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Foil Kayak

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Created: 06/21/09
Last Edited: 07/27/10
Views: 2361
Appreciations: 119
Comments: 2
Description
Design of high performance kayak with hydrofoils
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Short link: http://bit.ly/9GJfDd
  • What is special about this project?


    The Flyak is a kayak with hydrofoils, and was invented by Peter Ribe and Einar Rasmussen, who both are world class paddlers. As the name implies, the Flyak "flies", as the entire hull lifts out of the water.


    One of Rasmussen’s long-term goals is for the Flyak to replace racing kayaks in Olympic competitions.



    The more surface area of a hull "rubbing" against water, the greater the resistance. The hydrofoil concept reduces this wetted area to a fraction, by utilizing the wing-effect. Once the rider works the speed up to roughly 10 KMH (6 MPH), the Flyak is ready for take-off. Theoretically, the Flyak can achieve speeds nearly twice as fast as conventional championship-level racing kayaks.

    However, you can not go very long distances on foils because it takes intense energy for the paddler to keep up on the foils.
  • Rhino model for production

  • Design Description / Design process


    Pivot made the commercial design, surface modeling for production, and assisted in developing the extruded foils and steering mechanics. We worked close with the inventors to achieve a pleasing design ready for production.


    The design is almost entirely driven by performance related issues. Light weight, high strength, and robustness were the three main criteria.


    The cockpit area needed special attention to ensure good ergonomics and the least possible amount of water-gathering. The Flyak is a completely water-tight body that cannot take in water or sink. This makes it much easier to learn the technique, as the paddler can just climb back on without having to get the boat out of the water to empty it.     The bottom surface of the boat’s 5200 mm carbon-fiber hull is not dramatically different than other racing kayaks. By removing the foils, the craft can be used as a normal racing kayak.
    For some parts, like the cockpit area, we used a digital scanner to record points directly off hand-sanded prototypes. The whole process was a true mix of manual workshop work and digital manufacturing like cnc milling and 3d-printing.

    The final production model was produced directly from our Rhino file. It is the first commercial design job of pivot, right after both of us had finished our education and started Pivot together.

  • Master plug
  • First finished Flyaks, picture from factory