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Candela C-8 is an All-Electric Hydrofoil Boat that ‘Flys’ On Water

By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published: 15 Jan 2023

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Normally when we marvel at the grandeur of a superyacht, it’s due to the overwhelmingly luxurious interior and decadent creature comforts, but that’s all starting to change. Much like the automotive space, luxury watercraft producers are setting their sights on electric boats laden with high-tech performance-focused specifications and sustainable builds. Swedish firm Candela is doing precisely that,  introducing the C-8, an all-electric boat that floats above the water on a set of retractable foils. At low speeds, this electric boat drives just like a regular one but after 16 knots, the hull is lifted and the two foils make it ‘fly’ on water.

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According to Candela, this Bond-esque feature has the potential to reduce energy consumption and deliver a far more comfortable ride. With the majority of the watercraft sitting above the water, leaving only the foils below submerged, the on-water journey is immune to choppy waves and breaks. If the travel is as smooth as Candela suggests, the new technology could mark a true paradigm shift in boating technology.

Importantly, the sleek C-8 is also styled like a bonafide racing boat with sharp styling along with a streamlined approach. It is a more mass-market offering than the previous C-7, which presented a bespoke opportunity for enthusiasts, but sat a little outside what was readily available. Back to the C-8 and it has a length of 8.5 metres while having enough space for eight on board plus the cabin is decked out in a luxurious yet minimalistic manner. There is even a toilet.

With the hydro foiling technology, the C-8 has a lot more range now with over 50 nautical miles on battery power at a speed of 22 knots, which only draws 16 kW/21 hp from the battery. Like modern-day luxury cars, the C-8 also features autonomous technology with fly-by-wire steering and an autopilot feature. The main interface is a 15.4-inch inch screen having Candela’s own user interface.

Within the 28-29 foot range, the Candela C-8 undercuts similarly sized yachts with a price tag of $390,000 and promises to be the ‘Tesla’ among boats with the potential of being a large-scale disruptor.