Awake Boards has unveiled the NAVI, an electric hydrofoil waterbike that lifts its carbon composite hull above the water for silent, efficient gliding. Priced at €39,990 before taxes and shipping, with deliveries starting August 2026, it offers up to 3 hours of runtime using two XR4 batteries. This positions NAVI as a premium alternative to noisy jetskis, targeting riders seeking smooth, low-drag water mobility without combustion engines.
Introduced at Boot Düsseldorf 2026, NAVI uses a submerged foil to generate lift at speed, reducing resistance and enabling near-silent operation powered by electric torque. Its seated, motorcycle-style controls make foiling accessible, while modular floats allow solo or tandem use up to 250 kg load.
Background: Awake’s Evolution in Electric Watersports
Awake Boards, a Danish manufacturer, specializes in electric watersports gear like jetboards and eFoils. The company has built a reputation for efficient, quiet propulsion systems that minimize environmental impact compared to gas-powered alternatives. NAVI marks Awake’s entry into seated watercraft, shifting from standing boards like the eFoil to a more stable, motorcycle-inspired design developed with Mannerfelt Design Team.
This launch reflects growing demand for electric hydrofoils, which promise smoother rides by elevating hulls above waves. Awake positions NAVI as a ‘transformative method to navigate water,’ forging new categories beyond traditional jetskis. Deliveries begin August 2026, aligning with maturing battery tech for longer runtimes.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | €39,990 (excl. taxes/shipping) |
| Runtime | Up to 3 hours (2x XR4 batteries); 1.5 hours (LR4 batteries) |
| Load Capacity | 250 kg (with floats) |
| Seating | 1-2 persons (detachable inflatable floats) |
| Hull Material | Carbon composite |
| Controls | Motorcycle-style twist throttle, reverse, kill switch, display |
| Foiling System | Submerged hydrofoil with retractable flex mast |
| Deliveries | August 2026 |
Design and Engineering Analysis
NAVI’s core innovation is its submerged hydrofoil, which generates lift as speed builds, raising the hull clear of water. This slashes drag, eliminates spray, and pairs with electric instant torque for smooth transitions to foiling mode. The carbon composite hull ensures lightness and rigidity, while glide wings provide predictable stability. A retractable flex mast aids transport and shallow-water navigation, addressing practical limitations of fixed-foil designs.
Controls mimic a motorcycle: twist the throttle for acceleration, reverse gear, kill switch, and an integrated display with Awake’s interface. This familiar setup lowers the entry barrier for foiling, unlike stand-up eFoils requiring balance. Detachable inflatable floats transform NAVI from solo glider to tandem carrier, with 250 kg max load—impressive for a foiler under 40,000 euros.
Performance and Practicality
Runtime varies by battery: two XR4 packs yield 3 hours, suitable for extended sessions; lighter LR4s manage 1.5 hours. No top speed is confirmed across sources, but foiling efficiency suggests competitive performance against jetskis without noise or fuel. Electric propulsion suits hydrofoils perfectly, delivering torque without vibration.
At €39,990 (approx. $46,800), NAVI targets premium buyers. It’s transportable via the flex mast but requires charging infrastructure—details on charge time or power output remain unconfirmed. Stability favors relaxed cruising over acrobatics, trading eFoil agility for seated comfort.
Market Comparison
NAVI competes with gas jet skis like Yamaha WaveRunner (starting ~$12,000, noisy, 1-2 hour runtime on fuel) and electric rivals like Taiga Orca (carbon hull, ~$25,000, no foiling, shorter electric range). Against Awake’s own eFoil (standing, shorter rides), NAVI adds seating and capacity. It undercuts some luxury foilers but exceeds mass-market personal watercraft in price, justified by silence and efficiency.
| Model | Price | Runtime | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awake NAVI | €39,990 | 3 hours | Hydrofoil, seated |
| Taiga Orca | ~$25,000 | ~2 hours | Electric PWC, no foil |
| Yamaha WaveRunner | ~$12,000 | ~2 hours fuel | Gas, high noise |
Verdict
Awake NAVI advances electric foiling into practical, seated watercraft with strong runtime and modular design, ideal for eco-conscious riders prioritizing silence and smoothness over raw speed. At €39,990, it’s for affluent enthusiasts or resorts, not casual users—best suited to those upgrading from eFoils or seeking jetski alternatives. Unanswered questions include exact top speed, charge times, and real-world range under load; test rides will clarify if it truly redefines water mobility.
