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Comment by nick3443

1 day ago

Going fast in water takes incredible amounts of power.

I don't know why hydrofoils aren't more popular

  • Because they're expensive and unreliable for most applications. They need more power, they increase draft, they don't tolerate debris, and they really dislike rough seas.

    • They do fine for passenger traffic. Draft, debris and rough seas are not a problem. You need gas turbines or very unusual diesels for the power, that is the problem.