THE ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF PASSENGER HYDROFOIL CRAFT IN U.S. DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN COMMERCE

On the basis of 4 case studies (Intra-Hawaiian Islands, Miami-Nassau, Seattle to Bremerton and Point Defiance, and New York-Atlantic Highlands and Tour) passenger hydrofoil craft appear to offer prospects of profitable operation in providing short range water transportation service in the U.S. Hydrofoil craft offer considerably higher speed (up to 60 knots for first models) and better riding comfort than other waterborne vehicles. Potentially successful hydrofoil routes are limited by competitive modes of transportation, market characteristics and favorable environment. The total costs of the hydrofoil service for the 4 cast studies ranged between 4 and 7 cents per seat-mile. These costs are higher than those of land vehicles and small boats, and of aircraft and large ships at long ranges; they are less than those of aircraft, large ships, and helicopters at short ranges.