Iguana Yachts has launched the world’s first battery-powered amphibious boat, called the Iguana Foiler. As if that weren’t enough, it also features folding foils and retractable caterpillar tracks.
The all-new 33ft Iguana Foiler is powered by a specially adapted version of Evoy’s new prototype 300hp electric outboard motor fed by a 120kWh lithium-ion battery bank.
To reduce drag and increase range, this electric boat rides on a pair of curved surface-piercing foils that fold down from each side and a third T-shaped foil at the rear fitted to a specially extended lower leg of the outboard.
This set-up tends to be more forgiving than retractable foils, which require active controls to maintain a constant ride height.
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On the water, the Iguana Foiler should deliver a top speed of up to 30 knots and a practical range of around 50nm at foiling speeds of around 22 knots. Pretty impressive for a craft weighing in at just over four tonnes.
The rest of the boat follows a more conventional pattern with a C-shaped seating area and table aft, a couple of helm seats forward and a walkthrough windscreen leading to a bow lounge forward.
Iguana Foiler specifications
Length: 32.8′ / 10m
Beam (min): 10′ / 3.1m
Engine: Single 300hp EVOY electric outboard
Top speed: 30 knots
Range: 50 miles
Capacity: 8 people
Price: TBC
