CATAMARAN WITH DINGHY UNDER FOREDECK AND ANCHORING AND MOORING SYSTEM

Abstract

A catamaran may have a dinghy disposed underneath its foredeck between two hulls. The dinghy, which may rest in a cradle, may be moved up and down between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stern of the catamaran may have a retractable diving board or a retractable net for retrieving fish. A video camera may provide video images of an anchor chain relative to a hull as the anchor chain is deployed from and retracted by a windlass located generally amidships. A monitor may display the video images. A microprocessor in communication with a depth sensor may calculate a length of anchor chain to be deployed and may control operation of the windlass. Acoustic or optic sensors may indicate a position of the anchor chain relative to a hull. A yoke having a specially sized carabiner may be used to connect the anchor chain to a cleat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/443,497 filed Feb. 16, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/529,753 filed Aug. 31, 2011, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates generally to the field of boating, and more specifically to a catamaran having a dinghy that is stowable under the foredeck between the hulls of the catamaran and an improved anchoring and mooring system for the catamaran.

BACKGROUND

In the field of boating, there is often a need to stow a smaller vessel on or within a larger vessel. In the case of catamaran vessels, the use of “dinghy” vessels is desirable to provide for safety and convenient transportation to and from the catamaran. In the past, boaters have typically stowed dinghies on the deck or off the stern of the catamaran using a system of crane-like davits. However, both of those arrangements are inconvenient, aesthetically unpleasing, result in significant loss of usable space on the catamaran deck, and cause significant difficulty in deploying the dinghy. Also, in heavy seas a davit-mounted dinghy must be relocated and secured elsewhere on the boat. Thus, there is a need for an improved system and method for stowing a dinghy on a catamaran which is aesthetically pleasing, allows for use of most if not all of the catamaran deck space, and permits easy deployment of the dinghy.

In addition, catamaran anchoring has traditionally required the efforts of at least two people and has typically been restricted to anchoring off the bow of the catamaran. Anchoring is typically achieved through the combined efforts of a captain and a mate, wherein the captain controls the catamaran while the mate monitors the anchor chain and anchor and then secures a yoke to the anchor chain and starboard and port bow cleats. Retrieving the anchor also requires the efforts of both the captain and the mate, wherein the captain powers the catamaran toward the anchor while the mate directs the captain to keep the chain from contacting the hulls of the catamaran and removes the yoke at the appropriate time. Anchoring is typically performed off the bow of the catamaran because the anchor and windlass are typically accessible only on the foredeck of the catamaran. Such systems and methods are cumbersome, imprecise, and limiting in terms of vessel orientation with respect to prevailing winds, which may restrict the amount of airflow available for ventilation of the cabin. There is a need for an improved system and method for more easily and conveniently mooring or anchoring the catamaran which allows anchoring and mooring off either the bow or the stern of the catamaran.

SUMMARY

A catamaran may have a dinghy disposed underneath the foredeck and between two hulls of the catamaran. The dinghy may rest in a cradle, which may be moved up and down between a stowed position, in which the dinghy fits snugly against the underside of the catamaran deck, and a deployed position, in which the dinghy may be launched on the body of water on which the catamaran is deployed. The catamaran and cradle may be fitted with a system of cables, ropes, wenches, hoists, pneumatic or hydraulic lifts, or other suitable devices to raise and lower the dinghy and cradle between the stowed position and the deployed position. With the dinghy arranged in this manner rather than suspended from davits off the stern of the catamaran, the stern of the catamaran is available for other activities and useful features, such as a retractable diving board or a retractable net for retrieving fish.

A catamaran may have a windlass located generally amidships, an anchor chain operatively engaged with the windlass, an anchor attached to the anchor chain, at least one video camera mounted to the catamaran and oriented to provide video images of the anchor chain in relation to at least one hull of the catamaran as the anchor chain is deployed from and retracted by the windlass, and a monitor in communication with the at least one video camera, the monitor configured for displaying the video images of the anchor chain. A depth sensor may be in communication with a microprocessor, which may calculate a length of anchor chain to be deployed and may control operation of the windlass. One or more acoustic or optic sensors may also be provided to indicate the position of the anchor chain with respect to at least one hull of the catamaran. A yoke having a specially sized carabiner may be used to connect the anchor chain to one or more cleats on the catamaran.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a catamaran having a dinghy disposed underneath the foredeck between the hulls of the catamaran, with the dinghy in a first, stowed position.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the catamaran and dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy in a second, intermediate position.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the catamaran and dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy in a third, deployed position.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the catamaran and dinghy of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a close-up front elevational view of a portion of the catamaran and dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy in the intermediate position of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a cradle and lift system for the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the catamaran and dinghy shown in phantom for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the dinghy of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy motor in a stowed position.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy motor in a deployed position.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the central stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy motor in an intermediate position.

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the central stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy motor in a deployed position.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the central stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy propeller in a stowed position within a cavity in the catamaran hull.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the central stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1, with the dinghy propeller in the stowed position of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the central stern portion of the dinghy of FIG. 1 showing an angular adjustment mechanism for the dinghy motor.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a stern portion of the catamaran of FIG. 1 having a retractable diving board shown in a deployed position.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the retractable diving board of FIG. 15 shown in a stowed position.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable diving board of FIG. 15 shown in the stowed position of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable diving board of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the stern of the catamaran of FIG. 1 having a retractable net system for retrieving fish shown in a deployed position.

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable net system of FIG. 19 shown in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable net system of FIG. 19 shown in a fully deployed position.

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable net system of FIG. 19 shown in a first intermediate position.

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable net system of FIG. 19 shown in a second intermediate position.

FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the retractable net system of FIG. 19 shown in a third intermediate position.

FIG. 25 is a top cross-sectional view of a tension rod and channel of the retractable net of FIG. 19.

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of a catamaran having an improved anchoring and mooring system.

FIG. 27 is a partially cut-away top schematic view of the catamaran of FIG. 26 in which the anchor is deployed towards the bow of the catamaran.

FIG. 28 is a partially cut-away top schematic view of the catamaran of FIG. 26 in which the anchor is deployed towards the stern of the catamaran.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for anchoring or mooring a catamaran.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a yoke.

FIG. 31 is a front view of the yoke of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a portion of the deck and hull of the catamaran of FIG. 26 in which the anchor is in a stowed position.

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional front view similar to FIG. 32 in which the anchor is in a deployed position.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a chain box, windlass, and anchor of the catamaran of FIG. 26.

FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional starboard side view of the deck and hull of the catamaran of FIG. 26.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the yoke of FIG. 30 installed on an anchor chain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the following terms should be understood to have the indicated meanings.

When an item is introduced by “a” or “an,” it should be understood to mean one or more of that item.

“Amidships” means a location at or near a position midway between the bow and stern of a water-borne vessel.

“Attached” means, with respect to two or more objects, fastened together by any suitable fastener, including but not limited to one or more stitches, staples, brads, rivets, nails, screws, tacks, glue, adhesive, epoxy, welds, ties, or a combination thereof.

“Bow” means a forward portion of a water-borne vessel.

“Catamaran” means a water-borne vessel having two or more spaced apart hulls.

“Comprises” means includes but is not limited to.

“Comprising” means including but not limited to.

“Dinghy” means a water-borne vessel that is smaller than another water-borne vessel to which or on which the former vessel is mountable.

“Hatch” means a cover for an opening in a deck or hull of a water-borne vessel.

“Having” means including but not limited to.

“Stern” means an aft portion of a water-borne vessel.

“Water line” means a generally horizontal plane along which the surface of a body of water intersects the hull of a vessel supported by the water.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a catamaran 10 having a cabin 14, two spaced apart hulls 12, a bow rail 16, and a bow deck 18 may have a dinghy 100 installed beneath deck 18 and between hulls 12 at or near the bow of catamaran 10. Dinghy 100 may rest in a cradle 30, which may be moved up and down between a stowed position (see FIG. 1), in which dinghy 100 is proximate the underside 20 of deck 18, and a deployed position (see FIG. 3), in which dinghy 100 may be launched on the body of water on which catamaran 10 is deployed. As discussed further below, catamaran 10 and cradle 30 may be fitted with a lift system of cables 36, an electric motor 40, pulleys 44, a shaft 46 supported by one or more pillow blocks 42, and one or more switches 32 to raise and lower dinghy 100 and cradle 30 between the stowed position and the deployed position. Alternatively, a system of ropes, wenches, hoists, pneumatic or hydraulic lifts, or other suitable devices may be used to raise and lower dinghy 100. In some embodiments, cradle 30 may be eliminated, and dinghy 100 may be raised and lowered by cables, ropes, or other suitable means of a lift system which may be connected to and disconnected from dinghy 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the stowed position, dingy 100 may be held securely by cradle 30 between the hulls 12 of catamaran 10 such that dinghy 100 is held snugly against the underside 20 of deck 18 of catamaran 10. One or more upper surfaces of dinghy 100 or cradle 30 and/or one or more lower surfaces of catamaran 10, such as underside 20 of deck 18, may have complementary shapes and may be fitted with one or more seals such that when dinghy 100 is in the stowed position, a water-tight seal is formed between the top portion of dinghy 100 and/or cradle 30 and underside 20 of catamaran 10. This water-tight seal may be accomplished by any suitable means, such as rubber or plastic weather-stripping 50 (see FIG. 5) and 108 (see FIG. 7), for example, which may be flat, curved, or of other suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, such weather-stripping may have complementary male and female cross-sectional shapes, with the male portion being affixed to one of dinghy 100 (and/or cradle 30) or catamaran 10 and the female portion being affixed to the other of dinghy 100 (and/or cradle 30) or catamaran 10. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the materials of which dinghy 100, cradle 30, and/or catamaran 10 are made may form a water-tight seal when the top of dinghy 100 and/or cradle 30 is in mechanical contact with underside 20 of catamaran 10 such that no extra seal 50 or 108 may be needed. In some embodiments, dinghy 100 and/or cradle 30 may be composed of appropriate materials and of such complementary shapes that when dinghy 100 is in the stowed position and viewed from below, the hull of catamaran 10 and the hull of dinghy 100 and/or cradle 30 appear to form one continuous hull. The transition between the outer surfaces of dinghy 100, cradle 30, and catamaran 10 may be fared smoothly in order to form an aerodynamic and hydrodynamic shape with minimized drag. In some embodiments, in the stowed position, such a configuration of dinghy 100, cradle 30, and catamaran 10 may form a V-shaped nacelle and help catamaran 10 cut through rough waters.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, catamaran 10 may have two primary hulls 12 which are spaced apart and connected by a deck 18. Hulls 12 may be separate structures or they may be one unitary structure. Alternatively, catamaran 10 may have more than two hulls. Deck 18 of catamaran 10 may be made of any appropriate material to provide support for persons and devices deployed on deck 18, including but not limited to metal, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or other suitable materials or a combination thereof. Hulls 12 of catamaran 10 may be substantially hollow, buoyant structures made of any appropriate material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or other suitable materials or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, deck 18 of catamaran 10 may be approximately four feet above the water line 15, but any suitable sizing may be used for catamaran 10 and dinghy 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, catamaran 10 and dinghy 100 may be configured such that when dinghy 100 is in the stowed position, at least a portion of the bow 102 of dinghy 100 extends forward of the forward edge 22 of bow deck 18 of catamaran 10, such that a bow deck 134 of dinghy 100 may be exposed, thereby allowing a user to step from deck 18 of catamaran 10 to deck 134 of dinghy 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of bow deck 134 of dinghy 100, a bow portion of cradle 30 may extend forward of forward edge 22 of bow deck 18 and may serve as a platform on which a user may stand. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, underside 20 of catamaran 10 may have one or more grab rails 34 for a user to hold for balance when boarding dinghy 100 from catamaran 10 or boarding catamaran 10 from dinghy 100. The trailing edge of bow deck 134 of dinghy 100 or the bow portion of cradle 30 may have a shape that is complementary to the leading edge 22 of catamaran 10, such that a water-tight seal may be formed between bow deck 134 of dinghy 100 or the bow portion of cradle 30 and deck 18 of catamaran 10. Bow deck 134 of dinghy 100 or the bow portion of cradle 30 may be a substantially stiff structure that is suitable to support the weight of a person. Bow deck 134 and the bow portion of cradle 30 may be made of any appropriate material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or other suitable materials or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, bow deck 134 may be attachable to and removable from dinghy 100 by any appropriate means, including but not limited to a number of snaps, clasps, or clamps. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, deck 18 of catamaran 10 may be equipped with a deck railing 16 having a plurality of vertical and horizontal members. Deck railing 16 may be positioned at or near the bow of catamaran 10 such that a user may easily and securely grip the deck railing 16 while stepping into and out of dinghy 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1-14, dinghy 100 may be any suitable type of water-borne vessel of appropriate size and shape to be held securely between the hulls 12 of catamaran 10. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, dinghy 100 may be approximately six to ten feet in length from bow to stern and approximately five feet at its beam. Dinghy 100 may be inflatable, substantially rigid, or a combination thereof and may be made of any suitable materials, such as metal, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, wood, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, dinghy 100 may have a transom 104 at its stern to which a dinghy motor 110 may be mounted. As mentioned above, dinghy 100 may have a seal 108 for sealingly engaging underside 20 of catamaran 10.

Referring principally to FIGS. 4 and 7, dinghy 100 may have a docking station 106 to which a control console 140 may be mounted. Control console 140 may have one or more suitable computer processors, power supplies, computer memories, and other electronics to control dinghy motor 110 and one or more control surfaces such as a rudder (not shown). Control console 140 may be in wired or wireless communication with dinghy motor 110 and such control surfaces, and control console 140 may have any suitable input devices, such as one or more throttle and steering control knobs, wheels, buttons, joysticks, or a combination thereof. For example, control console 140 may have a joystick controller 146 similar to the Axius™ joystick control system available from Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation in Lake Forest, Ill. (see www.joystickboatcontrol.com/axius.php). Control console 140 may have any suitable power supply, including but not limited to one or more solar-powered, rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-magnesium batteries, for example. Control console 140 may also have computerized navigation equipment, such as GPS equipment, and one or more electronic displays, such as LCD or CRT screens, for example, in communication with the one or more computer processors that may be used to communicate information concerning dinghy 100 and/or catamaran 10 to a user, such as speed, location, heading, distance between dinghy 100 and catamaran 10, distance between dinghy 100 or catamaran 10 and another location, running time, remaining electric power, remaining operational time, or the like. In some embodiments, control console 106 may be accessed through a hatch 150 on deck 18 of catamaran 10, and control console 106 may be removable from dinghy 100 and either held in a user's hands or mountable on another console 140 on the bridge 160 or some other convenient location on catamaran 10 and used to control dinghy 100 remotely via wireless communication. In some embodiments, hatch 150 and the associated opening in deck 18 may be sized and configured to allow for loading and unloading cargo to and from dinghy 100 through such opening and to allow users to board and disembark from dinghy 100 through such opening when dinghy 100 is in a stowed position beneath catamaran 10. In such embodiments, one or more switches 32 for operating motor 40 may be located in the vicinity of hatch 150 and its opening in deck 18 in lieu of or in addition to those switches 32 described on rail 16 below.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 6, cradle 30 may be a generally hollow structure shaped to receive dinghy 100. Cradle 30 may be a shell-like structure, a frame-like structure, or a combination thereof. Further, cradle 30 may be configured such that the interior walls of cradle 30 may be of appropriate size and shape to receive the hull of dinghy 100, such that dinghy 100 may nest within cradle 30. Such configuration may significantly facilitate the use of cradle 30, as described further below.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cradle 30 may be made of any appropriate material capable of supporting loads associated with dinghy 100 and one or more passengers and capable of resisting rust or corrosion which might be caused by long-term exposure to fresh or salt water. The top surface of cradle 30 may have any appropriate soft and grabby material, such as sponge, foam rubber, or rubber, to prevent slipping, scratching, or other damage to dinghy 100 and cradle 30 when they are in mechanical contact with each other. In some embodiments, cradle 30 may have one or more hooks, loops, or clasps adapted to receive complementary hooks, loops, or clasps on dinghy 100 and securely fasten thereto in order to secure dinghy 100 to cradle 30. For example, cradle 30 may have a stern support adapted to securely fasten dinghy 100 to cradle 30 to prevent the stern of dinghy 100 from tipping upward when a user steps onto bow deck 134 of dinghy 100 from catamaran 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a system for raising and lowering cradle 30 may include one or more cables 36 of appropriate size and strength to raise and lower dinghy 100 and cradle 30 between the deployed and stowed positions. Cables 36 may be attached to cradle 30 and may be routed through the hull of catamaran 10 at guide holes 38, pass through one or more pulleys 44, and wrap about shaft 46. Shaft 46 may be rotatably mounted in a plurality of pillow blocks 42, bearings, or other suitable mountings and may be fixedly connected to a cradle motor 40. Shaft 46 may be a single shaft or a plurality of shafts. One or more switches 32 may be in wired or wireless communication with cradle motor 40. Switches 32 may cause cradle motor 40 to turn shaft 46 in a first direction to wind up cables 36 onto shaft 46 and thereby raise cradle 30, and switches 32 may cause cradle motor 40 to turn shaft 46 in a second direction to unwind cables 36 from shaft 46 and thereby lower cradle 30. Although elements 36 have been identified as cables, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that ropes, belts, straps, sprocket-mounted chains, or other suitable tension elements may be used in lieu of or in addition to cables. Cables 36 may be composed of any material of appropriate gage and strength to support the loads required in performing its functions as described herein. Cables 36 may be of sufficient length to extend from shaft 46 to some depth below water line 15 such that cradle 30 may be lowered into the water in order to launch dinghy 100. Although shaft 46, cradle motor 40, pulleys 44, and pillow blocks 42 are shown disposed within the hull of catamaran 10, those elements may be located above deck 18 or below underside 20. If such elements are disposed within the hull of catamaran 10 as shown, the hull and/or deck 18 of catamaran 10 may have one or more hatches for allowing access to such elements for purposes of performing maintenance on them.

Shaft 46 may be substantially cylindrical or of other suitable shape. In some embodiments, shaft 46 may include one or more grooves of appropriate size and shape to receive cables 36 when wrapped, coiled, or wound about shaft 46 and allow cables 36 to nest therein. Shaft 46 may also be adapted to be permanently attached in any appropriate manner to cables 36 such that rotation of the pipe or pipes 46 about their central axis in one direction will cause cables 36 to wind around the outer surface of shaft 46. In order to facilitate the free rotation of shaft 46 about its central axis, the ends and central portion of such shaft 46 may be fitted into pillow blocks 42 of sufficient size to support the weight of shaft 46, cables 36, cradle 30, dinghy 100, and at least one human occupant of dinghy 100. In some embodiments, shaft 46 may be substantially hollow in order to reduce the overall weight of the raising and lowering system.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, a number of large, grooved wheels may be employed in place of or in addition to shaft 46 of the raising and lowering system. Such grooved wheels may have a main axle and a groove of sufficient depth and width to receive and securely hold a wound portion of cables 36. Each of the grooved wheels may be provided with a stationary support through its central axis, about which the wheel may freely rotate. Like the shaft 46 of the raising and lowering system, each such grooved wheel may be attached by any appropriate means to a point on the cables 36 of the raising and lowering system and configured such that rotation of the grooved wheel about its central axis in one direction may cause cables 36 to wrap around the wheel, and conversely, rotation of the wheel in the opposite direction about its central axis may cause the cables 36 to unwind from the grooved wheel, thereby raising and lowering cradle 30.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, pulleys 44 may be of any type commonly known in the art of appropriate size to accommodate cables 36 and capable of bearing the load weights and tensions required to safely and securely allow cables 36 to move easily through the system of pulleys 44. Pulleys 44 may be configured in such a manner that they operate to alter the directional force of any tension present in cables 36 of the raising and lowering system. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the system of pulleys 44 may be deployed in any number of configurations commonly known in the art to perform additional functions, including but not limited to the realization of some mechanical advantage or division of the application of tension forces as desired in the operation of the lowering and raising system.

The one or more electrical motors 40 of the raising and lowering system may be any electrical motor capable of providing motive power sufficient to rotate shaft 46 and raise and lower the cradle 30 and dinghy 100. Such motors 40 may be of any appropriate type, including but not limited to a stepper motor capable of providing power sufficient to perform the operations described above. In some embodiments, motor 40 may be powered by one or more solar cells. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the electric motor 40 may be powered by any other appropriate means, including but not limited to a gas generator or battery. Further, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a motor or system employing any suitable means of providing motive power may be employed in place of the electrical motor 40, such as a gas powered motor or hand crank.

Switches 32 may be any suitable switches commonly known in the art. Such switches 32 may be suitably connected to electrical motor 40 such that upon actuation of switches 32, electrical motor 40 may provide power to rotate shaft 46 about its central axis. By way of non-limiting example, switches 32 may be three-position switches adapted such that, when switches 32 are in a first, neutral position, electrical motor 40 is not in operation; when switches 32 are in a second, raised position, electrical motor 40 operates to turn shaft 46 in a first direction so as to wind cables 36 about shaft 46 and thereby raise cradle 30; and when switches 32 are in a third, lowered position, electrical motor 40 operates to turn shaft 46 in an opposite direction so as to unwind cables 36 from shaft 46 and thereby lower cradle 30. Alternatively, electrical switches 32 may be depression toggle switches actuated when a user depresses and releases or presses and holds switches 32. Such switches 32 may be configured such that more than one switch must be depressed and held simultaneously in order for electrical motor 40 to provide motive power to rotate shaft 46. For example, in some embodiments, two switches 32 (one for each hand of a user) may be configured such that both of them must be depressed simultaneously in order to operate electrical motor 40 for enhanced safety. Additionally, electrical switches 32 may be operatively connected to a sensor (not shown) that is sensitive to and capable of detecting mechanical pressure between two or more surfaces. Such a sensor may be positioned in a manner to detect mechanical pressure between dinghy 100 or cradle 30 and underside 20 of catamaran 10. Electrical switches 32 may be adapted such that electric motor 40 is shut off when a desired pressure is detected between dinghy 100 or cradle 30 and underside 20 of catamaran 10 so that cradle 30, dinghy 100, and catamaran 10 are not overstressed.

To operate the system for raising and lowering cradle 30 and dinghy 100, beginning with cradle 30 and dinghy 100 in the stowed position, a user may step from deck 18 of catamaran 10 to deck 134 of dinghy 100, while securely holding deck railing 16; activate one or more electrical switches 32 optionally positioned on vertical members of deck railing 16, thus actuating electrical motor 40, thereby causing shaft 46 to rotate in a manner to unwrap cables 36 from shaft 46, which allows cradle 30 and dinghy 100 to be lowered to the deployed position. When cradle 30 and dinghy 100 are lowered to water line 15, the user may move toward the center of dinghy 100 and remove any optional supports that may be in place to release dinghy 100 from cradle 30. The user may then use any appropriate means to move dinghy 100 away from cradle 30, such as by manually pushing off using grab rails 34 of catamaran 10.

In order to return dinghy 100 to its first, stowed position, a user may navigate dinghy 100 over cradle 30 in the cradle's 30 deployed position just below water line 15, optionally secure dinghy 100 to cradle 30 as described above, and actuate one or more electrical switches 32 optionally disposed on deck railing 16 or grab rails 34 of catamaran 10 in such a manner that electric motor 40 is actuated and provides motive power to raise cradle 30. As cradle 30 is raised from its deployed position, cradle 30 may receive dinghy 100 and continue to rise out of the water toward underside 20 of catamaran 10. At some point during the raising process, the user may operate electrical switches 32 so as to temporarily cease the upward motion of cradle 30 and move to bow deck 134 of dinghy 100, which extends forward of bow 22 of catamaran 10, and then reactivate the upward raising of cradle 30 and dinghy 100. Cradle 30 may continue to rise until such upward motion is ceased by the user by use of electrical switches 32, or by the aforementioned optional pressure sensor adapted to cease the upward motion of cradle 30 upon sensing a specified pressure between cradle 30 or dinghy 100 and underside 20 of catamaran 10 so as to achieve a sufficiently snug fit. Once dinghy 100 is in the stowed position, the user may step from deck 134 of dinghy 100 to deck 18 of catamaran 10, while securely holding deck railing 16.

Referring to FIGS. 7-14, motor 110 of dinghy 100 may be pivotally mounted to transom 104 at a pivot point 120 so that motor 110 may be placed in a stowed position as shown in FIG. 8 and a deployed position as shown in FIG. 9. Motor 110 may be any suitable motor, such as an electric motor available from Torqeedo Inc. (Crystal Lake, Ill.), for example, or a gas powered motor. Motor 110 may have a propeller 114 rotatably attached to an engine 112, which may be attached to a shaft 116 that is slidably mounted to a pivot body 118. A power and control unit 126 may be attached to shaft 116. Power and control unit 126 may be in wired or wireless communication with control console 140, which may be used to control motor 110 as described above. Power and control unit 126 may have any suitable power source, such as a solar-powered rechargeable battery, for example, which may include a lithium-magnesium battery. Shaft 116 may be rotatably mounted to pivot body 118 so that the direction of propeller 114 may be adjusted for directional control of dinghy 100 when motor 110 is in the deployed position of FIG. 9. In the stowed position of FIG. 8, upper surfaces 122 and 124 may include resilient material such as rubber or plastic to help facilitate a water-tight seal between dinghy 100 and catamaran 10 when dinghy 100 is in the stowed position of FIG. 1. In the stowed position of FIG. 1, as further shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, engine 112 and propeller 114 may be received into a cavity 132 provided in underside 20 of the hull of catamaran 10, and a hatch 130 may be attached to pivot body 118 and configured such that hatch 130 sealingly covers cavity 132 to form a water-tight seal. As shown in FIG. 14, when dinghy 100 is in a deployed position, the pitch angle of motor 110 may be controlled by a suitable adjustment mechanism in conjunction with pivot point 120, such as a tension spring 138 connected to a pin 142 that may be placed in one of several notches 134 on a detent 136. For increased adjustment, pivot point 120 may be slidably disposed within a slot 144. Of course, other suitable adjustment mechanisms may be used if desired.

The placement of dinghy 100 beneath the bow deck 18 of catamaran 10 as described above, rather than suspending dinghy 100 from davits on the stern of catamaran 10 as is typically done, frees up the stern of catamaran 10 for other useful features. As shown in FIGS. 15-18, one such feature may be a retractable diving board 170, which may be installed within a suitable cavity in the stern of catamaran 10 below stern deck 182 using a plurality of roller supports 172. In some embodiments, a telescoping pneumatic or hydraulic piston 174 may be connected to diving board 170 via a suitable connector 176 in order to extend and retract diving board 170 from trailing edge 180. The hydraulic or pneumatic piston 174 may be operated by a user by means of any appropriate electrical switching system, such that a user may operate such switches to move the diving board 170 from its first, stowed position to its second, deployed position. Alternatively, other suitable extension and retraction mechanisms may be used for diving board 170, such as an electric motor turning a worm screw or a hand crank, for example, or diving board 170 may be manually extended and retracted. Diving board 170 may be any diving board commonly known in the art capable of supporting a person's weight when jumping or bouncing on the board. By way of non-limiting example, the diving board 170 may be approximately eight (8) feet in length, one and a half (1.5) feet across, a quarter (0.25) of a foot thick, and comprised primarily of wood, plastic, fiberglass, or other suitable material, or a combination thereof. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that diving board 170 may be adapted at its back or base with a plurality of springs adapted to allow a user to jump or bounce on the front or lead end of the diving board 170 when in the deployed position.

As shown in FIGS. 19-25, another stern feature on catamaran 10 may be a system 200 for the retrieval of fish 220 or other water-level objects. Such retrieval system 200 may have a net 204 that may be wrapped and unwrapped about a spool 202, which may be rotatably mounted at or near the stern of catamaran 10. In some embodiments, spool 202 may be mounted below stern deck 182. The trailing edge of net 204 may be attached to a tension rod 206, each end of which may be slidably mounted in a rod channel 208 attached to a hull 12 of catamaran 10. A collar 214 may serve to retain each end of tension rod 26 in rod channel 208, which may have a lower leg 210 and an upper leg 212. Tension rod 206 may move within rod channel 208 from a fully retracted position as shown in FIG. 20, to a fully deployed position as shown in FIG. 21, to various intermediate positions as shown in FIGS. 22-24, and back to the fully retracted position. Net 204 may be made of any suitable material and may be weighted such that a portion of net 204 may sink below water line 15 as shown in FIGS. 21-23 in order to retrieve a fish 220 or other object at or near the surface of the water. Alternatively, a sheet of material such as a tarp or sheet of canvas may be used instead of net 204.

Spool 202 may be any appropriate mechanism or configuration capable of allowing a sheet or net of material to securely wrap around the spool 202 and wind into a compact spool of such material. By way of non-limiting example, spool 202 may be a cylinder having two ends and a central axis. Spool 202 may extend substantially the entire distance between the two hulls 12 of catamaran 10 and may be attached at its ends to the two hulls 12 of catamaran 10. In some embodiments, spool 202 may be configured to cause net 204 to wind about spool 202 in the absence of any external force, either by a configuration of internal springs or any other suitable means known in the art. Net 204 may be of appropriate size to extend substantially the entire distance between the two hulls 12 of catamaran 10.

Tension rod 206 may be a shaft of any suitable shape, such as a cylinder, of any material capable of supporting the weights of net 204, rod 206, and fish 220 or whatever object is desired to be retrieved. Rod channels 208 may be any channels adapted to receive the ends of tension rod 206, such that tension rod 206 may be movably attached thereto, and rod channels 208 may be positioned opposite from one another on each hull 12 of catamaran 10 at or near the water line 15. As seen in FIGS. 19-24, rod channels 208 may have one or more static positions for holding tension rod 206. In some embodiments, rod channels 208 may have three positions for holding tension rod 206 in a static position: a first, fully retracted position relatively near net spool 202, such that net 204 may be substantially spooled around net spool 202 as shown in FIG. 20; a second, fully deployed position in which tension rod 206 is seated at the lower end of leg 210 and held below the water line 15 and a substantial portion of net 204 may sink beneath the water line 15 as shown in FIG. 21; and a third, intermediate position in which tension rod 206 is seated at the lower end of leg 212 and raised above the water line 15, and a portion of net 204 may optionally be below the water line 15 as shown in FIG. 22. As seen in FIG. 21, when tension rod 206 is in the second, fully deployed position below the water line 15, a substantial portion of net 204 may be deployed below the water line 15, and a fish 220 or other object may enter net 204 via a path or entry way 222 that may be created above tension rod 206. A pole of appropriate length, such as a boat hook, may be employed to move tension rod 206 between the various static positions along rod channel 208. For example, after a fish 220 is positioned within net 204 as shown in FIG. 21, a boat hook may be used to move rod 206 to the position shown in FIG. 22, and then net spool 202 may be activated to re-wrap net 204 about spool 202 and lift fish 220 out of the water, ultimately returning system 200 to the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 20. System 200 thus greatly facilitates hauling in fish or other objects.

As shown in FIGS. 26-35, another feature on catamaran 10 may be an anchoring and mooring system 300 for anchoring or mooring catamaran 10. Anchoring and mooring system 300 may include an anchor 302; an anchor chain 304 connected to anchor 302; a windlass 306 positioned amidships on catamaran 10 and having anchor chain 304 connected thereto; and a windlass motor (not shown) connected to or contained within windlass 306. The term “windlass” is used herein to refer to the windlass and its motor, whether integral or separate. Anchoring and mooring system 300 may also include at least one substantially waterproof, lighted video camera 310 mounted at or near an underside of catamaran 10; a chain counter 312; a depth gauge 314; and a control module (not shown), which may each be connected to a microprocessor 348. Microprocessor 348 may be any suitable type of computer processor, which may be in communication with a suitable memory and may have any number and type of suitable input and output devices.

As described above, a catamaran 10 is typically anchored off of bow 318 of catamaran 10 because anchor chain 304 and windlass 306 are typically accessible on the foredeck of catamaran 10. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, anchoring and mooring system 300 allows for anchoring or mooring toward either bow 318 or stern 320 of catamaran 10 because anchor chain 304 and windlass 306 are located generally amidships 322 on catamaran 10. This feature allows attachment of a yoke 400 at either bow 318 or stern 320. In some embodiments, anchoring and mooring system 300 may include more than one anchor 302, anchor chain 304, or windlass 306. In some embodiments, anchoring and mooring system 300 may include one windlass located between an amidships position 322 and bow 318 of catamaran 10, while a second windlass may be located between an amidships position 322 and stern 320 of catamaran 10, thus also allowing anchoring or mooring toward either or both of bow 318 and stern 320. Embodiments including more than one anchor 302, anchor chain 304, and/or windlass 306 may be used on large multi-hulled vessels, for example. Anchoring and mooring system 300 may be used on any type of water-borne vessel which may include any number of hulls 12.

Anchor chain 304 may be removably connected to windlass 306, which may be located generally amidships 322, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. Anchor 302 may be any suitable type of anchor, including a sand anchor, reef pick, rock anchor, plow anchor, sea anchor or any other suitable anchor sufficient to secure catamaran 10 to a position on a harbor floor or other underwater surface. In anchoring and mooring system 300, anchor 302 may be stored amidships 322 and thus may not obstruct bow 318 or stern 320 of catamaran 10 when in a stowed position. Anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 may be stored in a compartment 334 between deck 378 and underside 20, above deck 378, or below underside 20, when not in use. In some embodiments, anchor 302 may be stored by suspending anchor 302 below deck 378 by anchor chain 304 when not in use. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, anchor 302 and anchor chain 304 may be stored at or near an amidships position on catamaran 10.

Anchor chain 304 may be made of any suitable material and may include a series of connected links 326, as shown in FIG. 33. Anchor chain 304 may be any suitable line for securing catamaran 10 to anchor 302 and may include rope, cable, chain links, or other suitable material, or may be a combination of materials. For example, anchor chain 304 may be made of hot-galvanized low carbon steel, stainless steel, vinyl coated stainless steel, nylon or other suitable material.

Windlass 306 may be configured to dispense and retract anchor chain 304 and may be any suitable type of windlass, including a vertical and horizontal windlass. Windlass 306 may be configured to deploy and retract any type of anchor chain 304. As shown in FIGS. 27, 28, 34 and 35, windlass 306 may be a gypsy-type windlass 306 which includes indentations or protrusions 398 sized to match the chain size of a corresponding linked anchor chain 304. In the embodiment of FIG. 34, protrusions 398 may grasp chain links 326 to pull anchor chain 304 over windlass 306. In some embodiments, indentations (not shown) on windlass 306 may be sized to receive and grasp chain links 326 to pull anchor chain 304 over windlass 306. Thus, windlass 306 may deploy or retrieve anchor chain 304 without wrapping anchor chain 304 around windlass 306. Anchor chain 304 that has been retrieved may be stowed in a chain box 346. In some embodiments, windlass 306 may include a wrapping head (not shown) for wrapping anchor chain 304 around the wrapping head of windlass 306. Windlass 306 may also include a mechanical brake, solenoid brake, ratchet and pawl device, or other suitable braking mechanism to prevent unintentional release of anchor chain 304.

As shown in FIGS. 26-28 and 32-35, windlass 306 may be located between deck 378 and underside 20 of deck 378. Anchor chain 304 may pass through hull doors 332, as shown in FIGS. 27, 28, 33 and 35, when anchor chain 304 is in a deployed position. In some embodiments, windlass 306 may be located above deck 378 such that anchor chain 304 passes through an aperture (not shown) in deck 378 and then through underside 20 of deck 378. The aperture may include one or more fairleads or series of fairleads to guide anchor chain 304 and reduce damage due to chaffing and/or vibration while anchor chain 304 is deployed and retracted. In some embodiments, windlass 306 may be located below underside 20 of deck 378. Similar to windlass 306, other elements of anchoring and mooring system 300, such as the windlass motor, chain counter 312, chain roller 342, chain tension roller 344, and chain box 346, may be located above deck 378, between deck 378 and underside 20 of deck 378, or below underside 20 of deck 378.

Windlass 306 may include a windlass motor (not shown) to provide power to windlass 306. The windlass motor may be an integral part of windlass 306 or may be external to windlass 306. In some embodiments, the windlass motor may be external to windlass 306 and may be located near an amidships position on catamaran 10. In some embodiments, the windlass motor may be, for example, a motor contained in a Pro-Series Windlass™ available from Lewmar Inc. (Guilford, Conn.). The windlass motor may be wirelessly controlled by, for example, a microprocessor 348 and/or remote control 362 using wireless communication technology. Remote, wireless control of windlass 306 may be accomplished through the use of a controller such as a 3-button Windlass Remote Kit™ available from Lewmar Inc. (Guilford, Conn.), which may form part of a wireless control module (not shown). In some embodiments, the windlass motor may be electronically controlled through a hardwired connection from a microprocessor 348 and/or other control module. Windlass 306 may be gas-powered, electric-powered, hydraulic-powered or may use any other suitable type of power.

Windlass 306 may be located in compartment 334 over hull doors 332. Hull doors 332 may open to allow passage of anchor 302 and anchor chain 304 and may close to store anchor 302 and anchor chain 304. When hull doors 332 are in a closed position, hull doors 332 may be substantially flush with underside 20 of deck 378. A seal may be formed between hull doors 332 and underside 20 of deck 378 when hull doors 332 are in a closed position. Hull doors 332 may be made of the same material as underside 20 of deck 378 or may be made of a different material than underside 20 of deck 378. Hull doors 332 may be of any suitable size and shape and, in some embodiments, hull doors 332 may be sized to permit anchor 302 to pass through hull doors 332. Hull doors 332 may open due to the pull of gravity and close due to action of a mechanical linkage system, as described further below in connection with FIGS. 32 and 33. In some embodiments, hull doors 332 may be biased in order to provide a closing force to hull doors 332. In some embodiments, hull doors 332 may be opened and closed electronically and/or automatically (e.g. by a solenoid or other suitable actuator) either through hardwired or wireless communication from microprocessor 348 or other device. Hull doors 332 may include two doors, as shown in FIGS. 27, 28, 32 and 33, a single door, or more than two doors.

As shown in FIGS. 27, 28, 34, and 35, chain box 346 may be located near windlass 306 and may be configured to receive anchor chain 304 as anchor chain 304 is retrieved by windlass 306. In some embodiments, anchor chain 304 retrieved by windlass 306 may be automatically stored in chain box 346 by falling into chain box 346 due to the force of gravity, as shown in FIG. 35. Chain box 346 may be any suitable size and shape. An interior access door 386, as shown in FIG. 35, may be located in deck 378 above chain box 346. Interior access door 386 may allow access from deck 378 to chain box 346, windlass 306, chain tension roller 344, chain roller 342, and hull doors 332 for repairs or maintenance.

Chain tension roller 344 may be located between windlass 306 and chain roller 342 and may apply force to anchor chain 304 to keep sufficient tension in anchor chain 304 as anchor chain 304 is being deployed or retrieved. Chain tension roller 344 may be biased to provide such force, such as by one or more springs (not shown).

Chain roller 342 may be located adjacent chain tension roller 344 and may be located above hull doors 332 and hull opening 334. When anchor chain 304 is deployed, anchor chain 304 may be pulled from chain box 346 by windlass 306, pass from windlass 306 to chain tension roller 344, and then pass from chain tension roller 344 to chain roller 342 and out hull opening 334. When anchor chain 304 is retrieved, it may be pulled by windlass 306 over chain roller 342, under chain tension roller 344, and over windlass 306 to chain box 346. Of course, other suitable configurations of rollers or other guides may be used, depending on the particular application.

Anchoring and mooring system 300 may also include a chain counter 312 which may be configured to measure the length of anchor chain 304 dispensed and retracted by windlass 306. Chain counter 312 may be positioned at or near an amidships position on catamaran 10, as shown in FIGS. 26-28, and may form part of windlass 306 or may be separate from windlass 306. As described more fully below, chain counter 312 may communicate, either wirelessly or through hardwired connection, with windlass 306 and/or microprocessor 348, and windlass 306 may be stopped when a predetermined length of anchor chain 304 has been dispensed or refracted. As described further below, chain counter 312 may comprise hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware elements and may communicate with and/or be executed by microprocessor 348. Chain counter 312 may also communicate wirelessly with a remote control 362 or other suitable control module (not shown). Chain counter 312 may also communicate through hardwired connection with a control module (not shown) located on catamaran 10, for example, in bridge 160. Chain counter 312 may be, for example, an AAA150 Rode Counter™ available from Lewmar Inc. (Guilford, Conn.).

Video cameras 310 may be substantially waterproof and may be lighted such that a user may view anchor chain 304 and/or anchor 302 while they are being deployed and retrieved by viewing video images produced by video cameras 310 on video monitor 376. Anchoring and mooring system 300 may include one video camera 310 or may include two or more video cameras 310 that provide various views of anchor 302 and/or anchor chain 304 in relation to one or more hulls 12. As shown in FIGS. 26-28, cameras 310 may be located in hulls 12 and may be positioned below water line 15. Cameras 310 may be located on a bottom portion 328 of hulls 12, as shown in FIG. 26, or may be positioned on a lateral surface of hulls (not shown). In other embodiments, cameras 310 may be positioned at or above water line 15. In other embodiments, cameras 310 may be positioned on or in underside 20 of deck 378. Cameras 310 may be angled toward anchor chain 304 and may include a wide angle lens. Cameras 310 may be flush mounted in hulls 12 or underside 20 of deck 378 to form an aerodynamic and hydrodynamic shape with minimized drag. Cameras 310 may produce high resolution, black-and-white or color video images and may be, for example, a SplashCam Dropshot 20/20™ camera available from Ocean Systems, Inc. (Everett, Wash.).

Cameras 310 may send video signals to monitor 376 and/or microprocessor 348. Video images produced by cameras 310 may be viewable on monitor 376 which may be part of a remote control 362 or other control module. While anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 are deployed and retrieved, a user may view video images of anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 displayed on monitor 376. Using such video images, a user may operate the propulsion and directional control systems of catamaran 10 to control the positioning of catamaran 10 with respect to anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 such that anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 do not contact hulls 12 while anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 are deployed or retracted. For example, a user may use a control module to center catamaran 10 over anchor chain 304 so that anchor chain 304 is retracted or deployed a safe distance from hulls 12. Cameras 310 may be configured to provide images to microprocessor 348 and/or monitor 376 only when anchor chain 304 is being retracted and deployed.

Depth gauge 314 may be located in hull 12, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, or may be located in any other suitable location, such as underside 20 of deck 378. Depth gauge 314 may be configured to measure the depth of water under catamaran 10 and may provide depth data to microprocessor 348 and/or a control module. Depth data produced by depth gauge 314 may be used by microprocessor 348 to calculate an appropriate amount of anchor chain 304 to be deployed by windlass 306. In some embodiments, depth gauge 314 may continuously or periodically measure water depth and provide water depth information to microprocessor 348 or other control module.

A control module may be located on catamaran 10, for example, in bridge 160, or may be portable and may wirelessly communicate with and control components of anchoring and mooring system 300 and other components of catamaran 10. The control module may include a joystick 366 configured to remotely control the propulsion mean(s) and/or steering of catamaran 10. The control module may also remotely control windlass 306 and may include a deploy anchor button 368, a deploy yoke button 370, a retrieve yoke button 374, and retrieve anchor button 372. Although elements 368, 370, 372, and 374 are referred to as “buttons,” they may be any suitable signal control devices, such as push-button switches, toggle switches, or the like. The control module may be comprised of one unitary component or may include several separate components. For example, the control module may include components which are located on catamaran 10 in bridge 160 and may also include elements which are portable and wirelessly communicate with and control components of anchoring and mooring system 300 and catamaran 10. Additionally, the control module may include two separate modules where one module is portable and the other module is secured to catamaran 10.

As shown in FIG. 29, each of depth gauge 314 and chain counter 312 may communicate wirelessly or through hardwired connection with microprocessor 348. In some embodiments, the control module, windlass 306, and cameras 310 may also communicate with microprocessor 348. In some embodiments, components of anchoring and mooring system 300 may include software which is configured to be performed by microprocessor 348. Microprocessor 348 may include memory configured to record data received from components of anchoring and mooring system 300 and from other parts of catamaran 10. Microprocessor 348 may receive various input signals, compute necessary control information based on the input signals, record data, and send desired control signals to various components of anchoring and mooring system 300 to control, for example, the raising and lowering of anchor chain 304. For example, in some embodiments, depth measurements from depth gauge 314 may be provided to microprocessor 348. Microprocessor 348 may calculate the necessary length of anchor chain 304 which is to be deployed in order to anchor catamaran 10 (for example, seven times the measured depth, or other suitable calculation). When a user depresses the deploy anchor button 368, microprocessor 348 may send a deploy signal to the windlass motor, such that windlass 306 may begin to deploy anchor chain 304. Chain counter 312 may measure the length of anchor chain 304 that has been deployed from windlass 306 and may send a signal to microprocessor 348 when the desired length of chain 304 has been deployed, and microprocessor 348 may send a stop signal to the windlass motor to stop windlass 306. Microprocessor 348 may store data in memory concerning the amount of anchor chain 304 that was deployed.

User inputs, such as deploy anchor button 368, deploy yoke button 370, manual deploy button 388, retrieve yoke button 374, retrieve anchor button 372 and manual retrieve button 390, may communicate with microprocessor 348 and may cause microprocessor 348 to send control signals to remote control 362, which may then control other components, such as windlass 306. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned buttons 368, 370, 388, 374, 372, 390 may communicate directly with remote control 362. Remote control 362 and microprocessor 348 may communicate directly with other components of anchoring and mooring system 300, such as windlass 306.

While anchor chain 304 is being deployed or retrieved, the captain may control the position and orientation of catamaran 10 with respect to anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 either manually or automatically. The captain may manually control the position and orientation of catamaran 10 while viewing video images produced by video cameras 310 shown on monitor 376. The captain may control the position and orientation of catamaran 10 using manual controls and may view monitor 376 to ensure that the anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 do not contact hulls 12.

As shown in FIG. 29, catamaran 10 may also be automatically controlled while anchor 302 is deployed or retrieved. “Deploy” or “Retrieve” input may be received from the captain by microprocessor 348, which may automatically control deploying or retrieving anchor 302 from that point forward. Microprocessor 348 may process input data and send control signals to remote control 362. Remote control 362 may send start and stop signals to windlass 306. One or more chain position sensors 316, such as, for example, an acoustic or optic sensor, may send position signals to microprocessor 348 indicative of the position of anchor chain 304 relative to one or more hulls 12. Microprocessor 348 may control joy stick 366 or other suitable control module to control the propulsion system and steering system of catamaran 10 to insure a safe distance between anchor chain 304 and hulls 12 of catamaran 10 as anchor 302 is retrieved or deployed. In some embodiments, the captain may view the position of anchor chain 304 on monitor 376 as anchor chain 304 is automatically retrieved or deployed and catamaran 10 is automatically steered and powered and may manually override the control of catamaran 10 by moving the joy stick control 366 or other controls, if necessary.

In a method for deploying anchor 302, depth gauge 314 may continuously or periodically provide a depth-under-hull signal to microprocessor 348. Microprocessor 348 may use depth information from depth gauge 314 to calculate the proper anchor chain length to be deployed. Calculated chain length data may be delivered to chain counter 312. When the captain positions catamaran 10 over the site to drop anchor 302, the captain may press deploy anchor button 368, and remote control 362 may tell windlass 306 to deploy anchor chain 304 until chain counter 312 detects the proper length of anchor chain 304 has been deployed. Chain counter 312 or microprocessor 348 may then send a “stop” signal to windlass 306. Yoke 400 may be manually installed on anchor chain 304. The captain may press deploy yoke button 370 and microprocessor 348 may calculate and tell chain counter 312 the additional length of anchor chain 304 to be deployed to apply desired tension to yoke 400. Microprocessor 348 may also tell remote control 362 to tell windlass 306 to deploy additional anchor chain 304. When the proper amount of anchor chain 304 is deployed to apply sufficient tension to yoke 400, chain counter 312 or microprocessor 348 may tell windlass 306 to stop deploying anchor chain 304 and the anchoring method ends. In some embodiments, some or all of the “start” and “stop” control signals may be sent directly from microprocessor 348 to windlass 306. As used herein, “tell” means to send a communication signal. Signal communication among the various components described herein may be any suitable type of signal communication, such as electrical, optical, acoustic, or the like.

A method to retrieve anchor 302 may begin by the captain pressing retrieve yoke button 374, and microprocessor 348 may tell chain counter 312 how much anchor chain 304 needs to be retrieved to remove desired tension from yoke 400. Microprocessor 348 may also tell remote control 362 to tell windlass 306 to retrieve anchor chain 304. Yoke 400 may be manually removed from anchor chain 304. The captain may press the retrieve anchor button 372. Remote control 362 may tell windlass 306 to retrieve anchor chain 304 until a limit switch stops windlass 306 and the anchor retrieval method is complete.

In some embodiments, a method for deploying an anchor may start by depth gauge 314 sending a depth signal to microprocessor 348. Video camera 310 may send a video signal to microprocessor 348 and/or monitor 376. Video signals received by microprocessor 348 may be processed and sent to monitor 376. Microprocessor 348 may calculate the length of anchor chain 304 to be deployed using the depth signal received from depth gauge 314. Microprocessor 348 may receive a deploy anchor signal. Microprocessor 348 may send a deploy anchor signal to the windlass motor. The windlass motor may turn windlass 306 and windlass 306 may deploy anchor chain 304. Microprocessor 348 may send chain length data to chain counter 312, and chain counter 312 may measure the length of anchor chain 304 deployed by windlass 306. While anchor chain 304 is being deployed, the captain may observe anchor chain 304 by viewing the video images of anchor chain 304 on monitor 376. In some embodiments, acoustic or optic sensors 316 may send proximity data to microprocessor 348 indicative of how close anchor chain 304 is to hulls 12 of catamaran 10. Microprocessor 348 may automatically control the propulsion system and the steering system of catamaran 10 to center anchor chain 304 between hulls 12. Chain counter 312 may send a stop signal to microprocessor 348 when the calculated length of anchor chain 304 has been deployed. Microprocessor 348 may send a stop signal to the windlass motor. The windlass motor may receive the stop signal and may stop windlass 306. Yoke 400 may be manually connected to anchor chain 304 by connecting anchor chain carabiner 404 between links 326 of anchor chain 304. Proximal ends 436 of yoke rope 416 may be installed on corresponding port and starboard cleats 340.

Microprocessor 348 may receive a deploy yoke signal. Microprocessor 348 may calculate the length of anchor chain 304 needed to transfer at least some tension from anchor chain 304 to yoke 400 and may send the calculated length data to chain counter 312. Microprocessor 348 may send a deploy yoke signal to the windlass motor. The windlass motor may turn windlass 306 and windlass 306 may deploy anchor chain 304. Chain counter 312 may measure the length of anchor chain 304 deployed by windlass 306. Chain counter 312 may send a stop signal to microprocessor 348 when the calculated length of anchor chain 304 has been deployed. Microprocessor 348 may send a stop signal to the windlass motor and the method may end.

In some embodiments, a method to retrieve anchor 302 may start with video cameras 310 sending a video signal to microprocessor 348 and/or monitor 376. Microprocessor 348 may process the video signal and send the processed video signal to monitor 376. Microprocessor 348 may receive a retrieve yoke signal. Microprocessor 348 may calculate the length of anchor chain 304 that should be retrieved to relieve desired tension in yoke 400. In some embodiments, microprocessor 348 may accesses memory to determine an amount of anchor chain 304 to be retrieved to relieve desired tension in yoke 400. Microprocessor 348 may send the calculated length data to chain counter 312. In some embodiments, yoke 400 may include a tension sensor (not shown), such as a strain gauge or load cell, which may send a tension signal to microprocessor 348, which may send “stop” and “start” signals to windlass 306 based on the tension data. Microprocessor 348 may send a retrieve yoke signal to the windlass motor. The windlass motor may turn windlass 306 to retrieve anchor chain 304. Chain counter 312 may measure the length of anchor chain 304 retrieved and may send a stop signal to microprocessor 348 when the predetermined amount has been retrieved. In other embodiments, microprocessor 348 may send a retrieve yoke signal to the windlass motor, and the windlass motor may employ a strain gauge or other tension measuring device to determine when the necessary tension has been transferred from yoke 400 to anchor chain 304. The strain gauge or other strain sensor may send strain measurements to microprocessor 348. When microprocessor 348 determines that predetermined strain has been reached, microprocessor 348 may send a stop signal to the windlass motor.

During the anchor retrieval process, monitor 376 may display live video images of the anchor chain 304 and anchor 302 produced by video cameras 310. The captain may control catamaran 10 from a control module to keep catamaran 10 centered over anchor chain 304 as it is retrieved. In other embodiments, microprocessor 348 may receive proximity data from one or more of acoustic and/or optical sensors 316 indicative of the proximity of the anchor chain 304 to the hulls 12. Microprocessor 348 may automatically control the propulsion system and steering system of catamaran 10 to center catamaran 10 over the anchor chain 304 as it is retrieved.

Yoke 400 may be manually removed from anchor chain 304 by removing anchor chain carabiner 404 from anchor chain 304. Microprocessor 348 may receive a retrieve anchor signal. Microprocessor 348 may send a start signal to the windlass motor and the windlass motor may turn windlass 306 to retrieve anchor chain 304. Chain counter 312 may measure the length of anchor chain 304 retrieved. Chain counter 312 may send a stop signal when the previously deployed length of anchor chain 304 has been retrieved. In some embodiments, the windlass motor may stop automatically when tension in anchor chain 304 indicates that anchor 302 has been fully retrieved. The method may then end.

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, yoke 400 may include a rigid pipe 402, an anchor chain carabiner 404 attached to rigid pipe 402, a mooring loop carabiner 406 attached to rigid pipe 402 adjacent anchor chain carabiner 404, and a boat hook 408 attached to rigid pipe 402 perpendicular to both anchor chain carabiner 404 and mooring loop carabiner 406. Mooring loop carabiner 406, anchor chain carabiner 404 and boat hook 408 may be configured in any suitable manner with respect to rigid pipe 402. Yoke 400 may be configured to connect anchor chain 304 to cleats 340 on bow 318 or stern 320 of catamaran 10, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, respectively. Once yoke 400 is installed, adequate anchor chain 304 is deployed to transfer at least some tension from anchor chain 304 to yoke 400.

Rigid pipe 402 may include an extended portion 410, which may be any desired length, such as about between seven (7) and eight (8) feet in length, for example. Extended portion 410 may include a handle (not shown) or a suitable surface finish at the proximal end to allow grasping by a user. Rigid pipe 402 may also include a union portion 412 and a distal end 414. Union portion 412 may connect extended portion 410 to distal end 414 and may be angular, as shown in FIG. 31, or may be curved. As shown in the front view of FIG. 31, rigid pipe 402 may be flat when viewed in a front view. In some embodiments, rigid pipe 402 may be curved or angled when viewed in a front view. Rope 416 may be disposed within rigid pipe 402 and may exit rigid pipe 402 at distal end 438 and proximal end 428. Proximal ends 436 of rope 416 may secure to cleats 340 on port and starboard sides of catamaran 10.

Anchor chain carabiner 404 may be configured to removably secure to anchor chain 304. While standing or sitting on deck 378, a user may grasp the proximal end 428 of rigid pipe 402 and extend rigid pipe 402 toward anchor chain 304 such that anchor chain carabiner 404 contacts anchor chain 304. Anchor chain carabiner latch 430 may be spring loaded and may retract when pressed against anchor chain 304. In some embodiments, anchor chain carabiner latch 430 may be manually retracted by pulling pull ring 422. Pull ring 422 may be connected with line 424, which may be connected with anchor chain carabiner latch 430, as shown in FIG. 30. Line 424 may pass through pulley 422 or may apply force to anchor chain carabiner latch 430 in any other suitable manner. Anchor chain carabiner 404 may secure to anchor chain 304 by threading hook 434 through an anchor chain link 326 or by placing hook 434 around an anchor chain link 326, such as, for example, central anchor chain link 392, and between two other anchor chain links 326 adjacent the anchor chain link 326 around which anchor chain carabiner 404 is placed, such as, for example, first anchor chain link 394 and second anchor chain link 396, as shown in FIG. 36. Anchor chain carabiner 404 may be sized to fit snugly between first anchor chain link 394 and second anchor chain link 396 such that anchor chain 304 is substantially fixed with respect to yoke 400, and carabiner 404 may have a width 440 sized to snugly fit around the captured, central anchor chain link 392. As shown in FIG. 31, anchor chain carabiner 404 may be shorter and thinner than mooring loop carabiner 406. Anchor chain carabiner 404 may be of such a thickness that when anchor chain carabiner 404 is attached around central anchor chain link 392, anchor chain carabiner 404 covers most of the distance between an outer, near end of first anchor chain link 394 and an outer, near end of second anchor chain link 396. Thus, anchor chain carabiner 404 may be held between the outer, near end of first anchor chain link 394 and the outer, near end of second anchor chain link 396 and may be substantially restricted from longitudinal displacement with respect to anchor chain 304. Anchor chain carabiner 404 may be removed from anchor chain 304 by pulling ring 422 which is connected with anchor chain carabiner latch 430 by line 424.

Mooring loop carabiner 406 may secure to a mooring loop (not shown) by placing hook 434 within the mooring loop. A user may use rigid pipe 402 to reach for the mooring loop by grasping proximal end 428 and extending boat hook 408 toward the mooring loop, hooking the mooring loop with hook 408, and bringing the mooring loop to the user. The user may place the mooring loop within mooring loop carabiner 406 such that mooring loop carabiner latch 432 locks the mooring loop within mooring loop carabiner 406. Proximal ends 436 of rope 416 may then be secured to cleats 340 on port and starboard sides of catamaran 10.

As shown in FIG. 26, proximal ends 436 of rope 416 may be secured to cleats 340 on catamaran 10 after one of anchor chain carabiner 404 and mooring loop carabiner 406 is secured to anchor chain 304 or a mooring loop, respectively. In some embodiments, rope 416 may be fixedly attached to pipe 402. In other embodiments, rope 416 may be movable within rigid pipe 402 such that yoke 400 may move in directions 336, 338 and may adjust position with respect to rope 416 depending on conditions such as water current or wind direction. In some embodiments, relative movement of pipe 402 with respect to rope 416 may be limited such that anchor chain 304 cannot contact hulls 12.

FIGS. 32 and 34 show anchor 302 in a stored position, and FIG. 33 shows anchor 302 in a deployed position. In a deployed position, as shown in FIG. 33, hull doors 332 are in an open position and anchor chain 304 hangs through hull opening 324. Anchor chain 304 may hang from chain roller 342 and may be held in place due to a braking mechanism included in windlass 306 or another suitable braking mechanism. Hull doors 332 may open due to the weight of hull doors 332 and may remain open while anchor 302 is in a deployed position. In some embodiments, hull doors 332 may completely or partially close when anchor 302 is in a deployed position.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, a door closure device may attach to hull doors 332. The door closure device may include rigid links 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360 connected by pivot points 380. Pivot points 380 may be pin joints, ball joints, or any other suitable joint, and may allow rigid links 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360 to pivot with respect to each other. Rigid links 350, 356 may be rigidly secured to door latch 384, and rigid links 354, 360 may be rigidly secured to hull doors 332. Rigid links 352, 358 may be pivotally linked to rigid links 350, 354 and rigid links 356, 360, respectively. When anchor 302 is retrieved, anchor chain 304 may be pulled over chain roller 342 until a portion of anchor 302 contacts chain roller 342. Anchor 302 may then be progressively forced into a substantially parallel position with respect to deck 378 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 34. While being forced into a substantially parallel position, a portion of anchor 302 may contact door latch 384 and push door latch 384 along track 382 from an open position, as shown in FIG. 33, to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 32. As door latch 384 moves from the open position of FIG. 33 to the closed position of FIG. 32, door latch 384 pulls on rigid links 350, 356, which pull on rigid links 352, 358, which pull on rigid links 354, 360 to automatically close hull doors 332. When anchor 302 is deployed, hull doors 332 automatically fall open as anchor 302 moves towards hulls doors 332 and as door latch 384 moves with anchor 302 from the closed position towards the open position. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, anchor 302 may be stored between deck 378 and underside 20 of deck 378 in a substantially parallel position with respect to deck 378. As shown in FIG. 34, when anchor 302 is stored, a portion of anchor 302 may be held on chain roller 342, and door latch 384 may rest on anchor 302.

Systems and methods described herein may greatly improve the anchoring or mooring of a catamaran. With the windlass located generally amidships, such systems and methods may allow anchoring or mooring toward either the bow or the stern of the catamaran, which significantly improves the captain's options of orienting the catamaran with respect to prevailing winds for sufficient ventilation of the cabin and with regard to the available views from either the bow or stern. Such systems and methods may also greatly simplify and increase the safety and precision with which a captain may deploy and retrieve an anchor in a manner that avoids chaffing of the anchor chain against the hulls of the catamaran.

The embodiments described above are some examples of the current invention. Various modifications and changes of the current invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Among other things, any feature described for one embodiment may be used in any other embodiment. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, considering the doctrine of equivalents, and is not limited to the specific examples described herein.

Claims

1. A water-borne vessel comprising:

a catamaran having first and second hulls spaced apart from each other and a bow deck between said hulls; and

a dinghy disposed between said hulls and below said bow deck;

said dinghy being movable between a stowed position in which said dinghy is proximate an underside of said bow deck and a deployed position at or near a water line beneath said bow deck.

2. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising a cradle adapted for receiving and releasing said dinghy.

3. The vessel of claim 2 wherein said cradle comprises a substantially stiff bow portion that extends forward of a leading edge of said bow deck when said dinghy is in said stowed position, said bow portion being suitable to support the weight of a person.

4. The vessel of claim 3 wherein said bow portion comprises a shape complementary to a shape of said leading edge of said bow deck.

5. The vessel of claim 2 further comprising a water-tight seal between said cradle and said catamaran when said dinghy is in said stowed position, and wherein said cradle and said underside of said bow deck form a V-shaped nacelle.

6. The vessel of claim 1 wherein said dinghy is held snugly against said underside in said stowed position.

7. The vessel of claim 6 further comprising a water-tight seal between said dinghy and said catamaran, and wherein said dinghy and said underside of said bow deck form a V-shaped nacelle.

8. The vessel of claim 7 further comprising a cradle in which said dinghy is disposed, and wherein said cradle forms a portion of said V-shaped nacelle.

9. The vessel of claim 1 wherein a bow portion of said dinghy extends forward of a leading edge of said bow deck in said stowed position.

10. The vessel of claim 9 wherein said bow portion of said dinghy comprises a shape complementary to a shape of said leading edge of said bow deck.

11. The vessel of claim 9 wherein said bow portion comprises a substantially stiff dinghy bow deck suitable to support the weight of a person.

12. The vessel of claim 11 further comprising one or more switches mounted to said catamaran proximate said leading edge, said one or more switches being adapted for actuating a lift system for raising and lowering said dinghy between said stowed position and said deployed position.

13. The vessel of claim 1 wherein said dinghy comprises a motor pivotally mounted to a transom.

14. The vessel of claim 13 wherein said motor comprises an engine and a propeller, and wherein said underside of said bow deck comprises a cavity adapted for receiving said engine and said propeller in said stowed position.

15. The vessel of claim 14 further comprising a hatch attached to a pivot body of said transom wherein said hatch sealingly covers said cavity in said stowed position.

16. The vessel of claim 1 wherein said dinghy comprises a control console detachably mounted to a docking station on said dinghy.

17. The vessel of claim 16 wherein said control console is accessible from said catamaran through an opening in said bow deck.

18. The vessel of claim 17 wherein said opening is sized and configured to permit a user to board and disembark from said dinghy through said opening.

19. The vessel of claim 18 further comprising one or more switches mounted to said catamaran proximate said opening, said one or more switches being adapted for actuating a lift system for raising and lowering said dinghy between said stowed position and said deployed position.

20. The vessel of claim 16 wherein said control console is mountable to said catamaran.

21. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising a retractable diving board installed in a cavity in a stern portion of said catamaran.

22. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising a retrieval system mounted to a stern portion of said catamaran, said retrieval system comprising a spool-mounted net extendable from a retracted position to a deployed position.

23. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising:

a windlass located generally amidships on said catamaran;

an anchor chain operatively engaged with said windlass;

an anchor attached to said anchor chain;

at least one video camera mounted to said catamaran and oriented to provide video images of said anchor chain in relation to at least one of said hulls as said anchor chain is deployed from and retracted by said windlass; and

a monitor in communication with said at least one video camera, said monitor configured for displaying said video images of said anchor chain.

24. The vessel of claim 23 further comprising:

a depth sensor mounted to said catamaran and oriented to measure a depth of water under said catamaran;

a computer processor configured to receive a signal representative of said depth from said depth sensor and calculate a desired length of said anchor chain to be deployed based on said depth; and

a chain counter in communication with said windlass and configured to measure a length of anchor chain deployed from or retracted by said windlass.

25. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising:

a windlass located generally amidships on said catamaran;

an anchor chain operatively engaged with said windlass;

an anchor attached to said anchor chain; and

at least one proximity sensor mounted to said catamaran and oriented to provide an indication of the position of said anchor chain relative to said hulls as said anchor chain is deployed from and retracted by said windlass.

26. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising:

a hollow, rigid pipe comprising a proximal end configured to be grasped by a user and a distal end opposite said proximal end;

a rope entering said hollow, rigid pipe at said proximal end, extending through said hollow, rigid pipe, and exiting said hollow, rigid pipe at said distal end, said rope configured to removably secure said hollow, rigid pipe to a cleat on said catamaran;

an anchor chain carabiner connected to said hollow, rigid pipe and configured to removably secure said hollow, rigid pipe to an anchor chain mounted to said catamaran;

a mooring loop carabiner connected to said hollow, rigid pipe and configured to removably secure said hollow, rigid pipe to a mooring loop; and

a boat hook connected to said hollow, rigid pipe near said distal end of said hollow, rigid pipe.