Enautic, the Australia-based startup that made its debut with the launch of the WaveFlyer Volaré in July 2023, has launched two new electric foiling PWC (personal watercraft) concepts called the WaveFlyer Rogue and WaveFlyer Rogue-X. Featuring fully retractable hydrofoils and an electric propulsion system, the Volaré served as an applied technology platform to showcase the effectiveness of the company’s patented WaveDrive technology, which is designed to offer a balance of energy efficiency, speed, and range.

The new WaveFlyer Rogue models are based on the same hull and foil package as the Volaré but offer unique user experiences to appeal to different audiences and skill levels. The Rogue has a maximum speed of 20 knots; caters to family fun, exploration, and personal mobility; and is designed for one or two passengers. The Rogue-X is designed for thrill-seeking riders accustomed to traditional ICE-powered PWCs, boasting a maximum speed exceeding 40 knots and intense maneuverability but without the noise and wake associated with traditional PWCs.

“We are really excited to be able to offer the world all of the thrills, spills, and excitement of PWC riding, without the noise and wake issues that have resulted in these crafts being banned from many locations,” said Enautic CEO Paul Steinmann. “Silent operation with virtually no wake means that these fun-machines can operate without annoying other water users, whilst producing no emissions.”

Users of the new models can select from five FCLs (flight control levels) via a touch screen to cater to their individual preferences. FCL-1 delivers safe, auto-stabilized flight control with gentle, easy-to-use turning suited to inexperienced users or a more relaxed experience. The dynamics of handling increase with each setting, with FCL-4 providing extremely dynamic handling that requires experience and skill to control.

Founded in 2019 by CTO Dr. Michael Andrewartha, Head of Development Joshua Cribb, Board Chair & Co-Founder Richard Charlton, and Board Innovation Director Joshua Portlock, the company also known as Electro Nautic has spent 4 years developing the WaveDrive system, which features a patented anhedral-shaped hydrofoil combined with a flight control system designed for high maneuverability. Advanced fly-by-wire technology, said to be like top-tier aircraft, ensures precise control with minimal effort, with its sophisticated algorithms and sensors enhancing safety and adaptability across various conditions. A dual-motor layout is engineered for control and maneuverability at the dock and while flying above the waves.

WaveDrive is designed to be fully retracted, allowing for ease of trailering, operation in shallow waters, and a beach ability like traditional boats. Using GPS and a flight-control system, geofencing allows any boat to control where users are allowed and presents collisions with known above and underwater hazards, enhancing safety in shallow areas.

The flight control unit (FCU), the brains behind the performance, features a robust triple-redundant sensor suite. The unit is what coordinates driver inputs and fly-by-wire system outputs to ensure the vessel is kept in a reliable safe state.

The company says that, unlike other foiling systems, it understands that serviceability is a key component to owning and operating a vessel, so it has designed the WaveDrive system to be as modular, serviceable, and upgradable as possible. Software is a key component and allows for real-time craft monitoring and remote updates for new features.

Company engineers have designed the drive systems and batteries to be modular to account for projected changes in battery cost, energy density, and chemistry. A rapid system enables recharging in under 1 h using no moving parts, meaning that for every hour of operation a user only has to charge for 15 min or less. This is enabled by a passive cooling system using the water the boat is floating on, ensuring a robust and low-maintenance cooling design that doesn’t rely on complex cooling pumps and system components.

The Rogue models will be tested in coming months at Enautic’s riverside location in Perth, Australia. The company is courting OEMs interested in licensing the manufacture of its PWCs, so interested parties can contact Enautic to arrange a demonstration in Tampa, FL, during the 2024 IBEX (International Boat-Builders Exhibition and Conference) in October. The WaveFlyer Volare craft will also be available for demonstration.