Choosing the Right Motor Cable Length for Your Foil Drive System
Choosing the Right Motor Cable Length for Your Foil Drive System
At Hydrofoil Store — the UK’s premier supplier of Foil Drive products — we understand how critical choosing the correct motor cable length is to maximising your system’s performance.
When ordering a Gen2 system or Integrated Mast with Assist PLUS, you’ll be asked to select a motor cable length. With the introduction of the new V2 Motor, there are six length options — each suited to a different style of foiling.
What sets the Gen2 Foil Drive system apart is its interchangeability. This means you can change motor cable lengths to match your preferred ride style, conditions, or foil kit.
How the Gen2 Foil Drive Motor System Works
The motor mounting position is a matter of rider preference and foiling discipline. Installed by the Hydrofoil Store team, or by knowledgeable foilers following our guidance, the motor positioning allows you to tailor your setup like you would your “quiver” of foils.
Whether you’re riding flat water, waves, wake, wing or downwind, choosing the correct cable length ensures optimal performance with less drag, better lift, and smoother control.
Available Motor Cable Lengths
The V2 Motor comes in six cable length options, available through Hydrofoil Store:
12 cm (4.7 inches)
15 cm (6 inches)
20 cm (8 inches)
25 cm (10 inches)
60 cm (23.5 inches)
70 cm (27.5 inches)
Which Cable Length Should You Choose?
70 cm & 60 cm
These are the longest motor length options, perfect for flat water foil driving where the motor remains immersed and provides continuous thrust — akin to “e-foiling”.
Choose the 60 cm if you’re using a 70 cm mast.
Choose the 70 cm for a longer mast (80 cm+).
Clearance is critical: when selecting the extreme motor lengths (either shortest or longest), allow 10–15 cm of clearance for the propeller.
25 cm
This is a hybrid option. Ideal for riders who split sessions between flat-water cruising and wave riding, or for learners who want to limit how high above the water the motor positions.
The 25 cm motor sits low enough to stay submerged on small swells, yet gives you freedom to raise up and fly once you’re confident.
20 cm / 15 cm / 12 cm
These shorter lengths are designed for assisted foiling — where the motor gets you up on foil, then lifts out of the water for drag-free flight.
Suitable disciplines:
Surf foiling → 12 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm
Downwind foiling → 15 cm, 20 cm
Wake foiling → 20 cm, 25 cm
Flat-water pumping → 20 cm
Winging → 15 cm, 20 cm
The 20 cm is a strong all-rounder. For advanced foilers who want minimal drag, the 12 cm or 15 cm options are optimal — just note they demand higher precision (and benefit from a three-blade propeller).
Other Considerations
Propeller Type
Two-blade vs three-blade propellers — three-blade setups offer improved thrust and better grip in shorter motor configurations. They’re recommended if you run the motor at shorter lengths. 2 blade setups run faster and are better for chasing down swell , but don't offer low sped torque. So generally if you are heavier 90kg + and wanting to use smaller foils use 3 blades . if you are sub 80kg the 2 blade will do the job perfectly.
Integrated Masts SEE HERE
If you’re considering a compact, streamlined setup, the Integrated Mast option from Foil Drive is ideal. It pairs motor and mast into one unit for lower drag and cleaner installation.
Compatibility & Upgrades
Already own a Gen1 motor or mast? At Hydrofoil Store we stock conversion options to upgrade to Gen2. Ensuring compatibility means you can keep your foil gear evolving.
