A ride aboard the VS-9 electric ferry in New York’s East River highlighted the subtle but effective transition from traditional boating to hydrofoil navigation. Co-founder and CEO Eric Laakmann, who guided the experience departing from Brooklyn Marina, noted that the vessel operates as a flying craft from the outset, despite the ride feeling more akin to driving a sports car than literal flight.
The approximately 30-foot catamaran features computer-controlled underwater wings that lift the hull out of the water, significantly reducing drag and wave impact. Unlike conventional boats of similar size, which tend to bounce at higher speeds, the VS-9 maintains stability through front and rear foils, with the rear assembly also housing Vessev’s in-house manufactured electric motor.
Laakmann explained that keeping motor production internal helps control costs during development, while batteries remain outsourced due to market commoditization. This electric-hydrofoil combination is designed to maximize efficiency, a critical factor for electric propulsion where energy conservation directly extends range.
Despite the advantages, hydrofoils have operational limits. The VS-9 requires waters no deeper than 2.5 feet (0.75 meters) beneath the foils; rougher seas can cause the hull to hit waves, disrupting the smooth ride and efficiency. Consequently, the technology is best suited for lakes, rivers, and bays rather than open ocean routes.
Vessev, which secured a $19 million Series A funding round in August, is targeting urban mass transit augmentation, with New York City cited as a potential market. The company believes these vessels could provide fast connections to areas like Brooklyn or Queens without extensive new infrastructure. The VS-9 boasts a range of 40 nautical miles when carrying a full passenger load.
Beyond transit, the startup is eyeing hospitality and tour sectors, as well as affluent consumers seeking luxury leisure craft. While the current VS-9 is a prototype, Laakmann indicated plans for further production and potentially offering electric hydrofoil kits to other boat manufacturers in the future.
Keeping motor production in-house is smart for cost control. Hope they can scale without compromising reliability.
Driving a sports car on water sounds incredible. I need to try this before it becomes expensive luxury gear!
Electric hydrofoils are cool, sure. But $19 million raised and still in prototype phase? Skeptical about mass adoption.
40 nautical miles range seems decent, but what happens during rougher summer storms in the East River?
Finally, a realistic solution for river transit that doesn’t cost billions. The hydrofoil tech looks promising.