Particularly in the past, both electric marine engines and foiling have had their shortfalls and fair share of practical issues. The advancements in the technologies, however, are continuing to have breakthroughs. In Stockholm, Sweden, there is a team of Fighter Jet engineers, Hydrodynamicists, and other great minds behind an award-winning boat that is shining amidst the electric-foiling revolution.
"We set out to change the industry - removing the dependence on fossil fuels in boating. Now we have a product that not only matches, but beats its fossil fuel competitors"
- Gustav Hasselskog, Founder & CEO
It's a big statement and the Candela Seven is that product, a high-flying, carbon fibre performance boat. She reaches speeds of up to 30-knots with a potential 50 nautical mile range at circa 20-knots - in peaceful silence without guzzling any fuel.
The Candela Seven is 100% electric. The boat can be charged overnight for approximately 12 hours for a full charge on a regular blue CEE outlet, 1-phase 16A. With access to a 22kW charger, however, this takes just 90 minutes.
Construction is full carbon fibre - To ensure the weight is as light as possible whilst not minimising the overall strength and impact resistance. This also keeps the amount of material to a minimum in comparison with glass fibre construction. Despite the 240kg i3 battery from a BMW, the boat weighs just 1,300kg in total.
The foils are laid out in an aeronautical design. A large (2.4m) straight foil blade runs close to the centre of gravity with a smaller T-foil above the propellor. Both are retractable for trailering, storage and using in shallow waters, with height, roll and pitch controlled automatically, particularly during 'take off' and landings.
All of the above allows for an extremely smooth and efficient ride. The minimal drag on the foils is to such an extent, only 28hp is required to move at 20 knots. At this speed you could reach sub 50 nautical miles with roughly 8nm left to limp home at 3 knots.
Six-time powerboat world champion Erik Stark visits the team and takes off in the Seven.
Top speed: 30 knots
Length: 7.70m
Width: 2.40m
Weight: 1,300kg
Draft: 0.4m (shallow water mode and foiling) 1.3m (foils extend at low speeds)
Motor: 55kW
Persons: Driver + 4 passengers (although they did test the boat with ten ⬇️)
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Because there isn't a wake created from foiling craft, the Seven should make for an excellent tow boat for water skiers, although not much fun for the wakeboarders.
What was certainly a foreign concept to purchase a few years ago for the leisure boater is now very possible, niche, but possible, priced at roughly €220,000. Perhaps the compact boat future is looking more electric, and not just for your tender or paddleboard, but now for your main dayboat too, which no longer requires burdening fuel costs.
Want a Candela of your own? Grosvenor Yachts are offering these flying boats. See the listing here.
