Abstract: The present invention relates generally to watercraft vehicles, and more particularly, to adjustable pontoon boats. More specifically to adjustable pontoons and a deployment system capable of connecting and altering positions of the adjustable pontoons with respect to a pontoon boat.

Abstract: A variable trimaran that uses natural power has an outer hull, which is capable of ensuring stability with respect to a center hull in the middle thereof. The variable trimaran can be selectively expanded and contracted in the horizontal and vertical directions thereof. The variable trimaran includes a sail unit, which uses wind power, and a solar power generation unit so as to enable efficient long-term sailing without the use of fossil fuel. To this end, a horizontal and vertical adjustment units are provided for adjusting the position of the outer hull, and the solar power generation unit and the wind power sailing unit are used such that the position of the outer hull can be freely adjusted with respect to the center hull and efficient long-term sailing is enabled without the supply of an oil energy source due to the use of sunlight and wind power as power sources.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible pan protects a bottom portion of an expandable and contractible floor of a boat. The pan includes a panel of flexible material tensionable to fill a space between a first hull and a second hull of the boat in an expanded state of the floor. In a contracted state of the floor, the panel of flexible material relaxes to fit between the hulls of the boat. A deflector is mountable on a front portion of the boat. The deflector covers a front edge of the panel of flexible material, thereby obscuring entry to a top surface of the panel of flexible material.

Abstract: A water vessel having variable geometry is described. The water vessel comprises: a frame; a plurality of hulls coupled to the frame, each one of the plurality of hulls coupled to the frame by a folding mechanism and configured to move, relative to the frame, between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration in which at least one dimension of the water vessel is reduced in respect of the deployed configuration; a plurality of thruster assemblies configured to provide thrust to the water vessel, each one of the plurality of thruster assemblies being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hulls; and a protective device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies, the protective device for preventing intake of foreign objects into the respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies.

Abstract: A catamaran vessel with hybrid propulsion engines for driving propeller propulsors and pump-jet propulsors. The vessel includes two side hulls and a mobile platform that can be moved between upper and lower positions relative to the side hulls to accommodate navigation conditions. The engines are selectively coupled to the propeller propulsors, the pump jet propulsors, and control mechanisms changing the position of the mobile platform-between the upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A foldable floating vessel providing a large surface area and heavy payload capability when deployed into a liquid, such as a manure lagoon. The vessel may be folded for transport using linear actuators to fold two hulls of the vessel from a first position substantially horizontal to a second position substantially vertical. Driving and steering assemblies are provided on a center frame to which the foldable hulls are pivotably connected.

Abstract: A sail driven watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, and a mast coupled to the hull to extend upwardly and carry one or more sails. The hull extends downwardly from the deck into water in which the sail driven watercraft floats.

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 motorized or manual extendable and retractable floating device is supported longitudinally by one or more floatation devices. The flotation deck is stored and supported by tracks or rails from beneath and between an upper deck of a houseboat, pontoon boat, tritoon boat, catamaran, floating dock, pier-supported dock or other watercraft or dock. When fully extended, the floating deck will remain attached to the watercraft, and additional width may be achieved with extendable or fold out sides or wings.

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: Inflatable hull configuration and connection for a multihull vessel. The inflatable hulls have a longitudinal structural member fastened to the top of the inflatable hulls, with a central body of the multihull vessel supported on the longitudinal structural members by forward and stern legs. The forward legs support the forward part of the central body through a ball joint that allows the forward legs to rotate as a unit relative to the central body, and have their lower ends attached to the forward part of the longitudinal members, each through a spring supported ball joint. The stern legs are each rigidly coupled to the central body, with their lower ends connected to the aft part of the longitudinal members to allow rotation about a vertical axis and a transverse axis, but not the longitudinal axis. A detailed embodiment is disclosed.

Abstract: A water craft has a body portion and at least two water engaging means. The body portion is at least partially suspended above the at least two water engaging means by a suspension system, and locating means are provided to connect each water engaging means to the body portion to permit substantially vertical and pitch direction motions of the water engaging means relative to the body. The suspension system includes at least one front pitch support ram and at least one back pitch support ram, the front and back pitch support rams providing support for at least a portion of the body relative to the at least two water engaging means.

Abstract: A multi-hulled water craft is disclosed. The water craft has a body, one left hull and one right hull, each hull connected to the body by respective locating means which permits at least substantially vertical and pitch motion of the respective hull relative to the body. The multi-hulled water craft also has a suspension system including at least a front left modal support means and a back left modal support means for providing at least partial support of the body with respect to the left hull, and at least a front right modal support means and a back right modal support means for providing at least partial support of the body with respect to the right hull. The suspension system further includes interconnection means connected to the modal support means to provide different stiffness between motions in at least two of roll, pitch, heave and warp suspension modes.

Abstract: To a watercraft which includes a main hull and at least one outrigger which is fastened in a height-adjustable manner to the main hull.

Abstract: A water craft has a body portion and at least two water engaging means. The body portion is at least partially suspended above the at least two water engaging means by a suspension system, and locating means are provided to connect each water engaging means to the body portion to permit substantially vertical and pitch direction motions of the water engaging means relative to the body. The suspension system includes at least one front pitch support ram and at least one back pitch support ram, the front and back pitch support rams providing support for at least a portion of the body relative to the at least two water engaging means.

Abstract: A multi-hulled water craft is disclosed. The water craft has a body, one left hull and one right hull, each hull connected to the body by respective locating means which permits at least substantially vertical and pitch motion of the respective hull relative to the body. The multi-hulled water craft also has a suspension system including at least a front left modal support means and a back left modal support means for providing at least partial support of the body with respect to the left hull, and at least a front right modal support means and a back right modal support means for providing at least partial support of the body with respect to the right hull. The suspension system further includes interconnection means connected to the modal support means to provide different stiffness between motions in at least two of roll, pitch, heave and warp suspension modes.

Abstract: Boats and suspensions are provided, wherein the boat includes at least one hull, and at least one sponson, the at least one hull and at least one sponson connected by a shock-absorbing suspension member. The suspension greatly reduces the accelerations of the main hull, such that the hull accelerations are generally substantially less than the accelerations of the sponsons at selected speeds.

Abstract: There is described a watercraft (1), comprising a hull (6) pivotally mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis (10) relative to a float assembly (2, 3) having only two stable floating positions. The float assembly may comprise two spaced floats extending longitudinally of the watercraft and joined by transverse spars (4, 5), the hull being mounted between the transverse spars. Alternatively, the watercraft may comprise a first float assembly (27) mounted to a forward end of the hull and a second float assembly (33) mounted to an aft end of the hull, each float assembly comprising a pair of floats (28, 29; 35, 36) spaced transversely from the longitudinal axis of rotation of the hull.

Abstract: A watercraft having a main hull and at least one deployable outrigger pontoon moveable between a stored condition in which the at least one outrigger pontoon is located adjacent the main hull, and a use condition in which the at least one outrigger pontoon is located spaced from the main hull to increase at least one footprint dimension of the watercraft at the waterline, the at least one deployable outrigger pontoon moving at least partially outwardly and downwardly during deployment.

Abstract: A multihull hydrofoil watercraft incorporates a stabilization system wherein the buoyancy of the hulls is used as a sensing and control mechanism for the hydrofoils. The use of hull buoyancy to adjust the hydrofoil lift provides for automatic control of altitude, pitch and roll, and allows the craft to accommodate varying weather and sea conditions while providing a smooth ride for passengers. The stabilization technique eliminates the need for extraneous sensing mechanisms placed in or on the water surface which are subject to fouling, damage, or disruption by localized surface disturbances.

Abstract: A boat with several stability and handling design improvements. It has an enhanced reactive suspension system positioned in the vessel between a set of separating hull and body components. The boat also has improved braking, steering and stabilizing systems designed around multiple pivoting mechanisms on the vessel hull that work individually or in unison to achieve the desired braking or steering effect. The stabilizing system is operated by a computerized, gyroscopic hydraulic control to maintain stability and comfort of ride, minimizing the roll, pitch and yaw commonly experienced in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: Boats and suspensions are provided, wherein the boat includes at least one hull, and at least one sponson, the at least one hull and at least one sponson connected by a shock-absorbing suspension member. The suspension greatly reduces the accelerations of the main hull, such that the hull accelerations are generally substantially less than the accelerations of the sponsons at selected speeds.

Abstract: A vessel includes an heavy loaded catamaran, one or several movable buoyant roll-on/roll-off platform(s) (3); a moving element is provided for draft variation in heavy deep seas so that the platform(s) (3) may be raised or lowered between the hulls thereby selectively changing the flotation of the vessel. In the upper position, the vessel is a deep-sea catamaran, in an intermediate position the platform(s) is buoyant and a canal is formed between platform bottom and catamaran keels, in the lower position, platform bottom and catamaran are even-keel converting the catamaran in a shallow water craft, in the lowest position, the catamaran is raised above water for docking.

Abstract: A modular personal flotation system comprising, at least in part, rigid, seamless, non-woven modules, such as a seat module and various pontoon modules, formed by the process of rotational molding or blow molding, from a Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or similar molding resin. The pontoon modules each have a rigid shape, which makes it both unnecessary to inflate and vastly improves the resistance to loss of flotation, creating safer conditions for the user. The pontoon modules are also tolerant of significant relative pressure changes without substantial deformation or change in its shape. Vent hole(s) formed during the molding process are closed to water ingestion via a low-cost bleeder valve assembly. An integral luggage rack can also be molded as part of the center seat module, positioned behind the seat. Open drain holes molded through the seat module double as slots to receive a backpacking harness.

Abstract: Ocean-going vessels having a load carrying module supported from a pair of spaced apart hulls by legs. The legs may be articulated in two places to provide control of the spacing of the two hulls and to control the elevation of the module off the water. Dynamic control of the articulation may control the response of the vessel, such as to sea conditions. The legs may include aerodynamic surfaces, fixed or controllable, that may be used to aide buoyancy and/or enhance stability, such as by assuring the bow of the hulls does not rise excessively. The hulls preferably are at least partially inflatable, with techniques for installing flexible fuel tanks within a preexisting inflatable hull being disclosed. Also disclosed are modular pressure control systems for controlling pressures in inflatable hulls having a multiplicity of separate inflatable compartments.

Abstract: Variable planing inflatable hull system having a planing surface on inflatable hulls at the side and disposable central hull. The central hull is typically a rigid hull, with the inflatable hulls providing low wetted area planing surfaces for speed, shock absorbing and efficiency of the vessels. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching a pontoon to a watercraft. There is provided an a first quick-coupler adapted to be connected to the pontoon and a second quick-coupler, complemental with the first quick-coupler. adapted to be connected to the hull, wherein the first and second quick-couplers together have at least three of the following: (i) lugs that close back on themselves to form one of an open loop and a closed loop, (ii) multiple lugs arranged in a triangle, (iii) both a fixed hook and a latch, (iv) two hooks that engage the same lug and (v) two non-parallel hooks that engage the same lug.

Abstract: Ice is broken with a motor-driven watercraft with three hulls, i.e. a trimaran (4), having a middle hull (3), a propulsion device (9), a right (1) and a left (2) side hull and a deck (5). The three hulls are attached. Ice is broken with the middle hull (3) of the trimaran. The propulsion device (9) is arranged in the middle hull (3) and a keel (7) in the longitudinal direction of the middle hull is arranged in the bow (3a) of the bottom of the middle hull for breaking ice.

Abstract: A self-repairing and unsinkable watercraft has the hull of the mid section of the craft covered by two moveable water impermeable sheaths. The sheaths rotate in opposite directions to temporarily seal a breach and to allow for better ease of permanent repair or replacement. In one preferred embodiment, the craft is fitted on each side with at least one pontoon-like sealed foam structure that is attached by moveable telescoping arms. Adjustment of the positions of these structures with arm movement provides for greater stability of the craft during various maneuvers, aids in keeping the craft upright, and adjusts for changes in buoyancy and lift as needed. When additional stability is wanted, the craft contains a layer of sealed foam beneath the main deck at or above the waterline and from one to three submerged cylinders that are opened or closed to the water at both ends as needed.

Abstract: Pontoon boat assemblies and methods stabilized against rolling, pitching, or g-forces via, at least in part, a mechanical or electronic means are discussed.

Abstract: A water craft (77) is disclosed which includes a chassis portion (78), at least four water engaging means (30, 34, 38, 42) and interconnecting means (94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132). Each water engaging means is connected to the chassis portion (78) and is moveable in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chassis portion (78), and the interconnection means is arranged to functionally link the at least four water engaging means (30, 34, 38, 42) such that during use the chassis portion is encouraged to maintain an orientation which is substantially constant relative to the average plane of the water surface, even when the water surface is undulating and the water engaging means (30, 34, 38, 42) are not all disposed in the same plane.

Abstract: A vertical translation mechanism for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable vessel having independently movably side hulls and a center hull is disclosed. The vertical translation mechanism includes a hydraulic-force actuator and a nonmetallic bearing. The hydraulic force actuator comprises a rod that is disposed within a hydraulic cylinder. Responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the rod is extended or retracted therefrom. Movement of the rod controls the vertical translation of the center hull and its rotational attitude relative to the side hulls.

Abstract: A reconfigurable marine vessel is disclosed. The marine vessel includes an upper hull, two propulsion hulls, and two struts for coupling the propulsion hulls to the upper hull. The struts are segmented and are capable of reconfiguring the marine vessel. In one configuration, the vessel can be folded for launch and recovery. In a second configuration, the struts can be extended downwardly for cruising and surveillance. In a third configuration, the struts can be extended laterally from the upper hull to provide a minimum-draft configuration for approaching a beach.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for rescuing persons and distressed vessels, up to about 50 tons displacement, in foul weather and for transporting loaded full sized truck/ship containers or other loads by water. Two pairs of long straight pontoons, each having five articulated short pontoon segments, support an upper framework formed by six articulatable legs, three on either side. The legs allow the height and span of the craft to be varied. They are connected to and support a central control pod. The control pod contains winches for the support of a vessel or of other loads under the control pod using two slings. A compartment under the control pod can be created by lowering a bottom platform with cables which support the sides of the platform.

Abstract: A reconfigurable marine vessel is disclosed. The marine vessel includes an upper hull, two propulsion hulls, and two struts for coupling the propulsion hulls to the upper hull. The struts are segmented and are capable of reconfiguring the marine vessel. The upper hull includes a mission module for carrying mission specific payloads. A mission bay is disposed in at least one of the propulsion hulls. The mission bay is used to carry fuel, swimmer gear, weapons, etc. Each propulsion hull also includes wheel assembies.

Abstract: A pontoon usable for supporting a load, the pontoon being towable on land and usable on water to support the load thereonto. The pontoon includes a hinge; a first platform attached to the hinge, said first platform including a first substantially buoyant body extending therefrom; a second platform attached to said hinge so that the first and second platforms are hingedly attached to each other, the second platform including a second substantially buoyant body extending therefrom; a first and a second wheel respectively reversibly attachable to the first and second platforms respectively substantially adjacent the first and second buoyant bodies; the first and second platforms being movable between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration wherein in the folded configuration, the pontoon is usable on water to support the load and in the folded configuration, the pontoon is towable on land.

Abstract: A vessel that varies its draft by adopting any one of three primary hull forms or configurations is disclosed. The primary hull forms include: a catamaran configuration, a barge configuration, and a SWATH configuration. The vessel is capable of reconfiguring between these hull forms while underway. Reconfiguration is accomplished by vertical movement of a center hull and/or at least one of two side-hull members.

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: A cargo carrying nautical vessel (1) is provided, having a plurality of cargo carrying hulls (2a, 2b) connected by at least two connecting structures (3, 4), each connecting structure including legs (5a, 5b, 7a, 7b) of which each is upstanding from a hull and substantially rigidly connected thereto. The connecting structures (3, 4) include flexible sections whereby the hulls (2a, 2b) are to a predetermined extent capable of movement relative to each other. Such movement is provided to reduce the stresses and strains associated with movement in a seaway. Relative movement of the hulls (2a, 2b) is permitted by deflection of the connecting structures (3, 4), a majority of the deflection in each connecting structure occuring remotely from points of connection between said legs (5a, 5b, 7a, 7b) and said hulls. The vessel (1) is intended to be of comparatively low structural weight, draft and cost for its load capacity and particularly well suited to accessing small ports.

Abstract: A variable-draft vessel. The variable-draft vessel including a center hull; a first side hull coupled to a first side of the center hull; a second side hull coupled to a second side of the center hull; and at least one cross support coupling the first and second side hulls, wherein the center hull is configured to be vertically translated with respect to the first and second side hulls.

Abstract: The vessel has a pair of flexible hulls flexibly coupled to a “cabin” between and above the hulls, thereby allowing the hulls to independently follow the surface of the water. Motor pods are hinged to the back of the hulls to maintain the propulsion system in the water, even if the stern of one or both hulls tends to lift out of the water when crossing swells and the like. Various other embodiments and features are disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a catamaran into a trimaran, the assembly comprising a center hull, left and right side linkage members, with each linkage member having front and rear lateral portions and an interconnecting longitudinal portion, and a plurality of adaptors with each adaptor having a bottom surface which is adapted to be located in a catamaran hull tops surface recess for a cross piece and a top surface for receipt of the longitudinal portion, wherein each longitudinal portion is adapted to be connected to forward and rear ends of respective catamaran hulls by a coupling means.

Abstract: A multi-hull vessel capable of planing. The vessel has a rigid superstructure that is rotatably linked to flat-bottomed hulls. As the vessel heels, the pivotable connection between the superstructure and the hulls allows the superstructure to heel over while the hulls remain oriented so that their bottoms are parallel to the water surface. This allows the multi-hull vessel to plane at relatively low speeds without risking the consequences of a leeward planar hull digging into the water. Further, the vessel is made of lightweight components and configured to be assembled and disassembled in a short time by a single individual, and to be easily lifted and carried atop an automobile for overland transport.

Abstract: An amphibious recreational vehicle (motorhome, trailer, SUV, and the like) of conventional RV height, width, and length restricted dimensions necessary to travel on highways and roads, and which upon entering the water, the bottom of the vehicle expands outwardly and upwardly to form a fast planing, wide-beam, ground effects cathedral type double-tunnel hull. The hull makes use of a dynamic air cushion to augment the planing of the hulls, owing to the ground effect created by compression of the ram air stream (and water vapor) rushing through the two tapered tunnels separating the three hulls. The wheels of the vehicle are simultaneously raised out of the water to eliminate parasite drag. The resultant hull is substantially wider than the cabin, providing substantial ocean-going stability for the craft. The folded elements incorporated within the cabin rooftop, raise upward to form a traditional yacht flying bridge, complete with a windshield, steering station, seating, mast, and safety rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a multihull boat, the apparatus including a beam means substantially transversely associated with at least a first hull and a second hull, the first hull and the second hull being laterally opposed and each hull having a longitundinal axis in the direction of travel of the boat, the beam means being pivotably connected to a first hull or adjacent a first hull to allow for horizontal rotational movement of the first hull, the beam means being pivotalbly connected to a second hull or adjacent a second hull to allow for horizontal rotational movement of the second hull, and wherein the beam means is adapted to allow the first hull and the second hull to pitch independently of the other.

Abstract: A variable-draft vessel. The variable-draft vessel including a center hull; a first side hull coupled to a first side of the center hull; a second side hull coupled to a second side of the center hull; and at least one cross support coupling the first and second side hulls, wherein the center hull is configured to be vertically translated with respect to the first and second side hulls.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a multihull boat, the apparatus including a beam means substantially transversely associated with at least a first hull and a second hull, the first hull and the second hull being laterally opposed and each hull having a longitundinal axis in the direction of travel of the boat, the beam means being pivotably connected to a first hull or adjacent a first hull to allow for horizontal rotational movement of the first hull, the beam means being pivotalbly connected to a second hull or adjacent a second hull to allow for horizontal rotational movement of the second hull, and wherein the beam means is adapted to allow the first hull and the second hull to pitch independently of the other.

Abstract: A catamaran boat that can be sailed or motor driven having a central cabin structure carried above water by a pair or more of retractable hulls whether hulls are extended or retracted. Each hull outboard side has an upward extending hull wall hinged close to the edge of roof on two opposing sides of cabin structure so as to allow hulls to swing retract under the cabin structure, swinging from these hinges attached close to the roof. Each hulls inboard side has retraction guiding means for rolling or sliding on tracks which are attached to cabin structure's underside and end wise attached to a outer surrounding frame. A pair of dual threaded shafts with opposite threaded brackets attached to inboard side forward and rearward end of each hull functions to spread hulls apart or return closer together.

Abstract: In operation for wave avoidance the WAY presents only a small profile and a small part of its total structure to the most dynamically active part of all ocean waves, their surface and crests. This includes all storm and rogue waves. In this mode the bulk of the vessel is distributed through lower more quiescent water and spans differentiated deep wave effect. In this mode the WAY has low above surface reserve buoyancy-able-to-induce unwanted motion. In wave avoidance mode when not underway, the WAY is stabilized by low reserve buoyancy of its wave piercing causeways (12). Underway the WAY behaves as a small wing effect hydrodynamic flying body and does not rely upon wings or hydrofoils which receive undesirable acceleration forces and motion from deep wave effect. Flight path is controlled by orientation which is controlled by a large separation between center of buoyancy and a purposefully moveable center of mass.

Abstract: A folding pontoon boat which can be folded to a lesser width unfolded to a greater operating width. The boat can be launched in the folded configuration, unfolded on the water, and subsequently refolded to the reduced width on the water. The boat comprises pontoons, deck members, jamb plates at the inner sides of the deck members, and a hinge connecting inner sides of the deck members to each other. The jamb plates provide sufficient structure that the deck members are self-supporting and can support normal deck loading at the hinge without additional superstructure above the deck to support the hinge structure. A motor mount at the rear of the boat maintains a constant orientation as the boat is folded and unfolded between the reduced width configuration and the greater width configuration.