The personal watercraft sector has experienced a big boom in the last few years, with all types of water toys expected to continue to rise. Cutting-edge technologies are allowing manufacturers to build personal watercraft that cut through the waters with less friction, increased speed, and reduced noise.
California-based technology startup Boundary Layer Technologies is one of the players that aims to revolutionize water-based mobility. The company has developed Valo Hyperfoil, the world’s electric jet ski featuring carbon fiber hydrofoils.
A Hyperfoil is a two-seat, high-performance, semi-autonomous, electric hydro foiling vehicle with wings for flying over water, similar to a jetski, but more impressive. The Hyperfoil features an active stability system and SkyRide flight control software that combine to create a craft with precise balance and agility so that you can fly like a pro.
The Valo Hyperfoil is 11.5 feet (3.5 m) long and 3.9 feet (1.2 m) wide and is made from a range of cutting-edge modern materials, including high-modulus carbon fiber composite, titanium, ultra-high strength stainless steel, and vegan leather seats.
The Valo Hyperfoil is integrated with advanced battery systems, wings, control surfaces, actuators, sensors, computers, and electronics. Empty Valo Hyperfoil weighs 595 lbs (270 kg) and can withstand a maximum load of 1025 lbs (465 kg).
It flies at a maximum speed of 42 mph (68 km/h). It can travel up to 68 miles (107 km) at 30 mph (48 km/h) and last up to 2.3 hours on a single charge. The Valo Hyperfoil takes 3 hours to charge on a Level 2 240v car charger fully.
“This is a major milestone, and we did this in just 6 months while other companies can take 6 years. It really proves that a small vehicle like this allows hyper-fast engineering iteration, getting us to market fast,” said CEO Ed Kearney.
“The vehicle itself is magical to ride. It’s near silent, with the only sounds being the gentle splash of the water on the struts, the wind in your hair, and a barely perceptible humm from the electric motor.” Said Kearney. “When you see it and ride it, it really feels like this is the future.”
The targeted price for the base production model is $59,000 First reservation of this Hyperfoil is sold out and will be delivered at the end of 2023. However, you can still reserve your Valo Hyperfoil from its official website. You will get delivery of your Hyperfoil at the end of 2024.
