Abstract: A marine vessel comprising a command module, first and second buoyant tubular foils, and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively, wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all buoyancy required for the marine vessel, and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel comprising at least one lower hull section (22) which defines a first water displacing volume; a support structure (24) connected to the at least one lower hull section (22) and extending upward from the at least one lower hull section, wherein the support structure (24) has a waterplane area which is substantially smaller than the waterplane area of the at least one lower hull section; a deck structure (26) connected to the support structure (24), wherein the deck structure (26) is provided at a distance above the at least one lower hull section (22); a ballast system for controllably varying the draft of the vessel such that at a first draft (30) the at least one lower hull section (22) may be provided at least in part above the water-line and at a second draft (28) the support structure may be provided at least partly below the water-line; wherein the assembly of said at least one lower hull section, said support structure and said deck structure c

Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.

Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.

Abstract: A nautical transport vehicle includes at least one floating member, at least one longitudinal fin pivotally mounted on the floating member, and at least one corresponding plate mounted on the floating member and parallel with the longitudinal fin. Thus, the nautical transport vehicle is immersed in the water stably to form a balance support, so that the ship mounted on the nautical transport vehicle is flush rested on the water surface smoothly to obtain tension and buoyancy efficiently.

Abstract: A watercraft has at least two narrow hulls with a shallow draft and has one or more passive flotation devices that are entirely submerged. The hulls enclose the power trains for the watercraft and are accessible from the compartments of the watercraft. The passive flotation devices do not include a power train or any other equipment requiring access from the compartments of the watercraft. The narrow, shallow draft hulls have low friction drag and produce a small bow wave. Thus, the watercraft is able to be propelled rapidly, to be propelled for a greater distance, and to be propelled efficiently by the power provided by smaller motors and lighter energy sources.

Abstract: A variable-draft vessel. The variable-draft vessel including a center hull; a first side hull coupled to a first side of the center hull; a second side hull coupled to a second side of the center hull; and at least one cross support coupling the first and second side hulls, wherein the center hull is configured to be vertically translated with respect to the first and second side hulls.

Abstract: New electric boat designs are provided that exploit the weight of a battery to stabilize the boat and in some cases to overcome the hull speed limitation problem. The battery mass is enclosed in one or two torpedo-like structures that are mostly or completely submerged. A platform is spaced above the torpedo(s) via one or more struts that may allow wave energy to pass through the watercraft rather than collide with large vertical surfaces. The design minimizes wake formation, wave sensitivity and is useful for new kinds of electric boats that can dive with an air bubble to allow submarine use, higher speed pleasure craft, and sailing craft that can remain stable in shallow draft waters. The stabilized watercraft optionally have computer monitoring of wave activity and control for greater resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A small waterplane area multihull (SWAMH) vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means is housed. An engine means is situated on the surface platform and is joined to the rotary propulsive means through a work translating means which converts the output of the engine to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: An unmanned hydroplaning water surface vehicle having a gondola housing with external midway lift and control foils that allow the unmanned surface vehicle to provide lift and control in water at sufficient speed. A superstructure trimaran hull serves as a stable operation platform during low speed maneuvers or at rest. The superstructure hull encloses command and control systems capable of remote, semi-autonomous or fully autonomous control and navigation and vehicle attitude control. A plurality of mission specific payloads and sensors are positioned within the superstructure hull and gondola housing to allow for various types of missions. A strut connects the gondola housing and the superstructure hull above the waterline, as well as to provide for the passage therebetween of a plurality of transmission and control lines. The strut also mounts a rudder above propeller at the stern end of the gondola housing.