Abstract: A retractable keel apparatus for a ship, in particular for a sailboat, including a lift device for a lowerable and retractable fin device having a fin (4) and a fin head plate (20) disposed thereon, the fin head plate making contact with a keel receptacle (5) provided for permanently attaching to a hull when the fin is lowered, the receptacle further having a locking device by which releasable locking can be produced between the fin head plate (20) and the keel receptacle (5). The invention should be designed such that, despite greater stability, including in the event of a crash, the device can be produced and integrated in ships as simply and cost-effectively as possible. For this purpose, the locking device has at least one, preferably a plurality of, preferably driven, longitudinally displaceable locking bolts (15) that can be displaced along a diagonally running displacement path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keel construction for a floating vessel, where a drop keel (3) can be adjusted from a retracted/extended position to an extended/retracted position for the purpose of varying the steering and gravity point of the floating vessel and through its construction also to be able to absorb impact in the event of a grounding with the drop keel (3). The drop keel (3) is connected with at least one around a fixed point extended and rotating element (7), where the extended and rotating element (7) is connected in the keel house (1) and further is connected with a fluid cylinder (6). An additional fluid cylinder (5) in the keel house (1) is connected to an upper end of the drop keel (3), which fluid cylinders (5, 6) can be controlled in order to readjust the drop keel (3) from a retracted position to an extended position (and vice versa) or to absorb the impact that the drop keel (3) is exposed to.

Abstract: A sailboat, which include an extendable keel having a moveable inner member positioned within a fixed keel and a control system for lowering or retracting the inner member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keel construction for a floating vessel, where a drop keel (3) can be adjusted from a retracted/extended position to an extended/retracted position for the purpose of varying the steering and gravity point of the floating vessel and through its construction also to be able to absorb impact in the event of a grounding with the drop keel (3). The drop keel (3) is connected with at least one around a fixed point extended and rotating element (7), where the extended and rotating element (7) is connected in the keel house (1) and further is connected with a fluid cylinder (6). An additional fluid cylinder (5) in the keel house (1) is connected to an upper end of the drop keel (3), which fluid cylinders (5, 6) can be controlled in order to readjust the drop keel (3) from a retracted position to an extended position (and vice versa) or to absorb the impact that the drop keel (3) is exposed to.

Abstract: A sailboat, which include an extendable keel having a moveable inner member positioned within a fixed keel and a control system for lowering or retracting the inner member.

Abstract: A ballast system for a sailing boat includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. A mounting is provided at the first end of the elongate body for suspending the elongate body from a hull of a sailing boat. A ballast weight is positioned at the second end of the elongate body. A motor and gear assembly are provided for moving the second end of the elongate body relative to the hull of the sailing boat. The described ballast system decreases the amount of ballast weight required without sacrificing the safety of operation of the sail boat. The decrease in ballast weight, decreases the over all displacement of the sail boat, and permits increased speed.

Abstract: A sailboat having a novel hull shape, a fixed, shallow keel, dual rudders, and retractable, shallow dagger boards for sailing in shallow or shoal water is provided. The combination of features allows the boat to achieve performance sailing at all points of wind, and in both deep and shallow water. The hull preferably has a hydrodynamic shape which provides lift and lateral resistance to the hull when sailing. The keel is preferably shallow so that the boat may be sailed in shallow water and even beached. The draft of the keel is preferably related to the length of the hull measured along the waterline. In a preferred embodiment, there is 1 inch of draft for every 1 foot of waterline. The boat may also preferably include a set of retractable dagger boards located on opposite sides of the keel. A dagger board may be extended on the leeward side of the boat when the wind exceeds about 15 knots, in order to help prevent side slippage or leeway.

Abstract: This is a mechanical element intended to control the rolling of FPSO type petroleum production systems which use adapted decommissioned ships as the floating facility. The bilge keel is made up of two lines of plates, continuous or sectioned, in this case with a small separation between each two adjacent sections, mounted along the bilge of the ship, one on either side, at right angles to the hull, and characterized basically by being wider and having a greater total length than the conventional bilge keels used in ships.

Abstract: An asymmetric wing for decreasing the leeward drift of a vessel has two different surfaces, one of which is cambered in cross-section and the other which has less camber in cross-section or flat. The asymmetric wing has a leading edge pointed toward the bow of the vessel and the trailing edge pointed toward the stern of the vessel. The surfaces of the asymmetric wing can be selectively moved to the port or starboard sides of the vessel. For centerboard and sliding keel vessels, a pair of asymmetric wings are installed in trunks, each asymmetric wing having a first cambered surface and a second less cambered surface. The first cambered surfaces of the two asymmetric wings point in opposite directions. At any one time both asymmetric wings are not moved into the water. The asymmetric wing is applicable to vessels without a centerboard or sliding keel trunk. In such a case, a horizontal shaft extends through a single asymmetric wing and the single cambered surface is rotated to either port or starboard.

Abstract: A wind surfing apparatus formed with a hull supporting a mast and sail includes a removable daggerboard having a weighted mass in a lower end portion thereof to lessen the tendency of the hull to be unstable or flip during use. The weighted mass may either be integrally molded into the daggerboard lower portion such as with fiberglass materials, or may be releasably attached to the daggerboard to allow for selection of a desired amount of weight. The wind surfer apparatus further includes a ratchet mechanism for controllably selecting and maintaining a desired orientation of the daggerboard stabilizer relative to the hull during use.

Abstract: An improved trimaran is provided that includes a car-like steering configuration and interchangeable floats or pontoon supports to vary the width of the trimaran, depending on whether the user wishes to sail the trimaran or transport it to another location by for example, loading it on a trailer. The trimaran includes a main section, multiple floats, a sail assembly and a set of beams that are used to removably position the floats a certain distance from the main section. The set of beams include beams of different lengths that enable the user to choose a subset of the set of beams to construct a trimaran of varying width. The center section includes a centerboard assembly, steering assembly, cockpit area, bulkhead areas and mast receiving area. The controls for the centerboard assembly and steering assembly are centrally located in the front portion of the cockpit area and the cockpit area is positioned between the bulkhead areas.

Abstract: A water ski adjustable fin block and fin are disclosed. The fin block employs a slidable wedge for clamping the fin in place within the fin block during use and allowing the fin to be unclamped just enough to allow adjustment of the fin. A screw arrangement is used to move the wedge. The adjusters allow the leading edge and trailing edge of the fin to be adjusted as to vertical relationship with the water ski. A third adjuster allows the fin to be move longitudinally toward the front or back of the ski. The adjusters provide captive treatment of the fin preventing the fin from excessive movement, or even falling out, while adjustment is performed. The present invention allows a water skier to easily adjust the fin using an allen key or the like.

Abstract: A keel hoist assembly for use in raising and lowering the keel of a retractable keel sailboat and including a winch unit and a generally tubular retractable support tube. The winch unit is removably mountable to a top end of the retractable support member which, in turn, fits within a tubular receiving column provided to the sailboat and extending between the bottom of the boat hull and the deck. The retractable support member is adapted for telescoping movement within the tubular receiving column and is movable between a first retracted position within the tubular receiving column and a second extended position wherein the support member is disposed extended upwardly at a distance above the top deck. locking pin members are provided to lock the support tube in the retracted and extended positions. When not in use, the winch unit is removed from the retractable support tube and stowed below deck and the retractable support member is moved to its retracted position and locked in place.

Abstract: A sailboat apparatus includes a hull having a bottom, bow and stern portions along with a central portion and at least one mast for supporting a sail extending above the hull. The mast is mounted to the hull for side-to-side movement relative to the hull. A keel assembly has a keel extending below the hull bottom and through the hull bottom and attached to an elongated transfer shaft rotatably mounted to the hull and having the mast coupled to one portion thereof. The keel is coupled to another portion of the transfer shaft and extends from the transfer shaft through the hull bottom into the water so that movement of the mast from side-to-side rotates the transfer shaft and the keel in the opposite direction from the mast to stabilize the sailboat.

Abstract: A pair of pivotally attached fins depend into the water below the hull of the boat. When turning maneuvers are executed the tendency of the boat to skid sideward is resisted by the downwardly engaged fin panels. The device provides improved steering control to all boats so equipped, but especially to outboard jet powered boats traveling in shallow water. When underwater objects or the bottom of a body of water are encountered, the leading edge of the fins strike the object(s), causing the fins to pivot upward to clear the obstacle(s) and then return automatically to the water to provide an extra measure of boating safety.

Abstract: In a sailing yacht with a centerboard having a hull accommodating a centerboard well containing the centerboard capable of movement therein through rollers along curvilinear guides provided in the centerboard well, according to the invention, the rollers and guides are positioned at either side of the centerboard along its stern edge, the rollers being secured immediately on the centerboard.

Abstract: A sealing lip assembly for surfboards or sailboats, which closes the underwater side of the opening of the centerboard case or fin case in a virtually flow-tight and non-vortical manner in every position of the centerboard, and including two sealing lips, with each lip defined by a sealing area capable of flexing along the longitudinal axis of the assembly, a resilient area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a mounting portion.

Abstract: A tandem-reel realignment winch system having two rotatable reels and a line wound around each of the reels. The line is wound in a first direction around the first reel and in a reverse direction around the second reel to compensate for the deviation in line alignment caused by the first reel. The winch system is adapted to raise and lower objects such as keels, anchors, bouys, mast riggings and the like.

Abstract: A steerable keel (10) comprising, in a first embodiment, a stationary section (12) and a rotatable section (14) and in a second embodiment, a stationary section (30) and two rotatable sections (32) (34). In either embodiment, the steerable keel (10) is designed with an aerodynamic fin cross-section and extends downwardly in a vertical direction from the hull of a sail boat (50). The rotatable sections (12) or (32) (34) are in indpendently controlled by a tiller(s) located above the boat deck. The keel (10) in operation is fixed. However, a means is provided to retract the keel to allow the boat to dock and navigate through shallow waters. The steerable keel (10) is designed to equalize the wind force and its below water keel counter force by providing a controlled below water lifting force that is produced by selectively adjusting the arc travel of the rotatable keel(s). Thus, the boat beam is maintained in a relatively horizontal plane which, in turn, allows a greater speed to be achieved.

Abstract: A boat with a raisable and lowerable keel is proposed, which can be constructed as a swivel, lifting or ballast drop keel. The keels are fixed to tensioning members either directly or via cables. The tensioning members can be spiral springs, which run in the lifting keel box and are guided in the interior of the lifting keel to the lower end thereof. If the lifting keel is lowered, the spiral springs are tensioned, so that only relatively limited forces are required for raising by means of a spindle (FIG 1).

Abstract: A boat hull keel is disclosed which retracts into the boat hull on a fixed pivot. The pivot location is placed above the keel/hull bottom intersection, rearward of the major axis of the fully lowered keel and rearward of the keel trailing edge at the keel/hull intersection. The placement distances are large in terms of the maximum keel chord length. (measured at the keel/hull intersection.) This amounts to a novel location. The location of the pivot allows the keel rotation to create a change in the attitude of the boat hull.

Abstract: A water ski fin is carried by a housing mounted to the upper surface of the rear end of a ski with the fin extending downwardly through an elongated slot in the ski. The fin carries a transversely extending wing thereon and the combination is capable of being pivoted relative to the housing and ski to thereby change the angle of the wing. Movement is accomplished by a handle on one side of the housing which rotates a cam element which, in turn, engages an opening in the fin adjacent the top thereof. A locking device maintains the wing and fin in the desired position by preventing further movement of the cam element.

Abstract: A sailboat carries a pair of opposed keel sections which are angularly positionable about a common hinge axis, either as a keel unit or individually, by means of compressed air biased hydraulic actuators connected via shock absorbers to the keel sections. An additional hydraulic actuator, adjusts the angle of elevation of the hinge axis, enabling the keel unit or sections, when inclined, to provide hydrodynamic lift. The keel sections, which are hollow and contain radially flowable ballast, are configured, when oppositely horizontally positioned to receive the axles of removable wheels, enabling the boat to be self-trailered.

Abstract: A convertible sailboat/motorboat is disclosed which has capability for displacement movement under maximum speeds typical of the maximum for displacement boats as a function of their size, capability for semi-planing of the hull under sail propulsion, and capability for planing of the hull under motorboat propulsion. The key features are an extremely light hull weight, an engine located approximately amidships, and a deep retractable keel with an upper trim tab which upon retraction into the hull creates a large shift of center-of-gravity rearward for the boat. The keel is hinged at a point above and to the rear of the keel which imparts a large rear movement of the keel weight for motorboat operation upon its retraction. Performance under displacement sailing is uniquely enhanced with the combination of a low-weight, deep keel and the keel trim tab in the upper portion of the keel where slip reaction is generated with the addition of a minimum of extra heeling moment to that generated by the sails.

Abstract: A lifting keel assembly for sailboats having a shaft obliquely inclined in forward and upward directions slidably receiving the lifting keel, the upper area of the lifting keel being provided with sliding shoes on the forward and rearward longitudinal edges, which sliding shoes are guided in associated prismatic guides of the shaft, one sliding shoe having on either side a protruding V-profile, and the associated guide enclosing said two V-profiles of the sliding shoe, while a further sliding shoe on the other edge of the keel is guided in an associated guide by two oppositely arranged sliding surfaces.

Abstract: A marine capsule for sea rescue and transportation having a generally spherical configuration and on its sides hermetically closed hatches of tempered glass and a sun-reflecting signal-sending film. At its top are four larger diameter hatches, two of which preferably permit access of persons or equipment into the capsule. Also there may be waterproof lateral access windows or openings for persons without seafaring experience. The other two overhead hatches have a ventilation system, which admits air but not water. A stowable stabilizing element has members which can be telescoped by a gear and crank system so as not to interfere with handling of the capsule when not in use, but to extend when it is afloat. Radial fins ending in a peripheral fin protrude from the lower outside of the capsule, and an air chamber is built into its body. Other interior equipment includes a seat extending all around, storage compartments, water and toilet.

Abstract: The hydraulic system for raising and lowering a heavy keel comprises a cylinder, a piston movable in the cylinder and connected to the keel, and an accumulator for supplying hydraulic fluid at a positive pressure below that necessary to raise the keel against the piston in a direction for raising the keel. A hand pump is provided for supplying hydraulic fluid at a pressure great enough to overcome the weight of the keel. A valve allows the hydraulic fluid to flow either to or from the cylinder. An enlarged flow line communicates the accumulator with the cylinder so that if an external force should cause the keel to raise suddenly, hydraulic fluid would flow rapidly beneath the piston. A gas is provided on the other end of the piston for providing a cushioning effect and restricting the speed at which the keel can be raised. A restricted flow valve is provided in the system for regulating the speed at which the keel can be lowered.