Candela C-8 Hydrofoil Speedboat: The Boat that Can Fly on Water

In the era of autonomous aircrafts, there is a boat Candela C-8 that can literally fly on water. It was named the European Powerboat of the Year 2023 for its outstanding performance and innovation.

The boat’s cutting-edge hydrofoil technology, which allows the vessel to fly on water, won the electric boat category. The C-8 has two to three times the range of conventional electric boats and matches the performance of fossil fuel-powered speedboats. The 28-foot power boat uses hydrofoils to float out of water and fly above the waves.

Now, the Swedish company is set to break into the American boating market. The Candela C-8 with its carbon-fiber hull, sleek design and $390,000 price tag stands out as a luxury craft. The company believes a traditional planning-hull boat uses about 15 times as much fuel per mile as a family car. Traditional boats emissions are significant and their motors require regular servicing.

Candela has replaced the combustion motor with a 69kWh Polestar battery and a small torpedo-shaped direct drive motor (C-Pod) that stays completely underwater affixed to the boat’s rear hydrofoil. Tanguy de Lamotte, Candela CEO, says it’s like a plane. “You go straight and full power and then it will take off.” The boat has a range of about 57 nautical miles (66 miles) at the 22-knot cruising speed, and it can reach up to 27 knots at top speed. Its active hydrofoil system ensures a smooth ride, while its on-board computer automatically adjusts for side winds and waves, providing a more comfortable boating experience.

C-8 is touted for its 80 percent lower energy consumption. It causes minimal disturbance to marine life.