Abstract: An accessory for a sailboard (12) comprises a pair of rigid float members (28) which are rigidly mounted to the sailboard (12) to form, with the sailboard a substantially unitary structure, the upper surfaces of the float members (28) constituting an extension of the upper surface of the sailboard (12) on which the sailboard rider can stand.

Abstract: An improved pontoon system designed for supporting a motorcycle of the three-wheel off-road variety. The pontoons are connected through a pivoting frame to the main motorcycle structure. The position of the pontoons is controlled by a lever arm and handle, secured by locking pins, permitting the pontoons to be positioned in three positions. The first, a fully lowered flotation position, supports a three-wheeler motorcycle on the water to a depth sufficient that the drive wheels of the motorcycle will, through a paddle wheel effect, propel the motorcycle through water. A second, water entry and water exit position, is somewhat higher so that the pontoons will clear small obstacles as the motorcycle enters or leaves the water. A third, overhead terrain traversal position, permits the motorcycle to be driven through rough underbrush and undergrowth and the like while the pontoons are fully clear of any ground obstacles.

Abstract: A float (10) is disclosed for providing vertical, side-to-side and front-to-back support to a user. Float (10) includes a seat (11) for supporting the user in a pre-determined astride, sidesaddle or reclined position. First and second buoyant elongate body supports (20 and 21) are each secured by a hinge to opposite ends of seat (11). The body supports (20 and 21) support opposite sides of the torso of the user depending upon the manner in which the user sits on the seat. The body supports (20 and 21) are freely and independently moveable about their respective hinges (12 and 13) within a relatively wide angle of travel to permit adjustment to varying body positions and movements. According to one embodiment of the invention, auxiliary stabilizing floats (33, 34 and 39, 40) are telescoped within bores (30 and 31) of the body supports (20' and 21'). By extending the auxiliary floats (33, 34 and 39, 40) greater resistance to side-to-side or front-to-back tipping is provided.

Abstract: A trimaran sailing boat permitting the automatic return to a stable equilibrium corresponding to a normal sailing position from any position. This is accomplished by filling of submergeable watertight floats with water and rapid discharge of the water which causes the automatic rotation of the floats. The force developed causes the return to the normal sailing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boom structure in an oil-spill-combatting system. The principle of the apparatus is as follows: from the water craft (2) there extends to each side a boom, and the ends of the collecting rope (4) are secured to the ends of the booms. The oil is recovered from the rope by running the rope (4) through an apparatus (3) which is situated at the aft of the craft (2). The rope is run first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. According to the invention the rope is put into effective use, up to the last meter, by making the booms from two sections (5, 6), of which the outer one (6) turns synchronically with the passage of the rope (4) and brings each rope end alternately next to the recovery apparatus (3).

Abstract: An inflated flotation collar is formed around at least part of the hull of a boat by positioning a longitudinal inflatable member along at least part of the length of both the port and starboard sides of the hull. The terminal portions of the member are secured so that the linear length of the gunwale over which the member extends is substantially fixed and so that the member is held substantially at gunwale level on the hull by securing devices passing around and optionally over but not under the hull. The inflatable member is inflated, whereby the expansion of the member causes the member to bear against the hull against the restraining effect of the securing of the terminal portions.

Abstract: A raft for a rapid flow water course amusement ride having a generally circular shaped hull fabricated in two sections with a surrounding floatation bumper and separate redundant floatation material in the bottom of the hull. A multiplicity of inwardly facing high-backed seats are disposed around the inner periphery of the hull with a circular hand-hold in the center. The circular construction and seat distribution and arrangement, coupled with the redundant floatation feature, provides a stable and safe floatation device which is especially adapted to endure abuse from collisions with the water course banks and obstructions disposed in the water course while carrying a plurality of raft riders.

Abstract: Adjustable clamp-on canoe pontoon with outrigger arms, adjustable in height for various depth canoes, having a two-piece clamping device for mounting to the top surface of the "T"-shaped gunwales of various canoes.

Abstract: A device, a method, and a system for reducing the draft of large vessels to allow the successful navigation of shallow waterways which could not otherwise be traversed due to the depth of the draft of the vessel. The implementation of this system will eliminate unnecessary dredging and facilitate full utilization of the ships' cargo capacity. The system is comprised of several buoyancy modules, control tender vessels, base point grids, appropriate computers, air compressors, and all other necessary equipment. Each buoyancy module of the system consist of two inflatable/deflatable pneumatic lift cells contained by sleeves positioned one at each end, with a base webbing connecting the two ends and forming the middle supportive portion of each module. The base webbing is positioned beneath the vessel oriented so as to position one pneumatic lift cell on each side of the vessel.

Abstract: A floating, nonsubmersible nautical craft has a hull provided with portholes for observation of the underwater medium. It is buoyed and stabilized, and its draft can be varied. The hull and the apparatus by which it is buoyed and stabilized have a modular structure in transverse sections. The hull is generally tubular in shape, flattened laterally, with a horizontal main axis, with a succession of portholes on each of its longitudinal flanks.

Abstract: A sailing vessel having the performance capabilities of a multi-hull craft with the superior stability of a ballasted mono-hull craft, comprising a central hull supporting a mast and a pair of lateral hulls substantially parallel to the central hull and connected thereto by arms which are pivotably connected to the central hull such that each arm can pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the hull. Springs act between the central hull and each of the arms such that pivotal movement of each arm is only possible against the bias of the spring. Excessive wind loading is thereby shed from the sail by the mast and the central hull pivoting relative to the lateral hulls.

Abstract: A multihull vessel has a center section; a pair of floats displaceable from normal operative positions laterally extended on either side of the center section upwardly to positions above the center section and inwardly toward the center axis of the vessel as well as downwardly toward any hull or sides of the center section and inwardly to positions below any superstructure of the center section; arms consisting of pivotally mounted and jointed members connecting the floats to the center section and capable of positioning and maintaining the floats at positions between fully raised and fully lowered; one or more masts displaceable from a fully vertical position to a fully prone position; elements of standing rigging of effectively adjustable length between mast and center section or floats and apparatus for adjusting singly or in coordination, even while underway, docked or capsized, with inboard, in place and centrally located control devices, any of the floats or masts to any allowable orientation with respe

Abstract: A foil stabilized monohull vessel which functions as a multiple hull vessel at rest or at low speeds is described. The vessel comprises a main center hull which supports a deck thereover, and a stabilizing structure disposed on either side of the deck. The stabilizing structure includes floats which are intended to rest on the water when the vessel is at rest or at low speeds, and intended to be removed from the water when the vessel is at high speeds. The stabilizing structure also includes one or more pairs of opposed foils which act as stabilizers disposed on the port and starboard sides of the vessel. The stabilizer foils act in concert to reduce roll and improve maneuverability.

Abstract: The trimaran has a lateral hull which is fixed at the end of a beam rotatably mounted on a longitudinal axis, which itself is supported by an outrigger protruding from the central hull. A jack allows the lateral hull to rotate around the axis (arrow). Openings are provided in the lateral hull, in order to fill and flush it. The catamaran can be righted from the capsized position by a rotation of the water-filled side hulls through about 90.degree., because the side hulls then act as ballasted keels. After emptying the lateral hulls and returning the beams to their normal position, navigation may be resumed.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus for transport or amusement which is propelled by a human operator in a standing position. An annular float has a platform secured to its upper side and a plurality of circumferentially spaced fins extending from its lower side. Struts with pontoons are removably connectable to a rotatable mast which extends through the platform. When a human operator strands on an outer ring portion of the platform, the pontoons float in the water and stabilize the annular float in an inclined position, raising the fins on one side of the float out of the water. When the operator walks forwardly, counteracting the torque by holding a paddle against a strut, forward propulsion results. When sufficient skill is acquired, the struts and pontoons are disconnected from the mast, and the operator drags the buoyant paddle in the water to provide balance and counteract torque sufficiently to result in forward propulsion.

Abstract: This invention is an improved dinghy for tending yachts and for similar purposes. The use and operation of dinghies usually entails various problems. In the prior art the managing of the loading of passengers and of gear, and at the same time maintaining a good rowing trim, has had numerous problems. The fixed oarlock sockets of the prior art have precluded efficient seating of passengers and the loading of gear, generally resulting in a poor rowing trim. At the same time, dinghies of the prior art have had less than an adequate bouyancy to enable the vessel to remain afloat in the event of a capsize. The present invention provides an adjustable oarlock device that improves the management of the loading of passengers and gear in a manner that results in an improved rowing trim. The dinghy is provided with a flotation collar, or pneumatic sponson, that provides positive bouyancy. The collar also adds stability by providing a righting moment when submerged, thus improving the safety characteristics.

Abstract: Sea-going lifeboats made of thin-walled, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (F-R P), with an oversupply of poured-in-place urethane foam in functionally advantageous spaces; having totally watertight or weathertight covers; with bow-pull hand-propeller replacing rowing oars. A hand driven, multi-purpose flywheel for Diesel engine starting, dynamo for lights and radio, et-cetera; with hanging steel pipe structure in the bilge supporting heavy items, which are compacted close to the keel. Outer hull doubling allows space for stowage of an automatic inflatable rubber air tube on each side of the lifeboat.

Abstract: An adjustable buoyancy apparatus comprises a frame and at least two floating members of variable buoyancy which are pivotally coupled to the frame for pivotable motion in a substantially vertical plane between horizontal positions and maximum elevated positions. In the maximum elevated positions, the angle between the longitudinal axes of the floatable members and the horizontal is less than 90 degrees and the floating members are inclined upwardly toward each other. Locking mechanisms hold the floatable members in the horizontal and maximum elevated positions. This floatable member arrangement compensates for the rolling tendencies of the apparatus and stabilizes the apparatus when the apparatus is partially or completely submerged.

Abstract: A waterbike characterized by front-end steering and horizontal stabilizing floatation members, these features providing increased maneuverability at high speeds and stability at low speeds or in a stationary position.

Abstract: A trimaran type boat having center, port, and starboard elongated floats which are hinged together at corresponding juxtaposed side edges to enable the port and starboard floats to be pivoted between an operatable position in which the floats are transversely oriented to accommodate flotation of the boat and a collapsed position in which the port and starboard floats are folded into the center float to reduce the overall width of the boat without appreciably increasing the height so as to facilitate its storage and transport.

Abstract: Structure is provided which provides a changeable bow configuration for a floating hull which requires a bow configuration which facilitates travel through water only part of the time. An amphibious vehicle is an example of such a requirement, wherein the bow of the vehicle hull in the land mode is relatively snub-nosed presenting a hard unyielding surface to ground obstacles such as rocks and mounds as it travels over the terrain. The amphibious vehicle in a sea or water traveling mode generally requires additional buoyancy in the bow to prevent a diving tendency when underway and also requires a shape better adapted to travel along the surface of the water than the snub-nosed bow configuration of the land mode. Left and right moveable bow segments and a lower bow segment are retracted in the land mode to form the snub-nosed or bow.

Abstract: A small watercraft having a float on either side of its hull pivotally connected thereto for rotation about a shaft mounted parallel to the direction of movement of the watercraft between a horizontal operative position and a vertical inoperative position taken when the watercraft is stowed away. The floats can be locked in these two positions and in any position as desired between these two positions. Each float is substantially triangular in planar configuration and diverges in going toward the stern of the watercraft. When the watercraft is stationary on the water, the forward end of each float is exposed from the surface of the water; and when the watercraft is planing, each float is exposed in its entirety on the surface of the water.

Abstract: A boat is disclosed which is particularly adapted for operation in rough seas. It includes a closed support hull, open support structure extending upwardly from the support hull, a deck mounted above the support hull and on the open support structure, a closed stabilizer hull laterally spaced from the support hull, and open connecting structure between the stabilizer hull and the support hull thereby permitting tall waves to pass over the hulls and through the support structures to provide a vessel for transporting motor vehicles, passengers and the like through open, rough seas.

Abstract: A crane barge mounting a boom crane aft of its longitudinal center of flotation is provided with a plurality of box-type outrigger barges coupled at its sides to limit list and trim of the crane barge and so protect the crane boom from collapse. The outrigger mounting structure for each outrigger barge is comprised of a pair of removable spaced-apart parallel beams extending horizontally from moment-resisting connections at beam seats on the edge of the crane barge deck to structural hinge or pivot mount connections over the transverse center of flotation of the outrigger barge, spacing the outrigger and crane barges by such distance as to avoid contact of their sides on listing of the crane barge, so that the deck of the outrigger barge may provide a level working surface. Each outrigger barge is so ballasted that the mounting bores for the beams on the beam seat and on the pivot mount are at the same level, when the crane is unloaded, providing easy insertion and removal of connector pins.

Abstract: A multi-hull craft steering system having a plurality of hulls made from flexible envelopes inflated to maintain buoyancy. One of the hulls is located between the remaining hulls and is pivotally mounted for controlling the angular variation in azimuth. The hull is located ahead of the remaining hulls to permit rotation without interference. The hulls have a variable track wherein the distance between the outer hulls may be selected and locked. The craft is provided with a means for angularly rotating the outer hulls with respect to the longitudinal axis of the craft to permit first working position and a second stowed position.

Abstract: This invention primarily resides in two float wings of substantially triangular contoured construction conforming to the hull of the boat securely affixed to the exterior stern of a fishing boat above the water line. Float wings may be constructed of expanded plastic having high buoyancy qualities such as expanded polystyrene or polyurethane. Any plastic producing a closed cell, rigid foam may be utilized. For durability, the foam is preferably covered with a fabric such as nylon reinforced vinyl or other suitable, durable fabric. The wings are securely attached to the hull of the boat with the base of the triangular structure projecting substantially normal to the hull. Auxiliary floats may be attached interior of the hull adjacent the bow to aid flotation and stability should the boat be swamped.

Abstract: A sailing craft is provided which has the ability to limit heeling under various headings, and which includes a deck assembly mounted for lateral movement between two outrigger type hulls. The deck assembly may be moved toward the windward side of the craft, and so that its weight and that of the crew serve to counteract heeling resulting from the wind forces. A third hull is mounted adjacent the bow portion of the deck assembly, and the three hulls are disposed in a triangular, highly stable arrangement. Also, apparatus is provided whereby the crew may selectively rotate the third hull about a vertical axis to effect steering of the craft.

Abstract: A catamaran sailboat is provided which has the ability to limit heeling from the wind forces, to thereby maximize the effective sail area and speed. The catamaran includes a deck assembly which may be selectively moved laterally between the hulls by the crew, and whereby the weight of the deck, mast, sail, rigging, and crew may all be moved in the windward direction to effectively counterbalance the wind forces. In one embodiment, the two hulls are each continuous along their full length, and in a second embodiment each hull comprises a pair of longitudinally aligned hull sections, with at least one hull section of each pair being rotatable about a vertical axis to effect steering of the craft.

Abstract: A trimaran sailboat is provided which has the ability to limit heeling under various headings, and which includes a central hull, and a boom assembly mounted laterally across the central hull and having an outrigger hull at each end thereof. The boom assembly has an arcuate curvature along its length, and is mounted so as to permit lateral movement with respect to the central hull, so that the leeward outrigger hull may be moved outwardly from the central hull and downwardly with respect thereto, to thereby increase the leverage and buoyancy of the leeward outrigger hull.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in recovering an article at least partially submerged in water comprises at least two floatable members each having an arm mounted thereon and whose buoyancy can be varied, each arm carrying a recovery member having gripping or scooping means. A pivot interconnects said arms so that their motion opposes that of the recovery members. A locking device for progressively and releasably locking the arms with respect to each other is provided such that on release thereof the pivot moves downwardly by gravity, causing the recovery members to come together in a caliper-like action. Pressure sensing means in recovery members feeds back information to the locking device to cause the arms to lock and prevent an increase in pressure is attained. A further embodiment does not need a locking device.

Abstract: A triple-hulled sailing vessel has a mast on its center hull. The lower end of the mast is pivotally connected to the center hull and a rigid transverse brace is connected to the central hull so that it pivots as the mast pivots; the outer ends of the brace are pivoted to the respective flanking hulls. Links are pivoted to the flanking hulls; these links extend upwardly towards the mast and are pivoted to a connecting member which is secured to it; the pivot axes being located adjacent to, but at opposite sides of the mast. Springs are interposed in these links and also in the brace; in the latter they are provided at locations intermediate the center hull and the flanking hulls. This construction increases the self-righting ability of the vessel under the heeling influence of wind, making the structure stable throughout its heelable range.

Abstract: A dockship with a large hold arranged for the transport of heavy cargo loads, and provided with hatch covers which have buoyancy and which are adapted to be swung alongside the sides of the ship particularly when loading and unloading heavy cargo loads, to increase the ship's beam and stability.

Abstract: Outriggers of a trimaran mounted on hinged arms for swinging from a sailing position to an alongside position are braced in sailing position in each case by a tension cable having its ends fixed with respect to the outrigger at the connection with the arms and its center detachably fastened to an eye affixed to the main hull. Each tension cable is tightened by a bridle bridging the midpoint of the cable pulled towards the outrigger by a tackle of which the free end is secured to the main hull. If the point at which the middle of the tension cable is secured to the main hull is lower than the places where the ends of the cable are anchored, tightening the tension cable tends to relieve the arms of strains produced by the buoyancy of the lee outrigger.

Abstract: In order to increase the vertical load bearing capacity of an ice field such as may be found in the Arctic, whereby buildings, drilling rigs, or the like may be supported, an inflatable hull is positioned beneath the ice, initially in deflated form. Inflation of the hull is carried out in conjunction with application of the load under control of level sensor means which govern the rate of inflation according to the deflection of the ice as the load is applied. Very high load bearing capacity may be obtained and maintained, even for relatively thin ice, within a short period. Degree of inflation control apparatus may be employed to accomodate varying loads, and a multiple-hull system is contemplated for practicing the invention over relatively large areas.

Abstract: A multihull vessel has a center section; a pair of floats displaceable from normal positions laterally extended on either side of the center section upwardly to positions above the center section and inwardly toward the center axis of the vessel as well as downwardly toward any hull or sides of the center section and inwardly to positions below any superstructure of the center section; arms consisting of pivotally mounted and jointed members connecting the floats to the center section and capable of positioning and maintaining the floats at positions between fully raised and fully lowered; one or more masts displaceable from a fully vertical position to a fully prone position; elements of standing rigging of effectively adjustable length between mast and center section or floats and apparatus for adjusting singly or in coordination, even while underway, moored or capsized, with inboard, in-place and centrally located control device, any of the floats or masts to any allowable orientation with respect to the c

Abstract: A high performance marine vehicle capable of attaining record-breaking velocities is disclosed herein having an elongated hull supporting aft mounted and outwardly extending wing members from which side ski-floats downwardly depend. A frontal ski-float is carried at the bow of the vehicle hull. All three of the ski-floats incorporate an almost triangular aft platform on which the vehicle is supported in a high speed planing mode of operation. Horizontal chine strips are affixed from bow to stern along the opposite sides of the hull. Horizontal chine strips are also affixed to the aft portion of the three-ski-floats. Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic steering and stability are employed by the vehicle as well as a rocket propulsion system. The mass of the vehicle is distributed so that the center of gravity is well forward of the vehicle's center of lift to assure longitudinal stability and prevent a pitching divergence.

Abstract: A small boat or the like comprising a flotation chamber defined at its gunwale by a first member, preferably integral with the sides of the hull extending upwardly and defining an upper end portion which may include a reverted first member lip, a second member or cover secured at its bottom portion to the hull, the major portion of which is spaced laterally from the first member with its upper end portion extending over the first member and including a reverted second member lip, and a connecting device resiliently engaging the upper end portion or first member lip with the second member lip to secure a flotation material in the form of a block of expanded polystyrene or the like within the flotation chamber. The connecting device can be a separate element pressing the lip of the first and second members against each other or can be a resilient portion of one of the members normally biasing the two members into engagement.

Abstract: A small boat or the like comprising a flotation chamber defined at its gunwale by a first member, preferably integral with the sides of the hull extending upwardly and defining a first lip at its terminal end portion, a second member or cover secured at its bottom portion to the hull and extending inwardly of the first member with its upper end portion extending over the first member and including a second lip, and a connecting device resiliently engaging the first and second lips with each other to secure flotation material in the form of a block of expanded polystyrene or the like within the flotation chamber. The connecting device can be a separate element pressing the lips of the first and second members against each other or can be a resilient portion of one of the members normally biasing the lips into engagement. A rub rail is defined at the upper end of the flotation chamber and can be formed either by a separate connecting member or by a portion of one of the other members.

Abstract: A wind-propelled sailboat having a main hull and an outboard pontoon, a mast mounted upon the hull and a triangularly-shaped sail removably connected and secured at its peak to the top of the mast, the sail being controlled for propulsion of the boat by manually manipulated lines connected to each lower end of the sail, and manually controlled rudder means for steering of the boat. The sail is preferably not provided with a boom but is free for shifting either luff of the sail as a leading edge by means of the lines connected to the two lower ends of the sail. The sail-connected lines or sheets are each passed through swiveling blocks and locking cleats arranged for selectively drawing and releasably engaging the lines to draw the sail luffs taut.

Abstract: A circular watercraft has a buoyant, generally toroidal hull supporting a rigid deck with an outer periphery in substantial conformance with the perimeter of the hull. The deck has an opening located above the central opening of the hull to permit placement of power means to drive and steer the watercraft. The hull can be an inflated structure such as an inner tube. A stabilizer assembly connected to the hull and deck lends horizontal and vertical stability to the craft. Reserve floatation can be provided by an auxiliary torodial pontoon nested within the central opening of the hull but normally located above the water line.

Abstract: A trimaran has its floats displaceable from normal extended positions to retracted positions close to the central hull and is arranged to have improved stability at large angles of heel with the floats retracted. The retraction is actuable responsively to the heel of the craft so that if the heel angle becomes undesirably large, the retraction of the floats produces a self-righting moment. The floats are also extendable when the craft has righted itself and as it continues underway. The crew can also effect retraction from a central position independently of the sailing attitude of the craft.

Abstract: A wind-propelled sailboat having a main hull and an outboard pontoon or outrigger, a mast mounted upon the main hull and a sail removably connected to the top of the mast, the sail being controlled for propulsion of the boat by a manually manipulated lever sheet-connected to the sail, and manually controlled rudder means for primary steering of the boat.

Abstract: A hydrofoil sailboat with a slender hull and a foil-shaped sail spaced laally therefrom. The hull has one flat side facing the sail and one convex side. The sail is inclined from the vertical toward the hull and is supported at its base ends by a pair of freely swiveling waterskis. The hull supports a rudder at each of its ends, the rudders being hydrofoils with their flat sides facing the sail. The length-to-width ratio of the hull is no less than 5:1 and the inclination of the sail about 30.degree. from the vertical.

Abstract: A boat of the catamaran type having the usual superstructure mounted on a frame mechanism to which a pair of spaced parallel hulls are pivotably mounted. The frame mechanism includes an actuatable extension apparatus which simultaneously pivots the hulls in laterally opposite directions from a retracted position to a midposition to an extended position to provide the boat with changeable characteristics suitable for various boat operating modes.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a floating platform for supporting nuclear reactors and the like at selected offshore sites. The platform is provided with a stabilizer mechanism which significantly reduces the effects of wave action upon the platform and which comprises a pair of relatively small floats attached by rigid booms to the platform at locations spaced therefrom for reducing wave pitch, acceleration, and the resonance period of the wave.

Abstract: An offshore station moored at sea is comprised of a plurality of floats which support a platform that is adapted to accommodate personnel, facilities, and equipment. The platform-supporting floats have normally submerged portions which require periodic maintenance due to their continuous subjection to corrosion and marine fouling by sea water. Ballasting chambers are provided so that the floating level of each float may be raised or lowered by either blowing or flooding the float, respectively. Freshly-maintained floats are thereby interchanged with the platform-supporting floats.

Abstract: A boat comprising a hull the general shape of which is a spherical dome which in the fore part of the boat extends to above the water-line at maximum load while at the sides the part of the hull above the water-line departs from a spherical shape and progressively approaches a cylindrical shape, and further comrising at least one float-forming lee-board disposed at the aft and rigidly connected to the hull, and a single propeller orientable about a vertical axis comprised in the median longitudinal plane of the boat.

Abstract: A catamaran watercraft having a pair of parallel pontoons which pivot along their respective longitudinal axes. The pontoons are each preferably triangular in cross section, having a planar bottom surface and a linear top surface forming the longitudinal axis of rotation. A deck is hingedly supported by the linear top surface of each pontoon so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the pontoon. A control bar member or control wheel is included for simultaneously pivoting the pontoons relative to the deck. The rotational movement of the pontoons provides directional control of the watercraft without the use of a rudder.

Abstract: A trimaran has a central hull, a pair of floats and outriggers for supporting the floats on each side of the central hull, and inboard supports from which the floats can be suspended in an inboard position. The outriggers are pivotally mounted, about substantially vertical axes, on the central hull, so that the floats can be moved bodily along track surfaces defined by the outriggers until the floats are supported from the inboard supports. The outriggers can then be pivoted so that they are positioned alongside the central hull. The arrangement allows easy overland transportation of the trimaran on a trailer.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a floating platform or the like from the roll or heave motions, imparted by wind-maintained waves and regular swells. The platform is supported on a plurality of buoyant pontoons horizontally spaced a variable distance apart in the direction of the wave system. Once the significant wavelength is approximated, the buoyant pontoons are moved to a spacing of a wavelength, of the significant wave, and then continually adjusted to the possibly changing wavelength of the significant wave. These spacing, controlled from the wave system, stabilize the platform because such spacing insures that the lifts from all pontoons at each instant in time are equal.