Abstract: A solar boat with an adjustable angle of a solar panel of the present disclosure comprises: a cabin unit; a boat body provided below the cabin unit and including a first fixing unit and a second fixing unit; a solar panel unit provided above the cabin unit and configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy; a first pole provided with a first connector at an upper end thereof and connected to a front left bottom of the solar panel unit via the first connector, and provided with a second connector at a lower end thereof and connected to the boat body via the second connector; a second pole provided with a third connector at an upper end thereof and connected to a front right bottom of the solar panel unit via the third connector, and provided with a fourth connector at a lower portion thereof and connected to the boat body via the fourth connector; a third pole provided with a fifth connector at an upper end thereof and connected to a rear left bottom of the solar panel unit via the fifth connector,

Abstract: Provided is an energy storage system for a marine vessel. The energy storage system includes a battery pack and a storage container (i) configured for housing the battery pack and other components and (ii) including an electrical interface for electrically coupling the battery pack to the vessel. The energy storage system also includes an air blast cooling system (i) mountable to a first section of the container and (ii) for cooling the battery pack and an air conditioning system configured for cooling the other components.

Abstract: A floatation system for a marine vessel having a deck. The floatation system includes three pontoons each having a cylindrical portion extending between forward and aft ends. The three pontoons include a starboard pontoon, a port pontoon, and a center pontoon positioned therebetween. Support members are coupled to the deck and to the three pontoons such that the three pontoons are interposed. Outer strakes each having a tip and an elongated portion, the elongated portions each extending along an outer length between forward and aft ends, are each coupled to one of the starboard pontoon and the port pontoon. Inner strakes each having a tip and an elongated portion, the elongated portions each extending along an inner length between forward and aft ends, are each coupled to the center pontoon. The aft ends of the outer strakes are aft of the aft ends of the inner strakes.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a floating roof for use in storage tanks. A floating roof may comprise a plurality of pontoons arranged to form the floating roof. The pontoons may each comprise a lower panel, a plurality of outer walls disposed at the edges of the lower panel, and a plurality of stiffeners disposed adjacent the lower panel. Attachment points attached to the floating roof, wherein the attachment points are configured to couple the floating roof to a storage tank.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, an amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle is provided, which includes a fuselage comprised of a buoyant material. Separators within the fuselage form separate compartments within the fuselage. Mounts associated with the compartments for securing waterproof aircraft components within the fuselage. The compartments each have drainage openings in the fuselage extending from the interior of the fuselage to the exterior of the fuselage.

Abstract: An amphibious aircraft has a tricycle landing gear that is movable between a retracted, or up, position and an extended, or down, position. Each member of the landing gear is protected in the forward direction by a hydrodynamic protector, or vane, or shoe, such as may tend to create lift when brought into engagement with water, as during landing. The landing gear protector vanes may be mounted to move with extension and retraction of the landing gear. The landing gear wheels may protrude to extend partially downwardly proud of the sole of the shoe. The landing gear actuator and transmission may operate all gear in concert. The shoes may include sacrificial wear members for ground engagement in the event of an inadvertent gear-up landing on terrain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a float for an offshore structure such as in particular a wind turbine, characterized in that it comprises means in the form of a support beam (1) the exterior surface of which comprises means (2) of attachment for individual buoyancy tanks (3).

Abstract: A hydraulically adjustable planing device mounted midship on a pontoon boat to provide lift to the pontoon boat and reduce drag. The adjustable planing device includes a modular frame and an adjustable planing plate. A front end of the planing plate is rotatably attached to a front member of the modular frame such that the planing plate is movable between a raised position wherein the planing plate is above the waterline and a lowered position wherein a rear end of the planing plate engages the waterline to lift the pontoon boat. In another form, the adjustable planing device includes two or more longitudinally extending planing plates that are individually operable between raised and lowered positions to provide lateral trimming and improved steering of the boat. Optionally, a single skirt plate is attached to each rear end of the single or multiple planing plate(s) for additional lift for longer pontoon boats.

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 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 water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water.

Abstract: A pontoon framing system using complimentary cross members and pontoons to form a pontoon frame. Making the pontoon is done by providing a flat sheet of material that has lateral edges. Rectangular notches extending inwardly at lateral edges are located opposite each other. The sheet is rolled into a cylinder so the notches in the sheet form a notch into the final cylinder that forms a central portion to the pontoon. The lateral edges are joined, and this is typically done by welding. A cross member having a rectangular cross section is placed into the notch formed in the cylindrical central portion. The cross member is then joined to the cylinder. The complimentary shape of the cross member and pontoon may also be produced by having a cylindrical central portion and then removing an arcuate portion of material in the cross member to match the shape of the pontoon.

Abstract: A submersible vessel comprising: an elongated hull; at least one propeller mounted on a forward end of said hull and adapted to move said hull through water; said at least one propeller being of a size and configuration such that when it is rotated at an appropriate speed, it generates supercavitated water flowing from said at least one propeller and then along an outer surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high underwater speeds.

Abstract: Applicant's Side Force Enhancer for use with a slender planar object which hydrodynamically planes proximate to the interface of a liquid and gas environment. The side force enhancement device comprises a plate having an inner surface and outer surface terminating at an upstream leading edge and downstream trailing edge, said plate mounted to the upper surface of said planar object at a predetermined location along the length of said planar object's side edge. The side force enhancing plate's upper most surface is positioned a predetermined distance below the upper surface of said planar object, said plate's lower most surface positioned a predetermined distance below said planar object's lower surface. The inner surface of said plate is proximate to said planar object's side edge, defining an angular relationship therewith. Said plate has a preferred length to height ratio and said angular relationship defines a preferred range of angle.

Abstract: The instant device is a device that when used in a plurality they will support a dry docked pontoon effectively and efficiently. The device has to be used in combination with at least three others to effectively support a dry docked pontoon. The device is manufactured with a grooved top surface allowing the v shaped groove of the bottom of a pontoon to rest within it and thereby preventing damage to the pontoon.

Abstract: An outrigger for attachment to a host vessel, including: a flotation pod; a frame connected to the pod and connectable to the host vessel; at least one solar cell mounted on the frame; a battery connected to the at least one cell; and an electric motor mounted on the frame and connected to the battery.

Abstract: The pontoon planer is a planer assembly for a pontoon boat that includes a pair of planer foils attached to the undersurface of the boat. Each foil presents a wedge-shaped profile, and a respective foil is disposed between the motor mount and a respective pontoon. The planers function to channel water in a downward direction to provide a lifting force to allow the pontoons to plane at lower speeds.

Abstract: A pontoon with an improved running surface and methods for construction the same are provided. The pontoon comprises an interior concave main running surface formed along the longitudinal centerline of the pontoon which is bounded by two sponsons, which in turn are bounded by two distal concave surfaces, or integrated lifting strakes. The associated methods provide a process for retrofitting prior art pontoons or constructing the pontoon to avoid the need for welds below the waterline of the pontoon. The pontoon provides improved pontoon boat performance by maximizing lift and minimizing leakage. The pontoon also reduces construction costs by lowering the number of welds required to form a pontoon with lifting strakes.

Abstract: A pontoon for a watercraft. The pontoon has a vertical inboard side and a generally angled bottom defined by the inboard side height of the pontoon being greater than its outboard side height. The bottom has planing surfaces that define one or more channels, which produce lift upon the watercraft increasing its speed on water. An inboard horizontal planing surface allows relatively low speed planing.

Abstract: An improved water tight, chambered planing pontoon assembly incorporates a hollow shell with a cross sectional shape in the form of an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion of the shape is generally semi-cylindrical extending downward and terminates with opposing chines extending the full length of the tube. The lower portion of the shape is formed by equal and opposing planing surfaces which extend upward at acute angles from a vertical center line, then turn outward, perpendicular to the vertical center line, meeting at the chines. The tube terminates on the bow end with an elongate semi-cone and on the opposite end with a water tight bulkhead. The upper and lower portions of the tube are formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal. The semi-cone with opposing chine portions is formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal.

Abstract: A method for making a pontoon for a pontoon boat and the pontoon made from the method. The method having an initial step of providing a sheet metal strip that has a width and a length. The strip is then formed longitudinally through successive rollers to provide a central portion having a closed cross section in which the lateral edges of the strip meet. After this stage of the process, end caps are formed at each end of the central portion. Typically, one of the end caps is a nose cone that is pointed and cuts the water as the boat moves forward. The end caps may be formed independently and separately of the strip or may be formed from material at the end of the formed strip.

Abstract: An improved water tight, chambered planing pontoon assembly incorporates a hollow shell with a cross sectional shape in the form of an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion of the shape is generally semi-cylindrical extending downward and terminates with opposing chines extending the full length of the tube. The lower portion of the shape is formed by equal and opposing planing surfaces which extend upward at acute angles from a vertical center line, then turn outward, perpendicular to the vertical center line, meeting at the chines. The tube terminates on the bow end with an elongate semi-cone and on the opposite end with a water tight bulkhead. The upper and lower portions of the tube are formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal. The semi-cone with opposing chine portions is formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal.

Abstract: A pontoon for a watercraft. The pontoon has a vertical inboard side and a generally angled bottom defined by the inboard side height of the pontoon being greater than its outboard side height. The bottom has planing surfaces that define one or more channels, which produce lift upon the watercraft increasing its speed on water. An inboard horizontal planing surface allows relatively low speed planing.

Abstract: A small outboard motor powered boat comprises a hull undersurface that defines a generally flat central section, with two generally parallel-sided pontoons extending rearwardly from an upturned bow to a point about half the length of the hull aft. A stern rake section begins at a transverse line near the transom of the hull and forms a downward angle with respect to the flat central section. At speed, air is entrained between the pontoons, providing lift to the bow of the vessel, while the after portion is supported by the stern rake section. Thus, the vessel effectively rides on the pontoons and the stern rake section, reducing wetted surface and thus improving efficiency. The downwardly-extending lengthwise sides of the pontoons provide lateral surface, providing good steering characteristics.

Abstract: A pontoon boat is shown which includes a frame, and a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame. The plurality of pontoons comprises two outer pontoons of substantially cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially curvilinear configuration, wherein a height of the center pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer pontoons. One embodiment of the pontoon is elliptical in cross section.

Abstract: A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.

Abstract: A planing pontoon hull is described including a bow section with separate steep and shallow bow planes separated by left and right displacement guides extending upward from a planar bottom. Forward bow angle, steep deflections angles, displacement angles, and shallow planing angles are described for water movement over a range of water speeds and depths.

Abstract: A watercraft that includes a frame; pontoons mounted to the frame; a deck supported on the frame, the deck including a hatch covering an opening through the deck; and a storage unit mounted to the frame beneath the opening in the deck, and the storage unit having a bottom that is above a water line of the watercraft. The storage unit may be formed from a rotational-molded plastic. The bottom of the watercraft may include a trough. The trough may be deeper in one portion of the bottom and may be graduated from a shallowest point towards the front of the storage unit and deepest towards the rear thereof. A drain aperture may be provided at the deepest portion of the trough. The frame may include structural members, and the storage unit may include channels in an upper mounting end thereof, opposite the bottom, configured to receive the structural members. The channels may have a mounting surface and inclined surfaces extending away from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A boat for traveling at speed across a body of water includes a center hull having a vee-shaped bottom with a center planing surface, and an opposing pair of sponsons or ski-like structures attached outboard of the center and extending substantially alongside the central hull. Importantly, the sponsons or skis each have a substantial opening such that large volumes of water are able to pass through in an outboard direction away from the boat, advantageously minimizing forces on the hull when there is substantial vertical downward movement of the boat. The boat is designed so that planing surfaces of the keel and sponsons operate beneath the surface of the water to lift the hull free and isolate it from the rough water surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a motorized watercraft. The watercraft includes a pontoon section, a strut section, a deck section, and an optional a canopy section. The pontoon section includes a pontoon to which a housing capable of storing an object is coupled. The pontoon includes a receptacle that mates with the housing. The receptacle may include a recess formed in the surface of the pontoon that receives the housing. Alternatively, the receptacle may include an opening that enables the housing to be partially inserted into the pontoon. In another embodiment, the housing may be secured to the exterior surface of the pontoon. The housing extends from pontoon and either terminates such that it is generally flush with the surface of the deck, or may extend through the deck surface. The housing permits a user to selectively access the object from the deck.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a base portion and a display support portion extending vertically from the base portion. At least one display feature bearing at least one graphic presentation is connected to the display apparatus. More specifically, the display apparatus includes elongate pontoons, a plurality of column members extending from each of the pontoons, an elongate transverse member with each of the column members connecting thereto, and a plurality of cross-members extending between the pontoons. The pontoons, the column members, the transverse member and the cross-members each comprise an independently inflatable compartment. The display apparatus further comprises a ballast system including elongate ballasts mounted to the pontoons, and display features removably affixed to the column members which extend between the transverse member and the pontoons.

Abstract: A boat having inflatable pontoons connected therewith by rotatable support assemblies is described. The structure is capable of collapsing to a small size for transport on a trailer, but provides a wide base for stable operation when deployed on water. A foldable deck assembly provides an expanded deck surface and further enhances stability of the boat when in use on water.

Abstract: Stabilizing apparatus have particular application in stabilizing smaller water borne objects such as small dinghies, sail craft, pontoons and aquatic sporting equipment at rest on a body of water, or any aquatic vessel including launches. The stabilizing apparatus includes a body having one or more elongate stabilizing pods including at least one cavity for containing a calculated volume of air. The body is attached to a side and towards the rear of the water borne object, in the region of the plane of the waterline of the object. The stabilizing apparatus operates between a non-use, storage position and an extended operating position and includes latching apparatus to maintain the body in either or both those positions.

Abstract: A solar powered watercraft including a pontoon section, a strut section, a deck section, and a solar canopy section is provided. The canopy section comprises a headliner layer, a ventilation space, and means for receiving solar radiation. The solar canopy may further comprise a means for flowing air through the ventilation space that includes a fan, a thermostatic switch, a photocell, air inlet ports, and air exhaust ports. The aft section of the pontoon, moreover, may possess a dual tapered design that reduces water friction and wake. The watercraft further includes means for containing a battery pack that, in turn, comprises means for removing heat and gaseous byproducts from the containing means. The containing means is either made integral with the pontoon or is attached to the pontoon's outer surface. The watercraft may possess an aft-oriented trim, which stabilizes the craft and reduces the effect of water forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an AFIFD mounted on the front surface and both side surfaces of an amphibious vehicle to provide additional buoyancy. The AFIFD allows safe swimming of the amphibious vehicle, provides rapidity through automated folding and unfolding processes. The AFIFD has a membrane structure having a seal function and a plate structure having protection power, which are organically combined with each other, to provide both a seal function and protection power. The AFIFD is provided with air while being unfolded by the operation of driving means when the amphibious vehicle swims in water, so that the membrane structure and the plate structure are unfolded to form a completely sealed floating space. When the amphibious vehicle does not swim in water, the structures are folded and closed fixed to a vehicle body, so that the amphibious vehicle can run on ground without any difficulty.

Abstract: A float structure having a mainframe and pontoons is described. The mainframe includes floor support beams transversely attached to pontoon connector beams. The pontoon connector beams are operatively connected to the pontoons such that there are no weak points in the mainframe. A motor mount is removably mounted to the connector beams and is adjustable to accommodate various lengths of motor shafts.

Abstract: A plastic rotationally molded polyethylene buoyancy tank for boat lifts allows connection of steel to lengthwise grooves molded into each side of the buoyancy tank. Preferably, a plastic bulkhead is formed within the tank during its molding process. A segment of framing steel is bracketed between a pair of inwardly tapered compressible opposed grips. The compressible grips each have outwardly tapered slots with mating tapered rigid inserts. With the inserts partially seated on the grips, the grips are slipped lengthwise or pressed laterally into their respective grooves. Bolts extending through the grips into threaded holes in the inserts are tightened to pull the grips over their tapered inserts. This spreads and compresses the grips in their respective grooves, locking the brackets and connecting steel in place on top of the tanks.

Abstract: A pontoon includes a generally elongated shell made of at least two shell segments assembled in an end-to-end configuration. Each segment has a segment peripheral wall surrounding a segment inner volume. Each segment defines at least one end aperture extending into the segment inner volume from one of the segment longitudinal ends. A filling component is positioned within the segment inner volumes. The filling component is made out of a generally buoyant material. Manufacturing the pontoon involves slidably inserting the filling component into the end apertures in a direction generally along the shell longitudinal axis and towards the opposed segment longitudinal end. The volume of the filling component slidably inserted into the shell is such that the combination of the shell and the filling component forms a generally buoyant combination. A mold for the fabrication of the shell segments is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pontoon including a generally elongated shell. The shell has a shell peripheral wall surrounding a shell inner volume. The shell defines at least one end aperture extending into the shell inner volume from one of the shell longitudinal ends. A filling component is positioned within the shell inner volume. The filling component is made out of a generally buoyant material. Manufacturing the pontoon involves slidably inserting the filling component into the end aperture in a direction generally along the shell longitudinal axis and towards the opposed shell longitudinal end. The volume of the filling component slidably inserted into the shell is such that the combination of the shell and the filling component forms a generally buoyant combination. Chambers including ballast sections for receiving ballast material may be formed in the shell inner volume.

Abstract: A sponson for a watercraft includes a nose; a trailing end; and a base extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the base is non-linear in shape in a direction from the nose to the trailing end. The sponson can include an outboard surface extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the outboard surface is configured to reduce the water pressure during cornering.

Abstract: A pontoon includes an elongated body of non-uniform diameter. The body is dimensioned and configured to provide a non-uniform buoyant force to a boat along at least a majority of a length of a boat. Also provided is a pontoon boat including pontoons as described above. The pontoon boat also includes a deck having an upper surface and a lower surface. The pontoons are attached to the lower surface of the deck.

Abstract: A pontoon composed of a series of hollow pontoon elements which when mounted on a pair of guide rails becomes an integral assembly forming a pontoon. The elements, with the exception of the bow and the stern elements, are identical, with the stern and bow elements having a curved water engaging surface to decrease the resistance to passage through the water.

Abstract: A pontoon for floating a watercraft, wherein the pontoon has a skin forming a closed body, a foam coupled to the skin within the closed body, and integral features formed by the skin. The integral features may include a support structure for mounting a watercraft structure.

Abstract: The pneumatic float according to the invention comprises an airtight outer skin (5), which can be inflated with compressed air via a valve (21). Webs (6) extend essentially over the entire length of the float, which are joined to the outer skin (5) along the lines (1) and on the one hand divide the inside of the float into intercommunicating chambers (7), and on the other hand give the float the desired contours (14), stability and stability against bending. The webs can comprise single or multiple layers of low-stretch woven material or plastics material foils. To improve directional stability in operation and as a protection against damage to the outer skin (5) the float has a keel rail (8), for instance comprising plastics material, and glued on. To avoid the Coanda effect two side rails (9) are attached in a similar manner.

Abstract: A sponson for a watercraft includes a nose; a trailing end; and a base extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the base is non-linear in shape in a direction from the nose to the trailing end. The sponson can include an outboard surface extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the outboard surface is configured to reduce the water pressure during cornering.

Abstract: A modular pontoon boat including a modular deck and modular pontoons is described. The modular deck includes interlocking portions. Each modular pontoon includes interlocking sections having locks and keys. The modular pontoon boat enables the length of the boat to be selected at the time of assembly, rather than fabrication.

Abstract: A small wing, located on the inside face of each float of a float airplane that causes the plane to go on step in ⅓ the space normally required. The wings are fixed in place on the floats. The wings enable a plane to take off on much smaller bodies of water. Conversely, the shorter step distance allows a plane to carry more weight than was possible before.

Abstract: A portable, pontoon-type watercraft includes a pair of pontoons interconnected by a pair of cross members to maintain the pontoon members in spaced relation. The bottom surface of each pontoon member defines at least one concavity for providing increased stability to the watercraft by increasing surface tension between the water and the bottom surface of the pontoons. A number of internally threaded metallic sockets are integrally formed into each of the pontoons to allow various components and accessories to be mounted thereto. The pontoons are formed of a lightweight, semi-rigid material and define a hollow interior that can be pressurized to provide internal support to the walls of the pontoons. The seat includes a yoke section that can be slid over the neck and shoulders of the user and handles that can be grasped by the user to facilitate transportation of the watercraft from one site to another.

Abstract: A pontoon craft such as a vessel, a floating platform or a floating dock, having at least two pontoons, a deck extending between two of the pontoons, an elongate deck support bracket attached to a pontoon and having a first longitudinal slot which extends substantially the entire length of the bracket, and a fastener extending through the first slot and having a variable position therealong, wherein the deck is connected to the bracket by means of the fastener. The present invention also provides a pontoon craft having at least two pontoons, a deck extending between two of the pontoons, an elongate deck support bracket having a second longitudinal slot and attached to a surface of a pontoon at a joint, and an elongate trim member disposed in the second slot, the trim member depending from the second slot and covering the joint, whereby the joint is hidden from view.

Abstract: A boat includes a body having one or two paddling positions. The body is sufficiently narrow at the paddling positions to provide a comfortable paddling width. A bow extends forwardly and converges to become progressively narrower from the forward paddling position. A stern extends rearwardly and diverges to become progressively wider from the rearward paddling position. The stern has two hulls positioned rearward of the at least one paddling position and separated by a connecting surface. The connecting surface extends rearwardly and upwardly from the rearward paddling position to an upper remote end that is out of the water at the stern, thereby reducing drag.

Abstract: A modular pontoon boat including a modular deck and modular pontoons is described. The modular deck includes interlocking portions. Each modular pontoon includes interlocking sections having locks and keys. The modular pontoon boat enables the length of the boat to be selected at the time of assembly, rather than fabrication.

Abstract: A lightweight, high strength aircraft float for use by ultralight, experimental, and light general aviation float planes. The float consists of a unitary outer shell that is formed into a desired shape using rotational molding, or blow molding, from a suitable polymer. In the preferred embodiment, the shell is manufactured of a high strength, cross-linked high density polyethylene, which has high strength, high impact resistance and is resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light. It is also preferred that an internal reinforcing structure be utilized to provide additional stiffness and rigidity to the upper and lower surfaces of the float. This structure may consist of the two extruded aluminum box sections, formed to appropriate profiles, which are inserted through small apertures at the front or rear of the roto-molded shell and secured within the shell by mechanical fasteners.