Performance and Efficiency

Admiral Powercats are renowned for their use and development of �foil-assist� technologies to enhance fuel-efficiency and performance. Originally developed by Prof. Hopper of the Stellenbosch University (circa 1970�s) in response to a SA Navy requirement, the technology is now effectively used the world over.

The simple application of a foil shape to the underside of the boat hull, provides lift in the water similar to that achieved by a planes wing in the air. This lift results in a substantial reduction in drag, which in turn leads to greater efficiency from a given power source. Unlike some �hydrofoils�, foil-assist boats do not leave the water when underway but rather ride higher with less surface area in contact with the water.

Using the Admiral 21 Power Boat as our test bed, we have shown efficiency gains that are remarkable. Requiring just 2 x 50hp motors, the Admiral 21 Power Boat, at 1.4tons, reaches 30kn and can cruise at 25kn using just 0.25lt per motor per km. That�s a range of 400km on the 230lt tanks, with some to spare.