Hi everyone,
I am planning to start my very first DIY eFoil build. To make sure I don’t miss anything or buy incompatible parts, I wanted to share my beginner checklist and get your expert feedback.
My background & goal:
I weigh 88 kg and I am already a wing foiler. I can fly consistently in a straight line, but I haven’t mastered the jibe yet. There isn’t enough wind in my country, so I want to build this eFoil to maintain my fitness, practice my foiling form, and finally learn how to jibe during windless days.
Here is my planned setup so far:
- Board: Gong HIPE 5.5 Inflatable (2023 version with footstraps)
- Electronics Box: MAX 430 case (Internal dimensions: 426 x 290 x 159 mm)
- Mast: Gong Alu V2 85cm Mast and V2 Fuselage
- Front Wings (I already own these): Gong X-Over XXL V2 and Gong Curve XXL
- Battery: 13S8P custom pack using Molicel INR21700-P42A (4200mAh - 45A)
- ESC: VESC 75200 (Watercooled version)
- Motor: Flipsky 65161 (Deciding between 100KV or 120KV)
- Remote: Flipsky VX3 (using UART for telemetry)
- BMS: JBD Smart BMS (200A continuous / 600A peak)
My main dilemmas right now:
- 100KV vs 120KV Motor: Given my weight (88 kg) and the fact that I already own XXL wings, which KV rating for the Flipsky 65161 would be a better match on a 13S system? I assume I need more torque to push these big wings, so would 100KV be better? Propeller Recommendation.
- Wing Choice: Between the X-Over XXL and Curve XXL that I already own, which one would be better to start with for eFoiling at my weight and experience level to practice jibes?
- Cooling on Inflatable: Since I am using an inflatable board, what is the best way to route the water cooling for the VESC? Should I go with a passive water pickup (scoop) near the motor/mast?
- BMS Bypass: For this setup, do you recommend running the discharge through the JBD BMS, or should I bypass it and connect the VESC 75200 directly to the battery (using the BMS only for charging/balancing)? I plan to use a 150A-200A fuse on the main line for short-circuit protection.
- Antispark Switch Recommendation: I am looking for a reliable antispark solution. Should I go with a dedicated electronic switch (like the Flipsky Smart Antispark 200A/300A) or is it safer to just use a QS8-S connector as a mechanical loop/kill switch?
- Motor Connectors (Waterproof Box Pass-through): Since I need to connect the 3 motor phase wires from the outside of the MAX 430 box, what are the best IP68-rated heavy-duty connectors you recommend? Is it better to use something like Chogori/CNLINKO 3-pin connectors, or should I use waterproof cable glands and make the connection inside the box?
- VX3 & VESC 75200: Are there any known issues or specific tips when setting up the VX3 remote via UART with this ESC?
- 3D Printing & CAD Software: I have an Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 3D printer and want to modify some of the existing community designs (like water pickups or mounts). Which CAD software do you recommend for a beginner to easily remix and modify .STL/.STEP parts? Also, which high-strength filaments (like PETG, ASA, or Nylon) do you prefer for water-facing eFoil components?
Any advice, corrections to my plan, or tips from anyone who has transitioned from winging to eFoiling would be highly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!