Hydrofoil prototype craft for sale...cheap

[BMcF]

What we have here is an unusual craft for sale, one that has infinite potential as anything from a neat toy to a commercial water taxi. After a very successful trials period as a scale model, a technology demonstrator and trial horse, she now sits and will be scrapped for the aluminum if nobody wants to play.

Here she is in her 'glory days. Built in 2000-2001 and run extensively through 2004 including long-range transits.



A few particulars:

super-slender monuhull, ama-stabilized off foil (trimaran..sorta..)
LOA: 43'
BOA: 16' 6"
FLD: 10 mtons, 'usefull' payload capacity ~ 2 tons

Fully fly-by-wire and computer stabilized in pitch, roll, height, and yaw with bow height radar. The craft was a joy to fly and easily handled waves to 5' significant height without upsetting a glass of water sitting on the console table.

Propulsion. Was propelled a pair of waterjets initially, powered by single 460 Ford SVO 460. Later converted to twin 250 Yamaha outboards on extension of transom on center hull. Top speed fully loaded was 32 knots.


Construction: Hull is aluminum, 5086 skin over extensive internal framework. Superstructure is very simple and light two-piece design built in GRP sandwich (vinyl-ester over Divinycell) and is attached to deck with screws to an aluminum coaming to be easily removed. Main foil and aft foil are solid billet aluminum wings with spar and skin struts.

Current condition: Most electronics components have been removed for safe keeping and storage, but all interconnection wiring remains in place. The main engine (460) is in place as is the entire hydrauilc system and servos for foil flaps (6 total) and steering. The outboards have been removed and are no longer available. Bow thruster still installed. Bilge pumps and controls still installed. Four 40 gallon fuel tanks and distribution pumps, selector valves, etc still in place. Vessel now sits on large purpose-built trailer (not 'road' legal due to vessel width) bolted to the pads where the foils mount..both foils are in good shape and stored separate from the craft.

The simplest and best way to put propulsion back on line is to install two Merc or Volvo outdrives and connect to existing splitter transmission that drove the original jets. However, the outboard motor mounts are still in place, so that is an option as well.

Will entertain any and all offers or expressions of interest..however silly. This was an extraordinary flying machine and we hate to destroy it. After the testing programs were completed, we had ideas of installing the outdrives, converting the ME to diesel, replacing the superstructure and making her an 18-pass water taxi or tourist ride. Time nor money have permitted...

[BMcF]

Short video clip..if you have high-speed internet..

[daiquiri]

Wow, what a beautiful machine! It looks so good while flying over water.
It seems to have kind of bulbous bow. Was it really a necessary constructive complication for this type of vessel?

[BMcF]

It has a very fine bow..it only appears bulbous in profile.

[BMcF]

A couple different angles..and another pic showing her running alongside another Norwegian prototype vessel that we helped to design and build (the hydrofoil was built for a Norwegian client). Note an interesting feature of this machine..virtually no wake when flying.

[BMcF]

Originally Posted by BMcF

Will entertain any and all offers or expressions of interest..however silly. This was an extraordinary flying machine and we hate to destroy it. ...

Wasn't kidding....bump

[parnine]

Where in Maryland r u located?

Please provide contact information (phone or email)

[BMcF]

St. George Island, southern Maryland. I'll email you my contact info.

[mhh]

Originally Posted by BMcF

St. George Island, southern Maryland. I'll email you my contact info.

I'm interested in your hydrofoil too. Could you email me your contact details to mhh@ihug.co.nz please

[BMcF]

Originally Posted by mhh

I'm interested in your hydrofoil too. Could you email me your contact details to mhh@ihug.co.nz please

Email sent.

[BMcF]

Last bump..as soon as the weather permits, the plasma torch is going to work on her.

[yipster]

Time nor money permits me me to ask how silly..

[motojunk]

Please send contact info. Thanks!

[BMcF]

My email is billmcfann@automated-controls.com.

[kach22i]

Please don't torch her.

I don't have a penny to my name these days, wish I did.