Stepped Hull Patents (Class 114/291)
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Patent number: 11649014Abstract: A hydrofoil watercraft, in particular, a hydrofoil board is described herein. The hydrofoil board may comprise one or more of a body, a hydrofoil assembly, and/or other components. The body may have one or more of a deck surface configured to support a rider, a bottom surface opposite the deck surface, and/or other surfaces and/or features. The body may comprise a fore portion having a planing surface forming part of the bottom surface. The body may have an aft portion having an aft bottom surface forming part of the bottom surface. The fore portion may be toward a front end of the board. The aft portion may be toward a rear end of the board. An aft cross-sectional thickness between the deck surface and the aft bottom surface may be less than a fore cross-sectional thickness between the deck surface and the planing surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Forward Maui LLCInventor: Keith Teboul
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Patent number: 11618533Abstract: Catamaran boat hulls are described having sponsons, an underside tunnel surface between sponsons, two longitudinal steps disposed across each sponson's keel, and two transverse steps disposed lengthwise on opposing sides of each sponson's keel. The longitudinal steps for a sponson have a profile with a curved longitudinal step portion on the opposing outer edges with an outer edge portion of that curved longitudinal step portion being further away from the sponson's aft section, and an inward step edge offset where each of the two longitudinal steps meets a hull side of the sponson. The transverse steps help define variable deadrise inner lifting pad running portion with a lower deadrise aft transitioning to a higher deadrise forward. Spray rails protruding off the aft end of an underside wave splitter and away from the boat hull's centerline help manage undesired spray and use of radiused chines enhances lift and landing performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2022Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: FISH SEAN VENTURES, LLCInventor: Sean Monahan
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Patent number: 11001343Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating and sliding boat boarding door mechanism configured to aid the vessel's occupants in their ingress and egress to and from the vessel. More particularly, the present invention provides a rotating and sliding boat boarding door assembly and system that slidingly moves into a recess in the vessel's exterior (e.g., side, transom, and/or gunwale) that has been configured to receive and maintain the boarding door assembly in a position where it is out of sight when fully recessed.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: The Hinckley CompanyInventors: Scott Bryant, Keith Attee, Tom Buerkle
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Patent number: 10647389Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating and sliding boat boarding door mechanism configured to aid the vessel's occupants in their ingress and egress to and from the vessel. More particularly, the present invention provides a rotating and sliding boat boarding door assembly and system that slidingly moves into a recess in the vessel's exterior (e.g., side, transom, and/or gunwale) that has been configured to receive and maintain the boarding door assembly in a position where it is out of sight when fully recessed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: The Hinckley CompanyInventors: Scott Bryant, Keith Attee, Tom Buerkle
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Patent number: 9376166Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sponson for a pontoon boat. The sponson has integrated chines and integrated splash guards. The sponson also includes a keel and deadrise surfaces on opposite sides of the keel. The sponson further includes an integrated keel reinforcement stringer within the sponson.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Larson Boats, LLCInventors: Leon C. Raiter, Ronald Sahr
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Patent number: 9038561Abstract: The disclosed watercraft hull has a flat pad keel whose width tapers towards the bow and its width at the transom is 15% to 25% of the hull's width at its chines. The hull is symmetric about its centerline, has a fine entry bow, a transom, and a pair of hard chines. Between the pad keel and the chines the hull has at least one pair of generally flat panels referred to herein as longitudinal steps having approximately 0 degrees of deadrize forming planing surfaces symmetrically located about the hull centerline. The hull also includes at least one pair of ultra high deadrize panels, outboard of and adjacent to the pad keel, located symmetrically about the hull centerline, and extending therefrom to the flat planing panels above them. The ultra high deadrize panels have a minimum average deadrize of approximately 50 degrees measured along their length.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Navatek, Ltd.Inventors: Steven C. H. Loui, Mealani Parish, Scott Yamashita
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Publication number: 20150114278Abstract: An improved watercraft hull providing stability and maneuverability in turns. The hull may include a longitudinal centerline extending from bow to stern, a first and second transverse air channel that are fluidly isolated from the rest of the hull, the first and second air channels separating the hull into a bow planing portion, a middle planing portion, and a stern planing portion, a first plurality of strakes protruding from the bow planing portion, a second plurality of strakes protruding from the middle planing portion, and a third plurality of strakes protruding from the stern portion. The hull may also include a V-shaped keel portion at the bow portion centerline, and a flattened hull portion at the stern portion centerline having a deadrise angle of 0°, the flattened hull portion being disposed between and directly adjacent to two adjacent longitudinal elements of the third plurality of longitudinal elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Ram Investments of South Florida Inc.Inventors: Ralph Torres, Robert S. Kaidy
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Patent number: 8950351Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventors: Randy Scism, George Scism
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Patent number: 8943993Abstract: Watercraft having a hull and a stern and including at least two additional floaters stretching out at the stern of a watercraft, wherein the additional floaters form a U at the stern of the watercraft, wherein the additional floaters and the hull each include bottoms and the bottoms of the additional floaters are positioned above the hull bottom, and wherein the bottoms of the additional floaters are stepped by one or more steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: Peter A. Mueller
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Patent number: 8915206Abstract: A T-step hull form for monohull planing vessels includes a forward section, an aft section, a transom, a step, and a skeg. The step is transversely oriented and separates the forward section from the aft section, and the skeg extends longitudinally along the length of the hull form from the step rearwardly to the transom, dividing the aft section into a starboard tunnel portion and a port tunnel portion. The starboard and port tunnel portions are ventilated at their respective outboard sides, at the transom, or both. Vents may pass transversely through the skeg. Tunnel flaps may be disposed in each of the tunnel portions and are hingeably attached at the step to allow for adjustability of the step's geometry. The addition of the skeg, which extends from the step to the transom, provides additional longitudinal surface area for the hull form, and in turn increases lateral stability.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Frederick Charles Herrington, Mark George Hotary, George Benjamin Lewis
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Patent number: 8783200Abstract: A system for transforming a vessel hull to adjust to changing water conditions, changing the hull configuration to adapt to rough water, shallow water, a different draft or speed. The system transforms the vessel hull from a first configuration to another configuration by selectively pneumatically raising and lowering a plurality of integral sponsons that form the hull within seconds without removing the vessel from the water, even with the vessel underway. The system accommodates a multiplicity of engine designs, such as an outboard motor, a motor in a recessed position, a airboat motor or twin engines. A plurality of pneumatic cylinders that raise and lower the integral sponsons are controlled by a controller such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Control) located at a helm of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: Bennie Meyers
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Patent number: 8726823Abstract: A boat hull form includes a dual circular curved outer surface area that is circular concave relative to the plane of symmetry of the hull when viewed horizontally parallel with the plane of symmetry of the hull, and circular convex relative to the plane of symmetry when viewed vertically parallel with the plane of symmetry of the hull, with the hull outer surface area extending in a vertical sense from a lower area extending in a direction that tangentially intersects the plane of symmetry or optionally a plane extending parallel with the plane of symmetry on the same side of the plane of symmetry as the dual circular curved outer surface area and upwardly in a direction tangentially intersecting the waterline plane of the hull or a plane extending parallel to the waterline plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Mallard S.A.Inventor: Ossur Kristinsson
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Publication number: 20140096710Abstract: A hull for a planing type watercraft has a front lift surface, a high lift surface, and a back planing surface. The high lift surface is adjacent a rockered keel area and between the front lift surface and the back planing surface. The center of dynamic lift on the high lift surface is at or in front of a point which is 15% of the hull length behind a total center of gravity of the hull under loading. At least the back one third of the high lift surface is cambered, and a beam of the high lift surface is greater than two thirds of the maximum width of the hull. The average camber of the front lift surface, the high lift surface, and the back planing surface together is less than or equal to zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: K2 Keller Consulting, LLCInventor: John H. Keller
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Patent number: 8622013Abstract: A step shape in a planing hull for water craft and more particularly for sailboards, surfboard or PWC for increasing the lift in front of the step and decreasing it in back at high planing speed, which has dynamic lift directly behind the step when the hull is traveling at a transition speed between displacement mode and planing mode, but at high planing speed it does not have lift directly behind the step. The hull has increased speed because the lift behind the step at transition speed allows the position of the step to be moved forward and in one embodiment has cambered surface (9) in front of the step. This step does not go across the full width of the hull such that there is a continuous planing surface in front of the fins or other means, which it is desirous that they not ventilate, and fin or other means has more ventilation resistance in another embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: John H. Keller
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Publication number: 20140000504Abstract: Watercraft having a hull and a stern and including at least two additional floaters stretching out at the stern of a watercraft, wherein the additional floaters form a U at the stern of the watercraft, wherein the additional floaters and the hull each include bottoms and the bottoms of the additional floaters are positioned above the hull bottom, and wherein the bottoms of the additional floaters are stepped by one or more steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventor: Peter A. MUELLER
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Patent number: 8480444Abstract: A boat includes a hull, an inboard rotary engine, and a jet propulsion unit connected to the engine via a direct drive connection. The hull may be a stepped hull with one or more aft steps. A large, low, substantially flat aft fishing/swim deck is disposed above the engine and an exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system may vent into the step of the stepped hull and include a check valve that discourages water from backflowing into the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.Inventor: Robert F. Mataya
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Publication number: 20120291686Abstract: A watercraft hull has a flat pad keel whose beam tapers towards the bow and at the transom is 15% to 25% of the beam at its chines. The hull is symmetric about its centerline, has a fine entry bow, and a pair of hard chines. Between the pad keel and the chines the hull has at least one pair of generally flat longitudinal steps having approximately 0 degrees of deadrise forming planing surfaces symmetrically about the hull centerline. The hull also includes at least one pair of ultra high deadrise panels, outboard of and adjacent to the pad keel, symmetrically about the hull centerline, and extending to the flat planing panels above them. The ultra high deadrise panels have a deadrise approximately 50 degrees. Additional flat planing surface structures having approximately 0° deadrise are installed longitudinally on the hull between the pad keel and the hard chine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: NAVATEK, LTD.Inventors: Steven C. H. Loui, Mealani Parish, Scott Yamashita
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Publication number: 20120204780Abstract: A marine vessel comprising a hull having a wetted area when underway on a surface of a body of water, a series of spaced transducer sections positioned in the wetted area of the hull, and an acoustic generator to energize the transducers to produce acoustic waves having an intensity sufficient to nucleate cavitation upon cavitation nuclei suspended in the water medium. Suspended cavitation nuclei include entrained gases, particulate matter, microbubbles formed from wind-blown breaking waves, and/or phase-boundaries at gas-water or solid-water interfaces in the water medium. The intensity, duty cycle and/or frequency of the acoustic waves are determined and/or regulated according to water conditions to produce microcavitation bubbles in the boundary layer between fifty and two hundred microns in size or to optimally reduce drag. An operator or controller may dynamically regulate the frequency, intensity, and/or duty cycle of acoustic waves according to vessel speed and/or sea surface conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Lawrence Harbin
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Patent number: 8240268Abstract: A watercraft (99) having a stepped hull (100) including a forward hull portion (103), a first stepped hull portion (106), and optionally a second stepped hull portion (108). Outboard ram air fins (120) extend outwardly from the hull and downwardly along the stepped hull portions. Outboard strakes (110, 112) are fixed to the stepped hull portions, and may be tapered to define ports thereto. During planing operation the channels defined by the fins compress the incoming air which is thereby at least partially forced under the stepped hull portion. In level operation the flow through the channels tends to keep the stepped hull portions in good contact with the water.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Safe Boats International L.L.C.Inventor: William M. Hansen
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Patent number: 8210116Abstract: An engine-powered watercraft includes three parallel hulls, namely a center hull with two or more transverse steps, and two smaller outer hulls or amas on either side of the center hull that are configured to form two vent ducts on either side of the center hull, disposed between the center hull sides and the amas. The amas, steps and vent ducts are disposed along the length of the watercraft and are configured to enable high speed capability and to facilitate pressurization of the vent ducts. The pressurized vent duct maximizes ventilation of the running bottom of the watercraft so as to improve efficiency and to reduce drag thereon. The pressurized vent duct creates an area of lift at the widest, aft-most points of the running bottom, which thereby results in improving the transverse and longitudinal stability of the watercraft and in reducing the trim for better seakeeping.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Navatek, Ltd.Inventors: Lorne F. Campbell, Steven C. H. Loui, Mealani Parish
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Patent number: 8201513Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventors: Lloyd T. Hansen, John F. Hansen
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Patent number: 8135504Abstract: A method is disclosed that resolves a long-standing seafaring problem of how close to the wind to sail. Sailboats need a convenient way to determine the optimal heading to minimize the Tacking Time to Destination (TTD). Unlike Velocity Made Good (VMG), the method disclosed here allows route planning before the trip, predicts travel time on different points of sail, allows comparison of the optimal tacking routes, and also plots the different routes so that it is inherently obvious that a particular tacking angle is longer and more off-course but will arrive sooner because of the speed on that heading. These principles can be implemented with manual dials that define the distance and speed, to calculate the relative or actual travel time on a leg without using electronics. Software is also described that visually illustrates the current and optimal headings by calculating Tacking Time to Destination before departure.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Craig Summers
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Publication number: 20120042820Abstract: According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a boat hull that is an improvement over the state-of-the-art stepped hull. More particularly, in contrast to prior art designs, the instant steps are specifically constructed to have an opening/air passage situated on the side of each step. The air passage will be preferably placed on the side of the step closest to the surface of the water or farthest away from the keel of the boar. This feature tends to introduce more air under the boat, thereby reducing water drag on the hull and improving its overall performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: Kristian Brekke
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Publication number: 20110197798Abstract: A step shape in a planing hull for water craft and more particularly for sailboards, surfboard or PWC for increasing the lift in front of the step and decreasing it in back at high planing speed, which has dynamic lift directly behind the step when the hull is traveling at a transition speed between displacement mode and planing mode, but at high planing speed it does not have lift directly behind the step. The hull has increased speed because the lift behind the step at transition speed allows the position of the step to be moved forward and in one embodiment has cambered surface (9) in front of the step. This step does not go across the full width of the hull such that there is a continuous planing surface in front of the fins or other means, which it is desirous that they not ventilate, and fin or other means has more ventilation resistance in another embodiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: John H. Keller
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Patent number: 7997225Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.Inventor: Robert F. Mataya
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Patent number: 7992507Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: Parke S. Adams
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Patent number: 7845301Abstract: A boat hull has an aft swept ventilated area in at least a part of its bottom planing surface. An aft swept water flow interrupter is positioned to project downwardly from the hull forward of the ventilated area. The aft swept flow interrupter has two generally angularly related legs or sections defining a 30° to 70° included angle, increase lift on the hull, reduces wetted surface area and improves the turning characteristics of the hull.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Navatek, Ltd.Inventors: Steven Loui, Scott Yamashita, Mealani Parish
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Patent number: 7845302Abstract: A boat hull has at least one generally transverse ventilation step formed in at least a part of its bottom planing surface open to the water. The step has a forward edge portion and a water flow interrupter is positioned to project downwardly from the hull forward of the forward edge of the step.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Navatek, Ltd.Inventors: Steven Loui, Scott Yamashita, Mealani Parish
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Publication number: 20100269747Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Lloyd T. Hansen, John F. Hansen
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Patent number: 7814853Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Inventor: Parke S. Adams
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Patent number: 7677192Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventors: Randy Scism, George Scism
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Patent number: 7597061Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.Inventor: Robert F. Mataya
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Patent number: 7549385Abstract: The boat hull includes a bow, a stern and a bottom surface which extends from the bow to the stern. The hull includes a bottom surface with a deep-V shaped portion extending from the bow to a hull point which is aft of the mid-point of the bottom surface, approximately two-thirds thereof. At least two steps, referred to as flat steps, are included in the bottom surface of the boat, between the hull point and the stern. The steps extend across a portion of the bottom surface. Flat pads extend from each step to the next step or to the rear of the stern. A decrease in the size of the entire hull, referred to as a hull step, occurs at the second or third step in the bottom surface of the boat.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventors: John F. Hansen, Lloyd T. Hansen
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Patent number: 7540252Abstract: An apparatus or integrated hull design to stabilize boats with V-shaped hulls. This invention includes a cavity affixed to the inside of the hull confirming to the shape of the inside of the hull. The hull has a step toward the rear of the hull to transition from the V-shape to an essentially flat shape. An opening is provided through the hull and cavity in the step. The cavity extends above water level and is provided with a cover and a vent. The design allows water to enter the cavity enhancing stability when idle or at slow speed and to exit the cavity when at higher speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Claude Carbonel
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Patent number: 7497179Abstract: A twin-hull catamaran boat or vessel comprising of four hydrodynamic pod sections connected with a mid-span recess on each hull that receives mechanically inducted gas or air for hull support. Each hull shape of the twin-hull catamaran configuration contains one V-shaped hull portion forward (bow), one mid-length hull cavity portion that receives pressurized gas or air therein (amidships), and one V-shaped hull portion aft (stern). The V-shaped bow portion creates hydrodynamic lift, the air or gas mechanically pressurized mid-length recess portion creates an air cushion to lift the hull in order to reduce wetted surface and drag on the hulls, and the V-shaped stern portion provides hydrodynamic lift to support the aft portion of the twin-hull catamaran configuration and also to provide an aft sealing body for the mechanically pressurized air or gas mid-length cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Global Maritime SolutionsInventor: Andrew P. Dize
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Publication number: 20090044741Abstract: The boat hull includes a bow, a stern and a bottom surface which extends from the bow to the stern. The hull includes a bottom surface with a deep-V shaped portion extending from the bow to a hull point which is aft of the mid-point of the bottom surface, approximately two-thirds thereof. At least two steps, referred to as flat steps, are included in the bottom surface of the boat, between the hull point and the stern. The steps extend across a portion of the bottom surface. Flat pads extend from each step to the next step or to the rear of the stern. A decrease in the size of the entire hull, referred to as a hull step, occurs at the second or third step in the bottom surface of the boat.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: John F. Hansen, Lloyd T. Hansen
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Patent number: 7475853Abstract: The present invention features a fluid flow regulator that functions to significantly influence fluid flow across the surface of an object, as well as to significantly effect the performance of the object subjected to the fluid. The fluid flow regulator comprises a pressure recovery drop that induces a sudden drop in pressure at an optimal pressure recovery point on said surface, such that a sub-atmospheric barrier is created that serves as a cushion between the molecules in the fluid and the molecules at the object's surface. More specifically, the present invention fluid flow regulator functions to significantly regulate the pressure gradients that exist along the surface of an object subject to fluid flow. Regulation of pressure gradients is accomplished by selectively reducing the pressure drag at various locations along the surface, as well as the pressure drag induced forward and aft of the object, via the pressure recovery drop.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventors: Darko Segota, John W. Finnegan, II
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Patent number: 7299764Abstract: The boat hull includes a hull body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the hull body is divided into a fore portion, a central portion and an aft portion, with a central recess being formed in the central portion and an aft recess being formed in the aft portion. The central recess has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional contour having a height and a width that both increase in the fore-to-aft direction. The aft recess has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contour and is in communication with the central recess. The aft recess extends in the fore-to-aft direction from a rear edge of the central recess to an aft edge of the lower surface of the hull body.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Wayne N. Davis
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Publication number: 20070261627Abstract: The boat hull includes a hull body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the hull body is divided into a fore portion, a central portion and an aft portion, with a central recess being formed in the central portion and an aft recess being formed in the aft portion. The central recess has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional contour having a height and a width that both increase in the fore-to-aft direction. The aft recess has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contour and is in communication with the central recess. The aft recess extends in the fore-to-aft direction from a rear edge of the central recess to an aft edge of the lower surface of the hull body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventor: Wayne N. Davis
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Publication number: 20070157866Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2006Publication date: July 12, 2007Inventor: Robert F. Mataya
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Patent number: 7201111Abstract: Boat hulls or assemblies have sequences of groups of downward-facing sections such as planing sections. A sequence includes a lowermost group and supplemental groups above it. Each group could, for example, be a pair, and the pairs could be port-starboard symmetrical. The lower surface is shaped so that the boat hull, in a series of speed ranges, planes on successively lower groups, planing on the lowermost group in the highest range. The trim angle can be between 3.0° and 6.0° in a speed range. The boat hull can be structured so that, when planing on one of the groups, the next higher group dries out. For example, each pair of sections can have an outward angle not smaller than the next inward pair's. The lowermost group can have a maximum width approximately equal to an ideal beam width for a set of displacement characteristics and its target maximum speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventor: Jerry D. Burkett
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Patent number: 7093553Abstract: A watercraft with at least one onboard propulsion engine includes at least two hulls and a wing-like deck structure spanning the two hulls (a floating wing). Port and starboard skirts combine with the deck structure to form port and starboard planing channels. The deck structure includes an upwardly facing surface that slopes downwardly toward an aft end of the deck structure in order to provide aerodynamic lift. Preferably, a speed-responsive exhaust proportioning system vents exhaust at vertical steps in planing surfaces on the hulls to reduce drag, increase lift, and reduce thermal signature. One embodiment includes hinged laterally extending deck extensions that an operator can raise to reduce vessel breadth during docking, upwardly extending barriers on the deck extensions that reduce the escape of wind laterally, and hinged flap structures disposed rearwardly that enable an operator to adjust vessel trim.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: M Ship Co., LLC.Inventors: Charles W. Robinson, William F. Burns, III
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Patent number: 6983713Abstract: A watercraft with a propulsion engine includes at least one hull having an underside. A dual exhaust system includes a first exhaust conduit defining a first exhaust flow path leading to the underside (e.g., a step in a planing surface on the underside) and a second exhaust conduit defining a second exhaust flow path to atmosphere. One embodiment is self proportioning. In another embodiment, an onboard proportioning system varies first and second proportions of the exhaust flowing through respective ones of the first and second exhaust conduits according to exhaust back pressure. First and second valve mechanisms selectively restrict the first and second exhaust flow paths under computer or manual control according to pressure sensed by a back-pressure-sensing component in order to thereby direct the exhaust in desired proportions for enhanced operating characteristics and reduced thermal signature.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: M Ship Co., LLC.Inventors: Charles W. Robinson, William F. Burns, III
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Patent number: 6925953Abstract: A hull system for boats that includes pairs of longitudinally extending strakes with a cross-section that includes a downwardly extending fin member with an adjacent flat horizontal section to provide running and idle stability. Steps with a projected V-shape pint forward and include air inlets with the distal ends. Channels run adjacent to the drop off wall of the steps to trap air forming an air cushion that tends to lift the moving hull. The resulting hull system provides optimal performance while running and still maintains good stability from oscillation when idle. A peripheral chin has a substantially triangular cross-section that extends vertically downwardly inside the body of water over which the boat floats.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Inventors: Carmelo Batista, Salomon Alalu
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Patent number: 6923137Abstract: A water sports performance boat includes a hull having a sharpened angle keel for cutting into the water. Reverse chines are carried on port and starboard sides and extending from a forward portion of the hull to an aft portion for inducing a lifting of the bow at generally low boat speeds and for providing a stabilizing effect. Port and starboard spray pockets are located at the aft portion of the hull for reducing a side spray of water near the transom. Performance strakes are formed within the hull with each extending from an aft position rearwardly to the transom. An elliptical shaped dispersion tunnel formed along the keel within an aft most portion of the hull extends through the transom and provides a desirable wake shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Correct Craft, Inc.Inventor: William F. Waits, Jr.
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Patent number: 6868798Abstract: A watercraft includes at least one hull having at least one planing surface, at least one vertical step in the planing surface, and an onboard propulsion engine. An exhaust-venting system is provided for venting exhaust from the onboard propulsion engine at the vertical step in the planing surface while under way in order to introduce gas along the planing surface. The hull of one embodiment takes the form of an M-shaped boat hull. The invention also applies to any of various other watercraft hulls, including watercraft with multiple hulls such that each of the multiple hulls includes one or more planing surfaces with one or more vertical steps at which exhaust is vented.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: M Ship Co., LLC.Inventors: Charles W. Robinson, William F. Burns, III
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Patent number: 6837176Abstract: A vessel is provided with a transition hull that hydroplanes the vessel on a water surface at a high speed and displaces the water surface at a low speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: L. Keith Rogerson
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Patent number: 6782839Abstract: A hydrofoil (1) comprises a bottom (23) formed with two front and rear steps (3 and 4), and a strut (31) supporting a submerged hydrofoil (21) arranged between the two steps (3 and 4). The strut (31) can be switched between a storage state and a navigation state by its forward-and-backward rotation. A threshold value of dynamic lift (F) obtained by the hydrofoil (21) can be established arbitrarily, and the dynamic lift can be held to the set value by keeping the strut (31) in the navigation state correspondingly to the established threshold value of hydrofoil-dynamic-lift, thereby enabling the dynamic lift to be held at the established value during navigation. Moreover, based on draft (WL) or trim angle (TR) during the boat-berthing, a set value of hydrofoil-dynamic-lift and a set value of tilt angle of a propulsor (22) or a flap (22a) attached to the rear of hull can be accommodated.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Yanmar Diesel Engine Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeaki Nozaki
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Publication number: 20040103836Abstract: The present invention over-comes the prior art deficiencies by, in part, defining a hull bottom that decreases the total resistance and thereby reduces the propulsion power needed to propel a boat of a certain weight to a given speed. The invention separates the functions of the planing process resulting in a hull with staged longitudinal steps wherein each step consists of a fully defined hull underbody with a chine and bow and stern. Each intermediate chine describes a supplemental planing surface which is designed to lift the hull dynamically and to position the hull on the next narrower step that supports the weight of the boat and creates the forces needed to further lift the hull to the next narrower chine in two or more stages depending upon the size and weight of the boat to lift the hull to the central planing surface to achieve the desired top speed. The hull for each step is described by its chine, hull bottom, deadrise angle, bow and stern dimensions optimized to the “ideal beam”(Ref.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventor: Jerry Douglas Burkett
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Patent number: 6708642Abstract: A boat hull having an upper hull section, a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel elongated outer sponsons extending from a forward portion to a stern portion of a bottom of the upper hull section, the outer sponsons and upper hull section defining a tunnel therebetween; and an elongated center sponson extending along the bottom of the upper hull and positioned in the tunnel between and substantially parallel to the pair of outer sponsons and having a forward section with an upwardly extending trailing step wall defining an upward step in the center sponson, and an aft section that is located aft of the forward section, the aft section having an upwardly curved leading edge intersecting the step wall of the forward section. The upper hull section can have planar bottom.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Reflex Advanced Marine Corp.Inventor: Ian A. Taylor