<div class="htmlview paragraph">The technical characteristics of hydrofoil craft are reviewed in this paper to the extent that they affect commercial operation. Certain conclusions are drawn in regard to the economy of these operations. A number of hydrofoil boats in use today in Europe, Russia, South America, and Japan are described. The specific problems of designing, building, and operating passenger carrying hydrofoil boats in the United States are discussed. Finally, a possible hydrofoil design for service in the United States is presented.</div>