Titanium Foil

[ChristoffM]

O yes, big shorebreak and onshore winds is definitely one of those times when a foil is much more difficult to get going than any other board. I have had a number of days where I thought the onshore wind is strong enough, but I just could not get out past the waves. And the foil takes so much concentration in those conditions that one can easily cause the kite to hindenburg and get smashed in the shorebreak.

[swell]

Hi,

have someone tried to build a complete foil from aluminium? I mean the kiel, the fuselage and the wings. I thought of a 12 mm thick , 900mm long and 100mm deep alu block cut to wing design on CNC for the kiel, 30mm*40mm*600mm for the fuselage and a 8mm thick alu plates for the wings. I've found folowing aluminium material "AlMg3 Alu AW-5754" for reasonable price on Ebay, just curiuos if all that parts will be strong (and stiff) enough.
Any feedback would be apriciated!

[Hawaiis]

If you make one for yourself it's OK, if you make one for sale, you might infringe on Mike Murphy's patent on aluminum foil patent.

[swell]

It's for sure not for selling Just want to make one for my self to try it out, just thought it's easier than playing around with wood, carbon/glass fiber and resin.

[Hawaiis]

Just make sure your aluminum is marine grade, some cheap aluminum will not last very long in salt water.

[DrLightWind]

If you make one for yourself it's OK, if you make one for sale,
you might infringe on Mike Murphy's patent on aluminum foil patent.

I don't think so, if it is only the material claimed, that can be worked around I think,
especially if you're a smart inventor you could use a better alloy and combine with your own ideas
Just like a wheel if it is claimed round,
it doesn't mean you're infringing or can't invent another round wheel considering the prior arts.
That's the reason it is difficult to protect your own patent
Did you mean the Pat on the Pic

DrLW

[Hawaiis]

http://www.google.com.mx/patents/US20050266746
Mike Murphy basically cornered the aluminum market, that is why the rest started the carbon evolution.

[Laughingman]

I've been bringing up, asking about, posting links about aluminum foils from the start of the hydrofoil section, it was like pulling teeth to get any feedback from any of those in the know... And now I see why.... Carafino said metal kills.... But yet I've seen a photo of him using an aluminum foil... So now that I see this it's becoming clearer why... Aluminum may well be a better solution but since there is a patent stopping these foil makers from using it they down play it....? Possible...

[Hawaiis]

Aluminum was king in the 90s, but titanium and carbon is replacing it.

[tkettlepoint]

pete I have a alum one here if you wanted to check it out... it weighs a ton... I know I wouldn't want to get hit by it..

Terrie