Abstract: The complex shaped articles are formed by trimming, cutting and shaping a honeycomb core material to a desired size and shape, deforming the sized and shaped honeycomb core material at ambient temperature; permanently setting the shape and contour of the sized and shaped honeycomb core material; affixing side edges to the shaped and contoured honeycomb core material; and, bonding a fiber reinforced resin to the top and bottom surfaces of the honeycomb core material.

Abstract: A new cockpit unit and method for installation in a sailboat comprises a drop-in replacement cockpit of fiberglass reinforced resin that increases cockpit floor area by 255% and converts Cruiser/Racer into a Day-Sailer/Racer. The conversion retains all aspects of the sailboat required by the racing rules but affords greater comfort and maneuverability for the skipper and crew. As applied to the J-24 class sailboat, the new cockpit and installation method retain the structural integrity of the hull by retaining the bulkheads of the hull supporting the cockpit floor.

Abstract: A device for, and method of, handling and mounting a boat sundeck. The device includes a platform having first and second ends. A clamp structure is connected to the first end of the platform such that the clamp structure can be used to hold and move the sundeck of a boat. In addition, control modules are connected to the second end of the platform to aid in manipulation of the sundeck by the device. A lift connection location is positioned between the first and second ends of the platform and allows the device to be connected to an articulated boom.

Abstract: A stretch hull design comprises of a stern float and a bow float joined longitudinally to each other at some distance apart by a beam making an otherwise short floats a long correspondingly stable hull. Having a little mass toward the middle in the form of a beam, the hull is relatively cheaper to build per lineal unit of length and less subjected to the effect of the waves contributing to a better ride quality and reduces structural stress. It provides a large potential space limited only by the displacement of the floats and the length of the beam. The beam also acts as ballast, keel or centerboard preventing the craft from capsizing and facilitates the mounting of parts in enhancing the performance of the craft.

Abstract: An aluminum hull boat includes a running pad formed through an extrusion process. The running pad includes a lower planing element at least a portion of which is in contact with the water when the boat is at planing speed, and opposed sidewalls which attach the running pad to the boat's undersurface. The extrusion process efficiently produces a running pad that is highly rigid and uniform with relatively sharp outer edges that allow water migrating from beneath the running pad to break cleanly off and away from the running pad, thereby eliminating hydrodynamic drag and improving the boat's performance characteristics.

Abstract: A modular marine vessel has a variable hull and a plurality of boat forming modules including a bow section module, a load section module having a bow end and an aft end, and a bulkhead forming module is detachably connected to each bow and aft end of the load section module. The bulkhead forming module that is connected at the bow end of the load section module is detachably connected to the bow section module. Each boat forming and bulkhead forming module includes a topside section and a hull bottom side section. The topside section of each boat forming module has a shell gunnel portion, and the hull bottom side section of each boat forming module has a pivotally mounted bottom shell hull portion. The gunnel and hull portions of the load and bow section modules are detachably connected end-to-end, and sealingly juxtaposed the detachably connected bulkhead forming module to prevent water from entering the boat when the boat engages water.

Abstract: An aluminum boat hull is disclosed having an integrally molded bumper formed on the sidewalls that is securely attached and protected. The bumper is made of a first and second layer of foam covered with an outer protective layer. Formed on the outside surface of the hull sidewalls are a plurality of chambers formed between upper and lower longitudinal frame members and a plurality of intermediate frame members attached between the longitudinal frame members. Perpendicularly aligned and attached to the outside edge of each intermediate frame member is an anchor plate. Also formed on the inside surfaces of the upper and lower longitudinal frame members are upper and lower stiffeners. During manufacturing, closed-cell first foam is poured into the chambers to cover. An optional layer of fiberglass is placed over the outer surface of the first foam layer and allowed to cure. A closed-cell, second foam layer is then created over the fiberglass layer. A hardening layer is then painted over the second foam layer.

Abstract: A multichambered boat that is constructed upside-down on stationary platforms where flotation chambers are located in the perimeter portion of the multichambered boat. The perimeter chambers have a laterally downward sloping exterior surface that directs fluid downwardly and provides lift to the multichambered boat which creates a smoother ride. A fuel input line that passes through the flotation chamber to the fuel storage tank to provide convenient access for refueling the multichambered boat.

Abstract: A multichambered boat that is constructed upside-down on stationary platforms where flotation chambers are located in the perimeter portion of the multichambered boat. The perimeter chambers have a laterally downward sloping exterior surface that directs fluid downwardly and provides lift to the multichambered boat which creates a smoother ride. A fuel input line that passes through the flotation chamber to the fuel storage tank to provide convenient access for refueling the multichambered boat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molded boat hull with a novel structural stiffening system. The boat hull has a number of laterally positioned compartments molded into the inner shell with vertical partitions that are integrally welded to the outer shell and are interconnected to each other and to the transom. A keel plate and a transom support are molded into the transom, the inner wall, and a bridge along the longitudinal center line of the boat. A keel support beam is placed along the keel, connected to the keel plate, and adhered into a channel in the boat hull inner shell. A pair of stringer braces is assembled between the integral stringers to provide transverse stiffness of the boat hull.

Abstract: A hulls' shape of which cross-section is a section of a circle, thus retaining symmetry of its wetted surface (9) regardless of its rolling motion or heeling while under way. Shape that results in reduced weather helm effect, and more course stability on sailboats, as well as very low water resistance on vessels in general.

Abstract: A powerboat has a hull, keel, a transom, sidewalls, and a gunwale. The hull has at least one stringer on each side of the keel. An upwardly generally transversely oriented elongated structural member is secured to the transom. A lower generally transversely oriented structural member is secured to the transom in generally underlying relationship with respect to the upper generally transversely oriented structural member. At least one generally vertically oriented structural member is secured to the upper and lower transversely oriented structural members. The upper transversely oriented structural member serves to transfer a load from the transom to the gunwales. The lower transversely oriented structural member serves to transfer load from the transom to the keel and stringers. The powerboat may be a performance boat having the hull composed of outer and inner layers of aluminum skin with an interposed resinous foam material or a single plate.

Abstract: A method for building lapstrake boats without use of a strongback and molds, and without the need to cut bevels on the strakes. The two-dimensional shape of each strake is determined and the strakes are cut to these shapes. A groove, or rabbet, is cut in the bottom inside edge of each, but the bottom, strake. The strakes are fastened or clamped so the top edge of each plank fits into the rabbet in the bottom of the adjacent strake. This has the effect of holding the strakes in alignment. The joints are filled with epoxy or other cementitious material making a strong stiff bond. One or more frames, bulkheads, or other interior components may be inserted as needed to maintain the strakes in the desired shape.

Abstract: A wood grain printed film showing strakes, rails, screws, plugs and caulk is affixed to the outside of fiberglass hulls to provide the appearance of a wood hull boat. The film is adhered to the gel coat by cross-linking to provide a unitary, rigid, resilient structure with impact and abrasion resistance for protecting the gel coat and the watertight integrity of the hull. One or more clear seal coats applied over the wood grain printed film provides a deeply varnished look and beauty of a classic wood boat. The print on the film is designed and printed in a printer which is controlled by the same computer software with which the hull is designed so that the printed film matches the structure of the boat. The printed film is applied to the exterior and interior of the hull and to decks, bulkheads and hatches throughout the boat to give the appearance of a finished wooden boat while providing the added protection of a tough, impact and abrasion resistant film which protects the boat structures.

Abstract: A RIB (22), rigid-hull inflatable boat, includes an inflatable tube (24) having a general U shape with a forward end (26) at the bight of the U and trailing sides (28, 30) extending rearwardly therefrom along the legs of the U, and a molded plastic hull (32) within the tube and attached thereto. The hull has a lower surface (42), an upwardly facing deck (44), a transom (38), and a drain (40) through the transom. The deck has drainage channels (48, 54, 62, 70, 72) forming gutters channeling water to the drain. A removable floor insert (92) is detachably mounted to the deck and covers the drainage channels. Transom construction (120, 122) permits flexure.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed including an improved ride plate for enhanced handling, responsiveness and performance of the watercraft. The ride plate preferably has two grooves formed in the undersurface of the ride plate. The grooves are of continuous cross section, extend the entire length of the ride plate and are located behind the water intake duct opening. Finally, the grooves are strategically located to avoid the turbulent water caused by the water entering the water intake opening so as to increase the handling, responsiveness and performance of the watercraft.

Abstract: A rigid, inflatable dory and method for constructing the same. A pre-hull is constructed by attaching to a front end of a rigid, substantially, flat bottom a forwardly inclined stempost and, to a rear end thereof, a rearwardly inclined sternpost, and by attaching left and right garboard plank blanks to the sides of the bottom and to the sides of the stempost and sternpost. The stempost and sternpost are forced toward one another to impart camber and flare to the garboard plank blanks, as by connecting them by a taut rope, thereby converting the blanks into garboard planks. A hull frame is then constructed on the pre-hull, comprising longitudinally spaced apart ribs and laterally spaced apart stringers. A gunwale is attached to an upper edge of each side of the hull frame. An inflatable sponson is mounted exteriorly on each side of the hull.

Abstract: A RIB (22), rigid-hull inflatable boat, includes an inflatable tube (24) having a general U shape with a forward end (26) at the bight of the U and trailing sides (28, 30) extending rearwardly therefrom along the legs of the U, and a molded plastic hull (32) within the tube and attached thereto. The hull has a lower surface (42), an upwardly facing deck (44), a transom (38), and a drain (40) through the transom. The deck has drainage channels (48, 54, 62, 70, 72) forming gutters channeling water to the drain. A removable floor insert (92) is detachably mounted to the deck and covers the drainage channels. Transom construction (120, 122) permits flexure.

Abstract: A structural design method that supplies the needed internal structural strength for a boat hull that eliminates the need for a rib/stringer (horizontal and longitudinal) structural stiffeners in a boat hull.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a boat comprising a hull member including a gunwale having an outer peripheral surface, and a deck member including a depending peripheral portion including an inner concave surface engaged with the outer surface of the hull member with an interference fit.

Abstract: A method of molding a boat hull including a screw strip using the resin transfer molding process, the method comprising the steps of wrapping the screw strip with reinforcement, fabricating a rigid mold having a boat-defining surface including a screw strip receiving recess, applying gel coat to the boat-defining surface in a layer including a gel coated recess, positioning reinforcement having interstices along the gel coat layer and with an upper part of the reinforcement extending into the gel coated recess, locating the reinforcement wrapped screw strip in the gel coated recess to capture the upper part of the reinforcement between the mold and the reinforcement wrapped screw strip, and burying the reinforcement and filling the interstices thereof with a resinous layer to produce the boat hull.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiberglass recreational boat comprising a hull piece having a cockpit with a floor, a deck piece having an integral aft seat with the aft seat being arcuately shaped, and a gunwale. The hull piece and the deck piece are mated at the gunwale with the aft seat being suspended above the cockpit floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an improved hull at new building of and renovating ships and boats having metal hulls for accomplishing high finish, good heat insulation and good acoustic attenuation, according to which sheets or mats of cellular plastic are glued on to the outside of the hull with the use of a glue giving an elastic or viscoelastic glue joint.

Abstract: A boat having bottom and side panels. A yieldable diaphragm has a seal between the diaphragm and the panels. A motor mount on a rear seat board projects rearwardly and beyond the diaphragm to present a support for a motor. A sailboat has a rudder controlled by a tiller. Another motor mount is rotatably mounted on the sides of the boat so that it serves as a seat or a mounting panel for a boat. A diaphragm can be placed on the bottom of the boat and then shifted rearwardly so that tongues or projections of rubber on the bottom and sides of the diaphragm can be moved rearwardly and received in sealing relationship with forwardly facing, open end slots on the bottom and side panels of the boat.

Abstract: A recreational boat comprising first and second sheets of aluminum having respective first and second longitudinal edges, the first sheet having a first bend extending along a majority of the length of the first sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the first sheet, the second sheet having a second bend extending along a majority of the length of the second sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet affixed along the respective first longitudinal edges to form a centerline of the boat, a plurality of transverse ribs affixed to the first and the second sheets, first and second inboard vertical walls, and first and second narrow side decks each having an outer edge portion and an inner edge portion, the first narrow deck outer edge portion affixed to the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet and the first narrow deck inner edge portion affixed to the top of the first vertical wall, the second narrow deck outer edge por

Abstract: A recreational boat comprising first and second sheets of aluminum having respective first and second longitudinal edges, the first sheet having a first bend extending along a majority of the length of the first sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the first sheet, the second sheet having a second bend extending along a majority of the length of the second sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet affixed along the respective first longitudinal edges to form a centerline of the boat, a plurality of transverse ribs affixed to the first and the second sheets, first and second inboard vertical walls, and first and second narrow side decks each having an outer edge portion and an inner edge portion, the first narrow deck outer edge portion affixed to the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet and the first narrow deck inner edge portion affixed to the top of the first vertical wall, the second narrow deck outer edge por

Abstract: A boat hull includes a stern section known as a transom which comprises an outer transom wall, an inner transom wall spaced apart from the outer transom wall, and a core of syntactic foam comprising a plurality of microspheres encapsulated in a resin inserted between the outer transom wall and the inner transom wall.

Abstract: Methods for applying coverings to surfaces by casting at least a portion of the covering in a mould from a solidifiable liquid mix. The mould may be applied directly to the surface or to an already cast layer of the covering. In another embodiment an outer portion of the covering is cast in a mould and is affixed to the surface, or to an already cast layer of the covering, so as to define a void between the outer portion and the surface or already cast layer. The void is filled with solidifiable liquid mix.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic boat with a non-flat rear board.An inflatable pneumatic boat comprising a rear board (5) extending transversely and approximately vertically between two lateral floats (2), characterized in that the rear board (5) is a non-flat one-piece component and has two lateral panels (6), each connected to a float (2), and a central panel (7) offset to the rear beyond the rear edge of the bottom (4) of the boat.

Abstract: Pleasure boat with a sail or motor comprising a hull and a deck separated by an interface, remarkable insofar along the outlying perimeter of the interface on the hull and/or on the deck, it has one or more shaped indentations which, when the hull and the deck are brought together and assembled, are capable of defining a frame to receive elements forming a subframe and arranged so as to form portholes.

Abstract: A buoyant boat with a girder box is provided. The girder box maintains the deck part and hull part of the boat in predetermined spaced apart relation and allows the transmission of forces and stresses along the length of the boat. The girder box further enables an outboard engine or an inboard engine in the form of a propeller or hydrojet to be provided. A relatively resilient buoyancy part is provided in accordance with the structure of the invention which extends peripherally of the hull and deck parts to advantageously prevent entry of water into the boat while providing the advantages of design variability, stability and puncture resistance over inflatable structures.

Abstract: A vessel 1 has a transom 2 carrying a W-shaped (or two V-shaped) frames 3 symmetrically arranged about its median line. Thus varying sizes of outboard motors, mounted over the transom, for example in twos, can find equivalent arms of the frame 3 to abut against and are thus aligned and symmetrically mounted.

Abstract: A motor boat with auxiliary and main motors and having a transom with a pocket or recess constructed and arranged to receive and support an auxiliary outboard motor. The auxiliary motor is connected to a steering control in a helm control center which steers both the auxiliary and main motors. Preferably operating controls enable starting, tilting and steering of both motors and associated propulsion assemblies from the helm. Preferably, the operating controls include a cable carried in a sheathing attached to a steering wheel mounted in the helm control center and adapted to turn or move the rudder of the main motor and the auxiliary motor propulsion assembly to thereby steer the boat.

Abstract: A deck, gunnel, and two longitudinal hull plates, each having one longitudinal straight edge, are serially attached to one another with two interposed longitudinal bulkheads. After attachment of the gunnel straight edge to the curved edge of the deck, the deck is set at 45.degree. to horizontal to define the curved edge of the vertically positioned first longitudinal bulkhead by scribing a horizontal extension of the curved gunnel edge. The straight edge of the first longitudinal hull plate is secured to the curved edge of the first longitudinal bulkhead and the opposite edge is trimmed and secured to the curved edge of the gunnel. After placing the deck horizontally, the curved edge of the vertically extending second longitudinal bulkhead is scribed as a horizontal extension of the curved edge of the first longitudinal bulkhead.

Abstract: A recreational boat construction utilizes a hull formed of a thin gauge metal, such as aluminum, with the hull having an upper extremity to which are fastened unitary superstructure members molded from a plastic resin. The superstructure panels are rigidly fastened to the upper extremity of the hull and to the deck.

Abstract: The unitary deck insert (10) includes two longitudinal plank braces (14,16) which extend the entire length of the deck insert (10), and two beam members (20,22) which extend laterally across the deck insert. A portion of the respective lengths of the longitudinal planks (14, 16) and the beam members (20, 22) define an open cockpit area for the deck insert (10). Deck planks (13) extend outboard of plank braces (14, 16) as well as between the plank braces (14, 16) at the fore and aft ends of the deck insert (10), thereby defining the deck itself. The boundary edge of the deck insert (10) is notched to mate with the top edge of the hull (12).

Abstract: A boat transom and method of constructing same utilizing the outer skin of the hull and transom while still in the hull mold. A bulkhead is disposed in forwardly spaced relation to the outer skin of the transom and the space therebetween is filled with high tensile strength synthetic resin which may be of the polyester type blended with a suitable hardener. The resin includes entrained microspheres evenly dispersed throughout the transom body and ground fiberglass reinforced plastic scrap. The transom body is cast in a series of merging layers containing fiberglass reinforcing which extends in zig zag fashion from edge to edge of the transom body cavity and additional strands which extend in a skewed pattern. The bulkhead may be removed after the casting operation or may be allowed to remain in place. A further aspect of the invention involves the casting of a fiberglass reinforced synthetic resin transom body in a generally horizontal mold, or an upright mold, separate from the hull mold.

Abstract: A boat hull having inner ribs and outer chines interconnected by an inverted V-shaped planer surface and with the ribs and outer chines being pronounced at both sides of the stern of the hull and gradually disappearing as they converge and form strakes extending towards the bow of the hull. With the keel of the hull as level, the outer chines extend downwardly from the hull to be below the outermost extremities of the ribs.

Abstract: A lightweight monohull sailboat of length less than sixteen feet having a clear uninterrupted, full beam, deck area above the waterline of the hull of at least sixteen square feet. The sailboat is molded fiberglass or plywood construction including integral flotation chambers and having removable mast, sail and tiller that permit the sailboat to be easily loaded on a cartop by one person. The sailboat readily accomodates at least two adults for sleeping when launched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of boat construction wherein a metal hull, comprised primarily of aluminum metal and there is fitted thereupon a fiberglass interior supported along the exterior outer edge of the hull, with the interior defining a space for occupants of the boat, and spaced apart from the hull itself at points all except the exterior continuous edge of contact between the hull and the interior fiberglass lining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yacht. The yacht has a body, and this body comprises at least outer and inner skins formed of a resin material incorporating reinforcement fibers therein, and a formed styrol material as a foamed synthetic resin member filled between the skin layers. Therefore, the body is resistant to compression force, tensile force, and bending force, and well withstands the impact force of waves. By use of these materials, the yacht is inexpensive to construct and is lightweight so that good improvement in speed can be obtained.

Abstract: A decking system for a boat includes a deck substructure composed of aluminum cross members attachable on pontoons of the boat, and elongated aluminum deck planks being attachable to the cross members of the deck substructure in side-by-side relation to one another and thereabove to provide a deck platform upon the deck substructure. The planks include a pair of planks at outer sides of the deck platform and a plurality of middle planks therebetween. Each outer side and middle plank has a main platform-forming portion with a pair of opposite longitudinal edges thereon and plank-supporting rail and runner portions depending adjacent the edges of the platform-forming portion. Tongue and chennel portions are defined along the respective edges to provide mating between adjacent ones of the planks.

Abstract: A transom for a boat is made of a metal grid structure filled with a hardened slurry of glass microspheres mixed with a polyester resin, the grid being covered on opposite sides by layers of fiberglass. The transom avoids the problem of rotting which is prevalent in wooden transoms when they are drilled with bolt holes for receiving outboard motors or other similar equipment.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an engine-powered propeller-driven boat. The method involves first pre-assembling a propulsion system, comprising a plurality of separate pre-machined components such as a propeller shaft, a shaft support strut, and a thrust bearing assembly, on a main casting in a manner so as to assure proper fit and alignment of the components. The components are then disassembled from the casting, and the main casting is mounted on a hull mold in a predetermined position. The hull is then formed by laying up laminations within the hull mold around and over the main casting such that the main casting is made integral with the hull. Thereafter, the components of the propulsion system are re-assembled on the integral main casting so that the components, which now fully aligned, become part of the boat. The thrust bearing assembly includes a main housing which is isolated by a rubber laminate from the bearing housing so as to eliminate propeller shaft vibrations.

Abstract: A displacement hull is formed by making a series of cuts in a curves sheet or panel of semi-resilient material. At least one primary cut begins at one end of the panel, and extends in one direction for a substantial distance along the panel, but terminates within the panel. At least one primary cut in the other direction runs substantially-parallel to the primary cut in the one direction and overlaps it for a substantial length of the hull. The panel must have enough resilliency, and the cuts from opposing directions must be long enough to provide at least one, elongated, relatively-narrow, very-flexible strip, within which the panel develops from a flat surface, at the termination of each of the primary cuts, to any desired angle at the start of each cut. Secondary cuts, curving away from the primary cuts along the flexible strip, in either direction, can provide various cruves to the keel or chines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of boat construction wherein a metal hull, comprised primarily of aluminum metal and there is fitted thereupon a fiberglass interior supported along the exterior outer edge of the hull, with the interior defining a space for occupants of the boat, and spaced apart from the hull itself at points all except the exterior continuous edge of contact between the hull and the interior fiberglass lining.

Abstract: An internal support system for the cockpit portion of a kayak is provided which comprises rigid bow and stern plates, which are fastened to the kayak's bow and stern decks, respectively, and extend from those decks to the kayak's bottom hull, and a stiffening connecting plate which rigidly connects the bow and stern plates to one another. The connecting plate and the bow and stern plates define a concave contour in the region of the cockpit opening to receive the kayak's seat and to allow the kayaker to enter and exit the kayak. The support system makes the cockpit area of the kayak dramatically less likely to collapse if the kayak becomes pinned on a rock in the rapids of a river. It also allows the kayaker to readily exit the kayak during an emergency. To provide support throughout the length of the kayak, the cockpit support system can be connected to foam walls located in the bow and stern portions of the boat.

Abstract: A kayak 10 having at least one hull section 16, 18 whose volume may be adjusted to enable said hull section to be submerged by a boater for water acrobatics comprises spaced longitudinal frames 22, 24 connected to the hull section. The spacing between the frames may be varied to proscribe the configuration of the hull section over a substantial part or short segment of its length. The frames 22, 24 may be interconnected by flexible cabling 30, 32 or by a mechanical scissor linkage 48 to change this spacing and adjust the volume. Supportive framework (70, 72) is provided to prevent total collapse of said hull sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to a craft comprising a hull capable of floating on water, the aft part of said hull constituting the hollow space of a navigation cabin, and a forward end part which constitutes a removable stem distinct from the hull, capable of being connected to and detached from the forward part of the hull and which, in the configuration in which it is detached from the forward part of the hull, is capable of being positioned above the navigation cabin to constitute a volume, preferably a living room. The craft is provided with natural means of communication from the volume defined by the removable stem with the outside of this stem, so as, in the configuration in which the stem is connected to the forward part of the hull, to allow natural flow of the excess water contained in the stem volume, out of the stem volume. One application of the invention is the production of an inexpensive combined boat/caravan.

Abstract: A boat and propulsion system especially useful for shallow water operation. A boat, such as a flat bottom fishing boat, is provided with a lowered transom and a platform attached to the transom which extends upwardly at an angle along the sides of the boat to define a well area which receives and drains any backwash. An air cooled internal combustion engine is provided with a straight propeller shaft and propeller attached thereto. A motor plate rigidly attached to the engine may be removably mounted on a swivel-hinge assembly mounted on the platform to allow double axis movement of the engine and propeller in relation to the platform. This provides for a thrusting position with the propeller in the water and a neutral position with the propeller held above the water. A control handle may be removably connected to the motor plate to provide one handed steering and throttle control by the operator.