Abstract: A hydrofoil craft includes a hull including a bottom that spreads from a bow to a stern; and a hydrofoil mechanism provided on the bow side of the hull. The hull further includes an accommodating recess formed therein, and the accommodating recess is recessed toward the stern side between the bow and the bottom to accommodate the hydrofoil mechanism. A retreat surface is formed between the bottom and a recess main surface facing the bow side in the accommodating recess, and the retreat surface extends toward the stern side in a downward direction and is connected to the bottom.

Abstract: A hull for low drag boats has, from bow to stern, a deep V-shaped keel (10) whose dead-rise angle decreases up to a flattened bottom (30) in the stern, and sides (20) comprising side chines (200) protruding downward from the flattened bottom that is not inclined upwards.

Abstract: A watercraft system including one or more air passageways and/or one or more water passageways is provided. The air passageways may extend from an upper surface of the watercraft, through the body of the watercraft, to an underneath surface of the watercraft. The water passageways may extend from an underneath forward or side portion on the watercraft, through the body of the watercraft, to a rear portion of the watercraft. The air and/or water passageways may be constricting from the inlets to the outlets so that the air and/or water is accelerated through the passageways during use of the craft. In this way, the release of the accelerated air and/or water decreases the craft's drag and provides the craft a forward thrust.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wave riding board include a body having a top, a bottom, a right edge, a left edge, a front, a rear and a length defined from the front to the rear. The bottom of the body includes a plurality of steps and a channel defined between at least a portion of the plurality of steps. The channel extends along at least a portion of the length of the body.

Abstract: Rear boat extensions for boats and boats having such are provided. The rear boat extensions described herein are generally suitable for boats comprising a transom and a plate that is pivotally mounted via a hinge near a bottom edge of the transom, such that the plate is pivotable about an axis of the hinge upwardly toward and downwardly away from the transom. In some embodiments, the rear boat extensions described herein may include a bottom surface including a recess and one or more sloped or curved sections disposed on either side of the recess. The recess is disposed at a front end of the rear boat extension and configured to accommodate pivoting of the plate beneath the bottom surface of the rear boat extension. The sloped or curved sections disposed on either side of the recess serve to push water toward respective outboard sides of the boat to manipulate the size and/or shape of the wake produced by the boat.

Abstract: An amphibious vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned device is provided. The amphibious VTOL unmanned device includes a modular and expandable waterproof body, an outer body shell, a gimbaled swivel propulsion system comprising a plurality of VTOL jet engines and VTOL ducted fans, a processor, electronic speed controllers, a two-way telemetry device, a video transmitter, a radio control receiver, a power distribution board, an electrical machine, an onboard electricity generator comprising a plurality of solar cells, a light detection and ranging device, an ultrasonic radar sensor, a plurality of sensors, a tail configured to stabilize the amphibious VTOL unmanned device, a head VTOL ducted fan adapted for VTOL, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of foldable wings configured to create a pressure difference and creating a lift, a plurality of parachutes configured to safely land the amphibious VTOL unmanned device in an emergency.

Abstract: An amphibious vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned device includes a modular and expandable waterproof body. An outer body shell, at least one wing, and a door are connected to the modular and expandable waterproof body. A propulsion system of the amphibious VTOL unmanned device includes a plurality of motors and propellers and a propeller protection system. The amphibious VTOL unmanned device further includes a battery, a charging station for batteries, an onboard electricity generator a power distribution board, an electrical power storage device, and an electrical machine electrically connected to the electrical power storage device. The amphibious VTOL unmanned device is further equipped with a landing system, an onboard air compressor, an onboard electrolysis system, a cooling device, vision aiding and orientative lights, an apparatus for internally housing a cargo, and a manually or automatically deployable parachute.

Abstract: A boat comprising a hull (10) and a propulsion means (3) suitably coupled to an inboard drive means (8), characterized in that said hull (10) is provided with at least one hollow (2) suitably shaped to at least partially accommodate said propulsion means (3), said hollow (2) being provided with at least one tube (21) and at least one atmospheric-pressure air intake (220) in such a way that the propulsion means, that is a surface propeller (3), can continuously operate under optimal conditions with respect to the thus-generated artificial water surface.

Abstract: A marine vessel hull is disclosed herein. The marine vessel hull includes a bottom surface. The marine vessel hull also includes at least first and second planing skis projecting from the bottom surface. Each of the first and second planing skis includes at least one side extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface. The first and second planing skis are sized to be submerged when the marine vessel hull is stationary in water. The bottom surface is substantially flat laterally between the first and second planing skis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a design of a ship hull, and more particularly, to cargo ship or submarine configurations featuring flow channels on the hull surfaces, and multihull structure, and improved diving and surfacing properties, and reduced hydrodynamic resistance, and improved hull damage resistance, and further comprising underwater hub cargo loading and unloading, and relates to manned or unmanned or semi-autonomous sea vessels. A hull design consists of a curvative hull form transversally and symmetrical about its center line CL and design water line, and consists of ballast and storage tanks and cargo compartment within the hull portions and operable to adjust the draft and the depth of the vessel according to the loaded weight, and provides detachable installation options. The invention relates to a ship hull design with reduced block coefficient (Cb) values.

Abstract: An improved watercraft hull providing stability and maneuverability in turns. The hull may include a longitudinal centerline extending from bow to stern, a first and second transverse air channel that are fluidly isolated from the rest of the hull, the first and second air channels separating the hull into a bow planing portion, a middle planing portion, and a stern planing portion, a first plurality of strakes protruding from the bow planing portion, a second plurality of strakes protruding from the middle planing portion, and a third plurality of strakes protruding from the stern portion. The hull may also include a V-shaped keel portion at the bow portion centerline, and a flattened hull portion at the stern portion centerline having a deadrise angle of 0°, the flattened hull portion being disposed between and directly adjacent to two adjacent longitudinal elements of the third plurality of longitudinal elements.

Abstract: A ski structure for increasing the performance of the vessel is intrinsic to or attached to the hull of the vessel. The ski structure includes a bow portion, a stern portion, an amidships portion, plurality of first sidewalls extending downwards to form one or more upside-down U-channel(s) along the length of the vessel hull and situated to provide balanced support across the width of the vessel. The bow portion includes a rear flap for allowing the entrance of water into the channel and prevents the escape of gas out of the channel(s). The stern portion includes a rear flap for preventing gas from escaping out of the stern portion. An inlet port on the amidships portion and in front of the rear flap for injecting a gas bubble beneath the vessel into the channel and pushing the gas bubble below the waterline and thus resulting in producing lift and effectively eliminating any solid surface part of the vessel hull from being below the water line.

Abstract: A high speed powerboat hull (100) incorporating a tunnel ventilation channel (154) spanning between a starboard (160) and port (162) side of the hull (100). The hull (100) has a “V” shaped forward section. The ventilated tunnel (150) is provided as a recess having two substantially vertical sidewalls (152) arranged parallel to each other located along each of the two outer edges of the tunnel (150). The tunnel (150) is disposed longitudinally between the ventilated channel (154) and a transom (112). The ventilated tunnel (150) is in fluid communication with the ventilation channel (154). The hull (100) can further comprise at least one stepped hull section (122, 126).

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: a command module; first and second buoyant tubular foils; and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively; wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all of the buoyancy required for the marine vessel; and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through the water.

Abstract: A marine fuel backflow preventer and overfill alarm for use with marine vessels includes a housing provided for in-line installation in the fuel fill inlet line and directs fuel entering the a fuel filling inlet generally directly to a fuel filling outlet such that the fuel passes freely through the back flow preventer while being directed to the vessel fuel tank. The housing further functions as a reservoir for containing fuel which has accumulated therein due to over-filling and/or that has been carried into the housing via the fuel tank vent line. By providing a fuel containing reservoir disposed in-line the present invention thus functions to prevent unintended fuel spillage into the environment. The back flow preventer further includes an electro-mechanical float switch that automatically activates an alarm upon sensing the presence of fuel within the housing.

Abstract: An air ejecting unit is configured to eject air into water from an air ejecting outlet provided in a ship bottom of a ship body. An air recovery device is configured to recover the air into the ship body from first to third air recovery inlets provided in the ship bottom. The first air recovery inlet is provided to cross the center line. The second air recovery inlet is provided to project on a port side from the first air recovery inlet. The third air recovery inlet is provided to project on a starboard side from the first air recovery inlet. The second and third air recovery inlets are arranged on a bow side from the first air recovery inlet. Each of the first to third air recovery inlets includes a plurality of air recovery holes.

Abstract: A braking system for a watercraft moving upon a body of water. A hull has a bow portion, a bottom portion and a port opening in the bow. A water inlet is formed in the bottom of the hull. A duct extends between the water inlet and the port opening. A generally U-shaped hub has an intake portion and an output portion. The hub is selectably movable between a stowed position with the intake portion within the hull and a deployed position with the intake portion extending into the body of water. The intake portion of the hub, when deployed, diverts water from the intake portion to the output portion of the hub. The moving watercraft is braked by drag induced upon the hull by the deployed hub extending into the body of water and by the diverted water urged through the duct and out of the port opening.

Abstract: A high speed powerboat hull (100) incorporating a tunnel ventilation channel (154) spanning between a starboard (160) and port (162) side of the hull (100). The hull (100) has a “V” shaped forward section. The ventilated tunnel (150) is provided as a recess having two substantially vertical sidewalls (152) arranged parallel to each other located along each of the two outer edges of the tunnel (150). The tunnel (150) is disposed longitudinally between the ventilated channel (154) and a transom (112). The ventilated tunnel (150) is in fluid communication with the ventilation channel (154). The hull (100) can further comprise at least one stepped hull section (122, 126).

Abstract: A watercraft (99) having a stepped hull (100) including a forward hull portion (103), a first stepped hull portion (106), and optionally a second stepped hull portion (108). Outboard ram air fins (120) extend outwardly from the hull and downwardly along the stepped hull portions. Outboard strakes (110, 112) are fixed to the stepped hull portions, and may be tapered to define ports thereto. During planing operation the channels defined by the fins compress the incoming air which is thereby at least partially forced under the stepped hull portion. In level operation the flow through the channels tends to keep the stepped hull portions in good contact with the water.

Abstract: An air cavity vessel having longitudinal and transverse partitions is provided. The air cavity vessel, which injects air into the bottom thereof to form air layers in order to reduce resistance of the vessel, includes transverse partitions partitioning the bottom in a transverse direction, longitudinal partitions partitioning the bottom in a longitudinal direction, spatial areas defined in a grid pattern by the transverse partitions and the longitudinal partitions, an air supply unit installed in a forebody of the vessel and supplying compressed air into the spatial areas, and a compressor for supplying the compressed air to the air supply unit. Thereby, multiple air layers are formed on a bottom flat area on a small scale.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for reducing the drag that a vessel hull experiences when moving through the water by interposing air bubbles between the hull and the stream of water that the vessel is moving through. The invention delivers compressed air to the bottom of the vessel without the need for a high energy air compressor.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: a command module; first and second buoyant tubular foils; and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively; wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all of the buoyancy required for the marine vessel; and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through the water.

Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: The ship body of the present invention comprises at least two levels. One is an upper level that comprises a floatable body. The other is a lower level. The lower level is intended to be submerged under water in normal use. The lower level comprises at least two parallel, essentially vertical walls, a floor, and a ceiling connecting the at least two parallel essentially vertical walls. The front end and a rear end of the lower level are open to allow water to enter through the front end and exit through the rear end of the lower level.

Abstract: A marine vessel provides a hull having a bow, stern, and port and starboard portions, and a hull bottom having port and starboard sides that form a vee shape. A channel extends longitudinally from the stern toward the bow a distance at least half the hull length, and can extend substantially the entire length of the hull. The bottom of the channel is defined in part by a portion of the hull bottom. The top of the channel is defined by one or more upper panels or surfaces that form catamaran hulls with the port and starboard sides of the hull bottom when the channel is filled with water in a non-planing hull position. The channel is above the water surface when the hull is in a planing position wherein the water drains from the channel.

Abstract: By adjusting the amount of air supplied from compressed-air supply piping, a seawater level in an air cushion chamber is adjusted. Accordingly, even in a case of a ballast-free ship, there is secured a function to adjust a hull equivalent to an adjusting function of a ship having ballast tanks. One end of the compressed-air supply piping is opened to the air cushion chamber divided by horizontal and vertical partition plates. Below the horizontal partition plate, a current plate is disposed with a space through which seawater passes therebetween. In an air chamber provided inside a side wall, the other end of a vent pipe is provided in an opened manner at the same position in the height direction as an upper face of the current plate. One end of the vent pipe is opened at a seawater surface outside of the side wall.

Abstract: An engine-powered watercraft includes three parallel hulls, namely a center hull with two or more transverse steps, and two smaller outer hulls or amas on either side of the center hull that are configured to form two vent ducts on either side of the center hull, disposed between the center hull sides and the amas. The amas, steps and vent ducts are disposed along the length of the watercraft and are configured to enable high speed capability and to facilitate pressurization of the vent ducts. The pressurized vent duct maximizes ventilation of the running bottom of the watercraft so as to improve efficiency and to reduce drag thereon. The pressurized vent duct creates an area of lift at the widest, aft-most points of the running bottom, which thereby results in improving the transverse and longitudinal stability of the watercraft and in reducing the trim for better seakeeping.

Abstract: A watercraft (99) having a stepped hull (100) including a forward hull portion (103), a first stepped hull portion (106), and optionally a second stepped hull portion (108). Outboard ram air fins (120) extend outwardly from the hull and downwardly along the stepped hull portions. Outboard strakes (110, 112) are fixed to the stepped hull portions, and may be tapered to define ports thereto. During planing operation the channels defined by the fins compress the incoming air which is thereby at least partially forced under the stepped hull portion. In level operation the flow through the channels tends to keep the stepped hull portions in good contact with the water.

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: 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: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods of utilizing hull arrangements that combine aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects to provide marine vessels with broader ranges of performance capabilities. The combination hull arrangements variously combine V-hulls, slot aspects, topographic features, and other hull characteristics that enable a vessel to retain the primary performance benefits of conventional V-hulls and achieve assorted improvements. Embodiments of the slot-V hull system employ specifically shaped hull characteristics to influence the manners in which water, air, and air/water spray mixtures interact with the vessel's hull. One principal operative effect can enable a vessel with the slot-V hull system to achieve a planing attitude more rapidly and efficiently than a standard V-hull.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for reducing the drag that a vessel hull experiences when moving through the water by interposing air bubbles between the skin of the hull and the stream of water that the vessel is moving through. The invention delivers compressed air to the bottom of the vessel without the need for a high energy air compressor.

Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: The ship body of the present invention comprises at least two levels. One is an upper level that comprises a floatable body. The other is a lower level. The lower level is intended to be submerged under water in normal use. The lower level comprises at least two parallel, essentially vertical walls, a floor, and a ceiling connecting the at least two parallel essentially vertical walls. The front end and a rear end of the lower level are open to allow water to enter through the front end and exit through the rear end of the lower level.

Abstract: A boat hull configuration for a boat includes a hull body having an air cavity created on an underside thereof that receives pressurized air from a blower through a blower inlet or plenum. The plenum is positioned in the cavity such that it divides the air cavity into a bow portion and an aft portion. The upper surface of the bow portion of the air cavity is configured to form a seal with a rebound hump produced by the hull body moving across a water surface when the ship is operating in a given speed range. This seal prevents air from venting from the forward portion of the air cavity when the bow of the hull rises during start up. The upper surface of the aft portion of the air cavity is positioned such that it does not come into contact with the rebound hump as the hump moves toward the aft of the hull as the boat accelerates. At high speeds, the rebound hump is behind the boat and the entire air cavity is pressurized and providing the maximum amount of lift and drag reduction.

Abstract: A monohull surface ship has a hull having a profile which produces a high pressure area at a bottom portion of the hull in a stern section of the hull and hydrodynamic lifting of the stern section at a speed above a length Froude number of 0.30. The ship includes an apparatus for introducing a drag reducing substance into the boundary layer of water flowing over a submerged portion of the hull in substantially straight flow lines relative to the waterline to reduce skin-friction over a relatively large wetted area of the hull at speeds exceeding a length Froude number of 0.25.

Abstract: Boat hull having aerated longitudinal hydrosponsons with air injection into tunnels and distribution to generate bubbles across central running surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing sinkage and wetted surface, and thus hydrodynamic drag of a high-speed boat through the generation of aerodynamic lift while decreasing overall aerodynamic drag. At least one lift-generating front wing proximate a bow section of the boat with at least one corresponding front air channel may be provided. At least one lift-generating rear wing proximate a transom section of the boat with at least one corresponding rear air channel may also be provided. At least one of the wings may be adjustable to generate aerodynamic lift with one of: (1) a neutral; (2) a transom-lifting; and (3) a bow-lifting pitching moment about a center of inertia of the boat. At least one wing proximate the leading edge of the tunnel of a multi-hull boat may be provided to increase the operational envelope.

Abstract: A vessel (1) comprising a hull (2) with a stern (5), bow (7) and bottom (3), an air cavity (6) formed at the bottom (3) of the hull (2) and comprising a cavity top surface (27), a front wall (28) and a front section (10) located nearest to the bow (7), and an air inlet (8) located in the air cavity (6), wherein the vessel comprises a wave deflector (9) defining a lower surface (11) which is situated in the front section (10) of the air cavity (6) and at a distance from the cavity top surface (27) and extends from the front wall (28) substantially in the direction of the stern (5).

Abstract: A shallow water boat is shown that operates well in both shallow water and deep water. A tunnel is provided along a centerline of a flat bottom, which tunnel starts near amidships increases in depth and terminates at the aft of the shallow water boat. A top of the tunnel has an S curve therein. A front end of the tunnel connects through a series of angled holes into a plenum via a conduit to atmosphere above the maximum water line of the shallow water boat. During shallow water operation, the motor is raised and the conduit is plugged so water flows through the tunnel to the propeller for the motor. During deep water operation, the motor is lowered and the conduit unplugged so that water does not flow through the tunnel.

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: An apparatus or integrated hull design to stabilize boats with V-shaped hulls. This invention includes a cavity affixed to the inside of the hull confirming to the shape of the inside of the hull. The hull has a step toward the rear of the hull to transition from the V-shape to an essentially flat shape. An opening is provided through the hull and cavity in the step. The cavity extends above water level and is provided with a cover and a vent. The design allows water to enter the cavity enhancing stability when idle or at slow speed and to exit the cavity when at higher speed.

Abstract: A watercraft hull has at least one bent entrapment tunnel with an aft portion whose tunnel ceiling is at a higher elevation than portions of the tunnel ceiling immediately in front of it to provide a negative angle of attack with the free surface at design planing speeds.

Abstract: A boat hull has at least one ventilating propulsion tunnel formed therein open to the water forward of the hull's transom and adapted to contain a propeller of the propulsion system. The tunnel has a leading edge forward of the transom and an interceptor plate projects downwardly from the hull at the leading edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of gas cavities to reduce frictional drag on underwater surfaces such as hydrofoils, struts, fins, rudders, keels, propeller blades, ship hulls, underwater bodies, and wetted surfaces in general. Each gas-filled cavity is formed behind a discontinuity in the surface that causes the water boundary layer to separate from the surface. Gas is ejected into a region behind the discontinuity to fill the cavity; the gas can be air. If a cavity is open to the atmosphere, then air can typically fill the cavity naturally without air ejection. Cavities can either be closed or open. A low drag hydrofoil may have a closed cavity on one side, and an open cavity on the other side. For closed cavities, the underlying surface can be shaped to minimize cavity closure drag. Various ways to generate cavities, change hydrodynamic forces, and duct gas internally on hydrofoils and struts with cavities are covered.

Abstract: Presented is a lifting body ship that has a blower pressurized air layer disposed in the underside of its lifting body such that the air layer reduces wetted area friction and hence the propulsive power required is greatly reduced. Further, a water propulsor is supplied that takes in water through transversely oriented water inlets in the top of the lifting body to thereby reduce turbulence and its associated drag that would normally occur over the top of the lifting body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing propulsion underwater with minimal acoustical emission. In basic concept, the method comprises the expulsion and sucking of liquid into and out of a liquid port of a watercraft in a manner generating compression and expansion waves adjacent the liquid port. Such expansion and compression waves generate a positive net thrust on the watercraft in a direction opposite that of their expulsion. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing the drag caused by hull skin friction by actively increasing the momentum of the liquid stream boundary layer adjacent a watercraft via the expulsion of fluid (liquid or gas) from ports in the hull of such a watercraft.

Abstract: Presented is an enhanced Surface Effect Ship (SES) that offers the high efficiencies of the pressurized air cushion supported generic flexible bow and stern seal SES but without the generic SES's shortcomings that are due largely to its 80 percent total hull width flexible bow and stem seals. This is accomplished in the instant invention by use of forward extending rigid bow members positioned both sides of a pressurized hull supporting gas cushion where the width of the sidehulls make up a majority of the width of the instant invention enhanced surface effect ship with the remainder, less than 35 percent of vessel width normally, made up by a moveable seal member disposed between the bow members. Gas cushions may extend forward into undersides of the bow members to further reduce wetted area resistance. Longitudinally oriented fluid fences may be incorporated to at least partially separate portions of the gas cushion and thereby dampen pressure perturbations in the gas cushion(s).