High-Tech Boat Building Startup Navier Aims High with First U.S. Foiling Electric Powerboat

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At the 2021 Palm Beach International Boat Show, Navier, a Silicon Valley startup, is proud to announce the first product for the new brand, a 27-foot foiling performance-craft that is capable of a range exceeding 75 nautical miles all under electric propulsion, with exceptionally advanced autonomy features. The foils will ensure a smooth ride over chop and the minimal wetted surface reduces drag, resulting in the most efficient operation possible.

Navier 27 cabin version
Navier 27 open version
Founders (Reo Baird and Sampriti Bhattacharyya)

Highlights:

  • Navier–a Silicon Valley startup–is building technology to radically increase the efficiency of small powerboats by 90% while ensuring zero emissions and a vastly superior ride experience.
  • Led by two MIT engineers who are avid boaters with extensive experience in ocean robotics, aerospace flight controls, and autonomous systems. Additionally, the team is working with world-renowned experts involved in America’s Cup foil vessel development.
  • The first product is the Navier 27, an all-electric hydrofoil performance-craft capable of a range exceeding 75 nautical miles at a 20kt cruising speed. The craft is outfitted with a highly advanced autopilot with features we see in today’s self-driving land vehicles.
  • Navier at PBIBS 2021 (located in booth number 309) – www.navierboat.com

High-tech features of the vessel include a highly advanced autopilot capable of both speed and course control, as well as an aerospace-grade foil control system and assistive docking technology, making the Navier 27 the most technologically advanced recreational boat on–or above–the water.

At speeds reaching or exceeding 18 knots, the boat flies on foils that are similar in design to high-performance America’s Cup sailing vessels. In fact, the Navier team includes world-renowned experts involved in the development of America’s Cup foiling race boats.

Sampriti Bhattacharyya is the co-founder and CEO of this new U.S.-based company that will design and build electrically-propelled foiling powerboats, initially just for the recreational market. She is an MIT PhD in mechanical engineering with original contributions in the field of hydrodynamic design. With extensive experience in ocean technology as well as prior experience as an aerospace engineer building flight control systems at NASA, Sampriti brings an impressive wealth of knowledge to Navier.

Navier’s other co-founder and CTO is Reo Baird. Reo holds degrees in aerospace, electrical, and computer engineering and specializes in autonomous systems. Baird has extensive professional experience in the marine industry, and he is a lifelong boater who has logged over 10,000 ocean miles. His experience and knowledge of advanced autonomous systems will play a key role in the design of the Navier 27.

Navier is no ordinary boat company. It is trying to reinvent the boat as we know it and define the future of waterborne transportation.

Main Specifications
Length: 27′
Beam: 8’6″
Foiling speed: 18-30+ kt
Range: 75+ nmi @ 20kt
Power: 2x 50kw
Electric Draft: 2ft / 5.5ft
Capacity: 10 passengers

Key Facts Navier 27
Electric: Goes the distance without noise or pollution
Active Foil Control: Smooth ride and sporty handling, enabled by aerospace stabilization technology
Retracting Foils: Fly above 3-4ft seas or retract foils for beaching and shallow-water operation
Assisted Docking: Precise sensor-assisted joystick docking free of delays typical in gas boats
Advanced Autopilot: Perfect speed and cruise control, whether station keeping, trolling, or cruising
Hazard Alert: Navier 27 is aware of its surroundings, alerting you of danger before it’s too late
Connected: Check-in on your boat from anywhere in the world via smartphone
2 Versions: Cabin and Open version

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Elisa Corti
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