# 2x Budget eFoil Builds from Sweden
**URL:** https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310
**Category:** Build, Repair & Mod
**Tags:** efoil, vesc, remote
**Created:** [April 27, 2026, 11:22am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310 "2026-04-27T11:22:03Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [April 27, 2026, 11:22am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/1 "2026-04-27T11:22:03Z")
Hello everyone,
After a lot of reading on this forum, it’s time to build an eFoil. Actually two eFoils, because me and my friend want our own boards. We are engineering students trying to keep the costs down as much as possible, while still maintaining performance. Anyway, here is the parts list that I’m ordering soon.
**Electronics:**
- Motor: Flipsky 65161 120KV 6kW
- ESC: Flipsky 75200 V2.0 Pro water-cooled VESC with a builtin anti-spark switch
- Water pump
- Battery pack: 16S, 2P, 40Ah, LiFePO4, 120A continuous, 200A peak. (EVE C40)
- BMS: 40A DALY Charge-only
- 200A fuse
- Charger: Generic 58.4V 20A
- Remote: Flipsky VX3
- Connectors (not yet decided)
—\> Cost: Around 900 EUR
I know that using a LiFePO4 pack is kind of unusual, but I have seen a few positive reviews of this exact battery configuration here. The main reson for going LiFePO4 is that we have no experience building packs, so we don’t want to burn our houses down. There is no welding required as the pack simply bolts together. Total weight is 12.0kg. It’s just 4kg heavier than the Li-Ion equivalent. +4kg for a completely safe, powerful, high cycle-life battery is an easy tradeoff in my opinion.
**Board:**
- XPS Foam sheets glued together with expanding foam and cut to shape
- Glass fiber lamination
- Wooden plank to bolt the mast on
- Waterproof inspection hatch commonly used on boats (35x60 cm)
- Smaller waterproof inspection hatch
—\> Cost: Around 150 SEK
The board’s look isn’t a priority. I’m thinking one large waterproof hatch where an enclosed battery pack goes, and another hatch for ESC, waterpump, and receiver.
**Foil & prop:**
- GONG v3 Ascent 19mm (XL front and rear wing)
- Fliteboard propeller
—\> Cost: Around 650 EUR
I weigh 90kg, so I believe that this setup will work? We have tried to find cheaper foil alternatives without success. It seems stupid to buy an AliExpress no-name foil for a little cheaper than GONG.
**Total cost:** Around 1700 EUR or 2000 USD
---
### Author:  [@HOF](https://foil.zone/u/HOF)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 7:37am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/3 "2026-04-28T07:37:38Z")
Interesting build, if you want to keep the cost down i can suggest a 65220 motor and an aliexpress flipsky foldable propeller for around 50 EUR. Furthermore, check out LIPO batteries from a place like [hobbyking.com](http://hobbyking.com), it is going to be even cheaper and much much lighter.
Maybe also convert this thread to EUR currency so that we will know what you are talking about 🙂
---
### Author:  [@CaptainDerek](https://foil.zone/u/CaptainDerek)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 7:59am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/4 "2026-04-28T07:59:20Z")
Spot welding honestly is not that bad, I was nervous about it but it’s honestly a breeze. Your batteries are going to take up a lot of space, you’ll have to position them inside your cavity carefully. You should spend the time to make a cad model so you can lay everything out before building.
I’m in the middle of my own build [Derek's first eFoil build — 65161/75200/Gong V2/14S9P DIY from Boise](https://foil.zone/t/dereks-first-efoil-build-65161-75200-gong-v2-14s9p-diy-from-boise/26247)
If you use the prebuilt marine hatches, specifically the square ones, they are prone to leaking, so take measures to waterproof inside the cavity
> **Price Breakdown On my Build**
>
> ## Executive Summary
>
> | Component | Cost |
> | --- | --- |
> | **Battery System** | $495 |
> | **Propulsion & Motor Control** | **$558** |
> | **Foil & Mast System** | **$652** |
> | **Board Structure & Hardware** | **$625** |
> | **Enclosures & Electrical** | **$185** |
> | **Tools & Consumables** | **$105** |
> | **Safety & Riding Gear** | **$183** |
> | **Refunds (design iteration)** | **−$362** |
> | | |
> | **TOTAL (Net)** | **~$3,241** |
>
> * * *
>
> ## Detailed Breakdown by System
>
> ### Battery Pack: $495
>
> | Item | Price | Notes |
> | --- | --- | --- |
> | BAK N21700CG-50 cells (130pc case) | $247.00 | 126 cells for 14S9P pack + 4 spares |
> | Heyiarbeit 21700 Spacers (2×50pc) | $25.42 | 22.3mm spacer brackets for 9×14 grid |
> | SUIDI 0.2×10mm Pure Nickel Strip (3 rolls) | $41.97 | P-groups + bridging strips, stacked layer |
> | Battery Hookup Spot Welder | $85.50 | DIY spot welder for ~1,000 trigger pulls |
> | Heat Shrink & Insulation (bundled) | ~$26 | Kapton tape + PVC shrink tubing |
> | JK BMS BD6A20S15P 150A | $61.63 | Common-port battery management system |
> | 58.8V 5A Charger | $40.54 | Converts to XT150 connectors |
> | 150A ANL Fuse Holder | $10.59 | Pack short-circuit protection |
> | Misc (push button, connectors, tools) | ~$42 | Crimpers, heat shrink, wire prep, balance harness |
> | **Subtotal** | **$495** | |
>
> * * *
>
> ### Propulsion System: $558
>
> | Item | Price | Notes |
> | --- | --- | --- |
> | **Flipsky 65161 Motor** | $298.00 | 120KV, 12mm threaded shaft, water-cooled jacket |
> | **Flipsky 75200 Pro V2 ESC** | $150.00 | Motor controller, aluminum PCB, built-in power button (unused) |
> | **Flipsky VX3 Pro Remote** | $110.00 | Waterproof throttle + wireless receiver module |
> | **MakerWorld 160mm Prop (3D-printed)** | $0.00 | Free STL (community-designed), printed in-house on Bambu A1 |
> | **jkoljo Motor Mount (3D-printed)** | $0.00 | Free STL (Thingiverse #5996522), printed in-house |
> | **Subtotal** | **$558** | |
>
> * * *
>
> ### Foil & Mast System: $652
>
> | Item | EUR | USD | Notes |
> | --- | --- | --- | --- |
> | **Gong X-Over V2 XL Front Wing** | €149.17 | $162.60 | 95cm span, 1,650 cm², main lift |
> | **Gong X-Over V2 Stabilizer** | €70.83 | $77.20 | 48cm, 335 cm², rear lift |
> | **Gong Alu Mast V2 85cm** | €37.50 | $40.88 | Hollow aluminum, phase wire conduit |
> | **Gong Pro Alu Fuselage V2** | €44.17 | $48.14 | Front connection pod |
> | **Gong Allvator V2 Mast-Fuselage Connector** | €29.17 | $31.79 | Series joint component |
> | **Gong Top Plate Alu V2** | €21.67 | $23.62 | Mast-to-board mounting interface |
> | **Gong Screw Kit** | (included) | — | Foil-internal fasteners |
> | **Gong Shipping (EUR)** | €115.50 | $125.99 | International shipment to USA |
> | **US Import Duties & Brokerage** | — | $101.90 | Customs clearance + handling fees |
> | | **€480.51** | **$626.15** | |
> | **Mast Hardware (M6 bolts, washers, nylocs)** | — | $26 | Through-bolt fastening to board top plate |
> | **Subtotal** | | **$652** | |
>
> * * *
>
> ### Board Structure & Hardware: $625
>
> | Item | Price | Notes |
> | --- | --- | --- |
> | **Kingspan XPS Foam (2" layers)** | $95.96 | 2 4x8" stack split down |
> | **Sande Plywood (3/4")** | $70.57 | Tropical hardwood base + hatch lid |
> | **TotalBoat 5:1 Epoxy (slow)** | $315.85 | 3L kit (2 quarts + 1 gallon, with pumps) |
> | **Fiberglass Cloth (6oz)** | (bundled) | 4 hull layers, 3 deck, 2 hatch per side |
> | **EVA Deck Pad** | (bundled) | 74.8"×27.6" anti-slip grip surface |
> | **Foam Shaping Tools** | $36.40 | Surform rasp, snap knife, sanding gear |
> | **Hatch Hardware** | $46.48 | SS strap hinges (2), cam latches (2), EPDM seal |
> | **Paint & Primer** | $48.86 | Rust-Oleum 2X: gray primer + key lime + clear |
> | **Surfacing Materials** | $42.86 | Sanding discs, brushes, rollers, filler |
> | **Carrying Handles** | $13.77 | 2× Pelican SUP handles |
> | **Subtotal** | **$625** | |
>
> ### Enclosures & Electrical: $185
>
> | Item | Price | Notes |
> | --- | --- | --- |
> | **PETG Filament (green + ASA)** | $19.07 | 4 corner enclosure pieces (3D-printed) |
> | **6061 Aluminum Plates** | $0 | TBD after pack build (est. $50 SendCutSend or DIY) |
> | **Hardware (bolts, inserts, washers)** | $50 | M4 & M6 fasteners, brass heat-set inserts |
> | **Marine Sealants** | $32.73 | 3M 4200 (permanent flexible), Permatex Ultra Black (RTV) |
> | **Neoprene Gasket (TORRAMI)** | $26.68 | 1/8" sheet, dual-use: battery + mast seal |
> | **IP68 Junction Boxes (CESFONJER)** | ~$63.54 | 6× M25 waterproof housings (2 battery + 3 phase + 1 spare) for XT150 connectors |
> | **Misc (cable glands, epoxy thickener)** | ~$25 | Wire pass-throughs, Cab-O-Sil silica |
> | **Subtotal** | **$185** (+ ~$50 aluminum TBD) | |
>
> * * *
>
> ### Tools & Consumables: $105
>
> | Item | Price | Notes |
> | --- | --- | --- |
> | **Soldering & Heating** | $36.08 | Soldering iron + heat gun (reusable) |
> | **Safety Equipment** | $109.76 | Respirator, nitrile gloves, Tyvek coverall |
> | **Workspace** | $21.98 | 10’×12’ tarp drop cloth |
> | **Misc Hardware & Fasteners** | $60 | Threaded rod, threadlocker, fasteners |
> | **IPA & Cleaning** | $11.99 | Surface prep for bonding (99% isopropyl) |
> | **Subtotal** | **$105** | (Mainly consumables; tools reusable) |
>
> * * *
If you take a look at my price breakdown, you will see how easily the little things add up.
---
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 9:07am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/5 "2026-04-28T09:07:46Z")
The 65220 is tempting, but I am considering the 65161 with a separate ESC for more power. I have read that the fliteprop is the ideal match for the 65161. I don’t want to deal with lipos. My experience is that cells puff, and die easier. I cannot easily replace a cell in a lipo. I will change to EUR currency
---
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 9:27am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/6 "2026-04-28T09:27:10Z")
Yeah, I’ll make a complete CAD-model of the foil at first. Alright, I didn’t know about the square/rectangular hatches leaking. Everything behind them will be closed on boxes anyways. You’ve got a point about the price, I just listed up the most expensive parts. A lot will be 3d-printed, and I have the tools.
---
### Author:  [@janefoil](https://foil.zone/u/janefoil)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 10:10am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/7 "2026-04-28T10:10:31Z")
flipsky remote go for vx5
---
### Author:  [@bbe](https://foil.zone/u/bbe)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 3:27pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/8 "2026-04-28T15:27:43Z")
I will strongly advice against Daly BMS even for balancing. If it’s the standard one, the balancing current is too small for large batteries. JK smart BMS is much better on all accounts even price. Active balancing with 0.4A and BT app for $35 is a bargain.
Edit: Just checked last Daly offerings and they may have improved since I moved over to JK, but in any case make sure it has active balancing as passive balancing is typical 30mA.
---
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/9 "2026-04-28T15:47:02Z")
Can I ask you why you think it’s worth 150 EUR more?
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### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 3:52pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/10 "2026-04-28T15:52:53Z")
That is great info! I will definitely go with JIKONG. Im thinking the BD4A17S4P
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### Author:  [@sat\_be](https://foil.zone/u/sat_be)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/11 "2026-04-28T16:12:54Z")
Don‘t bother using a square hatch they leak and are not stiff enough to step on them. Either go split pack 2x6-8S that fits through a round hatch or build a lid with seal. You find many working builds od either type on this forum. If you build a lid, put the cam latches outside of the dry zone so yoo don‘t have to waterproof them.
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### Author:  [@Foilguy](https://foil.zone/u/Foilguy)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/12 "2026-04-28T18:24:14Z")
You might want to consider ram water feed rather than pump. The pump is just another component that could fail and/or leak.
The other cooling option that keeps the water away from electronics is a VESC/plate/mast base. Big heat sink if you have aluminum mast.
I second the VX5 remote suggestion.
---
### Author:  [@bbe](https://foil.zone/u/bbe)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/13 "2026-04-28T21:27:58Z")
Thats the one I use for my efoil and ebike batteries, about 5-6 pc for 3 years without problems. It’s so important to be able to monitor cell voltage to catch drift or bad cells in time. Also good idea to put the temp sensor(s) inside the battery shrinkwrap.
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### Author:  [@janefoil](https://foil.zone/u/janefoil)
#### Post date: [April 29, 2026, 7:23am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/14 "2026-04-29T07:23:12Z")
water pomp also is unnecessary. mount waterhose in tip of motor mount and by movement of the foil the water ciculates in to your your esc (i have it like that and works fine)
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### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/15 "2026-06-18T19:47:41Z")
I have crimped the knockoff amphenol surlock connectors now. In order to use these with 8 AWG (8mm^2) wire, I had to stuff the barrel with 4x original cable size. I cut off three extra lengths of wire and used cable ties to group them together with the wire. It is very packed. Then I used a crimping tool in the 25mm^2 setting.
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### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/16 "2026-06-18T20:07:02Z")
I have also made some progress with the board. I glued the XPS foam sheets together with polyurethane foam. It foams up when you spray it with water. I did that to the second board but it was more of a disadvantage.
The sides were cutout with a diy hot wire cutter using nichrome wire and a lab PSU. I discovered that support on both sides is crucial. I used aluminium profiles on both sides in order to cut straight. Then I made two plywood templates with a spline profile on one side, and a radius on the other side.
Next step is to make a radius to round of every edge except the trailing bottom edge.
---
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2026, 8:34pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/17 "2026-06-18T20:34:08Z")
I have designed a spacer from the motor to the propeller, and a tailcone for the propeller. They are precisely streamlined with tangent splines from every edge. There is only 0.5mm of tolerance between the propeller and the spacer. I hope that they will not contact under load. The spacer is mounted with three M4 screws. The tailcone is designed with a thread for the flipsky shaft and has a hole for easy screwing.
I had to buy a propeller puller tool because my propeller was drilled out with a 11.9mm drill instead of 12mm.
Everything is printed out of ABS except the propeller pin spacers, which are out of TPU.
---
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2026, 11:37am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/18 "2026-06-19T11:37:31Z")
Gong Ascent V3
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### Author:  [@iasen\_vak](https://foil.zone/u/iasen_vak)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2026, 4:14pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/19 "2026-06-21T16:14:05Z")
The new Daly series (blue housing with built-in Bluetooth), balance with 1A current and I am very happy with them. I have two 150 A in the batteries for the efoil and one smaller one for the skateboard. And the application they made is very decent… I have not used the wifi module, I consider it unnecessary.
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### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2026, 9:57am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/20 "2026-07-19T09:57:16Z")
A motor mount that clamps to the mast was designed. It is assembled with 4x M5 A4 threaded rods and nuts. The nose cone has a screw hole combined with a water cooling channel. The side hatch is secured with 4x M3 countersunk screws for easy access. The assembly was printed in ABS with 4 perimeters and 30% gyroid infill.
Four holes were drilled in the mast and sealed with SikaFlex 291i.
---
### Author:  [@UppfinnarAXEL](https://foil.zone/u/UppfinnarAXEL)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2026, 9:59am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/2x-budget-efoil-builds-from-sweden/26310/21 "2026-07-19T09:59:22Z")
I filled the motor with 70ml of paraffin oil using a meat injector.
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