Small Cat with hydrofoil

[LHull]

Hi,
Need advice/inputs on buying an 18 ft power catamaran with hydrofoil?
Design is similar to HYSUCAT. Anyone have an idea how much this helps or hurts a small boat? I would if all the benefits were real , why wouldn't more racing boats have foils?
Thanks

[gasdok007]

What is the purpose of the 18 footer? The hysucat foil is an adaptation that allows for much greater speed and fuel economy on a cat designed for large offshore waves. If you merely need speed on small inshore waters it can be more easily accomplished in a conventional hull.

[LHull]

Thanks for the reply. Foil is an option on the boat and we we would like to improve gas mileage, best cruise speed and range. Don't care about running wide open or top speed. In Texas, running 30 to 40 miles offshore to fish is the norm. I am trying to get the smallest boat that would be safe for running this distance offshore. I sold 22 ft Twin Vee and I am looking at a 18.5 ft. Cat with a foil.

Thanks

[Deering]

I'm familiar with a few foil-assist cats running around inside waters here in AK. They seem to be up to their billing - better ride and increased efficiency at speeds over 25 kts. These are for boats in the 40'+ range - not sure if you'll see the same benefits in your size boat. I'd also be concerned about hitting objects - could have some negative effects when that foil got ripped off the hulls.

[kach22i]

Notice the small foil in the front.

http://******************/BugattiYach...nced_Hulls.htm

In addition to the T-foil motion control system and conventional hydrofoils, BUGATTI YACHTS also offers the revolutionary A-foil. Simpler than a conventional hydrofoil, the system uses a computer controlled fully Submerged or fixed Surface Piercing Hydrofoil in the forward portion of the hull that lifts the forward section of the yacht completely out of the water. The special foil design destroys the wave geometry passing through the A-foil, creating a flat water surface under the hull for a very smooth ride. The system drastically reduces hydrodynamic drag, pitch and roll, increasing the vessel speed and fuel economy. Roll an pitch control is achieved by Interceptor Plates, a pair of special vertical hydraulic trim tabs in the transom area. The system is custom engineered for each yacht and can be made retractable. It is available for monohulls and catamarans of up to 200ft in length.

[IMG]http://******************/images/100ft_BUGATTI_YACHTS_Illuminations.jpg[/IMG]

Click on the provided link, lots of innovative stuff on that site.

[kach22i]

I've just looked into the HYSUCAT, it does make a lot of sense to locate the foils between the sponsons.

I did not know about this system until now.