Navier just held the world premiere for its new N30 all-electric foiling cruiser at Art Basel Miami Beach last week, and the company, a San Francisco startup, says it’s “the boat of the future.”
The 30 is a stretched version of the 27-foot prototype that Navier has been working on for the past year. In addition to the extra three feet, the new 30 features individual wings on the rear hydrofoils instead of a single wing.
The N30 has a high-tech active foil system so it can fly over the waves at up to 35 knots. It also features an “advanced assistive autopilot” so that even a novice can run and dock the boat. Future software updates will enable full self-driving capability.
The new Navier is not like other boats. “It is important to understand this boat functions and operates more like an airplane,” says Sampriti Bhattacharyya, Navier’s founder who holds a PhD from MIT. “We’re rethinking the boat from the ground up.”
The boat has a length of 30 feet and a beam of 8’ 6”. It’s powered by two 90kW electric motors with propellers integrated into the rear foils. It foils, or flies, at 15 knots, and it has a range of 75 nm. You can recharge the battery overnight at a marina with a 240V connection, or in just 30 minutes with fast power.
Once underway, the captain can choose among three modes for the most efficient ride: Eco, for the longest range; Comfort, for a smooth, easygoing journey; and Sports for speed. The Sports mode also offers more manual input, including three-axis control.
Navier says its software sets an industry benchmark. The autopilot system, for example, has such features as hazard alert, collision detection, and waypoint navigation. For docking, the N30 has a manual joystick, or a one-click automated docking system.
Navier expects to deliver the first boats to customers in the first quarter of 2023. Its production line is sold out for the rest of the year, but you can reserve one for 2024 with a $1,000 refundable deposit. Read more:
