The first Australian-manufactured electric hydrofoil boat is to make its debut at the Sydney International Boat Show in August 2024.
The F5 has been built by Fibre Boats which was founded in 2024 by Brent McTigue and Fiona Sutherland.
“Fibre boats, founded in 2023 in Newcastle, Australia, is at the forefront of sustainable boating,” they said. “We focus on creating socially oriented boats that provide seamless and user-friendly experiences while reducing environmental impact.
“The F5, our flagship electric hydrofoil, offers a sustainable and alternative to conventional boats.”
Retractable hydrofoils
Features of the hydrofoil include twin torpedo pod engines and direct drive electric motors to work the retractable hydrofoils.
The hydrofoils have been designed to lift the boat above the water, reducing drag and increasing efficiency.
At lower speeds, the hydrofoils retract, allowing the boat to be operated as a traditional hull for docking and trailering.
The craft has a 60kWh battery bank which powers the pods and purposefully built electric hydrofoils with a maximum range of up to 76km available on a single charge.
The F5 has a cruising speed of around 22 knots, a maximum speed of 35 knots and measures 5.5m in length with a width of 2.3m.
The craft is able to take five people.
Delivery of the F5 is planned for 2025.
