Has anyone ever worked out how big the foils would have to be and the speed required to lift over 200kg of Merlin and crew out of the water.

As big as Liams Ego?

My designer reckoned a 12 may fly on 10� foils.  That took no account of the additional drag and was just a simple calculation.  It was also based on sailing at full hull speed, which we thought we�d probably never achieve again with a 10� foil under the boat.

A 12�s all up weight including rig, sails and foils and string is probably under 85kg.  The two lard arses in it are also smaller.  Your bus is going to need a lot more but at least those comedy planks won�t be confusing the water any more.

oy oy! cool it...

There was a foiling Int Moth at Wormit BC regatta in June, and i really dont think the damage inflicted during high speed crashes would do a Merlin much good. Would be good in a straight line, but i am not going to mention corners

Would a merlin not be way too underpowered to ever do that?

No Moths for sale, and I hope you don't mind me joining in here since I now have a Merlin as well.

Two papers for you te read if you want some of the history of our development, and more importantly, the maths behind it. There are also regular posts on the Aussie forum with the latest thoughts on profiles, sizes, controls etc.

The 14's and the Cherubs are busily playing with these ideas as well. Hope this helps.

http://www.moth.asn.au/reports/foilers_may_2004.html

http://culnane.navidat.com/dc/moth/papers/ConSys.pdf?nocache=888560030

I think 14's banned full foils a little while ago. Awesome thought though; twin wires and full foils - nobody in the boat, boat not in the water (might as well go sky-diving)

It's the landing thats got to hurt! Better check the old health insurance first!!

Yes the foils on our Tornado were 400mm at the base for Weymouth week.Is a Merlin heavier?

The foil on me kitesurf board is 150mm

The foil on the crimbo turkey ,dont know yet?