

[Date/Time=09-20-2002 – 2:55 PM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=312421]
Strap on foil assm 4 a 125cc scooter

      • It would be interesting to see if you could come up with a working solution. A 125cc engine would certainly be able to power a small, purpose-built foil-boat, but I wonder if you could get enough power out of it to get a foilboat carrying all that weight out of the water (deep water start). Maybe if the engine was modular? You could trailer a hull there, then pull the engine out of the scooter and plug it into the foilboat. More efficient engine coupling, and leave the additional weight and space of the scooter behind. Keep thinking and let us know if you have a brainstorm, it’s a cool idea.
      • Scott Smith

[Date/Time=09-24-2002 – 10:25 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=313894]
at least partial planing beach cat ?

      • It seems like an otherwise conventional beach cat hulls (think Prindle 19 or Nacra) could benefit from flat planar surfaces along bottoms of hulls? The idea would be to reduce wetted surface (at speed) without adding complexity. I imagine the flat surfaces not being very different than water skis in planform.

[Date/Time=09-24-2002 – 3:39 PM]

Name:gary estremsky sestremsky@aol.com, [Msgid=314088]
Update on Trixie de Luxe

      • Here is an update on the hydrofoil project

TRIXIE DE LUXE

      • started in 1947. My original posting is archived on the IHS page

//archive.foils.org/hysport.htm

      • :
      • Trixi is doing just fine; however, she has not been flying. We think the problem is that the boat is too heavy in the front. The engine has been moved quite a bit forward from the original location. It was supposed to be in the aft, with the propeller up front. But, the designer changed his mind and changed it around to more traditional layout. We had some test runs this summer, without being able to get the boat up in speed, since it tends to drop down in the front before the wings start to produce lift. On some of the pictures you will see two “bows” that we fitted in front of the tunnels. We did this to get more of the hull above the waterline, and to increase the buoyancy. We have now built larger wings and bows in styrofoam (?), which is very light, to get even more buoyancy. This latest modification will be tried out in a couple of days. We have also had problems in getting the right propeller. I have moved the website, and will
      • shortly include some more pictures. Please see

www.inocean.no/trixi


[Date/Time=09-25-2002 – 7:36 PM]

Name:Thomas Eckey te@inocean.no, [Msgid=314827]
Hydrofoil Equipped Surfboards

      • There is a revolution in extreme big-wave surfing using foil-equipped surfboards and the design experimentation is in its early, early stages and all possible design theory is being analyzed for this application.
      • Billabong Odyssey:

http://www.BillabongOdyssey.com

      • . The search for the 100 ft wave begins here. Get up-to-date information about this incredible quest for the 100 ft wave.

[Date/Time=10-26-2002 – 9:26 PM]

Name:Bill Sharp SurfNewsEd@aol.com, [Msgid=329325]
1958 Grumman 14`8` Hydrofoil

      • On the advice of a trusted friend, I have changed the price on my
      • 1958 Grumman Hydrofoil ad to $17,500. Myrel E. Harner

[Date/Time=11-24-2002 – 8:31 PM]

Name:Myrel E. Harner ireneharner@juno.com, [Msgid=342947]
Volga 70 Restoration

ViewThread

      • I’m the lucky owner of Volga 70 Hydrofoil (8.5m long, with GAZ-53 V8
      • engine). As I noticed on your page, many people have shown interest in this kind of boat, and are hungry for any bit of information available on it. I would be pleased to share any photos of the boat. As the restoration process hasn’t even really started, I can provide you with pics of boat’s current state 🙂

[Date/Time=11-25-2002 – 7:24 PM]

Name:Kaspars V. sh60030@lanet.lv, [Msgid=343359]
Ideas on Where to Get Foils
Text

      • Scott, I was just looking over the IHS site and was intrigued by your ideas. I would like to develop a kit that can be bolted onto an averaged size boat for the recreational hydrofoilist. After reading the information that Tom Lang had posted a couple years ago, I’ve been thinking about different ways to accomplish this. I see a lot of inquiries from people that want plans or a kit of some kind. One option would be to make a surface piercing hydrofoil. A person could pay to get an extrusion die made, then have a number of 20′ lengths extruded as bar stock. This stock could then be cut to length, and bent to whatever configuration desired. There’s an initial outlay, but the sales could offset this. A submerged hydrofoil would take a rather sophisticated control package, but the foils themselves would be much easier to make. Ultimately, this is the direction I’d rather take. I am a mechanical engineer working in manufacturing. I have a background in controls and a lot of desire, but don’t feel confident enough to tackle this. The submerged version would require a gyroscope for attitude reference. It may be possible to use a gyroscope that is now available in the R/C helicopters. I have a 16′ trihull 120hp I/O that I plan on using for this experiment, but as of yet do not have the necessary parts or intellectual fortitude.

[Date/Time=11-27-2002 – 3:14 AM]

Name:Jeff Mikkelsen mikki@softcom.net, [Msgid=344071]
Designing a foil kit

      • Jeff, I think it is terrific you want to get involved with this type of foil boat. There is not much real work being done in this area. And don’t underestimate your ‘intellectual fortitude’, a willingness to work at the problems will surely yeild positive results. Reading all the posts will lead you to believe that building a small foil boat is a really tricky thing to do. I can send you a set of plans from Popular Science that proves otherwise. The ‘problem’ that I see with these small boats (10′-30′) isn’t that they are too complicated. It is that most of the engineers spend all their time discussing the finer points of control, foil cross section, lift to drag ratios, etc., and seldom actually build anything. Having the perfect foil cross section/control system/weight distribution/propulsion system might make a well performing boat, but drop your performance requirements by 10% and the amount of knowledge and work required to accomplish it is cut by 80%. I’m sure that wind-tunnel testing that hand-launched glider design will allow you to refine the design, but I have hand-carved gliders out of blocks of balsa using no plans and no sandpaper and gotten very good results. Would it win any competitions? No. Did it fly and make me happy? Sure. The real problem is to carefully, and realistically, determine what you want to accomplish, and what resources you are willing to throw at it. I often hear people talking about how much simpler a surface peircing foil is compared to a submerged foil. This just isn’t true unless you build the boat hull from scratch. If you mount surface peircing foils on your tri-hull, the nature of the design will cause serious flexing on the sides of your hull unless you spend a lot of time reinforcing it. That is because the lift from the foils won’t push straight up on the boat, rather it will push up and in at an angle, causing your hull to flex and maybe fail under load. Submerged foils on the other hand, will push straight up with little side loading, meaning you won’t have to make changes to your boats structure. The operational loads and loads from debris impacting on surface piercing foils are more complicated than for submerged, since submerged are a simpler planform and are attached inline from where those forces are applied. It would seem that running off an extrusion, then bending it and welding it into shape is easier than building a submerged system, but it isn’t. Take a look at the Hobie Tri-foiler, or the Wind Rider, or any of the solar or human powered craft and then decide how complicated the controls are. There needs to be a little more planning up front for submerged foils, but the actual construction and use is easier. And forget about gyros, hydraulic dampers, etc. V-hull boats beat you to death in rough water. Surface peircing foils ride much better, even though they aren’t glass smooth. Submerged foils with surface followers (and no other mechanisms) work as well as surface piercing, and in some cases even better. Military foils have different stability needs because (among other things) they are gun platforms. Large commercial vessels are computer stabilized because they are more expensive to begin with, larger vessels are easier to stabilize than smaller vessels, and they have to compete with other types of transportation to keep their clients. A surface piercing foil system with mechanical surface following and no electronics or hydraulics on a 25′ open fisherman is still a far more forgiving ride than the only current competitor, a non-hydrofoil boat. Custom extrusions for foils is a great idea if you are able to sell lots of them, but as other companies have discovered, that is harder than it appears. There are other alternatives such as swaging or machining of bar stock. Not as hard or expensive as you might think, especially for short runs. And there are other materials. Aluminum is nice because it can be bent and welded. But we use G10/FR-4 fiberglass for making supersonic rocket fins. It would be an ideal material for a submerged design. Careful attention to the boat type and personality of the people using it is necessary also. Your tri- hull would be a good project for something that compares to a Volga 70. That is a fixed, surface piercing foil for use in smooth water. To really get into a heavy chop you need the hull higher out of the water. The only way to do that with your boat is to extend the outdrive. That is complicated, expensive, adds stresses to your outdrive, and makes it difficult to use in very shallow water. Adding foils to it would be an interesting exercise, but somebody who already owns a boat like yours would not want to modify it. The modification would be expensive, limited to 50 mph, and mostly usefull in smooth water where a tri-hull already performs well. As I see it there are really only two places a bolt on kit would really sell. One is for 16-30′ open water boats with outboards. These boats can be purchased with long shaft outboards on a low bracket, or can have a motorized jack-plate installed for a reasonable amount of money. Few of these boats can exceed 50 mph in a chop, so foil speed limitations don’t matter. Many are used for cruising at least as much as they are used for fishing, so a smooth ride is desireable. And if a foil is knocked off in deep waves the boats are still seaworthy enough to motor in for repair. If you manage to get you boat to run well in 4′ seas, you would be in trouble if you lost a foil in that sea state. The other usefull application is on small aluminum boats. We have all seen the 18′ aluminum bass boat with the Merc Black Max heading out to fish. He is already doing more than 50mph with a stock boat in smooth water, he doesn’t need foils. But how about the guys that can’t afford that? It would be simple and cheap to produce a kit for a 14′ aluminum utility boat, that is surface piercing and only lifts the boat 6″ out of the water. Now a guy and his son can jump in a 14′ boat with a 20HP long shaft and head out at 30-35 mph, and run all day on 6 gallons of gas. And get this, the kit is wood. And if they want, they can buy it unassembled and put it together and paint it themselves.
      • I hope I didn’t go on too much, I guess I should knock off the coffee. Anyway, I am interested in talking to you about you plans. As for me, I bought a 14′ aluminum utility boat, added a 4-stroke, electric start, extra long shaft (not 15″, not 20″, but 26″ shaft), Honda outboard. Next comes the remote steering console, and then the foils (submerged). I hope to be able to run a 2′ chop. I also have a 12′ aluminum boat with a 10hp longshaft Honda (tiller) that I plan to put wooden surface piercing foils on, just for fun and comparison. My biggest problem right now is time, but I’m working on it.

[Date/Time=11-27-2002 – 9:22 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@syntheon.com, [Msgid=344132]
Volga 70 Restoration

      • Re;Volga 70 very like to see on going pictures of restoration

[Date/Time=11-27-2002 – 9:27 PM]

Name:Matt Kirk matric39@gte.net, [Msgid=344357]
Want to Design an Add-On Foil Kit?!

      • As to creating a hydrofoil kit, in the process of design, marketing, manufacture, and customer support, probably the design is the easy part. Tom Lang?s Upright Hydrofoil Kit, described at

//archive.foils.org/upright.htm

      • was manufactured but was not a commercial success. You may want to contact him for lessons learned on the marketing side. No doubt he still has the design and a couple of the original kits, so if you thought the marketing problems could be overcome in the current environment, then maybe you could do something together with him.

      • The Grumann Sea Wing hydrofoil kit and runabout is another design that was marketed and could possibly be revived. Myrel Harner has one of these for sale right now, see

//archive.foils.org/announce.htm#buyfoil

      • . If you use the Search Engine on the IHS Main Page at

https://foils.org

      • to search for the exact phrase ?sea wing? you will find many more references on the IHS site to this design.

      • Both Tom Lang?s design and the Grumann design are surface piercing hydrofoils designed for small runabouts. Moving a step up in size and going to a fully submerged design with automatic control system, see Harry Larsen?s modified Bayliner at

http://home1.gte.net/hlarsen0/

      • . Harry has offered his design to others as well as has offered his boat

TALARIA III

      • with no takers so far. He may be able to offer some insight from his experience as to why the lack of wider interest.

      • As to the subject of an Automatic Control System, Harry Larsen gives info on his ACS on his site. Since the days of the military hydrofoils, commercially designed and manufactured sensors and other components have become available that improve the ability to create a reliable and affordable ACS. For example, Malin Dixon has done work on this. See his site at:

http://www.onspec.co.uk/ihs/model.htm

      • On the sailing side, Dave Keiper had started marketing his hydrofoil kit for Hobie and other small catamarans when he died unexpectedly. He had a foundry run foil extrusions for him, and was selling foil kits made from them, along with instructions on how to mount the foils. Detailed information on the design, extrusion source, etc. are available (though a bit chaotic) in the set of Dave?s files available from IHS, see:

http://archive.foils.org/ihspubs.htm#dakfiles

      • . Dave Keiper’s brother Frank still maintains part of the website at

http://www.wingo.com/dakh/

      • .
      • Dave Carlson, who had worked with Keiper, continued to refine and mature the details of the design until selection of fastener materials and other details of the design until it is now quite workable. So far, he has not to my knowledge tried to market it. See Dave Carlson?s website at

http://www.fastsail.com/catcobbler/

      • .

      • Recently there has been quite a bit of interest and experimentation in adding foils for racing in the International Moth Class, and resouces for foils have developed concurrently. For example, see

http://imca-wa.freeyellow.com/Resources.html

      • Finally, this is not a kit, but I mention it as an item of interest from the marketing point of view. Aside from radio controlled models, the home-grown hydrofoil design that has generated the most interest recently on the IHS site (in terms of correspondence) has been Steve Gresham?s design, which according to Steve is sufficiently developed to go to manufacture. This is offered for sale on the Announcements page at

//archive.foils.org/announce.htm#sale

[Date/Time=11-28-2002 – 8:25 AM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=344445]
Sea Wings

      • The recent inquiry concerning Sea Wings got me looking through my files. If anyone is interested, the August 1958 copy of “The Rudder” has a front cover picture and an article starting on Page 6 concerning commercial development by Dynamic Developments Inc. of a hydrofoil system they developed for 14-16 foot outboards. The trademark for this system was Sea Wings.

[Date/Time=12-15-2002 – 11:31 AM]

Name:Robert Miller cbbi@aol.com, [Msgid=351587]
Seeking information on unusual Volga

ViewThread

      • Can anyone help in identifying the Volga hydrofoil (photo attached) which I have just purchased in Wales, UK. I was unable to get any info about the crafts history as the owner passed away and it was sold to me by a relative of his. It is only missing the Volvo engine and live ammo for the thing on engine cover. Any info would be welcome.

[Date/Time=12-23-2002 – 12:28 AM]

Name:Mick Matthews (via M. Grimm) seaflite@alphalink.com.au, [Msgid=354794]
Attached File  “volga1~jpg.zip” – size 223254   Click Here To Download
Seeking information on unusual Volga

      • Mick,
      • On the face of it, it seems like a former Soviet river / coastal patrol craft although I have never read anything about the Volga being used in such a role. The launcher on the engine cover looks like a chaff or flare launcher used to decoy heat seeking or radar based missiles. I have never seen any images of a Volga with a built up cabin such as shown in the photos of your craft, but that may have been the result of a special request for a police / military order.
      • It is also possible that this craft was modified and painted up from an ordinary civil Volga for the purposes of being used in a movie.
      • The model seem to be a Volga 70. That is the type that had the Volvo Penta stern drive fitted instead of a Russian engine combined with a normal inclined shaft and propeller.
      • Hope someone else know more about your particular craft.

[Date/Time=12-23-2002 – 12:48 AM]

Name:Martin Grimm seaflite@alphalink.com.au, [Msgid=354802]
Seeking information on unusual Volga

      • I suggest you email this photo to Konstantin Matveev and ask for information. You can contact him through his website at

http://www.hydrofoils.org/
[Date/Time=12-23-2002 – 5:45 AM]

Name:Barney C Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=354851]
Seeking info on unusual Volga

      • Yes, this is Volga boat. The pictures are very interesting. I have not seen such a version before. Though it is not surprising to see this, since 7,000 boats of the Volga type were produced.

[Date/Time=12-27-2002 – 6:12 PM]

Name:Konstantin Matveev matveev@its.caltech.edu, [Msgid=355987]
Hydrofoil owned by Aristotle Onassis

ViewThread

      • In the 1996 book “Flying Boats and Amphibians since 1945” by David Oliver there is discussion about some of the amphibian aircraft owned by Aristotle Onassis. The text also has a passing reference to his motor yacht ‘Christina’ which was “a $4 million conversion of an ex-Canadian frigate that had deck space for several speedboats, a hydrofoil and two amphibians”. There are some photos of ‘Christina’ to be found on the www, but so far, I have found none clearly showing a hydrofoil on board.
      • I am naturally curious about what type of hydrofoil that may have been. It would needed to have been reasonably small to be lifted onto the deck of the motor yacht, perhaps a Volga or Aquavion Waterman? Rodriquez also show on their website a hydrofoil motor boat which was referred to as the ROL 700 (Yard Number 177, delivered 1973) and that would have looked the part as a tender for such a large luxury yacht.
      • If anyone knows the hydrofoil type that was carried on ?Christina? or has a picture of the craft, I would be pleased to hear from you.

[Date/Time=01-01-2003 – 3:29 AM]

Name:Martin Grimm seaflite@alphalink.com.au, [Msgid=357444]
Restoring a Volga 70 – Need Advice

      • On Dec. 31st. I was able to buy a 1974 Volga 70 with a Volvo Penta diesel stern drive The boat sat behind a machine shop in Sarnia Ontario Canada for more than twenty years. It appears that the boat had very limited usage and there is no evidence of any damage to the hull except for a bump on its nose that popped about six rivets. All wood, rubber and seat material has completely disintegrated. The drive unit looks very good and the diesel engine rolled over easily with a wrench on the crank shaft. To avoid learning the hard way I would appreciate any restoration information available. All information for my restoration will be appreciated.

[Date/Time=01-06-2003 – 7:13 AM]

Name:Dave Stewart dave.stewart1@sympatico.ca, [Msgid=359228]
A Volga at Stockholm Boat Show 2003

      • Three of the Volgas in Stockholm area is undergoing restoration.
      • One of them is planned to appear at the No1 Boat Show in Sweden,
      • the Stockholm Boat Show starting March 1st 2003. The russian
      • GAZ53 engine will be replaced with a GM V8 305 cu.in. and the
      • original V-drive will be restored and refitted. In next summer
      • season there will be approx. 10 Volgas operational in the
      • Stockholm archipelago and a Volga meeting is planned to take place
      • end of August 2003. Club Volga Stockholm will supply additional
      • info on request.

[Date/Time=01-18-2003 – 7:42 PM]

Name:Jan Wennerstrom volga.stockholm@bredband.net, [Msgid=363963]
Hydrofoil Stablizer Mods

      • I am wondering if the size of the hydrofoil stablizer makes a difference. I have a 50 h.p. Force outboard with a Stingray hydrofoil stabilizer… the full size model. I used to have a junior size model on my other boat. There is about a 4 or 5 in diffence in size. Does the size make a difference? If so, can I do any modifications to the full size model such as cutting or shaping it?

[Date/Time=02-07-2003 – 8:32 AM]

Name:Rick fbarter@sbcglobal.net, [Msgid=373850]
Want a ride on Hydrofoil

ViewThread

      • I have been studying HYDROFOIL designs, and think I have “nailed” it. Now need to ride on someone’s craft. I live in South Florida but am willing to go anywhere in NA for an extended ride. Any one have an operating Hydrofoil Boat who can accomodate my request?

[Date/Time=06-03-2003 – 7:31 AM]

Name:Gerry Levine gerrymega@adelphia.net, [Msgid=446220]
Re; Want a ride on Hydrofoil

      • Take at look at the following website about

TALARIA III

      • , which is a fully submerged hydrofoil design with automatic control system:

http://mysite.verizon.net/res6pe7p/index.htm

      • If that corresponds with your interest, then contact Harry Larsen at

talaria@foils.org

      • .

      • There are some larger commercial hydrofoils of the Russian surface-piercing design operating to Niagara Falls. See the website:

http://www.seaflights.com/home.php


[Date/Time=06-06-2003 – 10:04 PM]

Name:Barney C. Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=448485]
Volga info

      • I just bougt a volga hydrofoil that was built in 84 and its not with the volvo sterndrive but with a gearbox. the problem is that i got the whole driveline exept the engine in boxes so i do not know were everything should go, is there anyone who has a drawing of the original engine installation with cooling and lubrication. i also would like to know about the electrical system sinse i do not understand Russian. the original engine i think was a GAZ v8.

[Date/Time=06-25-2003 – 4:03 AM]

Name:Peter Segerblom peter@apicius.se, [Msgid=459415]
New Look for PHM-6 GEMINI

      • On our PHM 5 ARIES website (

http://www.ussaries.org/

      • ) we have posted pics of the Gemini. You won’t believe how different she looks since being purchased by someone turning her into a private yacht.


[Date/Time=08-08-2003 – 4:57 PM]

Name:Eliot James esjames@cvalley.net, [Msgid=484407]
1940s pleasure hydrofoil

ViewThread

      • As a youth living in Winnipeg Manitoba I was fascinated by boats. I remember crossing the Louise Bridege over the Red River by bus one day (probably around 1959-62)and seeing a hydrofoil parked ashore at the Buchanan? marina. The boat appeared to be about 19′, wood and shaped like a Chris Craft barrelback of the early forties. The foil was beautiful and appeared to be made of bronze?. I remember the prop shaft was very long, say 16-19′.
      • Does anyone know of this craft?

[Date/Time=08-09-2003 – 12:20 PM]

Name:Larry Bruder lebruder@mts.net, [Msgid=484754]
Re; 1940s pleasure hydrofoil

      • Are you possibly talking about a Volga 70? See photos at

http://archive.foils.org/gallery/volgaall.htm

      • . That craft does not date back to the 1940s, however. For another (remote) possibility, take a look at photos of the Trixie de Luxe at

http://www.inocean.no/trixi/

      • .

[Date/Time=08-10-2003 – 5:42 PM]

Name:Barney C Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=485395]
Re; Re; 1940s pleasure hydrofoil

      • Barney, Larry,
      • The Volga is fairly much an aluminium boat with stainless steel foils, no wood in it to speak of. This probably rules it out as a possibility. Also, the drive shaft on the Volga is not of the order of the length of the boat, even for the models with the original russian engive and V-drive gearbox.
      • Two other possibilities are the Rodriquez ROL 700 a smallish hydrofoil pleasure boat or one of the pleasure craft / tender boats built by the Vertens yard in Germany in the 60’s. I will post a separate message about those shortly.

[Date/Time=08-12-2003 – 10:55 AM]

Name:Martin Grimm seaflite@alphalink.com.au, [Msgid=486429]
I am looking for a Trampofoil!

ViewThread

      • I want to buy a Trampofoil. I REALLY want it! Do you know of one that is unloved? I will love it well!

[Date/Time=08-13-2003 – 1:11 PM]

Name:Leslie Ekker lekfx@comcast.net, [Msgid=487148]
re; `40s foil

ViewThread

      • Barney, Martin
      • Not a Volga. Examining the photos of the Volga I can say that the foils on the “boat” that i am asking about were deeper than the Volga. I remember that there was an equally deep rear pillar-rudder. i can’t recall if there was a foil at the rear or if it was just a planing surface…a planing surface I think. Something else that may be a clue. In looking for foils on the ‘net I returned a reference to Sir William Stevenson, Canada’s famous spy-master; he was interested in foils.He was from Winnipeg, and ran some operations here during WWII. I’m intrigued whether this “boat” may be linked to him.
      • Larry

[Date/Time=08-14-2003 – 10:05 AM]

Name:Larry Bruder lebruder@mts.net, [Msgid=487693]
Hydrofoil Tender for Onassis Yacht

      • I have been able to establish that the hydrofoil tender / pleasure craft owned by Onassis (see my previous posted message) was built by the Vertens Werft in Germany. Details can be found in a pdf document “Die Vertens-Werft” (in German) prepared by Walter Koblank and available at the following internet site:

www.fky.org/literatur/hefte/fky10-vertens.pdf

      • From the document: In ~1952, the Greek shipowner Onassis, which at that time had contracted with the Kiel based Howaldswerken for the construction of the large luxury yacht ‘Christina’, ordered from Vertens-Werft a sport boat, which should drive at 100 km/h. It was later handed over to Mrs Onassis. The hydrofoil boat was equipped with a Merceded Benz 300 engine. At the time, the 6.20m long boat cost 100,000 DM.
      • A photo of an apparently similar hydrofoil delivered to a South American customer appears in the article.

[Date/Time=08-18-2003 – 9:40 AM]

Name:Martin Grimm seaflite@alphalink.com.au, [Msgid=489778]
Re; re; `40s foil

      • Larry,
      • I can’t give you any further leads ony the possibility Sir William Stevenson was asociated with the hydrofoil you once saw.
      • As I mentioned previously, series of hydrofoil motor boats built by the Vertens Werft in Germany may fit the description you have given. Details can be found in a pdf document “Die Vertens-Werft” (in German) prepared by Walter Koblank and available at the following internet site:

www.fky.org/literatur/hefte/fky10-vertens.pdf

      • A photo of a hydrofoil delivered to a South American customer appears in the article. Is that perhaps the type of craft you recall seeing?

[Date/Time=08-18-2003 – 9:51 AM]

Name:Martin Grimm seaflite@alphalink.com.au, [Msgid=489781]
Re; I am looking for a Trampofoil!

      • Although I own a Trampofoil, I don’t know of any for sale. There were only about 100 sold. They were too expensive to sell in large numbers and the company doesn’t exist any more.
      • You can try mine out if you want to come to Nuneaton England.

[Date/Time=08-18-2003 – 3:51 PM]

Name:Malin Dixon gallery@foils.org, [Msgid=489960]
 Image Attached:  “A1_OLA1_.JPG”   Click Here To View
Dynafoil Specifications Needed

ViewThread

      • I found a dynafoil in a rubbish pile and was curious so I brought
      • it home. It is missing the power plant and missing just below the rear
      • foil. I would like info on where to find specs and how it operates and
      • maintenance. I also am a pwc owner.

[Date/Time=09-13-2003 – 9:09 AM]

Name:Glenn grandpoopa@juno.com, [Msgid=506509]
Re; Dynafoil Specifications Needed

      • Glenn, several Dynafoil owners have posted messages on the IHS bulletin board over the years. You should read their postings and then contact any directly that you think could help you based on the content of their messages. We currently have archived messages in two places. Those archives dating back to before we established the automated BBS can be found from the IHS Main Page at

https://foils.org

      • … scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the search engine, type in the word dynafoil and you will get several links to explore on the site. Next, go to the BBS itself, which is hosted separately from the IHS site. There is a link to go there on the main IHS page. It is located in the green Site Directory. When you are on the BBS you can search both the current messages and the archives in the same way. Good luck on your project. If you find a good source of the specs, manuals, parts sources, etc. please share the information with the IHS community by posting what you have learned on the BBS

[Date/Time=09-13-2003 – 9:16 AM]

Name:Barney C Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=506512]
VolgaVingen runs nicely

      • VolgaVingen back in water after 3 year on land. Runs very well!
      • At rpm 3200 on the GM V8 305 c.i. it does 36 knots with a
      • gearbox 1,52:1. Itœµ a bit light and runs free on wings already
      • at 25 knots. At speed 32+ the aft is very high and stearing
      • is a bit hazardous.
      • The hull anods of magnesium hangs outside in port only and
      • is grounded inside in hull with a coated stainless wire.
      • Take of has been no problem even with nine people onboard.
      • So I guess a 6 cyl engine 4.3 ltrs would have been sufficient
      • power – or a bit higher gear.
      • Regards Jan Wennerstr?

[Date/Time=09-22-2003 – 6:48 PM]

Name:Jan Wennerstrom volga.stockholm@bredband.net, [Msgid=512314]
Volga pics

      • VolgaVingen in port of Stockholm Oct.2003. 2 pics.

[Date/Time=10-15-2003 – 4:53 PM]

Name:Jan Wennerstrom jan.wennerstrom@bredband.net, [Msgid=525908]
 Image Attached:  “Loudden.JPG”   Click Here To View
Volga pics

ViewThread

      • VolgaVingen in Stockholm

[Date/Time=10-15-2003 – 5:00 PM]

Name:Jan Wennerstrom jan.wennerstrom@bredband.net, [Msgid=525914]
 Image Attached:  “WingLift.JPG”   Click Here To View
Re; Volga pics

      • Looks great, Jan… almost too nice to put into the water!

[Date/Time=10-25-2003 – 7:48 PM]

Name:Barney C Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=532303]
Power Ski?

      • Found a personal watercraft with the name Power Ski on both sides, hydrofoil similar to early wetbike? Appears to have been powered by a small outboard located right behind seat. Great condition but motor is missing. Can anyone shed some light on who manufactured or how I can find more on Power Skis?

[Date/Time=11-06-2003 – 2:48 PM]

Name:Elton Hill hillhavenllc@yahoo.com, [Msgid=539070]
Greatest Movie Gadgets – History Channel

      • For hydrofoilers in the USA: The History channel has scheduled the show GREATEST MOVIE GADGETS, Featuring IHS Member Harry Larsen’s hydrofoil Bayliner TALARIA. It airs on the History Channel, Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 8pm EST.

[Date/Time=11-21-2003 – 10:17 PM]

Name:Barney C Black webmaster@foils.org, [Msgid=548415]
Flying Car

ViewThread

      • You’re not going to belive this:

http://www.rinspeed.ch/pages/cars/splash/prd-splash-fotos.htm
[Date/Time=02-28-2004 – 1:02 AM]

Name:Tom Speer me@tspeer.com, [Msgid=604866]
Cruiser boat required on charter

      • Our company is looking for a Cruiser boat enough for 250 passengers for around 20 days charter. Fo details please contact us immediately.
      • Atrh
      • ceo
      • Golden Shippers

ianduhere@yahoo.com
[Date/Time=03-01-2004 – 8:32 AM]

Name:Arthur ianduhere@yahoo.com, [Msgid=605824]
asRe; Dynafoil Specifications Needed

      • There are 2 of these for sale in San Luis Obispo, CA. They are nearly completely intact and are on their own side-by-side trailer.
      • Very cool looking and I’d love to see one in action!

[Date/Time=03-07-2004 – 11:24 PM]

Name:Todd austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=609505]
asRe; Dynafoil Specifications Needed

      • I would be interested in the two Dynafoils that are for sale, we have 4 now, one we have flying which is currently on display at the USS Aries Hydrofoil Memorial. Bob has mpegs showing her in flight on the Aries website,

www.ussaries.org

      • , follow the link “click here for more photos and footage” where you will see several video clip of hydrofoils including a couple on a Dynafoil.

[Date/Time=03-08-2004 – 9:26 AM]

Name:Eliot James esjames@cvalley.net, [Msgid=609646]
STEVENSON SPORTFOIL PLANS

ViewThread

      • I HAVE A COPY OF THE STEVENSON SPORTFOIL PLANS IF ANY ONE IS INTERESTED.
      • THANKS CHRIS

[Date/Time=03-12-2004 – 12:37 PM]

Name:CHRIS HALL HALLBOYS@BELLSOUTH.NET, [Msgid=612416]
Re; STEVENSON SPORTFOIL PLANS

      • Chris, IHS has had several inquiries about plans for the Sportfoil over the years. The Back Yard Yacht Club sold out of these several years ago and decided not to print another batch, so they have been completely unavailable. I have not even seen any for auction on eBay. I would be very interested to know, first, whether you actually built a Sportfoil from the plans. If so, a description of your experience and some fotos would be a great feature for the IHS newsletter. Second, perhaps you could describe the plans so I could gauge the feasibility of reproducing copies of them for a reasonable price, i.e. how many drawing sheets and what size? Is there an instruction book, and if so how many pages and what size? It is quite possible the Mike Stevenson would give his permission to reprint the design so that you could then sell several copies.

[Date/Time=03-12-2004 – 7:18 PM]

Name:Barney C Black barney@alum.mit.edu, [Msgid=612678]
Re; Flying Car

      • I saw this on the Discovery Channel either 3/13/04 or on 3/14/04. The car goes over 100mph on land, about 30 mph on the water on its foils or just putters along IN the water slowly until enough power is supplied. It all runs on the same engine, which is not particularly powerful. They’re not for sale unfortunately, but the design of the stern foil and side retracting v-shaped surface-piercing foils are exactly what I would like to do, on a larger scale, on my 28′ Trojan. Yours, David W. Rynders

[Date/Time=03-15-2004 – 2:15 PM]

Name:David W Rynders, Naples, FL drynders@earthlink.net, [Msgid=614278]
asRe; Dynafoil Update

      • Hi again,
      • My brother and I finally bought the Dynafoils and it turns out there were actually 3 of them. 1 is an “early” 340cc model without trim tabs and the other 2 are the later 440cc models with trim tabs.
      • If anyone would like to share info on them, we’d sure appreciate it. We’d ultimately like to get all 3 up and flying, but they need quite a bit of engine repairs, all 3 carburetors and air cleaners are missing, and 2 of the rubber ring drive-shaft couplings are missing.
      • We’d sure be thankful for a copy of a repair manual and an owner’s manual if anyone would be interested in doing that. We’d also like any info on parts sources for the Chaparral (Fuji Motor Co.) engines.
      • I was just reading on another guy’s site that only about 500 of these were ever made and they were around $3,500.00 brand new in the mid/late 70’s. Pretty amazing!

[Date/Time=04-26-2004 – 2:07 AM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=637007]
Dynafoil Information

      • I replied to your message personally, but I would like anyone else out there looking for Dynafoil info to know I am here to help. I’m not selling anything, but I do have several models from different years, all the manuals, some pictures and video. I also have access to a full machine shop. If there is something you need, I’ll do what I can to help. There is nothing quite like a Dynafoil, it would be a shame to let them rot. Drop me a line If I can help, Scott.

[Date/Time=04-26-2004 – 8:53 AM]

Name:Scott Smith ssmith@veinrxinc.com, [Msgid=637078]
 Image Attached:  “IMG_0115.jpg”   Click Here To View
Re; Dynafoil Information

      • Hi Scott,
      • Thank you very much for all the fantastic photos you sent of your Dynafoil in action. Amazing and you Dynafoil is beautiful! I appreciate your fast response and I’m looking forward to talk with you more.
      • I agree, it’s a shame to see them rot and my hope is that we can get all 3 flying again.

[Date/Time=04-26-2004 – 12:18 PM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=637201]
Project in Western Carolinas

ViewThread

      • I’m picking up again on my pontoon boat/foil again and wonder if there is anyone nearby who might be interested in “pounding heads” on the various design tradeoffs. Not looking for financial support or an ownership partner. I am in Seneca, SC, near Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, SC and 2 hours from Atlanta.

[Date/Time=04-26-2004 – 6:05 PM]

Name:Barry Steele bsteele971@hotmail.com, [Msgid=637369]
 Image Attached:  “020715_Engine_Install.jpg”   Click Here To View
1961 Grumman Hydrofoil found

ViewThread

      • Hi,
      • I just bought a 1961 14′ 6″ aluminum runabout that was pretty much stripped down for refurbishing and never finished. The previous owner said is was a “Hydro Ski”. He had used it without the skis.
      • I am a fabricator and welder. I sure would like to find information
      • so I could put this boat back into hydrofoil working order.

covert_d@bellsouth.net

      • Dana

[Date/Time=05-09-2004 – 9:45 PM]

Name:Dana Covert covert_d@bellsouth.net, [Msgid=644393]
Re; 1961 Grumman Hydrofoil found

      • Take a look at the manual at the following URL and see if it is of any help…

http://www.exigent.info/seawings/Grumman%20Sea%20Wings%20Manual.pdf
[Date/Time=05-13-2004 – 5:43 AM]

Name:Barney C Black bblack11@cox.net, [Msgid=646467]
Re; Project in Western Carolinas

      • Barry,
      • I am most interested to hear what you are doing with a pontoon boat,
      • which might have hydrofoils on it. I am interested in doing the
      • same thing on Lake Lanier.
      • Please call 404-754-0030 or email

jjboff@adelphia.net

      • Thanks
      • jim

[Date/Time=05-31-2004 – 2:19 PM]

Name:Jim Boff jjboff@adelphia.net, [Msgid=656458]
Re; Project in Western Carolinas

      • Hi Barry, I will remind you that your original correspondence with IHS on this subject in 2001 is posted in the archives at

//archive.foils.org/motofoil.htm

      • . I believe that most or all of the people that responded to you are still reachable, in case you want to follow up with them now.

[Date/Time=06-02-2004 – 8:08 PM]

Name:Barney C Black bblack11@cox.net, [Msgid=657942]
Dynafoil Restoration Update

ViewThread

      • Just thought I’d give an update on how my brother and I are coming with the 3 Dynafoils that we found about 2 months ago.
      • He’s decided to put a Kawasaki Jetski powerplant in his and has purchased a really early stand up Jetski that he can gut. This will give him electric start, more modern ignition, and an easier source of parts, as well as access to performance parts.
      • I’ve decided to go with the original set up and have found a source for NOS (New Old Stock) Chaparral/Xenoah engines. I’ve got one on the way right now. I’ve also contacted (thanks to this site and fellow Dynafoil owner Scott Smith) the lady who’s the goddess of the Walbro WDA-6 carb that were used on the Dynafoils. She’s building one for me this week. I decided to go the “simple” stock route hoping it would speed up the process and give me more of a drop in installation.
      • I’m hoping to have the engine and carb here by next week and then start putting it all back together. I’ll provide another update as things progress.

[Date/Time=06-09-2004 – 11:45 PM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=662061]
Re; Dynafoil Restoration Update

      • Thanks Todd, this is a most interesting restoration project. I look forward to seeing photos of the finished machines in action!

[Date/Time=06-14-2004 – 8:50 PM]

Name:Barney C Black bblack11@cox.net, [Msgid=664292]
Re; Re; Dynafoil Restoration Update

      • Brought the 2 trailer mounted ones home tonight and will start cleaning up the engine compartment on the one I’m doing tomorrow in preparation for the engine which will be here on Wednesday.
      • I’ve already reupolstered the and put that back on tonight just to get a glimpse of the completed look.
      • Spent Sunday at the lake with my brother being beaten to death by a couple of old school stand-up jetski’s. All I could think of the whole time was, “Man, wouldn’t it be nice to be up above all this wind chop and boat wakes!”

[Date/Time=06-15-2004 – 12:47 AM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=664352]
Re; Re; Dynafoil Restoration Update

      • Time for another update:
      • The Dynafoil I’m working on has turned into quite a project. The PTO drive (gearbox unit) that is located just aft of the engine was full of water instead of 90w gear oil. The seals and bearings are all shot, but the gears and other drive components, as well as the water pump, are all fine. The gear housing for the prop was also full of mostly water and the upper bearings for the long vertical driveshaft were also bad due to water contamination.
      • The good news is that all of the seals and bearings are fairly standard items and the local bearing/seal place can get them. Some they had in stock, others will be here in a week.
      • The fuel filler cap mounted to the starboard side bow was seized, but the entire assembly turns out to be a common boat part, so I purchased a new one locally and have it riveted back in place.
      • The NOS engine and carb are sitting here waiting to go in. Even have a new “saga” coupler that joins the engine to the PTO drive sitting here. A company call “Lovejoy” in Illinois is still making them.
      • While I wait for bearings and seals I’ll attend to the cosmetics and make new bunks for the trailer to replace the existing rotted ones.
      • That’s about it for now.

[Date/Time=06-17-2004 – 8:43 PM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=665724]
Dynafoil update! In the water!

ViewThread

      • Hi All,
      • The Dynafoil is done and I’ve just returned from a quick float and fire-up at a nearby lake. Didn’t leave the dock at the boat ramp, but did get it running, but it won’t idle. Minor adjustment there I’m sure. I brought tools, but was under a time crunch, I couldn’t play with much tuning/tweaking.
      • The bilge pump didn’t work but I just got it working and put back in. No leaks that I could find, boat wise. The radiator cap is letting water squirt out of the little overflow tube for some reason. The cap looks perfect and I can see the line where it seals against the filler neck, so I don’t know why it’s doing that.
      • I lowered the rear strut/outboard drive, but couldn’t get the prop to spin so maybe the drive wasn’t all the way down to engage the 2 fingered cogs with each other. I am getting drive through to the cog in the bottom of the hull where the outboard meets, so I’ll have to investigate that further too.
      • I’m doing some little tweaking now and will probably go back up in a bit.

[Date/Time=06-25-2004 – 4:46 PM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=669968]
 Image Attached:  “Dynafoilsinwater.jpg”   Click Here To View
Re; Dynafoil update! In the water!

      • Very nice… they look like new!

[Date/Time=06-29-2004 – 8:08 PM]

Name:Barney C Black bblack11@cox.net, [Msgid=672135]
Re; Dynafoil update! In the water!

      • Thanks Barney,
      • Just the one with the black handle bars and seat is completed. The other one is still “as found,” so it’s pretty rough, but should polish and paint up nicely.
      • I’ve had mine in the water 3 times now. Still no joy as far as riding it goes. I appear to be battling a carburetor issue because any amount of throttle just makes the engine bog and then it dies. All 3 of our Dynafoils were missing their carbs and airfilter assemblies, so we’ve had to start from scratch. I found an NOS Walbro WDA-6 (41mm) which is what the 440cc engine model came with. However, I’ve installed an NOS 340cc engine, so this may be too much carburetor.
      • I’ve just found an NOS WD-6 (38mm) and am installing that, so that may make a difference. The carb for the 340cc model is apparently a WRA-30, but I don’t know what size that carb is, nor do I have a source for one.
      • I’m also still battling a power supply problem to the bilge pump. I hope to have that handled by tomorrow.

[Date/Time=06-30-2004 – 12:35 AM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=672262]
RETRO FIT

ViewThread

      • I have just taken delivery of a new Lagoon Power 43 and I am looking to install hydrofoil(s) to improve performance. The boat is 11.2 tonnes and is powered by 2 x 285hp volvo pentas. Current cruising speed is 19 knots and flat out 23 knots. What is involved in design and retro fit of foils ? and who in the UK can help me ?

[Date/Time=06-30-2004 – 7:12 AM]

Name:TIM GRAY TIM@DAIRI-PAK.CO.UK, [Msgid=672323]
 Image Attached:  “A725184_1.JPG”   Click Here To View
Dynafoil update! First Flight!

      • Hi all,
      • The dynafoil took flight for the first time this afternoon.
      • Still a bit slow on the take off, but with a the smaller Walbro WD-6 (38mm)carb there was a noticeable difference and I was able to get up to flying speed. Once out of the water, the engine performed great and throttle response was fine. I have a bit of tweaking to do with the carb adjustments and hopefully that will make all the difference.
      • It was really fun to ride. Very stable like a Seadoo/Waverunner, but with sort of a motorcycle feel.
      • It was late in the afternoon so the light was bad for photos, but here’s a shot at speed.

[Date/Time=07-02-2004 – 12:56 AM]

Name:Todd Miller austinado16@cs.com, [Msgid=673541]
 Image Attached:  “Ridingatspeed.jpg”   Click Here To View
Re; RETRO FIT

      • Tim
      • Great Cat.
      • You might contact Maritime Dynamics of Maryland, USA. They are a subsiduary of Vosper Thorneycraft UK. at the below addresses.
      • Email:

sales@maritimedynamics.com

      • Corporate Headquarters
      • Maritime Dynamics, Inc.
      • 21001 Great Mills Road
      • Lexington Park, MD 20653 USA
      • Tel: ? (301) 863-5499
      • Fax: 1 (301) 863-0254
      • Cell: 1 (240) 925-9787
      • email:

sales@maritimedynamics.com

      • Directions to MDI (PDF)
      • European Sales Office
      • Vosper Thornycroft Marine Products, Ltd. Hamilton Road Cosham
      • Portsmouth P06 4PX UK
      • Tel: ?4 (0) 23 9253 9750
      • Fax: 44 (0) 23 9253 9764
      • email:

scolliss@vtmp.co.uk

      • They specialize in ride control, but can also put lift into the foil system.
      • There are others who can probably help, but MDI has a solid reputation for over 20 years.
      • Bill White

[Date/Time=07-12-2004 – 2:43 PM]

PRE 2002:

International Hydrofoil Society Correspondence Archives…

One- or Two-Person Sports Hydrofoils: Yamaha OU-32 Prototype, Tom Cat Wet Bike, Dynafoil, Others
Descriptions, Advice, Sources of Information, and Requests For Help(Last Update: 9 Sep 03)


(For notice of hydrofoils “For Sale” and “Wanted to Buy,” see the Announcements)Go to Posted Messages Bulletin Board for more recent postings

 


Correspondence

Dynafoil Personal Watercraft For Sale SOLD!!

[27 Feb 02] I have two Dynafoil Personal Water Craft for sale. SOLD!!! Built 1978, one is in good running condition, and only needs a clean up. Has fresh Orange/Blue Denver Broncos paint, and new seat cover. The other is complete, but engine is not mounted in hull. Could be easily remounted and used, or kept for parts. These units have the high output 440cc engine, and come with original owners manual, parts and repair manual, documented service history, and spare parts. $500 for both, or $1000 for foils and a new dual Jetski trailer. I can deliver in the western USA — Doc (mirror@interfold.com) phone: +1-303-885-2302

DYNAFOIL For Sale Sold

[27 Dec 01, updated 30 Apr 02] For Sale Sold: 1978 Dynafoil Personal Watercraft Manufactured in Newport Beach, CA. 2cyl. 2 Stroke watercooled engine Ran great before put into covered storage 4 years ago Comes with manual, trailer, and clean Missouri title. Very good condition $500.00 or best offer. Located in St. Louis Missouri USA. Call Chris at 618-345-6845 or email cheuer@cpicorp.com

Follow-up…[30 Apr 02] Thank you so much for publishing the ad for the Dynafoil dated 12/07/01! I am happy to report it has sold and would like to ask that you would please remove the ad from your site at your earliest convenience. I greatly appreciate your service and thank you once again. Chris Heuer (cheuer@cpicorp.com)

Response…

[7 Jun 02] I just recently purchased the Dynafoils that were listed near yours. I hope I ‘m not bothering you but I would like to know if the person who bought your boat left any contact info. I am trying to find other dynafoil enthusiasts and owners. Also feel free to give out my address if anyone else contacts you looking for Dynafoil info. — Scott Smith (ssmith@syntheon.com).

Junkyard Wars

[11 Oct 01, updated 25 Feb 02] On Feb.13, 2002 a show called Junkyard Wars was broadcast on The Learning Channel. Sunday the 17th at 10pm PST. It was repeated on Saturday the 23rd at 9 pm PST. If you missed the show, keep an eye out on the TV listing; it will surely be shown again. This is the USA version of Scrapheap Challenge, broadcast in Britain Nov 18, 2001 by Channel 4. See www.channel4.com/science/microsites/S/scrapheap. As a participant in this breathtaking, already-a-cult series, (I outlined, developed and calculated a weird “scrap-craft”) I consulted to the British team “Catalysts” (3 Jaguar engineers) http://rotaryboy.screaming.net/ in their battle against time and to the mighty American team “The Mulewrights”. — Claus-C. Plaass, Pickert- 10, 24143 Kiel, West Germany (plaass@foni.net), phone: +49-431-36 800; USA showtime provided by Matt Kirk (matric39@gte.net)

Personal Hydrofoil Watercraft Project

[11 Nov 01] I am a final year Industrial Product Design student at Coventry University, West Midlands, England. I have recently began my final year individual design project which is to design a new breed of water jet-powered Personal Watercraft (PWC). My intention is to design a sports-recreational product to be used by hobbyists and enthusiasts, with a view to possible competition use. Having looked at the existing PWC market which is largely dominated by stand-up and runabout Jet Skis, one of the ideas that I have come up with is to use hydrofoil technology incorporated with jet power to create a new high speed, highly manouverable single (possibly two) seater watercraft. Currently in the early stages of research for the project, I have yet to determine whether such a proposal would be feasible – whether or not the two technologies could be combined in a craft at all. I discovered an article on personal hydrofoils on the IHS website – and then found that I wasn’t the first person to have the personal hydrofoil-jet drive idea! It seems that many people/companies have carried out some jet-drive hydrofoil PWC product design and development but haven’t been able to, or haven’t chosen to, put their crafts into production. I’m particularly interested in finding out something about the Yamaha OU-32 project that you mentioned – I’ll be contacting Yamaha about it ASAP. I would be very grateful if you could send me, or point me in the direction of, any sources of information on hydrofoil PWC design. Comments and suggestions would also be very welcome. As an undergraduate Product Designer with little marine experience I would be very grateful for anything received . I can be contacted at the following E-mail addresses, or alternatively by post at: 44 Bedford Street; Earlsdon; Coventry; West Midlands CV1 3EW — Richard Yates (ryates@coventry.ac.uk) or (richyates@breathe.com)

Response…[21 Jul 02] I found the following Japanese page hosted by Yamaha. Besides having some good photos of the OU32, it also has a RealMedia movie! Hope you find this as much fun to view as I did. http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/cp/challenge/expansion/ou32/ou32.html. It’s a shame they never mass produced it. Even 14 years later, it still looks pretty darned sexy and fun! — Aaron Sakovich (aaron@alphant.com) [Unfortunately, Yamaha upgraded their site and in the process deleted the page on the OU32. – Webmaster, 8 Sep 03]

Personal Sport Hydrofoils, Power and Sail

[28 Apr 01] I have some of my hydrofoil work uploaded to the web for your interest. — John Slattebo (raptor16@sbcglobal.net) website: http://hydrovisions.com/

Monofoil Sailboat by John Slattebo Prototype One-Person Hydrofoil with Outboard Motor
Drawing of One-Person Hydrofoil Motorboat A variant of the one-person hydrofoil motorboat design

Hot Personal Hydrofoil For Sale

[15 Apr 01, Updated 11 Nov 01] I thought you might be interested in my hydrofoil which I built some years ago. Click Here for a video clip of the Manta in action (file format: mpg; file size: 1.6 meg.) I would be happy to send you lots more photos as I am selling it. The hydrofoil which I call the ‘Manta foil’ (as in the Manta Ray) was developed with the idea of selling the product or concept to a larger manufacturing company and claiming a royalty. We got a long way down the road and were involved with some financial backers ( some better than others ), but as the partners involved dissolved their partnership (amicably ) we all went our separate ways, Graeme Vanner was a partner as was Gavin Cawood and Myself. When the Partnership dissolved I took the debts and for that I took with me all the equity in the company – its products, prototypes, tooling, intellectual property and so on. I was intending to develop the Manta Foil to sell myself in small numbers but my wife and babies have got in the way. I am an industrial designer/ stylist and used to style cars but now design Motor Yachts from 50 – 200 feet (if you want one give me a call). At the moment I am selling the prototype because I haven’t really got time to look for a manufacturer. Any potential buyer would receive the benefits of the knowledge gained in the work and testing to date. — Steve Gresham (Stevegresham@btinternet.com)

Manta with foils folded up and engines removed.Steve on the Manta in a turnManta nose view ready for actionGraeme, Gavin, and Steve - Manta Partners

Manta on land with foils downGavin on the Manta in a straightaway"Grabbing some air" on the Manta
  • Top Photos (Left to Right)
    • Manta with foils folded up, engine removed and ready to be lifted onto car rook by 2 people.
    • Steve on the edge
    • Nose view ready for action.
    • The team from left to right Graeme Vanner, Gavin Cawood on Manta, Steve Gresham standing
  • Bottom Photos (Left toRight)
    • Sitting on land with foils folded down (usually one folds the foils down after the craft is in the water; this is just for show).
    • Gavin running well
    • Grabbing some air as they say

Dynafoil Personal Hydrofoil

[12 Jan 99] I’m trying to find info about a personal hydrofoil water craft known as the “Dynafoil”. It was produced in the U.S. probably back in the 70’s and/or 80’s. It was ridden like a motorcycle, much like today’s personal water craft. It was propeller driven and rode on two retractable foils, one fore and one aft. Have you heard of or have any info on? I remember seeing it at various boat shows. — Steve Ebbert (Steve.Ebbert@SeagullEnergy.com) [This email address is no longer valid as of 6 Jan 01  – webmaster]

James Bond Introduces the Wet Bike

[16 Jul 98] The WetBike was invented at the same time that the standup Jet Ski was introduced. It was unveiled in the James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me” in 1978. It was a real popular water craft prior to the introduction of the WaveRunner and SeaDoo designs. Wet Bike was bought out by Ultranautics in 1988 and eventually went belly-up in 1992. The WetBike remained extremely popular, especially on the Racing Circuit until recently when SeaDoo and the others took over the market. Wet Bikes parts are continually available by a few water craft businesses. There still is no ride like a Wet Bike. It’s nozzle is fixed (500 lbs. thrust) and its hydrofoils are steered by body weight and front ski handlebars, just like a motorcycle, not like the steering nozzle on today’s jet craft. — Steve Benn [BennS1B1@aol.com)

Responses…[9 Sep 03] I am hoping you might know the name of a small jet boat that was made or marketed buy the same company in the early 1990s. It was small around 12 feet I think. It had a Suzuki inboard 2 stroke, and I’m pretty sure it only had 3 seats. — Mad Mac (madmac@syd.eastlink.ca)

[23 Sep 00, updated 1 Jan 02]] According to the now defunctWetbike website at http://www.wetbike.net, “The original Suzuki powered, 50 horsepower version of the Wetbike was introduced in 1978 by Spirit Marine, a division of Arctic Enterprises. Early advertisements marketed the product as the “Wetbike Watercycle”: A motorcycle on water with a combination of all the thrills and fun of motorcycling, boating and waterskiing. Throughout its production run, which lasted from 1978 through 1992, the Wetbike received various changes, up-grades, technical advancements, and additional safety features, the most notable changes being the introduction in 1985 of a strong, exceptionally lightweight Metton body unit and in 1986, the introduction of a 60 horsepower, 800cc Suzuki motor, which brought the performance of the Wetbike to the pinnacle level of being the fastest personal watercraft available at that time.” According to the Ian Fleming Foundation website, the Wetbike ridden by James Bond in the move The Spy Who Loved Me “is the actual engineering prototype of the first Wetbike ever built. This Wetbike was ridden by Roger Moore when Bond travels across the water from a nuclear submarine to Stomberg’s oceanographic laboratory Atlantis. The Wetbike was invented by Nelson Tyler (U.S. Patent #3,948,206) who made a name for himself in the film industry by inventing the most popular helicopter camera-mount system available. Nelson Tyler generously donated this vehicle to The Ian Fleming Foundation in the Fall of 1992…See Goldeneye Magazine, Fall 1992, Issue 1, Volume 1, p15.” — Barney C. Black (Please use the BBS to reply)

Yamaha Personal Hydrofoil SINGLE LEGGER

[23 Feb 01] Mr. Kotaro Horiuchi has a long and amazing career of boat building, much of it with Horiuchi Labs of Yamaha Motor. He sent me his book called A Locus of a Boat Designer, [ISBN4-8072-4201-6], in which there is great detail on SINGLE LEGGER and many of his other projects. He tells me there’s a new book coming out soon which will cover the HPB and engine-powered hydrofoils in detail. Unfortunately, the books haven’t been translated from Japanese yet, but the pictures and charts are still quite useful. He built the boat in 1955, it has a 350cc 18hp outboard with a 16″ extension, it’s manually “flown” (no surface sensor), and as you saw, he reports 1.4G turns! There were several versions made including a tandem, and eventually Yamaha built the OR-S1 with a fully enclosed cockpit in one-, two-, and 12-seat configurations, but couldn’t market them because of liability concerns. The design eventually found its way to production as the Yamaha Marine Jet with no foils. I’d already asked Mr. Horiuchi to contact you and peruse your site, and I believe he will do so soon. He’s an amazing engineer and designer, and very well versed on all aspects of foil technology. He’s still very busy building and writing, but I hope you get a chance to chat with him. — Ron Drynan (info@humanpoweredboats.com)

Yamaha Personal Watercraft on Discovery Channel

[24 Oct 97] Does anyone remember an experimental hydrofoil produced by Yamaha? It was featured on one of the “what’s new” television shows a few years back. The hydrofoil had water jet drive, two in-line foils, and a single person bullet shaped hull. I’d like to find any info to build this one! — Carl (cws@chem.ucsd.edu)

Responses…[updated 23 Feb 01] You did not imagine the Yamaha hydrofoil “Personal Watercraft” , nor are you the first to inquire about it. It appeared on the Discovery Channel TV Show “Beyond 2000” in 1990. It also appears on the Discovery Collector’s Edition VHS videotape “Super Boats and High Speed Hydroprototypes” distributed in 1992 by Discovery Program Enterprises, Inc. Bethesda MD 20814. I have seen several copies of this video go up for auction on Ebay over the last couple of years. The following was submitted a couple of years ago by Carl Allison (allison1@llnl.gov): “Yamaha demonstrated an OU-32, which was a fully enclosed two-man hydrofoil and it appeared on, I believe, “Beyond 2000″ [Discovery Channel TV show]. That was the epitome of the personal hydrofoil, lacking only automated height control. This the market where hydrofoils might best be pushed for adoption. Price/performance in this area in more nearly comparable with other personal water craft vs. military vessels and large fast transports. I just wish that Yamaha had really released the OU-32. There were rumors out of Australia, then silence.” To my knowledge this never went into production, at least not in the USA. If you wish to pursue this further, you might find someone in the Yamaha company that would steer you to the people who worked on the project. I have searched the web (though not recently) without finding anything on this. Other comments:

  • There is a fellow Owen Morris (106027.3356@compuserve.com) in England who recently completed a marketing plan, design, and prototype mockup of a hydrofoil jet ski. He sent us quite a bit of material on his project when he was starting it up… maybe he would send you a copy of this stuff too… you can contact him by mail or email… OK to tell him I sent you.
  • The only kits for motor-driven personal hydrofoils I know of are offered by Mike Stevenson’s Back Yard Yacht Club, $15 for plans to build the SPORTFOIL. Go to www.stevproj.com/BYYCHome.html. You might also be interested to look at the info on this web site about BYYC’s experimental [not yet available] “Hydroflier” accessible from the same site. [Editor’s note: as of Feb 01, the SPORTFOIL plans were sold out with no intent to reprint them].

Personally I thought that hydrofoil Jet Skis were a marketable idea; however everybody told me that I was missing the point… Jet Ski owners don’t want a smooth ride, they like to have their spines pounded into powder by bouncing from swell to swell. In recent years I seem to notice the emergence of the bigger family style craft that you can sit down on and ride with relative comfort, so maybe hydrofoils are an idea whose time has come for Jet Skis. — Barney C. Black (Please use the BBS to reply)

[23 Aug 98, updated 11 Nov 01] I think you miss the point. Jet Ski (Kawasaki registered trademark) riders want to cut, jump and have a lot of control. I’d appreciate any suggestions… I am initially working on a towable hydrofoil with basically 3-axis aircraft-like control to allow the craft to jump without a wake to cross. (Jumping another boat’s wake can be dangerous and illegal.) Additionally, long rides in choppy water will really beat you up. Especially if you are 40+ like me. An adjustable foil would allow you to use your energy when you really want to perform vs travel. I am working on a recumbent seating system with dual front foils having individual spoileron controls and a separate rear skeg (rudder). The spoileron controls should allow bank control, counteract tow forces and control the height. The rudder should control yaw. If this works out well enough, the next version will be powered. I’d appreciate any suggestions. Such as: The front foils need control, should I rotate the entire horizontal surface of the foil? Can I instead have trailing control surfaces like an airplane’s flaps? I’m planning on building the foils in from flat aluminum. — Barry Steele (barry_steele@yahoo.com)

 


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