Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing water friction on the hull of a ship, particularly a canal boat, in which a gas is introduced between the hull and the surrounding water below the water level. The inventive method is characterized in that the gas is introduced into the water in an upper area of the hull close to the water level and that, when the ship is in motion with a resulting water flow along the hull, the introduced gas is guided aftwards into a lower lying area of the hull, particularly below the ship's bottom. The invention also relates to a device for reducing water friction on the hull of a ship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship's bow with a central inclined plane area and starboard and port catamaran-like runners laterally thereto, the inclined plane area and runners in the midships direction pass roughly into a fictional keel line. The aim is to create such a ship's bow which, whilst being very economic when operating the ship can be used in modular manner for the most varied ship types and operating zones. To this end the runners are given a wedge-like construction and at the front runner end is provided a free flow attack opening for the inclined plane area, which is constructed with a specific inclination angle ?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship's bow with a central inclined plane area and starboard and port catamaran-like runners laterally thereto, the inclined plane area and runners in the midships direction pass roughly into a fictional keel line. The aim is to create such a ship's bow which, whilst being very economic when operating the ship can be used in modular manner for the most varied ship types and operating zones. To this end the runners are given a wedge-like construction and at the front runner end is provided a free flow attack opening for the inclined plane area, which is constructed with a specific inclination angle ?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft, particularly a river boat, with a hull for receiving useful devices and with propulsion units for generating a driving force and which are located on the hull. The watercraft according to the invention is characterized in that guiding elements are provided in the bow area on the underside of the hull, which have a vertical, forwardly tapering wedge shape, that the propulsion units in the bow area are set back from the wedge-shaped guiding elements, that between the guiding elements is provided a partial area of the hull constructed in the form of a horizontal wedge and that the propulsion units are pivotably mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft, particularly a river boat, with a hull for receiving useful devices and with propulsion units for generating a driving force and which are located on the hull. The watercraft according to the invention is characterized in that guiding elements are provided in the bow area on the underside of the hull, which have a vertical, forwardly tapering wedge shape, that the propulsion units in the bow area are set back from the wedge-shaped guiding elements, that between the guiding elements is provided a partial area of the hull constructed in the form of a horizontal wedge and that the propulsion units are pivotably mounted.