Abstract: A catamaran has a pair of spaced-apart pontoons, each having a forward tapered end and a rearward end. An underwing is affixed to the pontoons and spans therebetween. A platform is pivotally connected to the underwing forward end and/or rearward end and conforms to the pontoons at their forward tapered end or their rearward end, respectively. A power assembly is connected to the platform for lowering or raising the platform from a stowed position to a plurality of working positions—including positions below the waterline—of the catamaran and for raising or lowering the platform back to the stowed position. For protecting the craft from damage, the platform also can carry a deployable extending ramp formed from a pair of spaced-apart floating pontoons with a walkway extending between the floating pontoons. A novel fendering system for the craft also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a marine vessel and method of construction, wherein the vessel hull is formed to have a bottom and side portions, and includes a frame comprising a plurality of at least frame and/or stringer members extending crosswise or lengthwise and selectively fixed to the bottom or side portions of the hull. The frame and/or rib members are fixed to the hull to provide structural integrity. The frame and/or rib members are fixed into engagement by an adhesive bond; wherein the adhesive bond provides an amount of resiliency to dampen vibrations and other forces at the location of engagement. The invention is also directed to a method of forming the hull using a plurality of sheet members, each of which is formed with a plurality of complex or differential bends. The sheets are formed by imparting consecutive and sequential bends in the various sheets to form at least a part of the side and bottom portions of the hull, while concomitantly imparting a desired curvature from fore to aft.