Remote Controlled Electric Hydrofoil Kayak

Designed, built, and tested a remote-controlled hydrofoil kayak prototype capable of lifting its hull above the water and passively maintaining a stable cruising height. The system uses an adjustable aluminum frame to faciliate center of mass optimization which supports a fixed AOT rear hydrofoil and a mechanically self-regulating front canard. A custom buoyancy-driven linkage sets the canard to a higher AOT during acceleration to maximize takeoff lift, then progressively reduces its angle as the kayak rises, allowing the vehicle to converge toward a stable operating height without active electronic control. Developed the design using analytical lift calculations and airfoil lift/drag simulations, then refined the mechanism through physical testing at a nearby lake. Propulsion is provided by a 20kg aquatic electric thruster mounted to a remote controlled servo which rotates the thruster for steering, eliminating the need for separate rudders or ailerons. Rear hydrofoil and streamlined fairings are 3D printed and coated for aquatic environment; slid over aluminum frame and sealed with epoxy.