FinX - Outboards that emulate natural aquatic creatures

From what I can tell this pair of young Frenchmen have developed at least three different kind of propulsion systems that emulate natural aquatic creatures.

I have seen somewhat related attempts in creating sound for audio loudspeakers, but I'm pretty much awestruck, and even more awestruck they found the capital investors and are living the dream. Looks like they were inspired by or borrowed from medical device patents.

First found out about them at the New Atlas link below, includes Youtube videos.

2024
Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust
Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust https://newatlas.com/marine/finx-biomimetic-electric-outboard/


2020
FinX: An alternative to propellers for boat propulsion
FinX: An alternative to propellers for boat propulsion https://www.boatindustry.com/news/32791/finx-an-alternative-to-propellers-for-boat-propulsion

2022
FinX: 6 million euros for membrane outboard engines
FinX: 6 million euros for membrane outboard engines https://www.boatindustry.com/news/41393/finx-6-million-euros-for-membrane-outboard-engines



2020


2023

 

It would be interesting to se a side by side study comparing it with traditional outboards.
Although it is quite innovative, even novel, I can’t see this rippling fin concept having a very broad range of power settings?

 

Even though I watched about half of each video the first sentence told me all I needed to know.
Do they expect any of those concepts to take the place of even a small outboard on an 8' dingy?

 

It was pitched well enough to attract a substantial grant, that's all that seems to matter.

 

Angle investors initially as I understood it, followed by real investors. I missed the grant part I guess.

Flexible membranes are susceptible to fatigue - similar to hovercraft skirts, but the manatees will love you in return maybe.

 

I agree fully about being kinder to marine life. Since we began powering boats with rotating machines we have not given much consideration to the creatures that live in the water. Around that time the sailing craft that had been fairly friendly to marine life began to get faster and vertical foils became the norm, which wouldn't be a nice impact at 20 knots, and now we have doubled that speed and added horizontal foils, just in case there are schooling pelagics about.

 

The pitch was compelling enough to secure a substantial grant, and that seems to be all that truly matters.

 

I have worked in projects funded by grants. They are often based more in the political climate than the feasablity. Those systems may be useful in very limited operations, but not realistic for general use. I have been boating since early childhood (66 yo nowadays) and have never hit an animal with a propeller or keel. In areas where there are manatees it is reasonable to slow down. Most marine life gets out of the way.