From Air Freight to Leisure Craft: A Curious Pivot for Boundary Layer Technologies
In a surprising move, Boundary Layer, the company that was previously gunning for local air freight and announced a slew of launch partners earlier this year, has shifted its strategy to focus on high-performance foiling personal watercraft. Think low-flying SeaDoo, and you’ve got the right idea.
Introducing Valo: The World’s Fastest Production Foiling Craft
The new product is called Valo, and it will be able to carry a couple of passengers. Powered by a 108 hp electric motor, the craft can foil two feet above the surface of the water at a top speed of 58 mph (50 knots), making it the world’s fastest production foiling craft.
"We advise that you don’t fall off at 50 knots," said Ed Kearney, founder and CEO of Boundary Layer Technologies, with a hint of humor. "That’d be profoundly uncomfortable."
Retractable Hydrofoils for Easy Trailering
The company claims that the hydrofoils will be fully retractable, which would enable trailering on a conventional boat trailer. This feature is crucial for easy transportation and storage.
"Valo will be a complete revolution to personal watercraft," said Kearney. "The first Jet Ski was on the market 50 years ago this year, and it’s time for a major upgrade." He added that Valo would be fast, agile, and exhilarating while being near silent and leaving zero wake.
A New Form of Water-Based Mobility
Kearney described Valo as "like flying a stunt plane but on water." The company sees this as a completely new form of water-based mobility.
A Shift in Focus: From Commercial to Leisure
Boundary Layer wants to steal air freight’s lunch and transport it by water instead. However, the company was previously focusing on commercial foiling passenger ferries. Moving from light, high-speed shipping to a leisure craft can’t have been an easy choice for the Y Combinator-backed company.
"We see a huge opportunity for electric foiling, ferries, and container ships to replace fright," said Kearney in an interview. "For us, the question is ‘where do we start?’"
The Original Set of Customers Will Have to be Patient
The original set of customers will have to wait patiently as the company pivots to focus on personal watercraft.
"We had letters of intent for those vehicles, mostly passenger ferries," said Kearney. "The customers were looking for the next step of technical progress. But it has been a very challenging time for them, between the pandemic and other factors."
The Benefits of Electric Foiling
Kearney highlighted the benefits of electric foiling, which includes being near silent and leaving zero wake.
"This is an opportunity to create something new and exciting in the water sports industry," he said. "We’re not just building a boat; we’re creating a new experience for people."
What’s Next for Boundary Layer?
The company plans to continue developing Valo and bring it to market soon. With its focus on electric foiling and high-performance personal watercraft, Boundary Layer is poised to disrupt the leisure industry.
"We’re excited about the future of water sports," said Kearney. "We believe that electric foiling has a lot of potential for growth and innovation."
Conclusion
Boundary Layer’s pivot from commercial air freight to high-performance foiling personal watercraft marks an exciting new chapter for the company. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience, Valo is poised to revolutionize the leisure industry.
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