Abstract: A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 15, 2012
Date of Patent:
May 13, 2014
Assignee:
Hobie Cat Co.
Inventors:
Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowksi, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
Abstract: A retraction system for rudders for small boats having a deck comprising a rudder means connecting said rudder to the rear of a boat enabling said rudder to pivot on an axis such that when the rudder is retracted, it rotates upwardly through about 270° from the normal operating position in the water while twisting about 90° so as to lay essentially flat on said deck.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 24, 2007
Date of Patent:
October 7, 2008
Assignee:
Hobie Cat Co.
Inventors:
Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas