Abstract: A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.

Abstract: A posture control system for a hull includes trim tab main bodies as posture control plates attached to a stern of the hull to control the posture of the hull. Trim tab actuators drive the trim tab main bodies. Engines generate a propulsive force on the hull. A controller controls the trim tab actuators. Based on a throttle opening angle of the engines, the controller determines a time when the trim tab main bodies are to be lowered by the trim tab actuators.

Abstract: A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A control system for posture control tabs of a marine vessel prevents posture control tabs from coming into contact with a foreign object. The posture control tabs are mounted on a stern to control a posture of a hull. Actuators actuate the respective posture control tabs. When it is judged that that the hull is being loaded onto a trailer or it is detected that the hull has entered a speed restriction zone, a controller controls the actuators to position the posture control tabs at retracted positions.

Abstract: A trim tab control system for a ship includes a trim tab and a controller. The trim tab is able to swing on a ship body. The controller is configured or programmed to swing the trim tab at a first swing speed when the trim tab is not at a time of landing based on operation state data indicating the operation state of the ship. The controller is configured or programmed to swing the trim tab at a second swing speed less than the first swing speed when the trim tab is at the time of landing based on the operation state data.

Abstract: A wave-generating watercraft includes a craft body having an installation space receiving a wave-generating unit. A telescopic drive is mounted within the installation space and is connected to a driven unit. A wave-forming fin is connected to the driven unit and is driven by the telescopic drive to move between extended and retracted positions. The telescopic drive is aligned with a front-rear direction of the craft body and is stretchable and retractable along the front-rear direction. The wave-forming fin protrudes from the installation space when the wave-forming fin moves to the extended position and is received in the installation space when the wave-forming fin retracts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trim stabilizer device comprising a foil being structurally independent from the transom of a boat to which it is to be mounted and being tiltable around its transversal axis; a first actuator associated with the foil for tilting thereof; a adjusting arm associated with the foil, at one end, for making a vertical motion thereof relative to the transom, and at the other end, associated with a connecting member provided on the transom. The trim stabilizer device for boats comprises a second actuator for making a vertical motion by a non-manual force of the adjusting arm.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes a vehicle body; a flap supported at a lower portion in a traveling direction of the vehicle body to be able to swing in a direction in which an upper edge portion approaches and separates from the vehicle body; a support column which has a fluid actuator capable of expanding and contracting in accordance with a pressure of a working fluid to a cylinder chamber, is connected to the flap in at least a first end portion in a longitudinal direction, and performs adjustment of a swinging angle of the flap by expansion and contraction of the fluid actuator; a power source which supplies the working fluid to the cylinder chamber; and a safety valve which communicates with the cylinder chamber, and opens when an internal pressure of the cylinder chamber becomes greater than a predetermined pressure to discharge the working fluid in the cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A boat includes a boat body, a propulsion unit, a steering wheel that turns about a first turning axis and has a circular or substantially circular shape or an arcuate or substantially arcuate shape about the first turning axis, and an operator unit on the steering wheel including a first operator which is located in a first direction with respect to the first turning axis and a second operator which is located in a second direction with respect to the first turning axis, and that performs a throttle operation and a shift operation on the propulsion unit.

Abstract: A method for watercraft efficiency at various speeds by use of at least one adjustable trim tab with a surface by calculating by the total surface area of the planar surface and determining the surface area necessary of the planar surface of at least one trim tab, and mounting the trim tab substantially under the hull. Provided in the method is determining the overall length of the hull, determining the maximum beam of the hull, multiplying the overall length of the hull by the maximum beam, taking a resultant of the overall length and maximum beam and multiplying that resultant by a percentage in the range of about one to about three, and taking the resultant and dividing it by the number of trim tabs mounted to the hull. Adjusting the trim tab by raising or lowering the rear of the planar surface, based on speed, to achieve higher efficiency.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: Control device for generating auxiliary controls for a boat for controlling and regulating a boat handling auxiliary functionality, including an intermediate switch, changeover switch, or switch device located below the steering control member of the boat, which is connected to a drive unit for a steering actuator through a drive shaft; and a housing case shaped as an arm having at one end a member controlling the control device, which is provided with a terminal removably fastening alternatively to the casing holding the drive unit for the steering actuator, to a part thereof, or to a wall of a bridge or of a dashboard adjacently to the region for mounting the casing holding the drive unit for the steering actuator to the bridge or to the dashboard.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: Rear boat extensions for boats and boats having such are provided. Some embodiments of boats include a rear boat extension as an attachment to their transom. Other embodiments of boats include a rear boat extension as a stern end part of a single molded component which includes the hull of the boat. In either case, the rear boat extension has a smaller depth than an adjacent part of the boat's hull. In some embodiments, a rear boat extension may be tapered toward its rearward end. In some cases, a rear boat extension may include peripheral sidewalls and may be open or include an opening at its rearward end or between upper edges of its peripheral sidewalls. In yet other embodiments, a rear boat extension may not include peripheral sidewalls. In any case, a rear boat extension may additionally or alternatively include an opening or recess within its bottom surface.

Abstract: A hull for a planing type watercraft has a front lift surface, a high lift surface, and a back planing surface. The high lift surface is adjacent a rockered keel area and between the front lift surface and the back planing surface. The center of dynamic lift on the high lift surface is at or in front of a point which is 15% of the hull length behind a total center of gravity of the hull under loading. At least the back one third of the high lift surface is cambered, and a beam of the high lift surface is greater than two thirds of the maximum width of the hull. The average camber of the front lift surface, the high lift surface, and the back planing surface together is less than or equal to zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trim tab for watercraft, the inclinable tab of which has gradations having breaking edges, and in front of the sections having a breaking edge on the bracket. The active cylinder is assisted by a gas spring which may also be blockable, and which is released by means of the active cylinder. Underwater lamps that are affixed on the outflow side have a spread angle, and the underwater lamps have a metal housing which is connected to the tab for dissipating waste heat.

Abstract: A trim tab assembly for a watercraft includes a enclosure. A support structure is positioned in the enclosure. At least one trim tab is disposed in the enclosure. The trim tab includes a generally planar top, bottom, side and front surfaces linked by a curved surface defining a wedge shaped body. An actuator is linked to the trim tab pivotally moving the trim tab relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention involves a double trim tab for watercraft in which connection the flow interceptor (1) is activated by an actuation cylinder (4) and the flow interceptor (1) activates the bottom tab (2). One of the tabs may have a course correction device (10) or a course correction fin (11). In addition, an electronic steering device (14) can likewise carry out a course correction in the event of a trim change in which connection the steering wheel (17) is kept neutral by means of an uncoupling device (18).

Abstract: A boat trim tab system having an automatic controller for positioning trim tabs to perform user selected preset functions or maintain previously used positions in response to real time operating conditions. The system is intended to be a stand alone system that is installed on a boat using a master control module to operate the trim tabs and a manual keypad to provide a user interface to the master control module. The system gathers real time data from a variety of onboard sources and uses the data to determine the optimal position of the trim tabs to enhance boat performance.

Abstract: A joint connecting a cylinder actuator of a trim tab to a watercraft includes a first part couplable to a wall of the watercraft, a second part couplable to the cylinder actuator, a pin coupled to one part and a pin seat formed in the other part. In one embodiment, the seat is defined by a portion of a circular cylindrical surface having an opening on one side. The surface portion has an angular extension larger than 180°, and the pin has a correspondingly cylindrical portion with a laterally flattened surface for introduction into the opening of the pin seat. The opening of the cylindrical pin seat and the flattened portion/s of the pin are in such reciprocal angular positions that the two joint parts are operably connectable and disconnectable by disposing them in a relative angular position, which cannot be attained in the mounted operating condition.

Abstract: The invention involves a double trim tab for watercraft in which connection the flow interceptor (1) is activated by an actuation cylinder (4) and the flow interceptor (1) activates the bottom tab (2). One of the tabs may have a course correction device (10) or a course correction fin (11). In addition, an electronic steering device (14) can likewise carry out a course correction in the event of a trim change in which connection the steering wheel (17) is kept neutral by means of an uncoupling device (18).

Abstract: A trim tab assembly for a watercraft includes a enclosure. A support structure is positioned in the enclosure. At least one trim tab is disposed in the enclosure. The trim tab includes a generally planar top, bottom, side and front surfaces linked by a curved surface defining a wedge shaped body. An actuator is linked to the trim tab pivotally moving the trim tab relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: A joint connecting a cylinder actuator of a trim tab to a watercraft includes a first part couplable to a wall of the watercraft, a second part couplable to the cylinder actuator, a pin coupled to one part and a pin seat formed in the other part. In one embodiment, the seat is defined by a portion of a circular cylindrical surface having an opening on one side. The surface portion has an angular extension larger than 180°, and the pin has a correspondingly cylindrical portion with a laterally flattened surface for introduction into the opening of the pin seat. The opening of the cylindrical pin seat and the flattened portion/s of the pin are in such reciprocal angular positions that the two joint parts are operably connectable and disconnectable by disposing them in a relative angular position, which cannot be attained in the mounted operating condition.

Abstract: A planing amphibious vehicle has at least one trim tab at its stern. A vehicle control system includes a mode change controller and a trim tab controller. The mode change controller informs the trim tab controller when a mode change event is taking place. The trim tab controller retracts the trim tabs if the mode change is from marine to land mode; and deploys the tabs if the change is from land mode to marine mode, to assist the vehicle in rising on to the plane. The controller may also retract the tabs if the vehicle reverses; and deploy the tabs if a change is made from reverse to forward motion. The vehicle control system may connect to actuators and sensors for retractable road wheels, which may use hydropneumatic struts. Safeguards against system faults and/or erroneous switch operation are included. Road wheel drive decouples are used; a marine drive decoupler may also be fitted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steering and trimming system for a watercraft (1) whereby control is exercised via the steering wheel (2) at low speed by means of crossbeam rudders (13,14) and when planing via a rudder (29). In addition, during the craft's acceleration phase, the trim arms (22) are more quickly brought into position.

Abstract: A boat control system includes trim tabs mounted on the lower transom of a boat, with an electric trolling motor attached to each tab. A user control provides commands to control positioning of the trim tabs and operation of the motors. Steering with the motors is provided by controlling the relative speed and propeller direction of the motors. The user control includes an input for generating a return-to-center command that causes the motors to be driven at the same speed and in the same direction.

Abstract: A trim tab shape control system for a boat with a transom according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible plate and a trim tab control system. The flexible plate has a forward end attached to the transom, a rearward end, and an operative bottom surface. The trim tab control system includes a first force mechanism that is attached near the rearward end of the flexible plate and at least one second force mechanism interfacing the flexible plate between the transom and the first force mechanism. The force mechanisms are operative to deflect the operative bottom surface of the flexible plate in a controlled curve while in an up position, where the plate retains a shape in a down position which varies with force applied by the first and second force mechanisms and the operating conditions of the boat.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a marine vessel incorporates a single hydraulic pump that can be driven by either first or second motive devices, such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Depending on the circumstances, the pressure required by the hydraulic system is provided by the pump when it is driven by either the first or second motive devices. As a result, only two motive devices can provide the necessary driving capacity for the hydraulic pump under all operating circumstances, including those when the engine is not running.

Abstract: A jack plate (9) moveable upwardly and downwardly between various positions has a trim tab (28) disposed on a fixed portion (10) of the jack plate near the base of the transom (11) of a boat. The moveable portion (12) of the jack plate has a push cap (44) that, at a pickup position of the jack plate, pushes a rod (43) which rotates a lever (38) to move an arm (33) to push the trim tab (28) into an operative position aft of and below the hull of the boat. Above the pickup position, the push cap does not contact the rod; a return spring (50) causes the trim tab (28) to rotate upwardly, into a position where it is ineffective.

Abstract: A trim tab of resilient material affixed in a cantilever fashion at the stem of a boat and of a regressive flexural stiffness such that when deflected, the undersurface of the trim tab assumes the shape of a progressive curve in the direction of water flow. A trim tab of a progressive curve which has gas or liquid ejection to the undersurface to control the boundary layer. A trim tab located under a surface drive whereby the bite of the propeller is controlled relative to the trim tab and the trim tab is controlled to optimize the boat hull.

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: A trim tab monitoring circuit is provided which receives a signal that is representative of a voltage potential across a stator winding of a motor which is attached to the trim tab. This signal is passed through a high pass filter to remove the DC component of the signal, amplified, and passed through a low pass filter to remove certain high frequencies components of the signal. A zero crossing detector is used to discern individual pulses which are then received by a counter that provides a single output pulse for a predetermined number of input pulses. The series of output pulses from the counter are conditioned and, in conjunction with a direction sensor, provided to an up/down counter controller that provides digital signals to a signal output circuit. The signal output circuit provides a DC voltage output to a display and the DC output voltage is representative of the position of the trim tab.

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: A trim tab of resilient material affixed in a cantilever fashion at the stern of a boat and of a regressive flexural stiffness such that when deflected, the undersurface of the trim tab assumes the shape of a progressive curve in the direction of water flow. A trim tab of a progressive curve which has gas or liquid ejection to the undersurface to control the boundary layer. A trim tab located under a surface drive whereby the bite of the propeller is controlled relative to the trim tab and the trim tab is controlled to optimize the boat hull.

Abstract: A trim tab control system is provided in which four buttons or switches are provided for the marine operator in which the operator can select to raise the bow, raise the stern, raise the port side of the boat, or raise the stern side of the boat in relative terms, and the system will automatically position the trim tabs to most efficiently achieve the operator's demanded change in position of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A wireless remote control system for extending the control functions of the electrically actuated control systems of a boat including a plurality of transmitters and receivers, each transmitter capable of generating a signal on two channels and receiver control responsive to each of the two signals and capable of synthesizing a third control signal from the combination of the two signals.

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 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: Trim adjusting device for planing hull, also called "flap", the inclination of which is adjusted by control means placed inside the hull. The control means include at least a piston having a vertically moving rod. It is also described a planing hull modified in order to house the flap control means.

Abstract: An inboard power boat for towing water skiers is disclosed which incorporates a wake control device. The boat has a hull configuration in which the stern portion has a flat or semi-flat bottom. The wake control device is comprised of a single flat plate which is pivotally mounted to the stern along the longitudinal axis of the hull. An hydraulic control circuit is provided for pivoting the plate about a transverse axis so that its trailing end moves between raised and lowered positions. The trailing end is moved to a selected position to selectively control the size of the wake as the trailing edge projects to a lesser or greater extent into the stream of water which moves under the hull as the boat moves forward.

Abstract: A trimming device for a water borne vessel comprising a trim tab which is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the vessel so as to be at least partially submerged in use, at an inclination such that, upon forward movement of the vessel, the tab is subjected to pressure from the water flowing over it, resulting in lift of the vessel, and a control mechanism which acts on the trim tab to automatically allow its inclination to reduce progressively and hence to correspondingly reduce the lift on the vessel.

Abstract: Adjustment is made of the position of a marine transportation system including a boat having a drive, a trimmable port tab and a trimmable starboard tab. The operation of the marine transportation system is monitored to provide an output distinguishing boat operation in an on-plane condition and boat operation in an off-plane condition, to provide an output distinguishing boat travel in a straight forward condition and boat travel in a turning condition and to provide an output distinguishing boat operation in a first heel condition in which the boat tilts to port and boat operation in a second heel condition in which the boat tilts to starboard. The port and starboard tabs are positioned at desired positions in response to the outputs. According to the embodiment, a heel adjustment operation of the boat is carried out during boat operation in an on-plane straight forward travel condition, only.

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 trim system having port and starboard trim flaps which mount near the stern. The trim flaps are independently operated by pneumatic operators. The pneumatic operators are governed by pressure modulators which each advantageously include a gas compressor and controllable pressure relief valve. An automatic control system is used to control the pressure modulators. The control system includes attitude sensors using optical emitter-detectors which beam across liquid-filled channels. The channels contain gas bubbles which are detected by the emitter-detectors to indicate attitude deviations.

Abstract: An improved hydrofoil system is provided for boats with planing-type hulls Two hydrofoils, one mounted adjacent to each chine, are provided in a submerged position. The attack angle of each hydrofoil is controlled independently by a hydraulic cylinder or the equivalent thereof. Because both positive and negative attack angles of each hydrofoil may be presented, the hydrofoil system disclosed has the ability to raise and lower the bow, raise and lower the stern, provide lateral stability and also act as an auxiliary rudder by rotating the boat about its longitudinal axis. The submerged hydrofoil system is intended for use with boats with planing-type hulls.