Sightseeing boat VS–9

catamaranelectriccomposite

Overview
The VS–9 is a commercial-grade electric hydrofoil vessel engineered for efficient on-water operation, extended range and versatile commercial or leisure applications.

Key performance figures

• Range: 50 NM (light load), 40 NM (full load)
• Cruise speed: 25 knots
• Top speed: 30 knots
• Payload: up to 1000 kg

Design & application
Built for commercial use, the VS–9 combines a carbon-fibre composite hull with retractable hydrofoils to deliver foiling performance while fitting marina infrastructure. Configurations accommodate passenger transport, crew transfer, patrol, tourism and premium leisure roles.

Highlighted capabilities

• Advanced seakeeping: stabilisation and foil control provide performance comparable with larger craft while remaining marina-compatible.
• Longer range: hydrofoil efficiency reduces energy consumption and battery size for extended missions.
• Fast, flexible charging: AC and DC charging options (shore or mains) for operational flexibility.
• Wake reduction: low-wake foiling design expands permissible operating areas and protects shorelines.
• Smooth, quiet ride: acoustic and vibration control for a low-noise passenger experience.

Technology & propulsion
The VS–9 uses high-efficiency hydrofoils and a submerged VS–Drive propulsion system with active cooling. Foils are retractable at the push of a button. Intelligent flight-control systems automatically adjust pitch, roll and ride height; manual override is available.

Battery & charging
Energy storage is based on DNV type-approved lithium iron phosphate (LFP) marine battery modules totaling 110 kWh. Modules are watertight and include multi-layer fire protection, suppression and ventilation. Charging: AC up to 22 kW; DC up to 90 kW. At peak DC rate the system can deliver up to 0.8 nautical miles of foiling range per minute of charging.

Operational notes
Hull lift (foiling) occurs at ~17 knots; normal cruise is 25 knots, maximum 30 knots. Foiling seakeeping rated to ~0.75 m waves; limited wave clipping may occur in larger swells. Foils are solid carbon fibre, designed to sacrificially detach under severe shock to protect the hull and enable rapid replacement.

Certification & service
Designed to DNV standards and certified by Maritime New Zealand; further international certifications are in progress. Hull, foils and propulsion are engineered to minimise routine servicing. The VS–9 provides detailed telemetry for remote monitoring and support.

Commercial configurations
The VS–9 is available in multiple configurations (Skye, Hardtop, Cabin, Premier) to suit transport, premium cabin, open leisure and tropical layouts.

Technical specifications

• LENGTH: 8.95 m
• BEAM: 3.1 m
• DRAFT: 0.5 m – 1.5 m
• MASS (HARDTOP VERSION): 3300 kg
• PAYLOAD: Up to 1000 kg
• HULL: Carbon fibre composite
• CRUISE SPEED: 25 knots
• TOP SPEED: 30 knots
• RANGE (AT CRUISE): 40 nautical miles (full load) / 50 NM (light load)
• SEAKEEPING (FOILING): Up to 0.75 m waves
• BATTERY CAPACITY: 110 kWh (DNV type-approved LFP marine batteries)
• CHARGE RATE: Up to 0.8 NM per minute (DC)
• CHARGING (AC): Up to 22 kW
• CHARGING (DC): Up to 90 kW