Abstract: Boats and suspensions are provided, wherein the boat includes at least one hull, and at least one sponson, the at least one hull and at least one sponson connected by a shock-absorbing suspension member. The suspension greatly reduces the accelerations of the main hull, such that the hull accelerations are generally substantially less than the accelerations of the sponsons at selected speeds.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted airfoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted airfoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.

Abstract: The boat hull has an exterior lower surface with at least one step surface therein. A channel extends from the step surface to the bow of the boat, with an opening at the bow, permitting air to flow along the channel. A movable member is positionable within the channel, wherein the movable member and can be positioned at selected locations therealong, defining an adjustable additional step for the hull.

Abstract: This WIG craft has a configuration of tandem/canard type, comprising: a body; a front wing having a relatively small aspect ratio, as installed in the lowest portion of the fore half of the body; and a rear wing having a longer span and a shorter chord length than the front wing, as installed in the rearmost portion of the body. Since the front wing, which is also used for planing, is not fixed directly to the body, but installed through a suspension system, so as to travel up and down while planing along the rough water surface, the WIG craft can take off and land stably even in high waves, and further cruise at a extremely low height safely without worrying about the impacts of the wave.

Abstract: A watercraft with several stability and handling design improvements. It has an enhanced reactive suspension system positioned in the vessel between a set of separating hull and body components. The watercraft also has improved braking, steering and stabilizing systems designed around multiple pivoting mechanisms on the vessel hull that work individually or in unison to achieve the desired braking or steering effect. The stabilizing system is operated by a computerized, gyroscopic hydraulic control to maintain stability and comfort of ride, minimizing the roll, pitch and yaw commonly experienced in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A hydroplaning vessel with several stability and handling design improvements. It has an enhanced reactive suspension and inner hull lift system positioned in the vessel between a set of separating inner and outer hulls. The outer hull does not float on its own as it has numerous fixed louvers formed there through and also has an open transom. Steering and braking are accomplished by a set of rear elevon flaps affixed to the outer hull. The drive unit resides in the inner hull and is connected by an annular drive transmission which is connected to the jet or prop drive which resides on the outer hull.

Abstract: There is provided a boat (200) including a hull (20), and two engines (30, 50) couplable to rotationally drive mutually spaced separate corresponding propeller assemblies for providing thrusts. Directions of the thrusts are angularly adjustable (?1, ?2) relative to the hull (20). A control unit (70) receives first and second user commands (S1, S2) and sends corresponding signals for controlling powers (P1, P2) coupled from the engines (30, 50) to their propeller assemblies. The control unit (70) determines a difference in power (?P) to be coupled to the propeller assemblies as a function of the first and second user commands (S1, S2). The control unit (70) controls coupling of power (P1, P2) to the propeller assemblies so that the propeller assemblies develop a difference in thrust which is a function of the difference in power (?P).

Abstract: The invention relates to two parallel added floaters (2) for watercraft, which are fixed to the stern (1a) on a watercraft hull (1) or a platform element (31) whereby the single auxiliary bottom (5) is positioned higher or for the most part positioned higher than the hull bottom (6) and forms a step. The added floaters (2) create on the one hand a static lift (As) and on the other hand a dynamic (Ad) lift.

Abstract: A watercraft suitable for operation in rough water conditions is disclosed. The watercraft comprises a central platform (13) and two pairs of hull units (60), a forward pair and an aft pair. The hull units are located on opposite sides of tie platform and extend below the platform, with each hull unit comprising a mount (54) attached to the platform and a trailing hull connected to the mount via a movable hull support. The components of the hull units are connected by joints (58,62) arranged to constrain lateral and axial movement of: the hull relative to the platform (12) but to permit pivoting thereof about the mount (54). Each hull unit has a suspension assembly arranged to support the respective hull units, and comprises a suspension member (66) extending from the platform (12) to a mounting point (20) on the hull aft of the respective mount, and being arranged to accommodate movement of the hull relative t) the platform and to apply damping to movement of the hull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hull element (7) which is fixed to the stern (1) or hull bottom (1b) by means of a hinge (6,6a) and enables an active as well as a passive trim of the watercraft (1a) and at the same time also supports a watercraft lift (2) or a watercraft stair (11) by means of the connector (8) or a connecting cylinder (18). By means of cylinder (17b) and the connector (8) or connecting cylinder (18) on the hull element (7) the platform (3) or the watercraft stair (11) can be activated. In case the watercraft lift (2) or the watercraft stair (11) is operated by means of cylinder (17a), the hull element (7) folds away, so that the stroke (H) of the watercraft lift (2) respectively the stroke (HT) of the watercraft stairs (11) is not impaired or restricted.

Abstract: A controllable fin surface configuration positionable on the underwater surface of a craft having a bow and a stern, the craft having a direction of travel defined from the stern to the bow, the configuration comprising: at least one hinge adapted to mechanically support the fin surface configuration; and at least one fin surface mechanically attached to the hinge and having a range of motion definable from a closed state to an open state; wherein the closed state is defined by the fin surface configuration offering minimal resistance to relative water movement opposing the direction of travel and the open state is defined by the fin surface configuration offering maximum resistance to relative water movement in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A boat hull has an aft swept ventilated area in at least a part of its bottom planing surface. An aft swept water flow interrupter is positioned to project downwardly from the hull forward of the ventilated area. The aft swept flow interrupter has two generally angularly related legs or sections defining a 30° to 70° included angle, increase lift on the hull, reduces wetted surface area and improves the turning characteristics of the hull.

Abstract: A multihull hydrofoil watercraft incorporates a stabilization system wherein the buoyancy of the hulls is used as a sensing and control mechanism for the hydrofoils. The use of hull buoyancy to adjust the hydrofoil lift provides for automatic control of altitude, pitch and roll, and allows the craft to accommodate varying weather and sea conditions while providing a smooth ride for passengers. The stabilization technique eliminates the need for extraneous sensing mechanisms placed in or on the water surface which are subject to fouling, damage, or disruption by localized surface disturbances.

Abstract: The present invention is a wake control mechanism for watercrafts comprising flat or upwardly curved wake control plate(s) which is/are connected to the stern in a variety of ways, either fixed or adjustable, such that the water passing beneath and/or beside the transom is scooped upward by the plate(s) and the watercraft is therefore pushed deeper into the water causing a larger wake. Additionally the plate(s) may have walls so that the scooped water is held above water level thus adding weight and further increasing wake size. Adjustments to the plate(s) position may be used to control the shape as well as the size of the wake.

Abstract: The device comprises a plurality of deflector members (1) having a submerged lower face (2), called first face, generally fitting into the extension of the hull bottom (FC) of the ship, toward the rear thereof, while forming an angle (?) in relation to a general plane (?) tangent to this bottom (FC), characterized by the fact that these deflector members (1) are articulated to the hull and are juxtaposed side by side, over all, or practically all, the width of the stern, control means (4) making it possible to cause it to pivot in one direction or the other in order to vary said angle (?), these means being housed in part in a protective case.

Abstract: A watercraft suitable for operation in rough water conditions is disclosed. The watercraft comprises a central platform (13) and two pairs of hull units (60), a forward pair and an aft pair. The hull units are located on opposite sides of tie platform and extend below the platform, with each hull unit comprising a mount (54) attached to the platform and a trailing hull connected to the mount via a movable hull support. The components of the hull units are connected by joints (58,62) arranged to constrain lateral and axial movement of: the hull relative to the platform (12) but to permit pivoting thereof about the mount (54). Each hull unit has a suspension assembly arranged to support the respective hull units, and comprises a suspension member (66) extending from the platform (12) to a mounting point (20) on the hull aft of the respective mount, and being arranged to accommodate movement of the hull relative t) the platform and to apply damping to movement of the hull.

Abstract: A boat with a controllable wake, including a boat hull with a propulsion system. A wake controlling device includes first and second plates with a bottom surface which is convexly curved between their forward and rear ends, and first and second mounts secured to the port and starboard sides, respectively, of the boat transom and securing the forward ends of the plates for pivoting about axes which are behind the boat transom and generally lie parallel to the plane of the aft boat bottom adjacent the first and second mounts. Plate controls extend between the transom and the plates to adjustably pivot the plates relative to the mounts. A plurality of generally triangular fins extend from the plates at substantially right angles to the plate bottom surfaces and extend at substantially right angles from the axes. Side plates are on the lateral edges of the first and second plates.

Abstract: A marine vessel and drive combination includes port and starboard tunnels formed in a marine vessel hull raising port and starboard steerable marine propulsion devices to protective positions relative to the keel.

Abstract: A small planing watercraft can have a hull, an engine, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly can be configured to be translatable in the fore and aft direction, as well as pivotable about a generally horizontal axis so as to provide more flexibility in accommodating different. Optionally, a watercraft can include moveable members on a bottom surface of the hull so as to change a turning characteristic of the watercraft.

Abstract: A system for improving the performance of a powered boat that includes both methods and apparatuses that provide a powered boat ways to stabilize, control, and optimize the powered boat's performance when the powered boat is in powered motion. The system provides capabilities of enhancing the powered boat's performance by responding to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects upon the powered boat when the powered boat is in motion. Some embodiments of the system are capable of altering its way of responding to aerodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion, other embodiments are capable of altering the powered boat's response to hydrodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion, and still other embodiments are capable of altering the powered boat's response to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion.

Abstract: A water craft (77) is disclosed which includes a chassis portion (78), at least four water engaging means (30, 34, 38, 42) and interconnecting means (94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132). Each water engaging means is connected to the chassis portion (78) and is moveable in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chassis portion (78), and the interconnection means is arranged to functionally link the at least four water engaging means (30, 34, 38, 42) such that during use the chassis portion is encouraged to maintain an orientation which is substantially constant relative to the average plane of the water surface, even when the water surface is undulating and the water engaging means (30, 34, 38, 42) are not all disposed in the same plane.

Abstract: An adjustable wake-forming apparatus attachable to a boat stern providing means for generating waves of a particular form for water sport activities. The attachment is comprised of a pair of blades fastened to the transom by a plurality of struts. The present invention provides for the use of the wave maker on boats having either an inboard or outboard engine. Each of the provided designs places the blades in a spaced away relationship to the engine propeller. Operatively, the blades have a top edge and curvilinearly diverging bottom edge with anterior and posterior ends linearly skewed causing a plow-like movement through the water.

Abstract: A boat hull includes a dispersion tunnel extending fore and aft forming a channel within a hull bottom surface for receiving a flow of water. A gate is inserted into and out of the channel for affecting pressure on the hull bottom with movement between open and closed positions, wherein the gate is out of the channel and fully extended into the channel. By altering the depth of the gate into the channel, hull performance and wake shape are modified as desired.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted aerofoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted aerofoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.

Abstract: The invention is a marine wing-in-ground effect vehicle capable of sustained high speed operation in varying seas. The vehicle comprises an aerodynamic flat bottom lifting wing with a fuselage, a longitudinal keel member under the wing, a propulsion unit installed in the keel member, a vertical stabilizer airfoil mounted on top of the wing, and an overturn prevention tail at an aft end the wing. Port and starboard surface foils are pivotably mounted under the wing, and taper from a wider front end to a substantially narrow trailing end. The surface foils are selectively and independently pivoted between a deployed position and a retracted position by an actuator.

Abstract: A hydrofoil unit for attaching to the stern of the hull of a boat. The unit includes a mount that mounts to the stern of the hull of the boat, a hydrofoil that is pivotally attached to the mount, a pivot assembly that pivotally attaches the hydrofoil to the mount, and apparatus for pivoting the hydrofoil relative to the mount. In one embodiment, the apparatus is automatic and includes an hydraulic cylinder that is pivotally attached to the transom of the boat and a strut that is pivotally attached to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydrofoil. In another embodiment, the apparatus is manual and includes an upper threaded rod that is pivotally attaching to the transom of the boat, a turnbuckle that is attached to the upper threaded rod, and a lower threaded rod that is attached to the turnbuckle and the hydrofoil.

Abstract: The present invention is a wake control mechanism for watercrafts comprising flat or upwardly curved wake control plate(s) which is/are connected to the stern in a variety of ways, either fixed or adjustable, such that the water passing beneath and/or beside the transom is scooped upward by the plate(s) and the watercraft is therefore pushed deeper into the water causing a larger wake. Additionally the plate(s) may have walls so that the scooped water is held above water level thus adding weight and further increasing wake size. Adjustments to the plate(s) position may be used to control the shape as well as the size of the wake.

Abstract: A wake absorber, wherein an aquatic vehicle with a propulsor mounted on the vehicle and operative to propel the vehicle through a water medium, has a wake absorber mounted on the vehicle aft of the propulsor. The wake absorber includes an artificial muscle surface adapted to be impinged upon by a wake created by the propulsor. The wake absorber further includes electrodes mounted on the artificial muscle surface. Pressure of the wake upon the muscle surface exercises a bending force on the surface, which creates energy that is recovered by the electrodes as electrical power that can be digitized. Energy removed from the muscle surface by the electrodes weakens the wake and renders the wake less pronounced visually and acoustically.

Abstract: A watercraft includes moveable sponsons that are moved in response to movements of the handlebars and the accelerator lever. The watercraft can include a number of different kinds of actuators for moving these sponsons relative to the hull of the watercraft. In preferred embodiments, the sponsons are moved outwardly and/or downwardly relative to the hull.

Abstract: Adjustable angle sponsons and personal watercraft having adjustable angle sponsons. The present invention provides sponsons having at least two adjustable angular settings downward of horizontal for the sponson. Sponsons include a fin or blade having an outward edge for penetrating beneath the surface of the water. The angle of the fin preferably can be set to a vertically straight down position, as well as other, more benign, outwardly extending angular positions. The vertically downward position provides for a responsive, aggressive handling boat, while the more outward positions provide a less aggressive, gentler riding personal watercraft. One adjustable angle sponson includes a fin secured to a longitudinal shaft having a key extending along the shaft length. A sponson housing can include a cavity for receiving the shaft longitudinally as well as at least two longitudinal keyways for receiving the key in different angular positions.

Abstract: A hydrofoil system for lifting a boat out of water an amount sufficient to reduce drag while still allowing the boat to be powered by a conventional inboard-outboard drive. The hydrofoil system includes a front hydrofoil unit, a center hydrofoil unit, and a pair of rear hydrofoil units. The front hydrofoil unit includes a hydrofoil portion that dependingly mounts to a mounting portion thereof that depends from the bottom of the hull at the bow thereof. The center hydrofoil unit includes a hydrofoil that dependingly extends equidistantly outwardly from a pair of stanchions thereof that depend from the bottom of the hull at the substantial center thereof. Each rear hydrofoil unit includes a hydrofoil that dependingly extends equidistantly outwardly from a pair of stanchions thereof that depend from port and starboard trim tab units of the hull, respectively.

Abstract: Corrective stabilizing motions are applied to a sea vessel hull during seawater travel in response to stern flap displacement by hydrodynamic forces induced at the buttock of the vessel hull and by the lower flap surfaces at the stern end of the sea vessel hull in response to angular displacement of flap elements from a deployed position in either in-phase or out-of-phase relation to each other in rough seas. An angle of attack range for limiting angular displacement of the flaps is selected so as to minimize resistance to travel and optimize fuel saving during propulsion of the vessel hull at different speeds under different seawater conditions.

Abstract: Ventilated sponsons, personal watercraft having ventilated sponsons, and methods for adjusting the handling characteristics of personal watercraft by ventilating the sponsons. The present invention provides ventilated sponsons, sponsons, having holes formed through the sponsons to allow high pressure water trapped under the sponson to escape. The holes formed through the sponson thus allow for fine tuning and adjusting the performance characteristics and handling characteristics of the personal watercraft long after the point of manufacture. Ventilating the sponsons can increase straight line stability while maintaining tight cornering characteristics.

Abstract: Tunable sponsons for personal watercraft and personal watercraft having the tunable sponsons. The present invention provides personal watercraft having sponsons with an adjustable height relative to the water surface and the hull. One adjustable sponson has a horizontally, outwardly extending portion from the personal watercraft hull followed by a downwardly extending portion including a fin for penetrating below the water surface. The effective height of the sponson outwardly extending portion above the water can be reduced or lowered by adding a thickness of slab of material along the length under the sponson outwardly extending portion. One tunable sponson includes apertures mounted along the sponson underside for securing additional material. The effective height of the sponson horizontally extending portion above the water can be increased by removing a removable sponson extension previously secured to the sponson.

Abstract: A modular marine vessel has a variable hull and a plurality of boat forming modules including a bow section module, a load section module having a bow end and an aft end, and a bulkhead forming module is detachably connected to each bow and aft end of the load section module. The bulkhead forming module that is connected at the bow end of the load section module is detachably connected to the bow section module. Each boat forming and bulkhead forming module includes a topside section and a hull bottom side section. The topside section of each boat forming module has a shell gunnel portion, and the hull bottom side section of each boat forming module has a pivotally mounted bottom shell hull portion. The gunnel and hull portions of the load and bow section modules are detachably connected end-to-end, and sealingly juxtaposed the detachably connected bulkhead forming module to prevent water from entering the boat when the boat engages water.

Abstract: A detachable planing enhancement system with two substantial planing surface areas attached symmetrically on the transom of an inflatable sportboat to provide a substantial lifting force thereon. The system includes a method of quick attachment and detachment to the transom of the inflatable sportboat and means to ventilate such planing surfaces with air to reduce drag at high planing speeds. The planing surfaces and attachment components are comprised of plastic compatible with the injection molding process of fabrication.

Abstract: Depressors mounted on the stern of a marine vessel are deployed by displacement from positions retracted from the seawater to positions immersed therein so as to divert exit flow of the seawater along retarded flow paths from the stern during vessel travel. Such deployment of the depressors is regulated under motion stabilizing control to produce corrective roll and pitch inducing forces on the vessel in response to diversions of the exit flow by the depressors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a craft comprising a surface module, a single submerged body and a one strut for connecting the body to the module, wherein said strut is operative for moving the submerged body relative to the surface module from a extended position of the body in which the surface module is arranged in vertically spaced relation thereabove to a retracted position in which the submerged body and the surface module together form a displacement hull, wherein the hull of the surface module comprises a hollow recess for receiving the submerged body in the retracted position, wherein the recess and the upper part of the submerged body have a mating form such that the hull of the craft in the retracted position of the submerged body has a drag reducing form.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson for a personal watercraft allows the vertical position and the angular orientation of the sponson to be adjusted to suit the particular size and riding style of each rider. Each adjustable sponson includes a sponson body. At least one locking mechanism releasably attaches the sponson body to the hull side. A guide mechanism allows the sponson body to move vertically relative to an outer chine of the watercraft hull when the locking mechanism is loose. The guide mechanism also permits the ends of the sponson body to move independent of each other so that the angular orientation of the sponson body relative to the chine can be altered. When locked, the locking mechanism prevents movement of the sponson body over the hull side surface.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a watercraft includes a selectively movable flap connected to an actuator, which moves the flap into and out of the flow of water to affect steering, deceleration and trimming. The flap is recessed with respect to the lower surface of the hull so that it does not create drag at high speeds. The flap may be a portion of the ride plate, may be disposed in a recess in the bottom of the hull, or may be disposed on the stern above the bottom of the hull.

Abstract: A planing boat's primary hull has an adjunct hull surface rotatably connected thereto near its forward end. The adjunct hull surface extends along the hull of the planing boat to aft of amidships and is constructed of a rigid material that conforms to the shape of the hull of the planing boat. A position controller is coupled to the adjunct hull surface to selectively position the adjunct hull surface relative to the hull of the planing boat. When the adjunct hull surface is spaced apart from the hull of the planing boat, the position controller also absorbs shock loads experienced by the adjunct hull surface.

Abstract: A system for minimizing the effects of shock and vibration in a high speed vessel with an inner hull and an outer hull. It is a system of dampers, springs and stabilizer linkages in a high speed vessel that control the relative motion of an inner hull to an outer hull, thereby minimizing the effects of shock and vibration in the inner hull. Leaf spring assemblies may be used or as a substitute, torsion rod assemblies may be used, both in combination with dampers such as shock absorbers.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a watercraft is described herein, said control mechanism comprising a steerable propulsion source, a steering controller for controlling said steerable propulsion source, a linking member connected to said steerable propulsion source, and at least one tab connected to said linking member, said at least one tab moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position whereby said at least one tab can be angled such that, in the operative position and when said watercraft is traveling upright in water in a substantially forward direction, a volume of water impinges on a top surface of said at least one tab thereby creating a downward and rearward force on said watercraft.

Abstract: A system is disclosed to reduce the impact shock associated with operating a planing boat at high speeds. The system, called "LocalFlex," comprises an outer bottom placed under the inner bottom of the boat. The outer bottom is spaced a distance from the inner bottom. The outer bottom comprises two plates. Each plate is connected to the inner bottom along or near the keel, and along or near the chine. Along the keel, each plate of the outer bottom is attached to one or more hinges or pins rigidly suspended from or below the keel of the inner bottom. At or near the chine, each plate is connected to the boat by one or more springs. The elastic modulus of the plates and that of the springs are selected so that the outer bottom deforms under the pressure spike of an impact in a whip-like flexure that smoothly directs the pressure spike past the chine. After the spike passes the chine, the pressure diminishes and makes no further significant contribution to impact slamming.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating large drag forces on an object moving through a gas or liquid for braking and/or turning the object by deploying on the exterior surface of an object a very large number of very small surfaces that are aligned perpendicular to the local surface low direction. The large drag force results from the summation of a very large number of very small drag forces generated by each of the very small surfaces as the local flow separates on the downstream side of each of the very small surfaces. The very large number of very small surfaces of the novel device are selectively actuated and extended into the gas or fluid stream that is moving along the body of an air vehicle, ground vehicle, or water vehicle to produce a large drag value. The present invention is also comprised of a means to retract and stow the very small surfaces that have been extended into the gas or fluid stream passing over the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson system for a watercraft includes a coupling mechanism that allows the position of the sponsons relative to the hull of the watercraft to be varied by the operator of the watercraft while seated on the watercraft. The adjustable sponson system includes a pair of actuators which move the sponsons relative to the hull. A remotely positioned operator controls the actuator. The operator desirably is positioned on the watercraft so as to be easily operated by the rider when riding.

Abstract: An improved design for the lower part of the hull of a planing amphibian. The design contains an immovable member, a dampening movable member in the form of a set of overlapping plates attached to the immovable member by the length of the front edge, and air balloons placed in between the movable and immovable members. There is also a flexible coupler attached to the longitudinal edges of the immovable and movable members permitting elastic bending of the plates. The plates forming the movable member are made of a nonwettable, elastic material, allowing elastic deformation of the movable member when the amphibian encounters land obstacles. The air balloons help to dampen the deformations. When operating on rough water, the plates forming the movable member elastically deform and compress the air balloons, decreasing the loads on the lower part of the hull. When the amphibian returns to land, the plates elastically deform and impact one another, shaking off any adhering ice.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson for a watercraft includes a coupling mechanism that allows the angular orientation of the sponson body relative to the hull of the watercraft to be varied by the operator of the watercraft without the use of any tools. The coupling mechanism also secures the sponson to the hull of the watercraft, maintaining the desired orientation of the sponson.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson for a watercraft includes a coupling mechanism that allows the angular orientation of the sponson body relative to the hull of the watercraft to be varied by the operator of the watercraft without the use of any tools. The coupling mechanism also secures the sponson to the hull of the watercraft, maintaining the desired orientation of the sponson.

Abstract: A fin with trailing edge fixed flaps for ships, characterized in that it is made of a main fin (1) to which are associated one or several pairs of fixed flaps (2a and 2b) of mean camber.