Scratch built ribs and outboards

E1 hydrofoil
The new outboard is ready for its maiden run, however its our club open day today so not the best time to be testing. I might have a quick run just to see what happens. I am taking 5 boats all with outboard motors on them plus a spare jet outboard which I could sell, but I don't think that's very likely. I will be towing a wake boarder round with my Neptune rib for the crowds, weather is cold but no rain forecast. I have a new captain on the rib so I have been busy making a film for YouTube to be released soon, I got nearly 3000 views last month and 4 new subscribers. The F1 will be getting a run, and from the far end of the lake at speed she is quite a sight .

 

I started by trying to copy the full size e1 boats hence the foil well back, but now I have to find my own way through these rabbit holes I've created. I feel I got a bit closer to daylight yesterday. I know from months of development on my outboards that they have their limitations and I also need to keep things as simple as I can. So next I can print some more rear foils with some trim built in to get it running level. I did have a go without any rear foils and it actually did work reasonably well, but there was a lack of control and stability, so they providing that. Like throwing a dart without any fins it wouldn't have any directional stability.

 

A bit more editing, has improved the film.

 

Stills from the video

 

Boat to boat on a very windy day.

 

We tried filming again, ended when I hit the camera boat, and very nearly lost the camera, whoops

 

I made a new foil below the prop, it works

 

Having fun making the hydrofoil board. There is a lot of interest at the club and everyone has an opinion on whether it is possible.

Another project is growing in my mind, wake surfing, behind a boat. See drawing in photo, so carbon fiber parts, with some printing as well. So the foil and board will be free to move up and down and spin on its axis. The boat outboard will be trimmed to create a good wake, and speed kept down. As it sets off a small tail fin on the foil will keep the board pointing forward. Once moving the board rises out the water by 2 to 4 inches, the tow stick then just becomes a support as the board is propelled forward by the wake. The height will vary by the speed of the boat creating bigger wake.

 

Wake foiling
I superglued some of his joints to keep the stance , then drilled a hole where it hurts to allow water to drain out. I need to decide how long to make the tubes, it would be better too long so I can cut back, then I don't have to make new foils again.

 

Just need the right strips of carbon fiber now to give it a try. They sent the wrong ones..
I think he looks good but will he perform?

 

Wake foiling
After a floatation test in the lake, I decided he needed a life jacket, now he floats better. Also he will be easier to spot in the lake if he gets detached from the boat. It could happen, if something broke or glue gave way.

 

That was me for several years, but then powered by a kite instead of a towing-boat!
Wonder how you are going to get this one going!

The front wing is lifting, the rear is lifting in the opposite direction.
The weight of the person - hence the weird position of the rider too much for your liking to the front - compensates, creating a equilibrium of lift and gravity.

There are foils who have both lifting surfaces, but have not seen them with neutral tails like an airplane.


We have the E1 series in Rotterdam harbor upcoming weekend. Planning to pay a visit to see them in real-life!

 

Nice to hear from you, I now have the carbon strip I was waiting for so maybe a try on Saturday. I will rig up a camera on the boat just in case it actually works, then I can upload to u tube. Jealous that you can watch the e1 in Rotterdam.

 

I sold my red rib a gala A500L to a club mate, so we had some fun.

 

For some unknown (Google has no answer) reason the E1-series is not featured this weekend in Rotterdam. It has been a tour-stop for the last two years.
It was on their 2024 agenda at the end of last year for this year. I put it in my agenda. But it is off. No racing

 

That's a shame, hope it's on later. New towing idea for the wake foiler.