Click for Ocean Alexander Click for Comfort Click for Perko Click for Mulder Click for Mag Bay

Boat Toys - Hydrofoils

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Gulfer, Dec 1, 2021.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    Messages:
    88
    Location:
    St. Louis
    Hope this isn't too far off topic. But, Boat Toys are an essential part of yachting. We have the usually toy setup: Jet Skis, Paddle Boards, Kayak, Scuba, Fishing... The kids have been seeing this Hydrofoils around and they look pretty cool. It seems like maybe a perfect Christmas present.

    In doing some research, there is a wide-range of pricing on these items. The Slingshot goes for around $2k, and at the high-end is the eFoil for $8k+

    Does anyone have any experience with these items? How do they hold up? Key Differences?

    Thanks in advance
  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2013
    Messages:
    7,132
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    eFoil no longer at the high end as Fliteboard has hit at $13k+ and pre-orders now being taken on HydroFlyer which is even higher.

    Getting more and more sophisticated and expensive.

    I think the biggest difference is means of propulsion as they started with wind propulsion and now electric propulsion has come into play. I haven't given in to purchasing any yet due to safety concerns. Last thing I want is an injury thousands of miles from home.
  3. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    We ve had an efoil on board for almost two years now, was $12k back then and still is. Top quality product. Made in the US (Puerto Rico) using top of line components like battery, connectors etc. I think the batteries are made in California.

    there is a learning curve... about 30/45 minutes for younger riders. Twice for older folks :)

    we provide helmets to avoid risk of injuries. It is a very safe “toy”. Motor cuts off as soon as you fall. Much safer than a jet ski.
  4. Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    Messages:
    88
    Location:
    St. Louis
    Pascal - Do you charter? I only ask, because toys get a lot more abuse.. Thus, reliability & durability seem to be more tested in that environment.

    Personally, I would love to keep this "toy" as for family use only. However, if the charter guest see it.. Well, it's next to impossible to say No.
  5. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    We do limited charters in the Exumas but 90% of our guests are repeat families we ve known for years. The eFoil only gets used under near 100% crew supervision including pulling it out on the platform as soon it comes back.
    GPO likes this.
  6. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    20,353
    Location:
    South Florida
    I recently attempted to recapture my youth on a SeaDoo RXT outside Jupiter Inlet when a swell rolled in. In between sets, we were joined by a guy on a FliteBoard and we spoke briefly. He had a couple of low budget boards in the past but made the price jump to the FliteBoard for increased range/time. In his opinion, it was money well spent.

    A little later we were joined by a pair of SeaDoos that were towing Foil boards into waves, then releasing the riders so they could surf a wave. These were not powered foils, simply static. I was amazed at the ride time they were getting. In fact, these guys could 'pump' the board to maintain lift and work their way back to another incoming wave. Pretty cool!

    I could tell some tall fish tales about how high I used to jump but pics are proof...

    Attached Files:

  7. motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2007
    Messages:
    645
    Location:
    smithfield, VA
    No helmet. You were/are a warrior. Did you eat the console ever? I guess the key is to make sure you land stern heavy.
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Here in the grove I ve seen guys on eFoils towing non powered foils and then releasing them so they can keep going by pumping
  9. Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    Messages:
    88
    Location:
    St. Louis
    Pascal - I'm NOT showing your pics to my son! :) You were fearless
  10. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I think you have me confused...
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    12,649
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    That was Carl when he was immortal. The second broken bone usually cures that attitude.
    It took me a lil longer; second ex wife...
  12. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    20,353
    Location:
    South Florida
    Gulfer, I also watched a couple people do face plants on these boards. Could’ve ended up with Marty Feldman eyes! Might be some liability here. Probably not a good idea for guests, but guarantee you'll have crew waiting in line for a job on any boat equipped with foil boards.
  13. Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2018
    Messages:
    303
    Location:
    Lighthouse pt

    Ahh memories indeed!! More than one trip home steering with my feet because my steering nozzle was ripped off landing in shallow water.
  14. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    20,353
    Location:
    South Florida
    We may have crossed wakes, Slim. Most of those pics were taken at Hillsboro Inlet. Like you, I've busted a few nozzles too.

    Good times! :)
  15. Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2018
    Messages:
    303
    Location:
    Lighthouse pt
    Yes lots of fun. Pulling plugs on the beach to get water out of the motor, searching for the seat that popped of on the last wave. Good days.
  16. AtomicLobster

    AtomicLobster New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2017
    Messages:
    7
    Location:
    North Carolina
    I literally just got back from a charter over Thanksgiving with a Lift eFoil on board. Loved it! Sea Bobs used to be the thing for the kids on these trips, and of course the Jet Ski/WR/SeaDoos are always fun, but the eFoil by far got the most use. Sea Bobs maybe went out a little the first couple days, but once the eFoil got discovered we couldn't keep the kids off it and had to keep recharging it constantly. Everyone wore helmets, which are a must. I fell once and got banged in the head by the board, which is not light. But not a problem, we had a ball with it.

    In fact, I'm ordering one right now. LOL.
    GPO likes this.
  17. Gulfer

    Gulfer Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2020
    Messages:
    88
    Location:
    St. Louis
    Too Funny. I did talk to the Captain, and he has the same concerns about Charters So, I think we're going to keep it only for family & guests.

    Funny, you should say that. Me too.

    Here are some review sites:
    It seems the Lift Foils Company & Flite are the industry leaders. I'm personally leaning towards the Flite.

    An Inflatable version seems desirable, as storage is always at a premium on the boat. Plus, I read they're easier to use. Unfortunately, Flite's inflatable isn't available until March 2022. Not seeing anything about an inflatable version from Lift.

    Does anyone have thoughts about Inflatable verse. Carbon Fiber Board? We ended up going with Inflatable Paddle Boards, and they worked great.
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2021
  18. RossC

    RossC Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2023
    Messages:
    246
    Location:
    Rehoboth Beach, DE
    I have a Slingshot wake foil, kiteboards and kites. I learned the efoil on a Lift3 last summer but never pulled the trigger on one. The batteries are crazy expensive and while the failure rate isn't terrible, it is still a concern.
  19. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    We ve had a Lyft eFoil for about 4 years now and it’s been very reliable. We had to minor issues, stopped screws on the remote battery cover and a broken SS latch last week. Both addressed under warranty, no questions asked, parts shipped by FedEx right away

    no Battery issues although yes lithium is a big concern. I have a wireless temp sensor on the battery which should alert me in case of a problem.

    the hardware is top quality, industrial charger etc. I would NEVER buy any lithium powered foil or other similar device made by the chicoms