Abstract: A unitary aluminum watercraft is constructed from a single sheet of deep-formable aluminum by forcing a mold into the sheet to imprint the mold into the sheet and then forcing the perimeter portions around the mold. Excess sheet material is removed and than placed into a replica mold. A deck is installed and bonded to the interior bottom surface of the body by a structural flotation foam, such as urethane, to form a unitized structural beam which eliminates the need for a keel and the accompanying structural ribs and below-waterline rivets usually required.

Abstract: An improved, high catch yield pull-behind net assembly particularly designed for shrimping and fishing operations in shallow coastal grass flats is provided which actually causes aquatic life to move upwardly into the net, is completely harmless to the ecology of the grass flats, and can be unloaded on the go without interrupting the fishing and shrimping. In preferred forms, the net assembly includes an upright, inclined, elongated mouth, a trailing net secured to the mouth, and a vibratory, multiple-bar elongated roller mechanism located adjacent the underside of the net mouth for supporting the overall assembly; the roller mechanism repeatedly strikes the bottom in advance of the net mouth, causing bottom-congregating aquatic life (e.g., shrimp and flounder) to move upwardly and pass into and through the net. The net mouth is also provided with a plurality of spaced, depending, spring steel rods which effectively "comb" the grass as the net is advanced to ensure maximum catches.

Abstract: An end door for a trawling net has an open framework for clearance of debris and panel structure secured to the framework therebehind for providing the required resistance to keep the mouth of the net open while the trawl is under tow in fishing waters. The panelling deflects the water and debris laterally and rearwardly through a series of long, upright exits, thereby preventing deflection of the debris by the doors into the mouth of the net.

Abstract: An improved shallow draft boat useful for coastal fishing or shrimping operations is provided which substantially reduces drag and thus power requirements, and is so maneuverable that the boat can actually be turned completely within its own length without spinning out. The boat includes an elongated hull having an amidships, funnel-shaped motor well along with an axial trough extending from the well to the boat fan-tail; the trough is preferably of decreasing cross-sectional area along its length so that prop wash created by the motor is forced through a progressively smaller volume, thus producing an uplifting force adjacent the boat's stern. Hence, the boat may pass through very shallow water (as little as about eight inches in depth), at full power inasmuch as the boat actually rides upon the motor prop and flattened stern areas of the hull with very little draft.