Choosing Motor Cable Length
Foil Drive Gen2 Systems and Integrated masts with Assist PLUS units require you to select a motor length when ordering. With the introduction of the new V2 Motor, there is now 6 different length options that this article will cover, each with different pros and cons depending on how you wish to use your Foil Drive. Scroll towards the bottom of the article for more information on Integrated Masts.
The beauty of the Gen2 Foil Drive system is that the motor is interchangeable. This means you can have multiple different lengths to choose from, depending on how you want to ride.
Not sure which length to choose? Check out the video below to help you decide what will work best for you!
Introducing the new V2 Motor System
What is a Gen2 Motor System and why are there different positions?
The motor mounting position is a personal rider preference and can differ between disciplines of foiling. Foil Drive motors should be considered like a quiver, allowing you to customise or fine tune your setup to how you want to ride.
What Motors are available?
The v2 motor comes in six lengths:
-12cm (4.7 inches) (New!)
-15cm (6 inches)
-20cm (23.5 inches)
-25cm (10 inches)
-60cm (23.5 inches)
-70cm (27.5 inches)
Which motor should you choose?
It's important to note that there is some personal preference at play when it comes to motor height. We can, however, give you some information on what each height is ideal for, as well as some real life, rider examples! You'll notice some of the lengths paired together - this is because they have a similar use case, taken into account the different variables.
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70cm and 60cm
These two are the longest of our available motors and are designed for Flatwater Foil Driving where you place the motor down near the fuselage and intend to be powered constantly, similar to "e-foiling". The reason there are two lengths is to take into consideration different mast heights. If you have a 70cm mast, you'll need the 60cm cable, and if you have a longer mast (80cm+), you'll need the 70cm cable.
Note: When selecting the extreme lengths (shortest and longest) it is important to allow 10-15cm of clearance for the propellers. For example, if mounting close to the fuse, the middle of the motor pod should sit 10cm above the fuselage. When mounting near your board, the middle of the motor pod should not sit any higher than 10cm away from your board.
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25cm
The 25cm cable is designed as an in-between, hybrid motor position. Perfect for learners who want to limit how high above the water they can fly, or those wanting to enjoy both Foil Driving on flatwater and catching waves. The motor remains low enough that it stays in the water on small swell, giving you the option to motor the whole time, or start to lift up and feel the power of the swell alone. Eventually, you may choose to shorten this length once you feel comfortable with the motor exiting the water. This length is also ideal those who like to turn their location into a skate park, enjoying flatwater Foil Driving, then peeling onto a boat wake or swell!
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20cm, 15cm and 12cm
While these lengths seem similar, you'll certainly know the difference! Designed for assisted foiling where you only use the motor to get on foil, then want it to exit the water for drag free flying, these motor heights draw the most discussion.
First off, when would you want the motor to exit the water in this assisted foiling style? Foiling disciplines like surfing, down winding, wake foiling, pumping and winging. Let's look into each discipline and compare the 20cm and 15cm.
The 20cm motor is a good allrounder. It provides the best of both worlds when it comes to powered and non-powered operation. If you're a more advanced foiler OR you just want to use your system in assist mode (only using it to get on foil) and you desire maximum drag-free foiling, the 12cm and 15cm is the best choice. However, it does make hybrid foiling in choppy water more difficult as the distance from the board to the water is a lot closer, BUT - you can still do it. Using a three-blade propeller setup definitely helps maintain thrust and grip on the water in the 12cm and 15cm motor position.
A. Surf - 12, 15, 20 ,25
B. Downwind -15, 20
C. Wake - 20, 25
D. Flatwater Pumping - 20
E. Winging (AKA Wind Ding or Wind Winging) - 15, 20
Other Considerations
Three Blade vs Two Blade Propellers
To learn more about the two and three blade propeller systems click here.
Integrated Masts
Not sure if you want an integrated motor? Click here to find out the benefits of integrated masts.
FAQ
If I have an existing Gen1 Motor or Integrated Mast, can it be converted?
Please check out this video from Paul on Gen1 to Gen2: Click here.
Do I need to tape the whole cable to the mast?
Click here to learn how to secure the motor cable to your mast to optimise drag free foiling!