Installing your Foil Drive for the first time can seem daunting. Your kit includes more components, hardware and tools than you may need for your specific setup, so working through the installation in the correct order will make the process much easier.

Grab your Instruction Manual, watch the full installation video below and work through each step before heading to the water.

For instructional video, see: Full unboxing and installation of Gen2 System

What's in the Kit?

Your system includes the components and hardware required to install your Foil Drive onto a compatible board.

Depending on your system and setup, your kit may include:

• Main Foil Drive unit
• Battery and charger
• Motor
• Motor Pod and sleeves
• Nose cones
• Controller
• Tee Nuts and mounting hardware
• Cable guides
• Battery grease
• Installation tools
• Spare O-rings, pins, latches and bolts

You may not need every component supplied with your kit. Hardware and configuration can vary depending on your board, mast, motor cable length and Foil Drive system.

1. Install the Tee Nuts / Split Bolts

The supplied Tee Nuts and Split Bolts make installation significantly easier by allowing you to secure their position within your board's existing tracks.

Your kit may include M6 and M8 Tee Nuts, along with small M3 locking screws, or M7 Split Bolts.

Taking the time to align the Tee Nuts correctly makes mounting the Foil Drive unit much easier and ensures the mounting holes line up when you're ready to install the system.

Not sure what length bolt to use? See: Measuring Bolt Length for Installation

2. Optimising Signal on Carbon Boards

Some full-carbon boards can affect communication between the controller and Foil Drive unit.

If you're installing your system on a full carbon-fibre board, the supplied high-density foam blocks can be used to fill the voids around the Tee Nuts.

Adding foam in these areas can help improve signal propagation through the board and provide a more reliable connection between the controller and unit.

This is not required on every board and is primarily recommended for boards with significant carbon-fibre construction surrounding the installation area.

For more information, see: Carbon Boards & How to Optimise Signal

3. Mount the Mast to the Foil Drive Unit

Once your Tee Nuts are correctly positioned:

1. Remove the motor protection plug from the Foil Drive unit.
2. Position the mast on top of the unit.
3. Insert the supplied mast mounting bolts.
4. Start all bolts by hand to ensure they are correctly aligned with the threads.
5. Loosely tighten the bolts first so the mast can seat evenly.
6. Check that there is enough clearance around the motor cable connection.
7. Once everything is correctly positioned, tighten the mounting bolts securely.

Do not fully torque the bolts before checking the motor cable connection and mast position.

Some foil mast bases can extend further forward or rearward than others, so the Foil Drive unit may need to be positioned within the available mounting slots to provide sufficient clearance for the motor cable.

Using a Carbon Integrated Mast? See: Carbon Mast Installation Guide

4. Install the Motor

Before connecting the motor cable, apply a small amount of Foil Drive battery grease to the motor plug O-Ring.

The grease provides a protective barrier around the electrical contacts and helps protect against moisture and saltwater exposure.

For detailed Motor Installation guides, see:

How to Install a Cable on a V2 Motor

Motor Plug & Bolt Tension

Using an Integrated Mast? See: Installing a V2 Motor on a Carbon Integrated Mast

Fitting a Propeller Guard? See: How to Install the V2 Propeller Guard

Never force the motor plug or screws. If the components do not align easily, stop and check the installation.

5. Install the Motor Pod

The Motor Pod secures the motor to the mast.

When using the supplied internal sleeves, make sure they are installed in the correct orientation for your mast.

For detailed Pod Installation guides, see:

Universal Mini Pod Installation Guide

Universal Mast Adaptor and Pod Installation Guide

6. Install the Cable Guide & Tape

Once the motor and Pod are installed, make sure the motor cable follows the contour of the mast as neatly as possible.

The supplied cable guide helps fill the space around the cable and improve the hydrodynamic profile of the installation.

Tape the Mast

A smooth surface helps reduce areas where water can catch and create additional drag.

Use suitable electrical tape to secure the cable to the mast from the pod down to the mast plate.

• Start at the leading edge.
• Keep the tape smooth and tight.
• Overlap the tape so water cannot easily lift the edge.
• Finish around the base of the motor cable.
• Finish tape in direction of water flow.
• Avoid covering areas that need to remain accessible.

Taking a little extra time with the tape can make a noticeable difference to the cleanliness of the installation.

7. Install the Battery & Nose Cone

Before installing the battery, make sure the battery terminals and connectors are clean and dry.

Apply Foil Drive battery grease to the battery terminals as directed.

If there is a gap under the nose cone, see: Nose Cone Rocker Foam

Battery Installation

1. Apply a thin layer of battery grease around the battery plug.
2. Make sure the propeller can rotate freely before powering the system.
3. Turn on the controller.
4. Carefully slide the battery into the Foil Drive unit.
5. Confirm that the battery is fully connected.
6. Check that the main housing O-ring is correctly seated.
7. Install the appropriate nose cone.
8. Close and secure both latches.

The nose cone should sit evenly and securely against the main housing.

Never operate or handle the propeller while the system is powered.

8. Test the System 

Perform a basic system check.

1. Make sure the battery is correctly installed.
2. Confirm the nose cone is fully secured.
3. Turn on the controller.
4. Confirm that the controller connects to the Foil Drive unit.
5. Check that the system responds correctly.
6. Keep clear of the propeller at all times.

When you're on land and not immediately preparing to launch, turn the controller off before handling the board or motor.

What's Next?

Learn: Water Etiquette

How to Be Mindful When on the Water – Etiquette

Watch: Foil Drive Masterclass Series

Watch the Foil Drive Masterclass Series

Learn: Foil Drive App

Configuring in the Foil Drive App

Need More Installation Help?

For more detailed instructions on individual components and installation procedures, see the relevant guides in the Foil Drive Help Centre.