Abstract: An improved windsurfing catamaran type vessel. The illustrated vessel has an improved steering mechanism that includes a relatively stiff but bendable plastic rod that is directly received within one or more guiding passageways or grooves formed in the plastic hull of the vessel. The plastic-to-plastic interface between rod and groove provides relatively low friction interengagement as the rod moves. The groove is open to ambient water, which will further reduce the friction. The rod has stiffness/flexibility characteristics that allow it to turn around relatively large radii while still being able to span relatively short distances without significant bending. A manual operative control member is pivotally mounted on the hull and connected to the rod in a manner which multiplies the force applied by the use; this provides the magnitude of force needed to move the rod with minimum exertion by the user.

Abstract: A catamaran-type sailboat with a steering mechanism preferably located at the level of the catamaran deck. This steering mechanism may include a rotatable or generally linearly moveable pad or element. The pad is usually actuated by foot, leaving the users hands free to operate a sail, but it can also be actuated by hand. The movement of the pad is generally simultaneously transferred to rudders at the rear of each catamaran hull by a push-pull cable unit, thereby steering the sailboat. An elastic band attached to the pad keeps the steering mechanism self-centered when not in use. When the user wishes to maneuver the sailboat, he simply moves the pad in the proper direction with his foot or hand.