Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses are provided for the reduction of hydrodynamic frictional drag. These systems, methods and apparatuses can include a vessel surface having an external layer and a plurality of dimples, wherein the external layer comprises a hydrophilic material, and wherein each of the dimples includes an inner surface having a superhydrophobic coating. The dimples can be configured to maintain an air-water interface as one or more fluids flow over the vessel surface. In some embodiments, a pressure reservoir can be coupled with the dimples, and can include an acoustic speaker to vibrate the air-water interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipe-like appendage for a sharp-edged pontoon of an offshore vessel, a pontoon structure comprising the pipe-like appendage and a method of converting a sharp-edged pontoon into a pontoon comprising at least one rounded-edge.

Abstract: A boat includes: a propulsion device configured to generate propulsion force for a vessel body from driving force from an engine; a detection unit configured to detect a current position, a bow direction, and a movement speed of the vessel body; a steering device configured to change a cruising direction of the vessel body; a steering sensor configured to detect an operation amount of the steering device; and a control device that is connected to the propulsion device, the detection unit, and the steering sensor, and is configured to acquire an operating status of the propulsion device and a detection result obtained by the detection unit and the steering sensor, and to control the propulsion device based on the detection result. The control device executes a turning operation with the propulsion device, when the operation amount of the steering device detected by the steering sensor exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cargo transfer vessel for transferring fluid between an offshore production facility and a tanker and a method for transferring the fluid. The cargo transfer vessel comprise a hull having a first and a second outer longitudinal hull side; a deck, propulsion means for actively maintaining the cargo transfer vessel at a predetermined distance from the offshore production facility and the tanker during fluid transfer operations and fluid transfer means for transferring fluid between the offshore structure and the tanker. The vessel is further characterized in that the hull comprises a main hull member and at least one protruding hull member arranged below the cargo transfer vessels water line at each of the outer longitudinal hull sides for suppressing roll of the vessel, wherein the at least one protruding hull member extends at least partly along the hulls longitudinal length, i.e. from the start of the vessel's bow to the end of the vessel's aft.

Abstract: A pontoon for providing buoyant force to a floating craft comprises a barrel having front and rear ends and a fin extending outwardly from an outer surface of the barrel. The fin includes a first portion and a second portion positioned rearwardly of the first portion. The first portion extends at least generally parallel with or coincident with a lateral, horizontally extending centerline of the barrel. In order to enhance stability, improve handling, and/or inhibit motor cavitation, the second portion is inclined downwardly and rearwardly relative to the rear end of the first portion. Also disclosed is a pontoon boat fitted with fins on the pontoons and/or on the transom.

Abstract: A jump seat assembly is provided having a seating panel which is cushioned on one side and provides a hard surface on the other side. The panel is configured so that it is supported by a seating surface support and the panel can be reversed to provide a cushioned seating surface and in the alternative, a hard surface to allow a person to stand on the panel. A backrest is provided for when the cushioned surface is facing upward to allow the jump seat to function as a seat. The backrest can be pivoted away.

Abstract: Personal watercraft and personal watercraft fabrication using a thermoforming process are described. The personal watercraft manufacturing process includes a set of molds, thermoforming equipment, and thermal formable materials. The process greatly reduces manufacturing costs, decreases manufacturing time, increases part consistency and tolerances, offers better performance characteristics and durability and results in less environmentally harmful deposits and waste.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle has a body and at least one of recesses and protrusions on a perimeter surface of body. The at least one of recesses and protrusions defining fluid impact surfaces. The fluid impact surfaces being at an angle to an intended direction of motion of the vehicle. The fluid impact surfaces are adapted to affect motion of the vehicle when the fluid impact surfaces are impacted by a fluid.

Abstract: A combination trim tab and interceptor comprises a housing and a trim tab pivotably coupled to the housing. An interceptor blade is reciprocatingly received by the housing. A cam is coupled to the trim tab and the interceptor blade. The cam is coupled to the trim tab by a link which applies a rotary force when the trim tab pivots relative to the housing. The cam is coupled to the interceptor blade such that the interceptor blade functions as a cam follower. An actuator actuates the trim tab to pivot relative to the housing. Pivoting of the trim tab results in the cam applying a force to the interceptor blade, causing the interceptor blade to reciprocate relative to the housing. The cam may be configured so a stroke of the interceptor blade and a stroke of the actuator are non-linear. The actuator may be an electromechanical linear actuator.

Abstract: A catamaran (100) which has a center tunnel (102), the opposite sides (105a, 105b) of which form asymmetrical pontoons (106a, 106b), which are mirror images of each other, and which pontoons (106a, 106b) have buoyancy, which has been adapted so that when the catamaran (100) moves in water, the center tunnel (102) functions as a combined water and air tunnel. When the catamaran (100) is stationary in water, the ceiling (108) of the center tunnel (102) is in water. The ceiling (108) of the center tunnel further curves in a cylindrically convex manner downwards when going from the bow (116) to the direction of the stern (118) only after an essentially horizontal portion (401) of a distance (d), which essentially horizontal portion (401) is located between the pontoons (106a, 106b).

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a stepped cambered planing hull for a boat including a swept back cambered planing surface having a non-linear distribution of camber. The non-linear distribution of camber along the swept back cambered planing surface may enable stepped cambered planing hulls having high deadrise (i.e., greater than 15 degrees). The stepped cambered planing hull may include a shaped hydrofoil that generates further hydrodynamic lift by piercing the free surface wake produced by the swept back cambered planing surface. The stepped cambered planing hull may have external bottom surfaces adapted at the after-body and transom to accommodate a distinctive profile of the free surface wake produced by the swept back cambered planing surface. The stepped cambered planing hull may include an adjustable interceptor blade to regulate hydrodynamic lift at low speeds or to ensure an optimal dynamic trim angle in a wide range of speeds.

Abstract: The invention is an air propelled boat that has a triangular shaped hydroplaning monohull which has surface adhesion characteristics by means of a concave bottom hull. The invention also has aircraft-like control surfaces (5,6) for safety and control at high speeds. The invention is the only monohull marine craft which produces aerodynamic lift without wings and has air based propulsion (4), air based control surfaces and a unique concave planing hull.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a body including a deck and a hull, the hull includes a bottom surface facing downward and side surfaces facing outward in a rightward and leftward direction, the bottom surface has a shape in which a width in the rightward and leftward direction is reduced from its center portion in a forward and rearward direction to its rear portion, in a center portion of the hull in a forward and rearward direction, each of the side surfaces includes an upper side surface and a lower side surface, the lower side surface and the bottom surface are connected to each other to form an obtuse angle in a cross-section viewed from a rear, and an inclination angle formed between the lower side surface and a vertical line is set to be greater than an inclination angle formed between the upper side surface and the vertical line.

Abstract: A watercraft is provided with a watercraft body and a storage container. The watercraft body includes a hull and a deck. The deck is provided on the hull. The storage container is attached to the watercraft body. The storage container includes an access opening and an annular sidewall. The access opening opens upward relative to the deck. The annular sidewall has an upper end, a lower end and an interior storage space between the upper end and the lower end. The lower end of the annular sidewall defines a bottom opening with a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of the upper end of the annular sidewall.

Abstract: A water surface transport means, comprising a bottom (1), boards (2), a deck (3), surge diversion grooves (4) and wave suppression diversion baffles (5), the surge diversion groove (4) being provided in a space between a bottom surface vertically recessed into the hull bottom (1) and the deck (3) and extending from the bow to the stern, with an arc-shaped transverse section and a top line of longitudinal section being lower in the front and higher in the rear; a top transverse section of the wave suppression diversion baffle (5) being arc-shaped and a top line of longitudinal section being lower in the front and higher in the rear. The water surface transport means can be configured as mono-hull, catamaran and trimaran.

Abstract: A hull form design which incorporates bi-lateral semi-sponsons disposed on either side of a non-stepped V-shaped center hull section. The semi-sponsons extend the entire length of the hull form and comprise protrusions extending away from the center section. The semi-sponsons are delimited by longitudinal steps extending below the hull bottom an equal distance from the centerline on opposite sides of the hull. This design is a hybrid of conventional “V” hulls and catamarans and improves the roll and turn initiation time of convention monohull designs.

Abstract: A wakesurfing boat for creating a wave suitable for surfing in the wake of the boat. A length to beam (L/B) ratio of 3.21 combined with a rounded hull bottom proximate the transom minimizes losses in the wake wave. Elliptical arcuate portions extending from starboard and port points on the transom to selected positions on the respective starboard and port bulwarks further minimize losses in the wake wave. The hull bottom defines an M-shaped portion and a V-shaped portion. A propulsion system includes an exhaust pipe projecting from the hull bottom below the waterline, with an exhaust opening forward of the transom. A propeller has a hub and at least three blades. A blade area, defined by a sum of the area of the blades, is larger than 70% of a disk area, defined by a sum of the hub and the blades.

Abstract: A wakesurfing boat for creating a wave suitable for surfing in the wake of the boat. A length to beam (L/B) ratio of 3.21 combined with a rounded hull bottom proximate the transom minimizes losses in the wake wave. Elliptical arcuate portions extending from starboard and port points on the transom to selected positions on the respective starboard and port bulwarks further minimize losses in the wake wave. The hull bottom defines an M-shaped portion and a V-shaped portion. A propulsion system includes an exhaust pipe projecting from the hull bottom below the waterline, with an exhaust opening forward of the transom. A propeller has a hub and at least three blades. A blade area, defined by a sum of the area of the blades, is larger than 70% of a disc area, defined by a sum of the hub and the blades.

Abstract: An air vent that passes from the deck of a surfboard through to its bottom. The vent may have a wide variety of shapes. The trailing boundary of the vent's lower portion is preferably inclined forward toward the surfboard's nose. The inclination serves to prevent water flowing upward. Instead, air is entrained by the water flowing across the vent's bottom exit and pulled downward. A portion of the entrained air flows rearward out of the bottom exit along the surfboard's bottom. This entrained air forms an air film between the board's bottom and the surrounding water, thereby reducing friction.

Abstract: A displace hull with a shape that is both laterally symmetric and fore-to-aft symmetric is disclosed. The hull includes a pair of channels that help to manage a flow of water around the hull. The hull also includes sponsons and propellers that are located amidships on the port and starboard sides.

Abstract: A streamlined amphibious, catamaran yacht is provided that may serve military or civilian purposes as a passenger or cargo carrying truck, limousine, bus, motor home or recreational vehicle on land, and extend those same functions on water, while matching the functionality and performance of similar length boats. The amphibious yacht includes a continuous reveal on the hull bottom from bow to transom that separates two asymmetric catamaran hulls. This reveal, or hull tunnel, may enhance sea stability and maneuverability, and create lift that helps the hull achieve plane and attain higher water speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is a water wings device used in combination with a watercraft that includes a plurality of water wings attached to the sides of the watercraft with attachment arms and directing fins that are placed into the water that the watercraft is traveling in. There is also an embodiment of the water wings device that includes a boat tail with a tapering protrusion that is placed into the water the watercraft is traveling in. Another embodiment is the water tail device that includes a plurality of water tails that attach to the rear of portion of a watercraft used in conjunction with water wings on the side of the watercraft that are all placed into the water the watercraft is traveling in.

Abstract: A boat hull configured to create a desired wake shape through a combination of two distinct hull types that interact with the water flow at specified moments. Controlled shaping of the wake shape is achieved through redirection of water flowing across the transom of the main hull, onto a secondary transom of a secondary “diffuser” suction hull that creates a negative pressure that sucks the aft portion of the boat hull into the water, thereby immersing the secondary transom into the water where it can effectively interact with the water and “carve” the desired wake shape desirable for wake surfing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods of utilizing hull arrangements that combine aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects to provide marine vessels with broader ranges of performance capabilities. The combination hull arrangements variously combine V-hulls, slot aspects, topographic features, and other hull characteristics that enable a vessel to retain the primary performance benefits of conventional V-hulls and achieve assorted improvements. Embodiments of the slot-V hull system employ specifically shaped hull characteristics to influence the manners in which water, air, and air/water spray mixtures interact with the vessel's hull. One principal operative effect can enable a vessel with the slot-V hull system to achieve a planing attitude more rapidly and efficiently than a standard V-hull.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifted fin apparatus comprising one or more lifted fin elements with foiled tin components for a reduction of pressure and drag and an increase in surfboard lift as well as a method of achieving surfboard lift through, the use of said apparatus. Generally, the lifted fin apparatus comprises two or more lifted fin elements exhibiting a foil design on one or more of the fin surfaces. The individual fin elements may comprise a substantially vertical fin attached to a first edge of a base member and oriented at a substantially 90° angle in relation to the bottom surface of the surfboard or to the first edge of the base member. The fin elements may further comprise an angular fin mounted to a second edge of the base member at one end and the lower portion of the first, fin at the other end. In said embodiment, a bend or elbow is formed between a first fin component of angular fin and base member proximate the point of attachment at second edge of base member.

Abstract: There is provided an item which floats in a body of water. The item includes a body having a surface provided to form at least part of the underside of the item and an opposing surface. The item includes apparatus comprising at least one channel which passes between the surfaces and allows the passage of water therethrough. A means provided to influence and/or be influenced by the passage of the water through the at least one channel to exert a propelling and/or controlling force on the item.

Abstract: A ship has a water flow forming path (3) formed in a bottom (2), and a propeller (6) disposed in the path (3) and a rudder (8) on a rear side of the propeller (6). A movable side of the rudder (8) faces toward a bow (1a). As a result of this, thrust increases due to generation of a rapid stream by the propeller (6) in the path (3), the propulsion performance improves and the steering performance improves because the rapid stream in the path (3) acts on the rudder (8). An outboard motor (14) may be provided with a vertical channel (13) in a stern (4) of the boat. Replacement can be made through the vertical channel (13). As the propeller (6) of the outboard motor (14) is recessed, it is possible to pull the boat onto the beach while leaving the outboard motor (14) as it is.

Abstract: A wakesurfing boat and a hull for a wakesurfing boat. The hull includes a bottom having a preselected length extending from a bow to a stern. The bottom includes a central ridge and port and starboard ridges extending below respective port and starboard bulwarks to define a substantially M-shaped bottom with concave portions to port and starboard of the central ridge. Port and starboard sponsons extend below the port and starboard bulwarks proximate the stern. A trim wedge projects below the stern. Two rounded stern portions are provided proximate the stern. In a dynamic surfing mode, with selectively-fillable ballast tanks partially or fully flooded, water flowing through the port and starboard concave portions, combined with the ballast, increases resistance to the hull, resulting in a larger wake wave. Water passing around the structural features proximate the stern is directed toward a convergent zone in the wake, resulting in an improved wake wave shape.

Abstract: An electrical generation system. A floating vessel is anchored in flowing water. Inlets in the hull of the vessel capture flowing water and direct the water to one or more turbines. The system is designed so that all flows are two-dimensional to the extent possible. The latter feature greatly simplifies both design and construction.

Abstract: A boat including a propeller tunnel portion formed in a hull of the boat in which a propeller rotates on an output shaft that extends from the propeller tunnel. A protrusion having a curved portion terminates in a tip portion. The protrusion extends from the propeller tunnel portion and the tip portion terminates near the aft plane of the propeller. The placement of the protrusion in the propeller tunnel portion can be shown to improve propulsion efficiency.

Abstract: A watercraft has an elongate hull having an arcuately shaped bow and a propulsion system including a flow generator coupled thereto. A shroud extends below a forward portion of the hull, and in combination with said hull defines a conduit therethrough with the flow generator positioned in the conduit. The arcuately shaped bow and the conduit in combination at least partially form a funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path for water flow induced by the flow generator. The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector and a Bernoulli thrust vector created by the forward-to-aft fluid flow of water flow along the partial funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path.

Abstract: An air vent for a floating board such as a paddleboard, which includes a tubular vent member that has an upper end and a lower end. A mounting supports the tubular vent member in a vertical orientation with the upper end of the tubular vent member protruding above an upper surface of the floating board. The tubular vent is mounted in a central zone comprising a central one third of the floating board, and along a crown positioned between a first side and a second side of the floating board.

Abstract: A keel pad is provided for a hull of a boat. The keel pad contains a main body and two fingers extending from the main body in a direction of a front of the hull. Due to curved shape of the fingers, drag is reduced allowing the boat better planing properties and greater fuel efficiencies.

Abstract: A ship has a water flow forming path (3) formed in a bottom (2), and a propeller (6) disposed in the path (3) and a rudder (8) on a rear side of the propeller (6). A movable side of the rudder (8) faces toward a bow (1a). As a result of this, thrust increases due to generation of a rapid stream by the propeller (6) in the path (3), the propulsion performance improves and the steering performance improves because the rapid stream in the path (3) acts on the rudder (8). An outboard motor (14) may be provided with a vertical channel (13) in a stern (4) of the boat. Replacement can be made through the vertical channel (13). As the propeller (6) of the outboard motor (14) is recessed, it is possible to pull the boat onto the beach while leaving the outboard motor (14) as it is.

Abstract: A wakesurfing boat and a hull for a wakesurfing boat. The hull includes a bottom having a preselected length extending from a bow to a stern. The bottom includes a central ridge and port and starboard ridges extending below respective port and starboard bulwarks to define a substantially M-shaped bottom with concave portions to port and starboard of the central ridge. Port and starboard sponsoons extend below the port and starboard bulwarks proximate the stern. A trim wedge projects below the stern. Two rounded stern portions are provided proximate the stern. In a dynamic surfing mode, with selectively-fillable ballast tanks partially or fully flooded, water flowing through the port and starboard concave portions, combined with the ballast, increases resistance to the hull, resulting in a larger wake wave. Water passing around the structural features proximate the stern is directed toward a convergent zone in the wake, resulting in an improved wake wave shape.

Abstract: An improved stern design for many types of small watercraft to eliminate “tail dragging”, porpoising, oversteer and “slide out”, improve longitudinal tracking, and provide faster planing at lower speeds. This hull extension, consisting of two buoyant sponsons extending astern of the motor output, supports the weight of the entire motor propulsion unit, extends the planing surface, shifts the center of buoyancy rearward, resulting in an ability to maintain an even fore-aft keel in a very lightweight hull. Under acceleration and cruising, high pressure under the extensions along with an improved center of gravity keeps the boat from tail dragging. Interior chines formed as part of the inner lower surface of the sponsons provide straight tracking under power, even without other hydrodynamic aids, and provide resistance to oversteer or “slideout” in turns. The long sponson extensions protect an outdrive system from contact at the stern or sides of the boat.

Abstract: A streamlined amphibious, catamaran yacht is provided that may serve military or civilian purposes as a passenger or cargo carrying truck, limousine, bus, motor home or recreational vehicle on land, and extend those same functions on water, while matching the functionality and performance of similar length boats. The amphibious yacht includes a continuous reveal on the hull bottom from bow to transom that separates two asymmetric catamaran hulls. This reveal, or hull tunnel, may enhance sea stability and maneuverability, and create lift that helps the hull achieve plane and attain higher water speeds.

Abstract: A watercraft that uses a hybrid hull that has two asymmetrical front hull sections that gradually transition rearward and form two symmetrical rear hull sections separated by a tunnel. The two front hull sections are longitudinally aligned on opposite sides of the hull's center axis and form a front pickle. Each front hull section includes a flat, vertically aligned inboard surface that intersects with a conical shaped span deck that extends along the bottom of the hull and terminates at a transversely aligned front landing door or front transom. The lower edge of each front hull section gradually curves rearward and downward forming a shape keel. The two rear hull sections are v-shaped longitudinally aligned with the two front hull sections with a narrow tunnel formed between them that communicates with the span deck. Formed on each rear hull section is a delta surface with a skeg attached thereto.

Abstract: The boat hull has an exterior lower surface with at least one step surface therein. A channel extends from the step surface to the bow of the boat, with an opening at the bow, permitting air to flow along the channel. A movable member is positionable within the channel, wherein the movable member and can be positioned at selected locations therealong, defining an adjustable additional step for the hull.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted airfoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted airfoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.

Abstract: A harmonic apparatus designed to affect the performance of waterborne vessels. The vibratory generator is tuned with respect to the fundamental frequency of the vessel at the onset of planning, the various wave patterns generated by the moving vessel and the kinematics of the vortex sheet. As the vessel moves through water, vibrational reactions occur that assist the performance of the vessel. The harmonic apparatus can be reconfigured to operate on several different modalities.

Abstract: A molded boat hull is provided having a channel forming member extending between a motor mounting transom and an aft riser that forms a step in the bottom portion of the boat hull. The channel forming member has at least one open side and at least an opening in another side to provide a fluid flow communication channel from the atmosphere to the underside of the boat in the step area. The channel forming member is formed as an integral part of the boat hull during forming of the boat hull by molding.

Abstract: A watercraft that uses a hybrid hull that has two asymmetrical front hull sections that gradually transition rearward and form two symmetrical rear hull sections separated by a tunnel. The two front hull sections are longitudinally aligned on opposite sides of the hull's center axis and form a front pickle. Each front hull section includes a flat, vertically aligned inboard surface that intersects with a conical shaped span deck that extends along the bottom of the hull and terminates at a transversely aligned front landing door or front transom. The lower edge of each front hull section gradually curves rearward and downward forming a shape keel. The two rear hull sections are v-shaped longitudinally aligned with the two front hull sections with a narrow tunnel formed between them that communicates with the span deck. Formed on each rear hull section is a delta surface with a skeg attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for mitigating the load impact on a surface watercraft and passengers therein, during high speed travel. The hull includes a damping cavity for mitigating the load impact on the surface watercraft. The damping cavity is positioned on a dry portion of an undersurface of the hull between a forward end and an aft end of the hull. The damping cavity includes a porous plate on the undersurface, and a deck plate within the hull body. The deck plate and the porous plate are separated by a gap, and an inflatable bladder may be positioned in the gap between the plates.

Abstract: A catamaran adapted for high speed travel includes a first and second hull, or vaka, disposed transversely apart from one another and interconnected by an intermediate structure, or aka. First and second elongate air tubes are formed in respective interior sides of the vakas. Each air tube is in open communication with a leading end of the vaka within which it is formed and has a uniform depth from the leading end to the approximate center of gravity of the catamaran. Each air tube depth gradually lessens from the center of gravity to the stern. Both vakas are therefore thickened inwardly toward one another at about the center of gravity to create a gradually increasing constriction in air flow beneath the aka. An exhaust area begins where the constriction begins and extends to the stern.

Abstract: The instant invention is a shroud/keel/rudder combination for use on a engine driven marine vessel having a vented tunnel propulsion system. The combination produces acceptable acceleration, minimal loss of speed, resistance to weed entanglement and optimized steering, in both forward and reverse, especially when used with surface piercing propellers.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism, for improving pressure resistance and hull vibration, includes a lower fin and an upper fin. The lower fin is disposed between a second station and a fourth station in a length direction of a ship and between 10% and 20% of a design draft from a bottom of the ship in a height direction of the ship, the lower fin being inclined at an angle of 20 to 40 degrees with respect to a design draught (or base) line. The upper fin is disposed between the second station and the fourth station in the length direction of the ship and between 30% and 60% of the design draft from the bottom of the ship in the height direction of the ship, the upper fin being inclined at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the design draught (or base) line.

Abstract: The boat hull has an exterior lower surface with at least one step surface therein. A channel extends from the step surface to the bow of the boat, with an opening at the bow, permitting air to flow along the channel. A movable member is positionable within the channel, wherein the movable member and can be positioned at selected locations therealong, defining an adjustable additional step for the hull.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods of utilizing hull arrangements that combine aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects to provide marine vessels with broader ranges of performance capabilities. The combination hull arrangements variously combine V-hulls, slot aspects, topographic features, and other hull characteristics that enable a vessel to retain the primary performance benefits of conventional V-hulls and achieve assorted improvements. Embodiments of the slot-V hull system employ specifically shaped hull characteristics to influence the manners in which water, air, and air/water spray mixtures interact with the vessel's hull. One principal operative effect can enable a vessel with the slot-V hull system to achieve a planing attitude more rapidly and efficiently than a standard V-hull.

Abstract: A multi-purpose expedition vessel having a aluminum alloy hull, where the aluminum alloy hull can have a aluminum alloy hull bottom with a deadrise bow elevated above a waterline, an aft portion comprising a stern, a port side, a starboard side, a central axis between the starboard and port sides. The aluminum alloy hull of the vessel can have a first plurality of lifting stakes secured to the port side of the deadrise bow, and a second plurality of lifting stakes secured to the starboard side of the deadrise bow. The aluminum alloy hull can have at least a first level disposed within the aluminum alloy hull, and the aluminum alloy hull can have a superstructure disposed on it having various structures, such as a stateroom, a steering station, or a floatation roof.