Abstract: A piece of hull of a boat, vessel or other construction designed to travel over water, which piece is attached with devices to the rest of the hull in a manner that allows the pieces of hull to move relative to each other. The piece of hull is located partly or in its entirety in the bow half of the hull combination and includes at least an engine, a power transmission mechanism and a propeller or an impeller. The piece of hull according to the invention aims at minimizing as many of the negative features of boats provided with an engine as possible, such as the noise and vibrations caused by the engine, power transmission mechanism, and propeller, the shocks and violent movements caused by the action of the waves, the overturning effect of the headwind and the waves, frictional resistance, uncomfortable travelling position at low speeds, high threshold of planing, and poor steerability at low speeds.

Abstract: The invention is a displacement boat hull having the outboard surfaces of its wetted portion designed with a deep-V shape, and having at least one pair of retractable hydrofoil fins positioned in respective pockets along those outboard surfaces at a predetermined distance above the keel. When extended, the fins are positioned at fixed angles relative to the hull, and at least one pair of fins is positioned in proximity to the stern. In a preferred embodiment, a conventional deep-V semi-displacement hull is modified to increase the conventional maximum draft with an unusually steep angle (at least 30.degree.-40.degree.) for the initial deadrise from the keel upward toward the chine; and at least two pairs of fins are disposed on opposite sides of the hull, with an aft pair being positioned in proximity to the stern and another pair being positioned forward of the stern pair, preferably just forward of the boat's center of balance.

Abstract: Boat hull or attachment with a plurality of longitudinally movable elements. Presently preferred embodiments utilize wings or ski members which are movable and maintainable between multiple positions to adjust the operational characteristics of the boat. The wings extend from the transom longitudinally along the aft half of the boat and include upwardly curved foil shaped front edges to provide lift. The ski members will generally extend along a substantial extent of the length of the boat. Bottom running surfaces of the respective ski members may be varied in angular disposition to operatively simulate a plurality of hull configurations.

Abstract: This invention consists of a parent structure and a stabilized supported secondary structure with one or more supporting pressurized gas cushions disposed between them. Selective control of pressures in the supporting pressurized gas cushions insures that the secondary structure is maintained in a desired orientation regardless of the orientation of the parent structure. This particularly attractive for stabilization of passenger cabins in boats but is also applicable of trains, airplanes, and even non-vehicular applications where there is tilting or other movement of the parent structure. An attractive application is to gas cushion supported marine craft since such craft already have a gas pressurization system in place. A pressure regulating device controls pressures in the supporting gas cushions.

Abstract: A watercraft employs three or more supercavitating hydrofoils. The elements that connect the hydrofoils to the hull may flex to thus raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The relative motion between the hydrofoils and the hull is dampened by shock absorbers or the like. A control system operated by the pilot may apply forces tending to raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The stern hydrofoil is mounted on a support that also carries a power driven propeller and a rudder.

Abstract: A strut leading edge extension for a marine vehicle has an upper hull, a strut, a lower hull, and a foil. The strut leading edge extension includes a device for defining an extended strut leading edge, the device being adjustable to a plurality of positions including a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The defining device is disposed at a front portion of the strut. An actuator moves the defining means to a plurality of positions; wherein a directional dynamic stability of the marine vehicle may be controlled by the position of the defining device.

Abstract: A hull extension is attached at an appropriate distance above the hull bottom surface to the stern of a planing water craft so as to be at least partially submerged at subplaning speeds and totally unsubmerged at planing speeds, effectively increasing hull length at subplaning speeds while not affecting hull length at planing speeds. A "step" effect is thus featured whereby the hull extension is not in contact with the water once planing commences. Hydrodynamic and buoyant efficiency is increased by the hull extension at subplaning speeds and unaffected thereby at planing speeds. The hull extension also offers practical utility in terms of providing additional protection, deck space and mounting area.

Abstract: A convertible powerboat is provided which consists of a hull having a bow and a stern, a power source at the stern of the hull and a mechanism for altering the power source, so that it can be changed from an outboard motor boat to an air powered boat and vice versa. A hull module can also be installed to the underside of the hull to change the configuration of the hull.

Abstract: Presented is a way to stabilize and support a secondary structure, such as a passenger compartment in a moving vehicle, so that the supported or secondary structure remains substantially level and stable and mostly free of primary or parent structure undesired motions. Application can be to stationary parent structures or to vehicular parent structures such as boats, trains, aircraft, and the like. The secondary structure is stabilized and supported by a pressurized gas cushion. The pressurized gas cushion can be used in combination with gyrostabilizers and/or connectors that may be in the form of active or passive systems. Connectors may be in the form of simple ball and socket or hinge arrangements. The latter would preferably be positioned proximal the most stable and motion free part of the parent structure.

Abstract: The wave making resistance on a proceeding ship can be greatly decreased by providing the ship hull with at least one pair of fins mounted on the hull extending above and below the draft line, each fin being fixed at the front end line and the rear end of the fin outwardly extending making a certain fin-mounting angle of 2 to 25.degree. with the hull surface.

Abstract: An improved boat construction is disclosed in which a boat, having the typical elongated hull, bow and stern, has a bottom configured as a hydroplane including a transverse step spaced from the bow and stern. A well is provided in the boat bottom and extends from at least the transverse step through the boat stern and receives a powered impeller for engaging and pushing water backwards in a confined flow path within and beyond the well so as to thrust the boat forward. Vertical deflectors are positioned rearwardly of the powered impeller and are attached to the boat in the vicinity of the boat stern for engaging the backwardly moving water in the confined flow path so as to increase or decrease the size of the confined flow path of backwardly moving water emanating from the powered impeller. Immediately forward of the powered impeller in the well is a horizontal deflector which directs more or less water to the powered impeller.

Abstract: A boat comprising a tube-like hull (1), a hydrofoil (2) fixed to its front portion, a pair of wings (4) hinged to each side of its rear portion, a fin (20) fixed to its rear bottom portion, an out-board-type motor (9) provided in its center of gravity, and a steering lever (14) that can be rotated and also tilted. Rotation of the lever (14) causing rotation of the motor (9) and steering the boat. Tilting the lever causing lifting or lowering the wings (4). Each wing (4) has a float (5) fixed to its end. When the boat stops and at low speed the floats are in the water. When the boat at high speed an operator gives lift to the floats out of the water. At highest speed an operator puts the wings in parallel with the water surface and a ground effect is used. Central location of the motor contributes the boat to go into hydroplaning at low speed and gives lift to the rear portion of the boat using water pressure created by a propeller. The most controlable boating and efficient usage of motor power are provided.

Abstract: An improved watercraft and propulsion system is disclosed for moving a watercraft such as an amphibious vehicle or a speed boat from 0 velocity to speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour. Each watercraft includes water propulsion systems which are preferably pivotally mounted on or near the rear end of the watercraft for pivotal movement between a transversely aligned stowed position above the vehicle and an operative position within the watercraft and below the vehicle. Hydrofoils may be connected to the water propulsion system, and bow or transom flaps plus the planing hull of the vehicle aids in providing adequate lift when in the water.

Abstract: Hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull by means of foils to obtain enhanced lift and rough water stability. The method is characterized by defining an axial tunnel(s) intermediate the bow and transom of a catamaran hull or V-bottom hull modified with chine mounted aerofoils; positioning a flexible dihedral foil beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to obstruct and create a turbulence in the forward end of the tunnel, while cushioning shock and lifting the bow; and simultaneously enclosing the transom end of the tunnel with a foil, so as to compress the turbulence and lift the transom.

Abstract: Hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull by means of foils to obtain enhanced lift and rough water stability. The method is characterized by defining an axial tunnel(s) intermediate the bow and transom of a catamaran hull or V-bottom hull modified with chine mounted aerofoils; positioning a flexible dihedral foil beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to obstruct and create a turbulence in the forward end of the tunnel, while cushioning shock and lifting the bow; and simultaneously enclosing the transom end of the tunnel with a foil, so as to compress the turbulence and lift the transom.

Abstract: An amphibious boat hull is disclosed having at least three co-extensive, longitudinally disposed hull sections in which at least two sections, in a projected condition, have sufficient buoyancy to support the overall boat independently of the third hull section when the boat is moored or underway.

Abstract: A planing boat is provided having a variable configuration hull including two side panels hingedly secured to opposite sides of a keel panel. When the boat is sitting still in the water or moving at relatively slow speeds, the side panels extend generally outwardly from the keel panel providing the boat with a degree of stability. As the speed of the boat increases, and upon attaining dynamic stability, the side panels pivot upwardly thereby reducing the effect of impact on the water. When the speed of the boat decreases, the side panels return to their normal outwardly extending position.

Abstract: A sailing craft has a middle float and two lateral pivotable floats joined to it via struts and their joints. The two lateral floats each have two surface regions that can be brought into contact with the surface of the water. One surface region is embodied as a skimming surface and the other surface region is embodied as the outer surface of a displacement float. In a first pivoted position, the surface region forming the outer surface of the displacement float becomes operative at the surface of the water. In the second pivoted position, the surface region acting as the skimming surface becomes operative at the surface of the water.

Abstract: Apparatus for pivotally mounting a structure on a boat hull for pivotal movement between a position wherein the structure extends downwardly into the water and a retracted position. The apparatus includes a first hinge member adapted to be fixed to the boat hull, and having a pair of spaced apart flanges including apertures.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable amphibious craft useful for transportation over rotten ice, slush, snow, swamps, mud, short spans of lowland, rough seas, ships wakes, growlers and the like.

Abstract: A seagoing vessel is provided with a bow bulb composed of a main body, integral with the vessel's hull and a covering cowl member, which is swingable about horizontal hinges at its rear end. In fully loaded/stationary condition the top ridge of the cowl member just touches the water level. Remotely controlled power motors between the main body and the cowl will raise the forward end of the cowl, so it maintains contact with the occasional water level caused by damming due to the speed of the ship in motion.

Abstract: An improved trimming arrangement is disclosed which is particularly suited for use with a craft having planing hull with a marine drive. In one embodiment, the trimming arrangement includes a submerged trim hydrofoil which is affixed to the drive housing of the drive system beneath the screw propeller drive shaft. So that the efficiency of the planing hull and drive system are improved at hull-planing speeds, the trim hydrofoil is positioned to create a downward force component of the stern of the planing hull during forward movement through the water. The bow of the hull is thereby urged upwardly, thus minimizing the wetted area of the hull and improving its efficiency. In a further embodiment, the trimming arrangement includes a selectively adjustable submerged hydrofoil pivotably mounted to the transom of the planing hull which is operable to provide the desired downward force component on the stern of the hull.

Abstract: A boat having a variable hull configuration. The hull operates as a displacement hull designed for low resistance at sailing speeds and certain operating conditions. The hull includes an aft section having a pair of surfaces displaceable to a position and attitude such that at higher speeds, under power, the hull gives lift to the stern to facilitate a planing action. In the sailing or low speed mode, these surfaces can be stowed against the hull, if in the form of plates, or they may be solid bodies, such as wedges retracted into the hull by hand, mechanical, electrical or hydraulic operation.

Abstract: A windsurfing board with a hull, a mast and a wishbone or other spar for winging out the sail has side fin plates with lower stabilizing faces and an adjustment system for steplessly changing the level of such fin plates, or only producing two positions of adjustment so that such fin plates are under or clear of the water. The lower position under the water is designed for producing better planing properties of the windsurfer while the top position is used for sailing under only a light wind.

Abstract: A boat hull having a pair of water engaging parallel hull sections separated by a bridge portion, an intermediate water-engaging hull section being disposed between the parallel hull sections and underneath the bridge portion. An expandable bag being disposed between the intermediate hull section and the bridge portion such that the intermediate hull portion will be lowered and raised respectively as air is blown into and out of the bag.

Abstract: A surface vehicle has two wings, which are hinged to a wing core along axes extending along the wing center axis, to change the angle of attack, so that the trailing wing edges as extending towards the rear in converging configuration remain in a common plane and close the plenum chamber with reference to the (hypothetical) mirror image of the wing construction.

Abstract: A hydro-ski craft in which load alleviation is attained by reducing the effective wetted area of the planing surfaces at high speeds, and in which elongated flaps extending longitudinally of the craft are mounted to swing about longitudinal axes between generally horizontal planing positions and upwardly swung retracted positions. Spray control dams may be carried by the flaps to themselves automatically swing between inactive and active positions in response to upward swinging movement of the flaps.

Abstract: A boat comprising a main hull and an additional hull that is attached to the stern of the main hull. The additional hull is adjustable around a transversal axis relative to the main hull and acts as a trim plane. The bottom and sides of the main hull have extensions that overlap the forward part of the additional hull such that there is formed a flat, narrow and backwardly directed space between the extensions and the forward part of the additional hull. Air is sucked down under the additional hull through the space.

Abstract: A hydro-ski craft in which load alleviation is attained by reducing the effective wetted area of the planing surfaces at high speeds, and in which elongated flaps extending longitudinally of the craft are mounted to swing about longitudinal axes between generally horizontal planing positions and upwardly swung retracted positions. Spray control dams may be carried by the flaps to themselves automatically swing between inactive and active positions in response to upward swinging movement of the flaps.