Discover the Innovative Hydro-Glide Foil System on Aquila 36 | Power Catamaran

Summary

The video discusses the Aquila 36, an outboard-powered catamaran designed for superior performance and efficiency. Ross, a product development lead, highlights the integration of a fixed foil system called the Hydra Glide, which enhances the boat's lift, efficiency, and speed. The foils provide up to 40% improved fuel efficiency and stability without requiring complex adjustments. The boat maintains performance even at high speeds, reducing drag and wake while increasing cruising range. The Hydra Glide system is easy to use, making the boat accessible and more enjoyable for a wider range of boaters.

Takeaways

• 🚤 The Aquila 36 is an outboard-powered, 36-foot catamaran with a focus on performance and versatility.
• 📈 The boat is designed to perform well in various conditions, and it's expected to reach its 100th build by the end of the year, proving its success.
• 🛠️ The Hydra Glide foil system was developed to enhance efficiency and performance without requiring adjustments from the operator.
• ✈️ The foils work similarly to airplane wings, providing lift as speed increases, starting at 15-16 mph and significantly reducing drag at higher speeds.
• ⚡ At speeds around 30-35 mph, the boat elevates approximately 6 inches, which reduces the wake and improves efficiency.
• 💨 With the Hydra Glide system, the boat experiences up to a 35-40% improvement in efficiency, which extends the range and reduces fuel costs.
• 🌊 The dihedral design of the foil ensures smooth transitions and prevents abrupt drops by gradually adjusting lift as the boat moves through waves.
• 🔧 The foils are not deeper than the outboard motors, maintaining shallow draft functionality while providing performance gains.
• 🛥️ Stability is enhanced by two small trim foils and the ability to adjust trim using the outboard motors, making the boat less sensitive to weight distribution.
• 🌍 The efficiency gains open up new cruising possibilities by extending the range on a single tank of fuel, making the boat more cost-effective and versatile.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Aquila 36 boat development?

The main focus of the Aquila 36 boat development is to create a boat that runs super well in all conditions.

How many Aquila 36 boats are planned to be built by the end of the year?

The plan is to build number 100 of the Aquila 36 by the end of the year.

What is the Aquila Hydra Glide and how does it relate to the boat's efficiency?

The Aquila Hydra Glide is a foil system designed to increase the boat's efficiency without the need for adjustments, providing a massive advantage in terms of performance and efficiency.

How does the Aquila 36's foil system differ from traditional foiling concepts?

The Aquila 36's foil system differs as it operates without the need for adjustments by the user, making it more user-friendly and less like piloting an airplane compared to other foiling boats.

At what speed does the Aquila 36 start to get lift benefits from the foil?

The Aquila 36 starts to get lift benefits from the foil at about fifteen to sixteen miles per hour.

What is the approximate elevation of the boat when it reaches 30-35 miles per hour?

At 30-35 miles per hour, the boat is elevated by about six inches off the water.

What is the range of efficiency gains achieved by the Aquila 36's foil system?

The efficiency gains achieved by the Aquila 36's foil system range between 30% to just over 40%.

How does the foil system affect the boat's wake at higher speeds?

At higher speeds, the wake of the boat almost goes down to zero due to the lift provided by the foil.

What is the advantage of having a dihedral foil on the Aquila 36?

The dihedral foil allows for a gradual up-and-down motion, preventing the boat from completely detaching and dropping back down abruptly.

How does the depth of the foils on the Aquila 36 compare to the hull depth?

The foils on the Aquila 36 are only slightly deeper than the hull, but not as deep as the outboard motors.

How do the trim foils on the Aquila 36 contribute to the boat's stability?

The trim foils, one on each hull facing inside, help stabilize the boat, especially with the use of outboard motors.

How sensitive is the Aquila 36 to weight distribution with the foiling system?

The Aquila 36 is not as sensitive to weight distribution as most foiling boats, allowing for more freedom of movement on board.