Meet Mike Gable, a veteran boater since 1970, sailboat racer, boat builder, speed modifier, and visionary designer. Fueled by a desire for more than the standard pontoon boat experience, Mike embarked on a journey that would blend hydrofoils with pontoon, tritoon, and power cat boating.
The allure of pontoon boats is undeniable - spacious, stable, and versatile in sport. However, their historical limitations of slow speed, efficiency, ride, and performance especially in waves, chop, and unforgiving seas left Mike desiring more from the platform he desired to buy. Inspired by his extensive background in boat racing and design, Mike envisioned a new era for pontoon boats - one that fused innovation and tradition with the technology of hydrofoils. Twin hulls are a natural fit for a hydrofoil upgrade accessory. After the proof of concept was complete for pontoons, Mike kept pushing the "proof of concept" especially with his documented trip across the Atlantic to 2 seperate islands of Grand Bahama and bimini leaving from Ft Lauderdale in a 2085 AValon with a 75 hp etech engine. With this new proof of ride, and "Big Blue Water" testing came a lot of thought which prompted 19 total prototypes for testing which brings us to the next chapter.
His pursuit began with a napkin sketch, conceiving a hydrofoil setup to transform the standard pontoon ride into an efficient, high-performance journey. Nineteen total prototypes were designed and tested with the final version exceeding expectations. The "Newest" hydrofoil converted PHA, Inc's 75hp test boat from an 18 mph maximum speed boat to a 36 mph rocketship. These extreme top end speeds and higher cruising speeds exhibited remarkable quietness, and improving fuel efficiency. However, Mike set his eyes on a semi displacement hydrofoil that would transform a boat, but not so much that it would be outside the everyday boaters capacity of use. The journey to this point marked the birth of a revolutionary idea - the creation of a true affordable and adjustable hydrofoil kit made for the DIY'er in the USA from the highest quality materials that easily mounts and adjusts on both tritoon and pontoon designs.
Armed with years of expertise from the International Hydrofoil Society and in-depth study of hydrofoil design principles, Mike embarked on extensive prototyping and testing. Through dedication, innovation, and over 1500 hours of rigorous testing, he discovered the optimal size and for an "All-Purpose" extruded aluminum hydrofoil. Thus, Pontoon Hydrofoil Applications Inc. emerged, driven by the mission to redefine pontoon boating for all. After help from his friends deciding on a name for his new company, Mike ventured on the task of branding these new ideas. After much research VARA® was born, and became a registered USPTO trademark.
The culmination of Mike's journey is the VARA® Foil- a meticulously tested, "plug and play" DIY hydrofoil kit designed to elevate the performance of pontoon, tritoon, and power cat designs. Accompanied by a patent-pending VARA® STRUT hydrofoil support system, a VARA® PLATE outboard motor accessory Pitch Control Plate, and a custom-sized VARA® FOIL built to each boat make and model specifications, this comprehensive VARA® KIT package epitomizes hydrofoil innovation. This eco-friendly technology is poised to revolutionize the marine industry, providing unparalleled efficiency and performance at a very accessible price point.
With VARA® Foil Pontoon Hydrofoil Kits – Elevate Speed, Efficiency, and Comfort to Unprecedented Heights!
