Abstract: An airboat rudder that results in increased turning force on the airboat while also being easily controlled by the airboat driver is disclosed. Airboats can be configured to run on both water and dry ground. Many times, somewhat dry mud and some types of grass are very difficult to run over and will cause an airboat to get stuck. One way of getting an airboat free is to oscillate the one or more airboat rudders from a hard right hand turn to a hard left hand turn. Doing so creates lateral forces on the airboat from both directions at different times causing the back of the airboat to move to the side and slightly forward as well. The airboat rudder disclosed herein increases the amount of lateral force generated on the airboat without increasing the horsepower of the airboat engine, which is highly desirable.

Abstract: A boat includes a planing hull, a propeller, a main rudder, and a pair of flanking rudders. The planing hull has port and starboard sides, a transom, a hull bottom, and a centerline running down the middle of the boat, halfway between the port and starboard sides. The propeller is positioned forward of the transom and beneath the hull bottom. The main rudder is positioned aft of the propeller. The main rudder has a rotation axis about which the main rudder rotates. The flanking rudders are positioned forward of the propeller. One of the flanking rudders is positioned on the port side of the centerline, and the other flanking rudder is positioned on the starboard side of the centerline.

Abstract: A cruise or race boat sail able to create a straightening effect on the hull that is able to be configured, when used, to take the attitude, with at least a first portion having a first curvature, and at least a second portion having a second curvature, opposed with respect to the first one, where the second portion is the upper portion of the sail and includes at least two superimposed skins that can take different attitudes according to profiles having different curvatures.

Abstract: A rudder blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side wall and a second side wall lying opposite the first side wall, and a rudder blade hub, which is arranged in a connection space, for connecting a rudder stock. The rudder blade hub has a hub body including an inner bore for receiving the rudder stock, and a hub outer surface running in the circumferential direction, for the hub outer surface to be entirety spaced apart from an inner side of the first side wall and from an inner side of the second side wall.

Abstract: A pressurized, fluid-filled channel network embedded in an elastic structure, asymmetrically to the neutral plane, is used to create a deformation field within the structure by the pressurization of the embedded fluidic network, which can be applied in accordance with external forces acting on the structure. The deformation of the structure resulting from the liquid pressure and geometry of the network is related to a continuous deformation-field function. This enables the design of networks creating steady arbitrary deformation fields as well as to eliminate deformation created by external time varying forces, thus increasing the effective rigidity of the beam. By including the effects of the deformation created by the channel network on the beam inertia, the response of the beam to oscillating forces can be modified, enabling the design of channel networks which create pre-defined oscillating deformation patterns in response to external oscillating forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing for supporting a shaft, in particular a rudder shaft, or a rudder blade, by means of which bearing the bearing clearance or the bearing wear can be continuously monitored, determined, and optionally documented. According to the invention, for a bearing for supporting a shaft, in particular a rudder shaft, comprising a first bearing element and a second bearing element, wherein the first bearing element has a sliding surface for contacting the second bearing element in a sliding manner, and a measurement-value sensor having a wear surface for contacting the second bearing element in a sliding manner, the at least one measurement-value sensor is not pin-shaped.

Abstract: A boat includes a planing hull, a propeller, a main rudder, and a pair of flanking rudders. The planing hull has port and starboard sides, a transom, a hull bottom, and a centerline running down the middle of the boat, halfway between the port and starboard sides. The propeller is positioned forward of the transom and beneath the hull bottom. The main rudder is positioned aft of the propeller. The main rudder has a rotation axis about which the main rudder rotates. The flanking rudders are positioned forward of the propeller. One of the flanking rudders is positioned on the port side of the centerline, and the other flanking rudder is positioned on the starboard side of the centerline.

Abstract: A steering system for a vessel includes a tiller system having a tiller arm; a rudder system having a rudder; and a push rod system having a push rod linking the tiller arm to the rudder. Actuation of the tiller arm moves the rudder in an orientation providing directional control over the vessel.

Abstract: A rudder for as ship is described, comprising a rudder blade (10) which is fastened via a rudder stock (32) to the aft end (16) of the ship, where the rudder blade (10) is a rudder blade of the suspension type, comprising a first rudder blade part (12) and a second rudder blade part (14), arranged above and below each other, respectively, the rudder stock (32) is mounted and fastened to the rudder blade (10) and extends up into the aft end (16) of the ship, where the rudder stock is coupled at the upper end to a steering gear (20) arranged at the aft end (16) of the ship. An outer tube (34) is arranged about the rudder stock (32) where the outer tube (34) is fastened in the first, upper rudder blade part (12) and the aft end (16) of the ship, respectively, and that the rudder stock (32) extends through the outer tube (34) and down into the second, lower rudder blade part (14).

Abstract: A steering control fin for mounting to a trolling motor includes a skin formed into a substantially symmetric closed fin shape having a fin width. The skin has a first end surface contoured to match the shape of a motor, and a trailing edge having an anti-rotation interlock cut-out near the first end surface. A reinforcement collar has a reinforcement collar surface that substantially matches the first end surface. An internal support structure is mechanically coupled to the steering control fin to provide a structural support which maintains the substantially symmetric closed fin shape. An end cap skin is mechanically coupled to a second end surface of the skin. One or more mounting straps are mechanically coupled to the skin and each of the reinforcement collars. The mounting straps mechanically affix the control fin to the trolling motor. A method of maneuvering a boat or ship is also described.

Abstract: A boat includes a planing hull, a propeller, a main rudder, and a pair of flanking rudders. The planing hull has port and starboard sides, a transom, a hull bottom, and a centerline running down the middle of the boat, halfway between the port and starboard sides. The propeller is positioned forward of the transom and beneath the hull bottom. The main rudder is positioned aft of the propeller. The main rudder has a rotation axis about which the main rudder rotates. The flanking rudders are positioned forward of the propeller. One of the flanking rudders is positioned on the port side of the centerline, and the other flanking rudder is positioned on the starboard side of the centerline.

Abstract: A rudder mechanism for a marine vessel comprising of rudder that contains a first water flow surface essentially in planar form and an opposite second water flow surface essentially in planar form; a vertical rudder shaft that the rudder is linked by rotation around an axis that essentially extends perpendicular to the water flow surfaces of said rudder; and a drive mechanism for rotating the rudder around said axis. The rudder mechanism contains a rudder slot comprising the vertical rudder shaft and extending from the top section of the rudder towards the bottom section, wherein the rotatable link of the rudder and the vertical rudder shaft is essentially located close to the bottom of said rudder slot and is essentially linked to the vertical rudder shaft of said drive mechanism in such manner to exert force in the radial direction.

Abstract: A water sports board, such as a surf board, is described which has a rider operated center fin that is rotatably mounted on the lower side of the board which aids in steering the board. The central fin is rotatably moved by a center fin assembly that includes a driving mechanism such as a tiller or arm secured to a rotatable shaft passing through the board that is secured to the rotatable central fin. The rider uses his or her rear foot to apply a force to the tiller or arm which moves the tiller and in turn moves the center fin so as to steer the board.

Abstract: A one-person watercraft, with a unique design and basic innovative modular catamaran style structure that makes the craft transformable, and useful for different hybrid water sports. The watercraft enables the user to either stand or sit while providing power to the craft. The craft comes in multiple versions, and the user may provide power to the craft through elliptical movement, hand-driven levers or foot-driven pedals/skis while standing up and/or sitting down and moving in an elliptical motion. These turn a propeller, at the back of the craft. Embodiments of the craft utilize the Venturi effect (with a flexible drive shaft and a retractable propeller rudder system) to increase the propulsion created by water flowing through the propeller. The craft is designed to float stably to ensure users' safety, and may be used for leisure recreational activity, exercise, physical rehabilitation, transportation to travel across water, or any combination of the above.

Abstract: A marine vessel towing assembly includes a tow pin assembly housing including therein a self-contained horizontal roller cartridge, a self-contained vertical pin cartridge, and a self-contained hook cartridge, the tow pin assembly housing defining a clear path of removal for each self-contained cartridge from the tow pin assembly housing such that removal of each self-contained cartridge is conducted with an absence of contact with remaining self-contained cartridges of the tow pin assembly housing.

Abstract: A foldable seal comprising an elastomeric seal substrate and at least one molded-in stiffener plate embedded within the seal substrate. Also, a method of manufacturing the seal.

Abstract: A jet boat including a hull including a keel extending in a fore and aft direction of the jet boat, at least one jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull, the articulating keel arranged to pivot about a pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. A bottom surface of the articulating keel does not extend below a bottom surface of the keel when the articulating keel is parallel or substantially parallel to the fore and aft direction of the jet boat.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the heading of a ship during movements caused by waves approaching the ship from a stern direction by activating a control surface in a bow of the ship such that the control surface converts a water flow along the bow into a lateral force that opposes roll, yaw, or heeling movements and course changes.

Abstract: In a linkage device for flap rudders for watercraft, in particular ships, a first bearing housing includes a sliding piston and a first sliding bearing, and a second bearing housing includes a linkage pin and optionally a second sliding bearing. The first and the second bearing housings and/or the sliding piston and the linkage pin and/or optionally the first and the second bearings each have substantially the same diameter and/or substantially the same width and height.

Abstract: A ship for use at high speed and/or heavy seas having a single long and slender hull, a sharp bow and the aft end of the hull has a flat or slightly V-shaped bottom with at least one aft rudder, and at least one propeller or water jet for propulsion whereby the foreship has a draught that is equal or more than the draught of the aft end. The bow has a control surface that converts the water flow along the forward moving ship into an adjustable lateral force.

Abstract: Rudder group (10) for boats (100) comprising a rudder blade (12) releasably coupled to a rudder pin (11), the rudder pin (11) being able to rotate along an axis (A) passing on the plane of the rudder blade (12) to define the forward direction of the boat (100), the rudder blade (12) also being connected in a rotatable manner to a support element (14) fitted onto the rudder pin (11) so that the rudder blade (12), when released by the rudder pin (11), can freely rotate between a lowered position, in which it is arranged longitudinally with respect to the rudder pin (11), and a maximum raised position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the rudder pin (11), in which the releasable coupling of the rudder blade (12) with the rudder pin (11) is obtained through a connection element (13) that can break at a predetermined load to free the rotation of the rudder blade (12) with respect to the support element (14).

Abstract: A drift control system including at least one drift control device for use with a small boat to effect the direction and speed of drift of the small boat against the forces of wind and current comprising a rudder-like member adjustably coupled to the small boat by a mounting assembly including a first mounting bracket coupled to the small boat and a second mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the first mounting bracket by a coupling member and attached to the rudder-like member, and an adjustable locking assembly to selectively secure the rudder-like member in one of a plurality of positions relative to the small boat to effect the direction and speed of drift of the small boat against the forces of wind and current.

Abstract: A spring-loaded flap rudder or flap stabilizer adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship. In a geared version of the invention, the rudder or stabilizer includes a member and a gear including teeth. The rudder or stabilizer also includes a flap member pivotally connected to the member with a component, such as a spring, arranged to limit jamming between the gear and a movable flap gear. The flap gear includes a rod movably engaged in a socket of the flap member and gear teeth for engagement with the teeth of the gear.

Abstract: A boat is provided with a steering arrangement comprising a main steering system and control-surface subsystem. The control-surface subsystem comprises a control-surface assembly attached to the stern of the boat and comprising a trim tab pivotally connected to the stern of the boat, and a skeg rotatably mounted by the trim tab. The control-surface assembly further comprises a trim-tab operating arrangement for pivoting the trim tab, and a skeg operating arrangement. The main steering system and the skeg operating arrangement can be selectively set to operate independently of each other, or in coordination with each other, in steering the boat.

Abstract: In order to achieve improved properties for a fin for a rudder for water vehicles, the fin is at least partially made of a fiber-composite material. The body for the fin has one or more separated inner hollow areas which are filled with a filler material. The fin body has a front leading edge facing a rudder, a rear trailing edge facing away from the rudder, and stiffening elements arranged between both edges.

Abstract: In order to achieve improved properties in a rudder stock for rudders for water vehicles, at least the lower end area of the rudder stock to be inserted into the rudder and to be mounted in the rudder has a non-metallic material.

Abstract: An actuator (10) for use in controlling movement of a component (22) of a seagoing vessel comprises a cylinder (12) for coupling to a vessel hull (14) and an actuator shaft (18). A distal end (20) of the shaft (18) is coupled to the component whose movement is to be controlled and, in use, a control force (Fc) is applied to the shaft (18) to control movement of the shaft (18) from a first position, retracted, position to a second, extended, position. The actuator (10) is compliant in response to an opposing force exceeding a selected force to prevent or mitigate damage to the component (22) and/or the actuator 10 which may otherwise result from the opposing force.

Abstract: A trimmable rudder system for a marine vessel such as a planing power boat, the system including a pair of rudder assemblies, each of which includes a rudder blade movably coupled to the hull by way of a ball-and-socket joint. Each rudder assembly includes a rudder shaft that extends from the rudder blade through the ball-and-socket joint and can be rotated for rotating the rudder blade to steer the power boat. Each rudder shaft may be operably coupled to a pair of actuators configured to control trim and camber positions of the rudder blade so that the pair of rudder blades can collectively achieve a desired hull trim change, including listing control and planing control of the power boat. Steering position, trim position, and camber position of the rudder blades may be simultaneously changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rudder for maneuvering a ship-like object, the rudder comprising a main rudder blade having an upstream end and a downstream end, the rudder being rotatably mountable to the ship-like object around a rotation axis that generally extends in a vertical plane. The main rudder blade extends generally upright. The rudder comprises two generally upright extending auxiliary rudder blades connected to the main rudder blade by transverse plates. At least one of the transverse plates is oriented generally obliquely upwards towards a downstream end. The transverse plates thereby follow the orientation of the flow of water below the upwards receding aft body of the ship.

Abstract: A drift control system including at least one drift control device for use with a small boat to effect the direction and speed of drift of the small boat against the forces of wind and current comprising a rudder-like member adjustably coupled to the small boat by a mounting assembly including a first mounting bracket coupled to the small boat and a second mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the first mounting bracket by a coupling member and attached to the rudder-like member, and an adjustable locking assembly to selectively secure the rudder-like member in one of a plurality of positions relative to the small boat to effect the direction and speed of drift of the small boat against the forces of wind and current.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic steering control apparatus, including an autopilot, which enables a ship to turn around a desired fixed point as a turning center with a desired turning radius without being affected by an extraneous factor, such as a tidal current or the like. To achieve the object, a center position, a turning radius and a turning direction for turning are initially designated by the operator, a tangent to a turning circle at an intersection of a straight line from the turning center to a position of the ship and the turning circle, and a course of the ship is controlled to approach the tangent.

Abstract: A spring-loaded flap rudder adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship. In a geared version of the invention, the rudder includes a rudder member and a rudder gear including rudder teeth. The rudder also includes a flap member pivotally connected to the rudder member with a spring and a movable flap gear. The flap gear includes a rod movably engaged in a socket of the flap member and gear teeth for engagement with the rudder teeth of the rudder gear.

Abstract: A method of checking a toe angle of at least one port rudder (1) and at least one starboard rudder (2) of a ship, which are electronically adjusted via a control device, such that different toe angles are set for the at least one port rudder (1) and the at least one starboard rudder (2) and from which an optimal toe angle is determined, in real time, for each of the at least one port rudder (1) and the at least one starboard rudder (2).

Abstract: There is provided an automatic steering device with which an optimal duty ratio for achieving an optimal rudder turning speed at a cruising speed can be found simply and accurately. An automatic steering device 10 includes a correspondence acquisition component 24 and a duty ratio calculator 25. The correspondence acquisition component 24 finds a correspondence between a duty ratio and a rudder turning speed based on a first rudder turning speed while a steering mechanism 11 is controlled at a first duty ratio, and a second rudder turning speed while the steering mechanism 11 is controlled at a second duty ratio. The duty ratio calculator 25 calculates the duty ratio corresponding to a specific rudder turning speed based on the correspondence found by the correspondence acquisition component 24.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method relating to a tiller for steering a boat. The tiller has an elongated body proximally connected to a steering mechanism portion of the boat and cantilevered therefrom, terminating at a distal end that is ergonomically responsive to a sailor's manual steering of the boat. The tiller also has a navigational device, such as GPS, mounted to the body and thereby operably presented to the sailor at a desired viewing angle to facilitate the sailor reading an output display of the navigational device while steering the boat.

Abstract: A boat configured for rotating in response to passenger inputs such as rotation of a wheel or pumping a hand pump. The boat includes a hull with an upper portion for receiving at least one passenger and a lower portion comprising a bottom contact surface. Further, the boat includes a rider interface, provided on the upper portion of the hull, that is configured for receiving physical input from the passenger. The boat also includes a torque producing assembly with a boat-to-water interface provided on the lower portion below a waterline region and above bottom contact surface. The boat-to-water interface applies a force to water adjacent to the lower portion of the hull in response to the received physical input, whereby the boat rotates due to a resistive force applied by the water in response to the applied force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat propelled by two submerged independent wings actuated by means of a step simulator mechanism that imparts an vertical alternating movement to the wings, which are articulated around a shaft located forward of the center of pressure thereof, such that the wings assume angles of inclination that generates propulsive force in the upward and downward movements. In the analogous position of a conventional bicycle, the driver actuates the footrests while seated. A handlebar, connected to a rudder, is used to maneuver the vehicle. The catamaran configuration offers hydrodynamic efficiency and stability. When disassembled, the mainframe of the boat can be converted into a step machine, simply fitting a pair of dampers to the structure, which absorb and dissipate the energy generated during exercising. Thus, the present invention has a dual use—boat and gymnastics apparatus—and can be transported in the car trunk.

Abstract: An apparatus that attaches to a small boat designed to stabilize a first end of the boat against the wind while a trolling motor stabilizes a second end is herein disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a clamp that attaches it to the side of the hull and a moveable shaft that holds a large piece of plastic which is partially submerged under the water. The apparatus is positioned such that it is perpendicular to the direction in which the wind is blowing. As such, as wind pushes against the side of the boat, resistance will be offered by the device as the wind must push it against the water as well. It can be quickly raised and lowered as required by the needs of the boat occupants. These features provide in effect, an “anchor” which stabilizes the boat against the wind.

Abstract: A steering device consists of a towed steering surface or blade attached to a marine vessel by means of lines. It provides a method of steering the vessel in fluid. The blade is either rigid or non-rigid and may be supported by a framework. Control of the blade is by an attached lever/quadrant or by lines. Attachment lines and/or control lines can be configured according to the current invention so as to permit a lightweight construction of blade and/or light loads on the helm. The device can be designed as primary steering or as a form of emergency or reserve steering which can be deployed either with or without prior preparation of the vessel.

Abstract: Ship rudder control, so-called autopilot, includes a multiplicity of components connected with a bus interface to a CAN bus and via this also to each other. A further bus interface on each component of the control system is coupled to a separate, second bus, with the components being provided with unambiguous addresses and further information being assigned that mark the components as monitorable or non-monitorable. A device for emitting telegrams of component addresses and monitorability. A first comparator on all monitorable components start or switch off their own property as a monitoring component using the addresses of other components in received telegrams by comparison, and a second comparator on all monitorable components that use the number of received telegrams by comparison with the number of telegrams received on the other channel causing a change of the channel to that with the higher number of received telegrams under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A marine propulsion assembly comprises or consists of a marine engine, a pair of parallel laterally spaced propeller shafts and a pair of marine propellers with one of the propeller fixed to each of the shafts for rotation. Each of the propellers includes a hub and four equally spaced blades and wherein the hub has a forward portion having the shape of a frustum of a cone with a decreasing radius from a forward edge thereof to the middle of the hub and a rear or second continuous portion having the shape of a frustum of a cone with an increasing radius from the middle of the hub to the rear of the hub. The bases or larger ends of the frustums are of equal size as are the tops of the frustums.

Abstract: A rudder system for a kayak includes a rudder configured for pivotal attachment to the kayak and a propeller housed in and extending from the rudder. A battery is in electrical communication with the propeller to selectively power the propeller. The kayak system includes an input in electrical communication with the propeller to operatively actuate the propeller, the input being accessible from inside the kayak. A sensor is operatively coupled to the kayak to determine a relative speed thereof. A processor is in data communication with the sensor and propeller, the processor including programming to determine a necessary propeller speed. The processor is in data communication with the input so as to establish the desired relative speed of the kayak. The propeller includes at least two blades and the propeller motor is housed in the rudder.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an operating method in which a present steering wheel rotational angle is detected, and a steering wheel rotational angle variation is calculated by subtracting a steering wheel rotational angle in a preceding control period from the steering wheel rotational angle. Next, a steering angle ratio is set. A target steering angle variation is calculated by multiplying the steering wheel rotational angle variation by the steering angle ratio. Finally, a target steering angle in a present period is calculated by adding the target steering angle variation to a target steering angle in a preceding control period. A steering device is steered based on the target steering angle.

Abstract: A boat trim tab system having an automatic controller for positioning trim tabs to perform user selected preset functions or maintain previously used positions in response to real time operating conditions. The system is intended to be a stand alone system that is installed on a boat using a master control module to operate the trim tabs and a manual keypad to provide a user interface to the master control module. The system gathers real time data from a variety of onboard sources and uses the data to determine the optimal position of the trim tabs to enhance boat performance.

Abstract: A water vehicle moving on or in a liquid and including a flotation element (1) that is connected by a connection member (6) to a carrier (3), the water vehicle being characterized in that the connection member (6) is shaped so as to enable the carrier (3) to assume at least two positions, namely:—a raised position where the longitudinal axis of the carrier (3) and those of the flotation element (1) substantially extend into the same horizontal plane, the carrier (3) then being on the surface and capable of making up a central shell; and—a lowered position where the carrier (3) extends under the plane including the longitudinal axis of each of the flotation element (1), the carrier (3) then being submerged.

Abstract: A watercraft for transportation and exercise including a boat having an opening therein for permitting a person to be partially below the waterline and partially above the waterline. A sub-frame is operatively attached to the boat, the sub-frame having a lower position and an upper position. A propulsion device is operatively attached to the sub-frame for propelling the watercraft forwardly in response to movement of the person's feet, the propulsion device having a foot contact portion. The foot contact portion of the propulsion device being disposed a predetermined distance from the waterline when using the propulsion device in the transportation mode, said foot contact portion of the propulsion device being disposed in the water and a substantial distance below said predetermined distance when the propulsion device is being used in an exercise mode.

Abstract: A twisted rudder blade for a ship having a twist that is adapted to the configuration of the flow of the water in the region of the rudder blade if no propeller in operation is disposed in front of the rudder blades in the direction of travel of the ship.

Abstract: A stop member (74; 174) is affixed to an elongated rudder blade (16) near its top and projects forward beyond the leading edge of the blade. A frame (62) in which the blade (16) is slidable lengthwise extends along a portion of the trailing edge of the blade and forward along the opposite sides. A separate mounting block (12) has a groove (48) receiving a portion of the leading edge of the blade (16). A pivot component (82) is mounted in the groove (48) for engagement against the underside (78) of the stop (74) when the blade (16) is in a normal upright steering position. A spring (52) is connected between the mounting block (12) and the frame (62) to bias the frame toward a position in which the blade (16) received therein extends in an upright steering position. From such position, the blade (16) can be swung upward and rearward, followed by forward translational movement through the frame (62) and along the mounting member (12).

Abstract: A rudder assembly for a boat has a securing base, a rudder board and at least one engaging bolt. The rudder board is mounted detachably on the securing base and has a bottom and two rudder hooks. The rudder hooks are formed respectively on two ends of the bottom and are connected securely to the securing base with the at least one engaging bolt. The at least one engaging bolt is mounted detachably on the securing base and engages respectively at least one of the rudder hooks on the rudder board. Accordingly, a rudder board can be conveniently detached from the securing base even while an inflating boat is at an inflated condition.

Abstract: A rudder (1) for ships with a swivellable rudder blade (2) and a fin (3) hinged thereon as well as with a fin control device (S) having control elements which is placed outside the rudder blade (2) in bearing vicinity between a hull (6) and the rudder blade (2), it is provided that protecting guiding elements (L) are fixed to a ship part laterally from the control elements for the protection of the fin control against external influences such as pressure, stroke and impact shock.