Abstract: The present disclosure describes recreational watercraft that provide a ballast system and an open platform passenger deck. An example is an aluminum hull including a ballast system to regulate displacement by the recreational watercraft and an open platform passenger deck as an integral upper surface to the aluminum hull. Multiple sides, continuous from the aluminum hull, include a stern side, a bow side, a port side, and a starboard side that surround a perimeter of the open platform passenger deck. An inboard power plant is located within a stern portion of the aluminum hull to propel the recreational watercraft.

Abstract: A frictional resistance-reducing device and a ship including the same are disclosed. The ship comprises: an outer panel including and air outlet; a plurality of reinforcement members provided on the inner surface of the outer panel so as to be spaced from each other; and a frictional resistance-reducing device formed on the inner surface of the out panel between immediately neighboring reinforcement members among the plurality of reinforcement members, so as to cover the air outlet, wherein the frictional resistance-reducing device includes: a hollow housing of which one surface is opened; and an air inlet formed in the housing, and the opened one surface faces the air outlet.

Abstract: A method of joining two panels of an airframe or fuselage structure of an aircraft or spacecraft, including: preparing an edge region of a first panel to form a first joining surface; preparing an edge region of a second panel to form a second joining surface; aligning the panels with one another such that the joining surfaces abut or interface one another forming a joint area; and joining the panels at the joining surfaces in the joint area. In an embodiment, the preparing steps include machining, and cutting, the edge regions of the first and second panels in a single operation to form the first and second joining surfaces substantially simultaneously. In another embodiment, the first and second joining surfaces are substantially planar and extend at an oblique angle with respect to a primary plane or surface of the respective first and second panels.

Abstract: The stabilizing tube assembly extends from the stern of the boat to the bow of the boat, the tube assembly comprising two half sections, each half section comprising a single piece of metal which is bent along a plurality of longitudinal lines for a portion thereof, from an aft end to a selected point along the length of the half-tube, forming a C-shape over said portion. The remainder thereof to the bow end is cut to produce a plurality of individual finger portions which are joined together to form a bow end with the other half-tube section or joined, respectively, to ends of a separate forward section to form a stabilizing tube bow.

Abstract: A watercraft body includes a hull made of an aluminum-based material and a separately fabricated superstructure that is mounted on the hull via adjoining flange plates. To fabricate the hull, frame elements are spot-welded onto the inner surface of initially-flat hull plates or plank elements, which are then curved according to the required hull contour and assembled onto the flange plate. The frame elements are screwed together via gusset plates and transverse beams to form transverse frames, and then longitudinal seams between plank elements are continuously welded from the outside. Additionally, the longitudinal seams may be welded from the inside, for example by temporarily removing gusset plates to allow continuous access to the longitudinal seams. Additionally, stand-offs may form a spacing gap between the frame elements and the plank elements, and an adhesive may fill this spacing gap to adhesively bond the framework to the hull plating.

Abstract: A reinforced hull for a flat-bottomed boat comprises a bottom panel having longitudinal and lateral braces extending across an upper surface of the bottom panel of the hull. The braces are formed from channel members having outwardly and downwardly sloping legs connected together by a web. The lateral braces have notches formed in and extending upward from bottom edges of the legs with each notch sized to receive a longitudinal brace therein. Lower, outer corners of the bow are reinforced and an engine stand is welded to the brace assembly.

Abstract: Coatings on a substrate and application methods result in coatings that can withstand different types or groups of bulk cargo and operations. This novel approach includes use of a combination of layers of coating materials at certain thicknesses and applied with certain techniques. In certain embodiments, the coating system includes coatings applied to a pretreated substrate, e.g., blasted steel cargo hold plates of an oceangoing vessel. The coatings include a bond layer and a resistance layer, e.g., an anti-corrosive layer tailored to resist at least one of corrosion, erosion, impact and wear of the substrate.

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 supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: Composite elements have the following layer structure: (i) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, (ii) from 10 to 300 mm of plastic, and (iii) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, where (i) and/or (iii) have an opening which may, if desired, be sealable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight components of hybrid design, also termed hybrid component or hollow-chamber lightweight component, composed of a parent body which is composed of galvanized iron and which is reinforced by means of thermoplastics and is suitable for the transmission of high mechanical loads.

Abstract: Described are methods for surface modification of an object (10) in order to increase the adhesive power of the object, wherein the surface (11) is subjected to structuring so that a multitude of projections (12) are formed, each comprising a foot part and a head part, wherein the head part comprises a front surface (13) which faces away from the surface, wherein each projection (12) is made in a size such that all front surfaces (13) project to the same vertical height above the surface (11), and form an adherent contact surface (14) which is interrupted by mutual spacing between the front surfaces (13).

Abstract: A stabilized watercraft having a pointed bow, a transom and curved sides, and a rigid buoyancy tube which extends from the bow to a point past the transom. The tube has a cross-section which is approximately rectangular, but is generally somewhat wider in a lower portion than in an upper portion thereof over at least an aft portion of the boat. The tube has a dead rise in the range of 0° to +15° with the upper surface of the tube being flared outwardly in the range of 30°-80° at the bow portion of the watercraft and an angle of 60°-80° at the stern portion.

Abstract: A vessel with drilling and workover capability is constructed rapidly in a shipyard or dry dock by using an existing vessel that has most of the required hull. Bow and stern sections of the existing vessel are separated to leave them at opposite ends of a shipyard space, and a mid hull section is built in that shipyard space in the usual manner by welding together steel plates. The bow and stern sections are moved against opposite ends of the mid hull section and welded to it. Topside equipment is already on the bow and stern sections, and is added to the new mid hull section.

Abstract: Composite elements having the following layer structure: (i) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, plastic or wood, (ii) from 10 to 300 mm of polyisocyanate polyadducts, (iii) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, plastic or wood, the layer (ii) containing prefabricated polyisocyanate polyadducts (x) which are adhesively bonded by polyisocyanate polyadducts (xx) to the layers (i) and (iii), and the polyisocyanate polyadducts (x) being pieces having a volume of from 4 to 1 000 cm3.

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: A composite structural laminate plate construction comprises two outer metal layers, a form between them and an elastomer layer bonded to the outer metal layers and filling the space between them other than that occupied by the form. The form may be foam and may be in partial contact with the metal layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite elements comprising the following layered structure: (i) 2 to 20 mm metal, (ii) 10 to 300 mm plastic, (iii) 2 to 20 mm metal, whereby (i) and/or (iii) optionally comprise a closable opening.

Abstract: A multichambered boat that is constructed upside-down on stationary platforms where flotation chambers are located in the perimeter portion of the multichambered boat. The perimeter chambers have a laterally downward sloping exterior surface that directs fluid downwardly and provides lift to the multichambered boat which creates a smoother ride. A fuel input line that passes through the flotation chamber to the fuel storage tank to provide convenient access for refueling the multichambered boat.

Abstract: A marine vessel which includes a bow section, a stern section and a mid-section, wherein the bow and stern sections are of different hull construction from that of the mid-section which has a curved outer shape; the skin of the hull of the bow and stern sections are preferably made of hybrid composites while the port and starboard sides of the mid-section are of hybrid composites supported on the inside thereof by a light framing to transmit pressure loads; the mid-section further includes an inner section that may be of box beam construction or longitudinal bulkhead construction.

Abstract: The invention is an improved aluminum water craft using a plurality of aluminum pontoons to stabilize the craft. The hull of the craft has a truncated “U” shape with a first horizontal section and a second raised bow section. The hull is made from a single piece of construction material and includes a plurality of equally spaced apart concave-shaped reinforcing ribs pressed into the top surface of the construction sheets prior to forming the hull. The ribs provide additional rigidity and strength to the hull. The plurality of pontoons join to form a segmented, un-pressurized, water-tight, air filled floatation collar around the hull of the water craft. The pontoon segments are separated by bulkhead plates. The pontoons are inclined from the horizontal to promote smooth travel over turbulent water. The pontoons are constructed from single sheets of construction material. A plurality equally spaced and parallel reinforcing ribs pressed into the rectangular sheets.

Abstract: The invention is an improved aluminum water craft using a plurality of aluminum pontoons to stabilize the craft. The hull of the craft has a truncated “U” shape with a first horizontal section and a second raised bow section. The hull is made from a single piece of construction material and includes a plurality of equally spaced apart concave-shaped reinforcing ribs pressed into the top surface of the construction sheets prior to forming the hull. The ribs provide additional rigidity and strength to the hull. The plurality of pontoons join to form a segmented, un-pressurized, water-tight, air filled floatation collar around the hull of the water craft. The pontoon segments are separated by bulkhead plates. The pontoons are inclined from the horizontal to promote smooth travel over turbulent water. The pontoons are constructed from single sheets of construction material. A plurality equally spaced and parallel reinforcing ribs pressed into the rectangular sheets.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite elements which have the following layer structure:

Abstract: An aluminum hull boat includes a running pad formed through an extrusion process. The running pad includes a lower planing element at least a portion of which is in contact with the water when the boat is at planing speed, and opposed sidewalls which attach the running pad to the boat's undersurface. The extrusion process efficiently produces a running pad that is highly rigid and uniform with relatively sharp outer edges that allow water migrating from beneath the running pad to break cleanly off and away from the running pad, thereby eliminating hydrodynamic drag and improving the boat's performance characteristics.

Abstract: A pontoon including a substantially cylindrical member having a length in excess of about 14 feet and having no external circumferential welds intermediate the ends of the member and being substantially linear along its length axis.

Abstract: A multichambered boat that is constructed upside-down on stationary platforms where flotation chambers are located in the perimeter portion of the multichambered boat. The perimeter chambers have a laterally downward sloping exterior surface that directs fluid downwardly and provides lift to the multichambered boat which creates a smoother ride. A fuel input line that passes through the flotation chamber to the fuel storage tank to provide convenient access for refueling the multichambered boat.

Abstract: An aluminum boat is provided having a stringer assembly with curved stringer to support the boat. The boat further includes a keel box for encapsulation of foam at high pressure to strengthen the boat. An integral trim tab is provided to control the shingle angle of the boat. Also, a multi-piece knee brace assembly is provided to support the transom of the boat.

Abstract: A multichambered boat that is constructed upside-down on stationary platforms where flotation chambers are located in the perimeter portion of the multichambered boat. The perimeter chambers have a laterally downward sloping exterior surface that directs fluid downwardly and provides lift to the multichambered boat which creates a smoother ride. A fuel input line that passes through the flotation chamber to the fuel storage tank to provide convenient access for refueling the multichambered boat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a marine vessel and method of construction, wherein the vessel hull is formed to have a bottom and side portions, and includes a frame comprising a plurality of at least frame and/or stringer members extending crosswise or lengthwise and selectively fixed to the bottom or side portions of the hull. The frame and/or rib members are fixed to the hull to provide structural integrity. The frame and/or rib members are fixed into engagement by an adhesive bond; wherein the adhesive bond provides an amount of resiliency to dampen vibrations and other forces at the location of engagement. The invention is also directed to a method of forming the hull using a plurality of sheet members, each of which is formed with a plurality of complex or differential bends. The sheets are formed by imparting consecutive and sequential bends in the various sheets to form at least a part of the side and bottom portions of the hull, while concomitantly imparting a desired curvature from fore to aft.

Abstract: A performance aluminum vee boat hull with a concave bow section, elongated, parallel strakes, a central keel and a triangular shaped, substantially flat pad adjacent the transom and between the innermost strakes that increases the top speed of the boat and adapts the same to easily handle 150-200 horsepower engines.

Abstract: An aluminum hull boat includes a running pad formed through an extrusion process. The running pad includes a lower planing element at least a portion of which is in contact with the water when the boat is at planing speed, and opposed sidewalls which attach the running pad to the boat's undersurface. The extrusion process efficiently produces a running pad that is highly rigid and uniform with relatively sharp outer edges that allow water migrating from beneath the running pad to break cleanly off and away from the running pad, thereby eliminating hydrodynamic drag and improving the boat's performance characteristics.

Abstract: A single hull or doubled hull boat manufactured from stretch formed aluminum alloy. Alloys of the AA 6000 series alloys are particularly suited for forming of small to medium sized water vessels.

Abstract: A composite hull construction includes a metallic skeletal frame of truss-like configuration including a longitudinally extending keel plate, first and second side wall structures extending upwardly from opposing side edges of the keel plate assembly, and a top wall structure extending between upper portions of the first and second side wall structures. A synthetic foam shell entirely encapsulates the side and top wall frame structures and covers the interior surfaces of the keel plate assembly. The foam shell rigidly fixes the frame members in position and increases the compressive strength of the skeletal frame to prevent buckling of the side wall and top wall structures. An exterior fiberglass skin covers the side walls and the top wall to provide a water resistant covering over the foam shell and skeletal frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the enabling formability of the 6000 series alloys for the manufacture of small to medium sized water vessels.

Abstract: A composite structural laminate comprise two outer metal, e.g. steel, layers and an intermediate elastomer core, e.g. of unfoamed polyurethane. The elastomer has a modulus of elasticity of greater than about 250 MPa and tensile and compressive strengths of at least 20 MPa. The strength of the bond between metal and elastomer is at least 3 MPa. The composite structural laminate member acts a single member under load, buckling globally, not asymmetrically.

Abstract: A new boat hull support structure is provided in which a chevron rib support structure is used throughout the hull of an aluminum boat. This rib structure provides superior resiliency due to the increase of surface area contact between the boat hull and support ribs. The support ribs are constructed from a plurality of V-shaped ribs, having summit sections and trailing ends connected to transverse braces. The ribs are riveted to the hull, with each successive rib connected to the preceding rib at a point in the forward one quarter of the preceding rib and the center of the transverse brace through a connector plate. A continuous triangular structure is provided which distributes impact loading across the width, as well as, the length of the structure.

Abstract: A boat hull is constructed of inner and outer aluminum skin layers. A foam material and a plurality of spaced frame members are sandwiched between the two skin layers. The skin layers are directly welded to the spaced frame members, which preferably are spaced apart at close intervals, to ensure structural integrity and product performance. A preferred method of constructing a boat hull designed according to this invention includes providing a temporary support structure that is connected to longitudinal beams of the boat hull frame. After spaced frame members are connected to the longitudinal beams a first skin layer is attached. The temporary support structure is then removed and the aluminum skin layers are attached to the spaced frame members. A liquid, curable, closed cell foam preferably is injected into the spacing between the skin layers and the spaced frame members.

Abstract: Each keel panel for a punt-like boat is formed from aluminum sheet having a relatively low temper/high degree of extensibility and the bow portion is stretched formed over a die in a metal stretching machine. The hull construction of the boat has a keel, chines and gunwales formed from aluminum extrusions, interconnected by transverse ribs, where the keel panels are connected to the keel, chines and gunwales but are not connected to the ribs to permit limited movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A new boat hull support structure is provided in which a chevron rib support structure is used throughout the hull of an aluminum boat. This rib structure provides superior resiliency due to the increase of surface area contact between the boat hull and support ribs. The support ribs are constructed from a plurality of V-shaped ribs, having summit sections and trailing ends connected to transverse braces. The ribs are riveted to the hull, with each successive rib connected to the preceding rib at a point in the forward one quarter of the preceding rib and the center of the transverse brace through a connector plate. A continuous triangular structure is provided which distributes impact loading across the width, as well as, the length of the structure.

Abstract: An arrangement and methods are described for creating a pontoon of the type used with amphibious vehicles such as marsh buggies. A pontoon is described which features an outer shell comprised of an aluminum or aluminum alloy shell enclosing one or more water-tight chambers. The shell has an exterior surface, and one or more runners are provided upon the exterior surface which serve to both reinforce the pontoon and guide the endless chain system which drives the cleated tracks which surround the pontoon and serve to propel the vehicle. The runners are comprised of at least one longitudinal strip. The strip is disposed along and fixedly attached to the lower surface of the pontoon shell. Preferably, the strip is comprised of an aluminum or aluminum alloy-type material and is fixedly attached by means of welding to the shell. A longitudinal channel member, preferably made of steel or a steel-type alloy is disposed proximate the strip.

Abstract: A recreational boat comprising first and second sheets of aluminum having respective first and second longitudinal edges, the first sheet having a first bend extending along a majority of the length of the first sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the first sheet, the second sheet having a second bend extending along a majority of the length of the second sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet affixed along the respective first longitudinal edges to form a centerline of the boat, a plurality of transverse ribs affixed to the first and the second sheets, first and second inboard vertical walls, and first and second narrow side decks each having an outer edge portion and an inner edge portion, the first narrow deck outer edge portion affixed to the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet and the first narrow deck inner edge portion affixed to the top of the first vertical wall, the second narrow deck outer edge por

Abstract: A unitary aluminum watercraft is constructed from a single sheet of deep-formable aluminum by forcing a mold into the sheet to imprint the mold into the sheet and then forcing the perimeter portions around the mold. Excess sheet material is removed and than placed into a replica mold. A deck is installed and bonded to the interior bottom surface of the body by a structural flotation foam, such as urethane, to form a unitized structural beam which eliminates the need for a keel and the accompanying structural ribs and below-waterline rivets usually required.

Abstract: A recreational boat comprising first and second sheets of aluminum having respective first and second longitudinal edges, the first sheet having a first bend extending along a majority of the length of the first sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the first sheet, the second sheet having a second bend extending along a majority of the length of the second sheet between the first and second longitudinal edges of the second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet affixed along the respective first longitudinal edges to form a centerline of the boat, a plurality of transverse ribs affixed to the first and the second sheets, first and second inboard vertical walls, and first and second narrow side decks each having an outer edge portion and an inner edge portion, the first narrow deck outer edge portion affixed to the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet and the first narrow deck inner edge portion affixed to the top of the first vertical wall, the second narrow deck outer edge por

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of preventing detrimental adherence to and buildup of living marine organisms on exposed surface areas of a preselected component which is subjected to contact with a fluid medium that contains certain marine organisms. The methodology comprises the steps of preparing that portion of the component's exposed surface which contacts the fluid medium in a manner which will enable the adherence of a preselected anti-fouling agent to at least a portion of that exposed surface. After preparation, the preselected anti-fouling agent is applied.

Abstract: A recreational boat construction utilizes a hull formed of a thin gauge metal, such as aluminum, with the hull having an upper extremity to which are fastened unitary superstructure members molded from a plastic resin. The superstructure panels are rigidly fastened to the upper extremity of the hull and to the deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of protecting the hulls of marine vessels from fouling. The inventive method includes the application of thin metallic films as an integral part of hull manufacturing processes. The inventive method also includes the use of various techniques for application of a film, structures that aid in the application of the film as well as for preventing impact damage to the film and hull. Also included are surface preparation steps relating to the film material as being performed prior to the film's integration onto a vessel hull.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of protecting the hulls of marine vessels from fouling. The inventive method involves the application of thin metallic films to the hull of a boat. The inventive method includes the use of various techniques for application of the film, techniques for preventing the touching of dissimilar metals, techniques for insuring that dissimilar metals are insulated and isolated from one another, insuring that active or passive cathodic protection systems are not on the same surface plane as the attached films and other techniques. The specific materials which are applied to the vessel hull as well as their various parameters in the environment of the present invention are disclosed. Specific treatments to the thin metallic film to improve the adherence of these thin film hulls and adjacent films are disclosed.

Abstract: A pontoon log is formed by welding the upper flanged edges of a U-shaped hull member to the side edges of a flat top plate. At points at which the deck beams are to be attached to the log, the log top plate is notched and the weld is continued around the perimeter of each notch. The deck beams are bolted to the pontoon log with the bolts passing only through the hull flange in the region of the notches and hence outboard of the weld line. The modified embodiments, various types of spacers and clips are provided to reinforce the hull flange in the region of deck beam attachment.

Abstract: An integral gunwale and handrail member for a boat, such as an aluminum river drift boat or motorboat, includes a gunwale member, a web member and a handrail member. The gunwale member includes generally longitudinally extending outboard and inboard wall members joined by at least one generally horizontal member. The gunwale member also includes attachment means for attaching the gunwale member to an upper edge of a side of the aluminum boat. The web member includes outboard and inboard edges, with the outboard edge of the web member being attached to the gunwale member inboard wall member. The handrail member is attached to the web member inboard edge. The handrail member includes at least one upright member extending upwardly above the web member so that the upright member may be grasped by an occupant of the boat. Also disclosed is a boat comprising a boat hull assembly having the integral gunwale and handrail member.