DIY hydrofoil build .... build porn at it's finest!

I did some research into electric surfboards a while ago. The hobbyking jet may work, but it’s a bit small for a surfboard and it’s overly complex … it has a directional jet which isn’t needed for a surfboard. Thankfully, there’s a growing e-surf community which has collide with the rc boating community. MHZ Watercraft produce everything you need for an e-surf.

You can thank me by doing a build thread! :grin:

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Are you joking? I’m been looking for something like this for 6 months now! Thank you sir!

Just watched the whole build vlog on YT. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great work with fusion 360 and the VR stuff. @Msk8 Curious about your next project.

oh my dear god you never should have sent me here.

Ive seen some pretty cool electric surfboards as well as the hydrofoils and ive always wanted to make one myself problem is,

I need more moneys

@Msk8 Really really great project! I love the vlog and the iterative way you built your efoil.

We are interested in starting a project in Munich as well. Could you maybe provide a part list of things so far (epsecially which seal? etc.)? And are you planning on sharing the CAD model?

This would be awesome for us!!! Then we could start building from there, and iterate on it. I am sure this will lead to a new community project, where many people share and give their experience back.

Cheers from Munich

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Awesome to see you here @Msk8 ! In the coming 2 months I will be designing a VESC for an efoiler (will ofc be opensource). I will make sure that when its ready and tested one will end up with you!

Edit: got the wrong guy xD, now corrected.

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@Msk8 maintains a BoM which he’s is updating as he goes. He made a reference to it on the comments of his video. I think is was related to video 8 or 9, but I’ll dig around and edit this comment when I can find it again.

Edit: it was in the comments section of video 8. Here a direct link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/d31ti8819uahmyv/List%20of%20Materials.xlsx?dl=0

And, if you haven’t see the latest update, here it is. Great to see @Msk8 getting up out of the water for what looks like a reasonable length of time.

I can’t wait to see what it looks like when he lets it rip and goes full throttle! It’s going to be a cold night in hell for skatan! :rofl:

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That is so sick dude, I wish I could build one of my own but not enough $$ :joy:.

I’m not sure exactly where this is going, but for now I’m just using this thread as my online notes. Please let me know (either PM or on thread) if you think this is a problem.

So, I’ve found one other DIY hydrofoil build but Virus at youtube. It’s quite a different take when everything is included in the housing including the batteries. His updates are much shorter than @Msk8’s but very worthwhile watching to see the different materials and techniques. Here’s the first in his series.

It was inevitable the chinese manufactures would jump on the trend, and it’s no surprise to see them offering e-foils for sale. I personally think it would be this quick. Personally, I don’t think this is a completed product. It looks like a mockup to test the market.

Finally, I found out today that some countries require a license to operate these types of watercraft. Here in Australia (specifically Queensland) you need a license to operate any watercraft that has more than 4.5kW power. Many jet surfboards have 2x or 3x the power, so I can build a jet surf but I can’t ride it until I have a license. Looks like I’m going to boat-school!

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Yes PacificMeister has done a great job and I am building something similar but with some modifications to improve battery life, and quick connects for my propulsion system and battery to my other boards so I can have my own DIY Electric Hydrofoil, electric surfboard, and electric SUP. Super fun build but many more parts and things to figure out than PacificMeister lets on. It’s a ton of parts and work.

Here is my first run at my setup parts, many things to change and add but I have hit the ground running.

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Virus has an interesting design. It blows my mind that his tiny home made impeller of only 56mm can get him up and out of the water, mind you, its turning at 20,000 RPM which is insane… must be lots of cavitation but its got thrust…

Blow my mind the time and effort he has put in on the carbon fiber, they guy is a MASTER of carbon and a real inspiration to watch.

That china company you linked to is no selling them yet, they said mid 2018… sure hope they put a housing around their big propeller blade… OUCH!

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oh man oh man!! this is reallllyyyy cool… might as well strap it too a kiteboard XD

Sounds interresting, cool looking prop ! Do you produced it by yourself or can it bought anywhere?

Cheers

Ya, it would attach easily to my kiteboards, especially my light windboard… good call!

I had the prop made for me and have a couple others being made also (different sizes and prop pitches) as I want to test out different characteristics with various sizes, I have a 3:1 and 5:1 reduction drives, and ideally wanna go direct drive. Direct-drive would make for a very small unit and save a lot of money once I start making more of these.

Can you share how you seal the shaft?

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I use 8mm shaft, and made an inlay in my 3D part to slide a shaft seal, this exact shaft seal: https://www.bearingscanada.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TC8x23x5&CartID=1

Thank you! Looking at thet seal are you sure that’s going to be enough? I’m planing a “jet” surf board and I can’t quite understand how to seal a shaft.