Abstract: A trolling motor mount with a first piston controlled plate-like trim tab member for hinged attachment to a boat transom and terminating rearwardly in a narrow tongue with a curved end; a second plate-like member welded to the first plate-like member forward of the tongue and with depending sides a portion of which are welded to the first plate-like member and the tongue; the second plate-like member extending upwardly at a substantial angle to the first plate-like member; a trolling motor attached beneath the second plate-like member; the tongue having a width approximating the trolling motor width; a reinforcing channel welding to the first plate-like member and tongue; the tolling motor mount having a first position when the second plate-like member and trolling motor extend out of the water, and a second position where the second plate-like member and trolling motor are submerged at an approximately horizontal trolling position.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed comprising a mounting member for mounting to a stationary operational surface and having a hinge portion formed along the longitudinal extent of the mounting member. An elongate shaft is included having a hollow cross-sectional profile and formed along the longitudinal extent of the hinge portion. An elongate mouth is formed at the opening of the shaft and has a cross-sectional profile of smaller extent than the cross-sectional profile of the elongate shaft. A flap attachment member including an elongate hinge member is disclosed having a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the cross-sectional profile of the elongate shaft, and being received in the shaft and retained by the elongate mouth to thereby rotatably couple the flap attachment member to the mounting member.

Abstract: Fast boats create a water resistance that has a detrimental effect on the consumption of fuel. The object of the present invention is to reduce the water resistance to a minimum by meansf of an arrangement that automatically adjusts the direction of the propulsion force and the trimming planes so that minimum water resistance is obtained.

Abstract: A hydrofoil stabilizer fixed to an underwater hull and provided with a pair of pivotally deflectable control flaps through which surface lift on the stabilizer is controlled, is provided with trailing edge tabs on both of the flaps that are pivotally deflected in the same direction to further offset and thereby improve recovery from surface jam inducing lift force on the stabilizer which adversely affects maneuvering control.

Abstract: A manual trim tab for a power boat having a transom at the stern includes: a first bracket adapted to be mounted to the boat's transom near the surface of the water, the first bracket further having a first portion for mounting to the transom, a second portion extending downwardly from the first portion, and a third portion having a shelf, the shelf being substantially perpendicular to the first portion; a trim plate pivotally mounted on the first bracket by a lip pivotally engaging the shelf; a second bracket adapted to be mounted to the boat's transom above the first bracket; a lower adjustment rod pivotally mounted to the trim plate; an upper adjustment rod pivotally mounted to the second bracket and slidingly engaging the lower adjustment rod, thereby varying the angle at which the trim plate meets the watcr's surface; and a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the upper adjustment rod relative to the lower adjustment rod.

Abstract: A Vee bottom planing boat hull (32) has right and left steps (44 and 46) positioned so as to optimize the boat's trim angle at top speed, and defining right and left notches (48 and 50) in which are pivotally mounted left and right trim tabs (56 and 58) having forward leading edges (60 and 62) along oblique pivot axes (64 and 66) causing outer corners (102 and 104) of trailing edges (68 and 70) of the trim tabs to move downwardly more than inner corners (106 and 108) during downward pivoting of the trim tabs, providing an active hull to control boat trim angle and effectively reduce deadrise angle while maintaining a running surface trailing edge substantially free of discontinuities in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A trim tab for a boat, which includes a plate, adapted for pivotal mounting to the boat transom, the plate having a lower surface for water impact and an upper surface for attachment of a spring; and a gas-dampened spring, having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted for fixed attachment to the transom of the boat, and the second end is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the plate.

Abstract: A box-like trim tab for a high-speed motor boat or motor yacht has an inlet at its side pivotally connected with the stern of the boat so that it can allow the exhaust gas or a cooling liquid of the engine to pass through the trim tab and emerge at the open free side thereof. The trim tab reduces the noise generated by discharging the exhaust gas under the water or by conducting the exhaust gas through the water to the trim tab outlet.

Abstract: A trim tab control apparatus includes a switch housing that mounts to the lever of a throttle of a boat. The switch housing provides a socket that holds a dual trim tab switch arrangement in front of and below the handle of the throttle. This enables a pilot of a boat to operate either or both of the switches that control the port and starboard trim tabs. The pilot of the boat can operate either trim tab by depressing a selected of the switches or both trim tabs can be raised or lowered at the same time by operating both switches at the same time with one finger, wherein typically only the index finger of the pilot is required. The apparatus of the invention enables the operator of a boat to operate both port and starboard trim tabs without even having to view the switches because they are in such close proximity to the user's index finger while the pilot is driving the boat, holding onto the throttle.

Abstract: The inventive combination of a stern wedge and a stern flap demonstrates hydrodynamic properties which, for purposes of enhancing the powering performance of a ship, are superior to those of either a solitary stern wedge or a solitary stern flap. For many inventive embodiments, the stern wedge portion's lower surface and the stern flap portion's lower surface are slanted at approximately equal angles with respect to the buttock centerline, thereby optimally consolidating the stern portion's lower surface and the flap portion's lower surface so as to effectively create an overall hydrodynamic lower surface which is slanted approximately at one and the same angle.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an arrangement for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat, having at least one hull with a stern. The arrangement (100) has a housing member (102), an interceptor member (103, 103'), an actuator (105) and a power supply (106). The actuator (105) is arranged for displacing the interceptor member (103, 103') in a continuous linear movement between first (103) and second end positions (103') or vice versa in relation to said housing member (102), which comprises an attachment (104, 104', 104", 104'") for attachment to the hull. The interceptor member (103, 103') has a first portion (107) and a second (108) portion, wherein the first portion (107) extends essentially perpendicularly from the middle of the entire length of the second portion (108). The housing member (102) partially encloses the first portion (107) so that the housing member (102) firmly guides the first portion (107) during the linear movement.

Abstract: A brake apparatus is provided for a water craft that has a rear discharge nozzle and includes a first craft attachment member attached to a portion of the water craft. A hinge assembly is connected to the first craft attachment member. A brake plate assembly is connected to the hinge assembly. A brake plate control assembly is connected to the brake plate assembly. The brake plate control assembly includes a control cable connected to the brake plate assembly. The water craft is a jet ski. When the brake plate member is impinged by water flow from the discharge nozzle of the jet ski, the water flows upward, causing a reactive downward force which pushes the stem of the jet ski into the water, whereby a drag and braking action is created. A rudder member may also be attached to the discharge nozzle to assist in steering the jet ski.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an improved trim tab actuator. A ram adapted to be connected at a first end to the trim tab and connected at a second end to the drive. The ram has a longitudinal portion equal to at least the maximum stroke of the ram and is received in the longitudinal bore of which longitudinal bore has a length equal to or greater than the maximum stroke of the ram. An inboard seal is disposed between the ram and bore, the inboard seal being positioned inboard of the longitudinal portion of the ram when the ram is retracted.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus for coupling to the stern of a boat is provided having at least one afterplane attached to the stern. At least one motor is positioned onto each corresponding afterplane, where each motor has a propeller positioned above the top surface of the afterplane, such that the propeller does not extend substantially beyond the peripheral boundaries of the afterplane to protect the propeller. Each afterplane may be pivotally raised or lowered so that during operation of the motor, the axis of the propellers are parallel with the plane of the water for propelling the boat. The afterplanes may also be pivotally raised or lowered for planing the boat.

Abstract: A trolling motor mount with a first plate hingedly connected at its front to the bottom of the boat transom, a second plate or a continuation of the first plate is connected to and extends rearwardly of the rear of the first plate at a predetermined substantial angle to the plane of the first plate. Fasteners are provided to attach a trolling motor to the underside of the second plate. Pivot brackets connect an electrically actuatable piston to the first plate and the top of the boat transom, the first plate being operable by the piston to a first position in the water to serve as a trim tab with the second plate and trolling motor extending upwardly out of the water, the first plate being operable to a second lower position in the water with the second plate and underlying trolling motor being immersed at an approximately horizontal trolling position below cavitation level in the water.

Abstract: A trim tab which is attached to the transom of a boat and which has a hydraulic ram which can adjust the angle that the trim tab assumes with respect to the surface of the water. In addition, the body of the tab is hydrodynamically shaped to provide very little drag.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus for coupling to the stern of a boat is provided having at least one afterplane attached to the stern. At least one motor is positioned onto each corresponding afterplane, where each motor has a propeller positioned above the top surface of the afterplane, such that the propeller does not extend substantially beyond the peripheral boundaries of the afterplane to protect the propeller. Each afterplane may be pivotally raised or lowered so that during operation of the motor, the axis of the propellers are parallel with the plane of the water for propelling the boat. The afterplanes may also be pivotally raised or lowered for planing the boat.

Abstract: A transom flap can be deployed from the transom of an amphibious vehicle when the vessel is water borne. The transom flap is pivotally mounted and can be extended to extend into a position relatively acute to the transom of the vessel the transom flap can be extended to impinge the propulsion jet of a jet propulsion drive system of the vessel or it can be deployed to extend out of the jet stream but at a less acute angle such that it will be helpful in trim adjustment of the vessel at speed.

Abstract: A transom flap can be deployed from the transom of an amphibious vehicle when the vessel is water borne. The transom flap is pivotally mounted and can be extended to extend into a position relatively acute to the transom of the vessel, the transom flap can be extended to impinge the propulsion jet of a jet propulsion drive system of the vessel or it can be deployed to extend out of the jet stream but at a less acute angle such that it will be helpful in trim adjustment of the vessel at speed.

Abstract: Electromechanical control circuit for causing trim tabs attached to the stern of a hull of a motorized marine vessel, and used to trim the attitude of the vessel, to be automatically fully retracted by activating means independently of the boat ignition switch to cause a capacitor in the circuit to discharge. The means can include at least one switch connected between the capacitor and an electrical power source to which the control circuit can be connected such that the means are activated when the switch is opened. The switch can be positioned at multiple locations throughout the boat or, alternatively, controls to cause the switch to open can be mounted to the boat at multiple locations throughout the craft, including at the main control panel. The means can also be in communication with boat engine gear shift controls such that the means are activated when the vessel engine is shifted into reverse gear.

Abstract: A boat trim control system that includes a boat having a bull and means such as trim tabs mounted to the hull for trimming attitude of the boat as the bull is propelled through the water. The system includes facility for selectively adjusting the trim tabs to maintain a desired boat attitude under varying load and sea conditions. A sensor is mounted on the boat hull to provide an electrical sensor signal as a function of boat attitude, and is connected to electronic control circuitry responsive to the sensor signal for determining attitude of the boat bull. This electronic control circuitry further includes facility for operator setting of a desired boat attitude.

Abstract: A watercraft employs three or more supercavitating hydrofoils. The elements that connect the hydrofoils to the hull may flex to thus raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The relative motion between the hydrofoils and the hull is dampened by shock absorbers or the like. A control system operated by the pilot may apply forces tending to raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The stern hydrofoil is mounted on a support that also carries a power driven propeller and a rudder.

Abstract: A permanently fixed metal trim tab for attachment in pair combinations to the aft end of a boat. Each trim tab comprising a downwardly extending aft edge. A top surface of each trim tab comprises an aft area which comprises striations which provide an anti-slip surface. The strength, position of attachment to the boat, and anti-slip surface permit use of the trim tab as a step for entry and exit to and from the boat. Each trim tab comprises a flange for attachment to a transom of the boat from connecting points above and below an aftwardly extending substantially flat plate of the trim tab which is an integral part of the flange. The trim tab comprises a uniform cross section which is compatible with fabrication by an extrusion process.

Abstract: A personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, is equipped with a hull, an engine and propulsion and a ride plate assembly attached to the bottom section of the hull. The ride plate assembly includes a fixed plate and a lower plate or flap hingedly mounted to the fixed plate to occupy continuously adjustable varying angular positions relative to the fixed plate. A manually operated control mechanism, controlled by an operator, adjusts the angular positioning of the flap within a predetermined range. It is an important characteristic of the continuously adjustable flap that within the range in which its angular positioning relative to the fixed plate and to the water can be changed, an initial and moderate change in angular positioning results in more hydrodynamic lift to act on the watercraft, and therefore in increased speed of the watercraft. However, beyond a certain value, further deflection of the flap results in significant braking action.

Abstract: An apparatus for influencing the position of a boat in water, with trim flaps disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis of the boat, the flap angles of said trim flaps always being adjustable by a drive with a control device, which acts upon all the flap drives in dependence on a central control switch, which comprises several control contacts assigned to the tilting directions of the boat.In order to control the position of the boat in the water automatically, the apparatus is designed so that the control switch comprises at least one movable, gravity-dependent contact-making body, which automatically activates the control device via the control contacts when the boat tilts.

Abstract: An improved boat construction is disclosed in which a boat, having the typical elongated hull, bow and stern, has a bottom configured as a hydroplane including a transverse step spaced from the bow and stern. A well is provided in the boat bottom and extends from at least the transverse step through the boat stern and receives a powered impeller for engaging and pushing water backwards in a confined flow path within and beyond the well so as to thrust the boat forward. Vertical deflectors are positioned rearwardly of the powered impeller and are attached to the boat in the vicinity of the boat stern for engaging the backwardly moving water in the confined flow path so as to increase or decrease the size of the confined flow path of backwardly moving water emanating from the powered impeller. Immediately forward of the powered impeller in the well is a horizontal deflector which directs more or less water to the powered impeller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilizer attached to the cavitation plate on the leg of a motor boat motor. Two elongated tubular members are attached by mounting brackets to the motor's cavitation plate. The tubular members are attached at a downward angle away from the boat so that an upward force is created by the hydrodynamic jet action of water flowing through the tubular members at the rear of the boat when the boat moves in a forward direction. The upward jet created force at the rear of the boat keeps the boat horizontal and stable at increasing speeds and at high speeds.

Abstract: A jet propulsion boat having an improved arrangement for rigidly affixing a trim adjusting plate to the underside rear portion of the boat hull and which permits adjustment of the trim angle of the plate. In one embodiment, an angle adjusting means is threadably connected to the trim adjusting plate and passes a threaded fastener that affixes the angle adjusting means and the trim adjusting plate to the hull. In another embodiment, a shim member is interposed between the trim adjusting plate and the hull for effecting trim adjustment of the trim adjusting plate.

Abstract: Small marine pleasure craft, such as jet skis, which have a tendency to "porpoise" or pitch fore and aft at cruising speeds, are provided at the aft end of the hull thereof with a ride plate and , pursuant to the invention, with a downwardly and rearwardly inclined lift or hydroplane surface on the ride plate which effectively eliminates the "porpoising" or pitching motion at cruising speeds and also enhances maneuverability and steerability of the craft at such speeds. The angle of downward inclination of the lift or hydroplane surface is quite critical, residing within a range in the order from about 3.degree. to about 6.degree.. The preferred embodiment comprises an accessory device substantially universally adaptable to existing jet skis, which is characterized by a plate having a mounting surface adapted to be secured to a jet ski ride plate and a downwardly and rearwardly inclined lift or hydroplane surface having a preferred universal angle of declination in the order of about 4.degree..

Abstract: A resilient trim plate which, when mounted in cantilever fashion on the bottom of a boat and when adjusted, provides for trimming of the boat when the boat is underway and moves over the water. The trim plate is provided with fasteners for rigidly securing the forward portion of the trim plate to the bottom of the boat at a location forwardly of the transom or aft end of the boat. The trim plate extends rearwardly from the attachment means in cantilever fashion and presents a curved or convex lower surface to the water. The curvature of the lower surface of the trim plate can be increased or decreased to thereby increase or decrease the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the trim plate when the boat is moving over the water. Such pressure difference generates a downward force on the trim palte and thereby the boat much in the same manner the creation of a lift force as air flows over the wing of an airplane in flight.

Abstract: An improved trim tab actuator for a watercraft for permitting the operator to automatically select any of a plurality of steering effects by automatic control of the trim tab. The trim tab is positioned in response to sense steering and watercraft conditions and the operator may also select any of a plurality of modes mapped in response to these conditions.

Abstract: A mechanism with one foot pedal for controlling the fore-and-aft attitude of a high-speed boat having the usual cavitation or trim plate. When the foot pedal is depressed the cavitation plate is lowered through an interconnecting assembly of pivoted members to lower the bow of the boat against any upending tendency as it accelerates from a dead stop in the water. As the boat speed increases, release of pressure on the foot pedal causes movement of the cavitation plate to an upper position, wherein it is ineffective to lower the bow, and locking of the plate in that position until the foot pedal is again depressed.

Abstract: An improved trim-tab control for boats has for each trim tab a yoke movably secured to a frame, a mechanical link between the yoke and the trim tab such that yoke and trim tab move in unison, a lever pivotable mounted with respect to the yoke and having first and second engagement surfaces, and a pair of switches on the yoke positioned for selective engagement with the lever surfaces to actuate a hydraulic device for moving the trim tab in opposite directions. Tab adjustment is carried out by continuing movement of the lever with respect to the yoke, while the yoke moves in response to such adjustment. A scale is secured adjacent to the lever such that the lever position provides visual indication of the trim-tab position.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an outboard motor includes a motor mount having a transom mounting bracket attachable to a boat transom and a motor supporting bracket spaced aft of and pivotally connected by upper and lower links with the transom mounting bracket to support an outboard motor wholly aft of the boat transom, a cylinder for moving the motor supporting bracket relative to the transom mounting bracket to raise and lower the outboard motor, and a trim plate disposed beneath the lower link and connected to the motor supporting bracket for movement with the motor supporting bracket to provide a lifting force on the rear of the boat during forward movement of the boat. Preferably, the trim plate is disposed in parallel relation to the lower link having its fore end pivotally connected to the boat transom and its aft end pivotally connected to a bracket extension member projecting from the lower end of the motor supporting bracket.

Abstract: Two centrifugal pump and paddle type boat propulsion devices are mounted in astern outboard positions on two swingable vanes, respectively, projecting aft of a boat hull, spaced athwartships of the hull and swingable from positions inclined rearwardly and downwardly from the hull transom into upwardly and rearwardly inclined positions in which the rotors of the propulsion devices and rudders behind them are retracted above the level of the boat bottom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to spring biased trolling flaps used in conjunction with a motorized fishing boat for limiting the speed of the boat while trolling and coupled to the steering mechanism of the boat to aid in steering the boat when the boat is operating at a slow speed.

Abstract: A trim tab actuator for a marine propulsion device wherein a plurality of watercraft running conditions are sensed and a trim tab is automatically positioned so as to maintain the watercraft in its preset course as dictated by the measured preset condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for pivotally mounting a structure on a boat hull for pivotal movement between a position wherein the structure extends downwardly into the water and a retracted position. The apparatus includes a first hinge member adapted to be fixed to the boat hull, and having a pair of spaced apart flanges including apertures.

Abstract: A trolling attachment for motor boats comprises pivotal trolling flaps for securement to the transom of a boat so that the flaps may be lowered into and raised from the water as required. The flap are carried on a rectangular box-section tube with leaf springs disposed against the tube to provide resilient frictional resistance to movement of the flaps and positive location and retention of the flaps in the raised and lowered positions by engagement of the springs against adjacent surfaces of the tube respectively.

Abstract: A boat having a pair of bottom panels provided with respective flaps to cause the stern of the boat to ride relatively high in the water when the boat is driven forwardly in the water by an outboard motor. In one embodiment, the flaps pivot downwardly and provide drag for the stern in response to forward movement of the boat. In two other embodiments, the flaps provide planing surfaces near the stern. The boat can be collapsible in which case the bottom panels mate with resilient side panels to form, when collapsed, a flat sandwich configuration which, by the use of improved straps, can be carried on the top of a vehicle or can be hand-carried. An improved bracket for the stern of the boat is used to permit positive attachment of an outboard motor to the boat.

Abstract: An electronic position monitor (10) and readout device (72, 90) for trim tabs on boats in which the monitor and readout device are connected to the trim tab controls. The device is electronic and position display is based on the time required for trim tab movement. Signals from the trim tab controls produce signals from timers (62, 63) which in turn are directed to enabling circuits (58, 60). If the enabling circuits pass the timer signals, they are counted in counter circuits (44, 46) and thence directed to a decoder (64) and finally to the display panel (72-90). The display panel is arranged to show the precise angular position of the trim tabs to the boat operator.

Abstract: The inventive trim tab 10 is formed of a single piece of tough, rigid resin providing an integral mounting plate 12 and a lifter 11 extending aft from a bottom region of a power boat transom 15. Mounting plate 12 is formed flat to fit against the transom. Lifter 11 extends aft from mounting plate 12 at about a right angle and has a trailing region curving down around a transverse axis aft of the mounting plate and below the lifter. A pair of semitubular surfaces 25 incline from an upper region of mounting plate 12 down to the curved region of the lifter. Lifter 11 also has side edges 20 that extend downwardly and run aft from the transom and has a downwardly extending ridge 21 that runs aft between semitubular surfaces 25.

Abstract: In a boat, trimming flaps are pivotally mounted one on each side at the stern and operated by individual electric motors and screw and nut drives enclosed in housings serving as links between the flaps and the boat. The motors are remotely controlled from within the boat.