Somebody finally invented something I've been thinking about for a while. Solves the problem of the $12,000 e-foil. Drive assisted foiling for SUP or Winging. Before you get too excited looks like at least $3,000. It seems to cost less because it would fit to your board and you don't need to spend as much on batteries and perhaps the motor since you are only trying to get to take off speed.
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What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Foil drives, e-bikes etc remind me of Wall-E
(Don't worry, Randy, I'm sure you could sucker Webguy into getting one.)
--- The Arrogant Jerk: Crabby and irritable since 1998.
Guilty as charged. I think there are some who just aren't into pumping (or can't for shoulder reasons, etc) who would pony up for one. I think $3000 is a lot, though. I think if it got down around a grand, it might make sense. I could see downwinders and prone foilers interested, too, as you just need a kick to catch a swell.
Stand UP Zone has an interesting discussion. Wake Theif is thrilled with the foil which is what he is using in the teaser below.
The main complaint on SUPZone was that it would add drag and weigth. The weight is probably inconsequential. The drag is mitigated by the folding propellor (prop is usuallythe largest source of drag on the unit). In my book it comes down to the price there is probably some price when most every foiler would buy one. Hopefully the prices will come down as the tech evolve and production increases (Moore's Law and all.)
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,37545.msg431385.html#msg431385
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Good review by Wake Thief.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.