Abstract: A multi-hulled watercraft adapted to travel above the surface of a body of water includes deck structure disposed between the hulls and defining with the hulls and water surface a channel through which air is compressively funneled with forward travel of the watercraft. The deck structure includes a bridge component having an airplane wing airfoil configuration. At least one air-moving propulsion unit is mounted on the deck structure at an elevation such that its thrust axis is above the bridge component. Elevon and rudder components located at the rear of the watercraft control the movement of the watercraft when airborne and when riding on the surface of the water. During forward travel, lift is imparted to the watercraft by the combined effects of the channelled air flow beneath the deck structure, and the airfoil configuration of the bridge component.

Abstract: A steel frame assembly that attaches to a 5-chamber, side-by-side inflatable water sled. The frame assembly supports a surface area that consists of a cargo mat and a polypropylene trampoline mat with protective pads. The water sled is slightly modified and structurally reinforced to allow a frame to be attached. The frame assembly converts the water sled into a portable, multi-use product that can be towed behind a boat.

Abstract: New electric boat designs are provided that exploit the weight of a battery to stabilize the boat and in some cases to overcome the hull speed limitation problem. The battery mass is enclosed in one or two torpedo-like structures that are mostly or completely submerged. A platform is spaced above the torpedo(s) via one or more struts that may allow wave energy to pass through the watercraft rather than collide with large vertical surfaces. The design minimizes wake formation, wave sensitivity and is useful for new kinds of electric boats that can dive with an air bubble to allow submarine use, higher speed pleasure craft, and sailing craft that can remain stable in shallow draft waters. The stabilized watercraft optionally have computer monitoring of wave activity and control for greater resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remotely controllable, miniature vessel for use in the collection of data in aquatic environments. The miniature, boat of the present invention has two opposite parallel pontoons held in such position by at least one transverse member. The boat has an electro-mechanical module including a power source, propulsion means, remote control receiver and a plurality of servos operatively connected to allow the speed and direction of the vessel to be controlled remotely. A removable platform between the front sections of the pontoons permits the mounting of water collection data apparatus, such as light weight Doppler or water sampling devices. Real time communication of data collected may be made by a modem on board the vessel.

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.

Abstract: An underwater viewing boat has a large top surface and a convenient large port opening onto an underwater viewing cage extending downwardly from the boat. The top of the viewing cage remains open such that free entry or exit therefrom is available. Preferably the cage is movable between a raised transport position and a downwardly extending viewing position. The participants use a hookah respiratory system which is safe and does not require extensive training.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilizing devices for small boats, and more particularly to a device attached to a flat bottom fishing boat that stabilizes the boat while in use. The flat bottom boat stabilizer is comprised of two cylinder tubes with water breaking plates attached to two cross beams (with hinges for folding up during transportation) by struts and medal straps. The stabilizer system is attached to the boat by two angle plates and U bolts.

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 road-towed heavy-load ferry may be produced in larger or smaller versions using the same design. Its basic embodiment can transport afloat loads exceeding 16 metric tons (17.6 tons) including its tow vehicle. The ferry essentially comprises three longitudinal hulls. Outboard hulls (12) pivot outward and inward to rest atop central hull (10). Thereby, the ferry is reduced to a width suitable for towing on public roads. Equipment for road towing includes telescoping towing tongue (32), and pneumatic-tired wheels (28) which remain intact afloat. Winch (40) enables kedging across shoal water or ground. The wheels extend below the deployed outboard hulls to assist in kedging by reducing friction, suction, and risk of hull damage. A water-ballast system counterbalances on-board loads and otherwise improves stability in adverse winds, waves, and currents. Hinged gunwales provide additional freeboard.

Abstract: A center pontoon for a pontoon boat provides improved performance and an adjustable engine mount. The adjustable engine mount makes it possible to adjust the relative position of an outboard engine relative to the waterline of the boat. The center pontoon includes a relieved top surface for allowing a vertical adjustment movement of the engine mount. The mount has an elongated, mount body which is adjustably attached to the bottom of the hull of the boat by a pair of spaced apart, elongated mounting rails. The mount body has a vertical profile that is compatibly shaped with the relieved top surface to provide sufficient vertical adjustable movement. The engine mount is located between a pontoon boat deck and the center pontoon.

Abstract: A Small Waterplane Area MultiHull vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means may be housed. In one embodiment, an engine means is situated on the upper hull platform and is joined to the rotary propulsive means through a work translating means which converts the output of the engine to rotary motion of the rotary propulsive means to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: A personal watercraft that includes at least one stepper. Each stepper is pivotally associated with a propulsion member that is moveable in a generally vertical direction so that the propulsion member is in a first position during downward motion of the stepper and a second position during upward motion of the stepper.

Abstract: The present invention involves a gate assembly for a pontoon boat. The pontoon boat includes a platform deck atop a flotation device with a protective railing having fence sections and gate assemblies at least partially surrounding the deck. The gate assembly is disposed in a gap or opening in the protective fence between two of the fence sections and includes a gate, a gate stop, and a sliding hinge. The gate is attached by the hinge to one of the two fence sections at the opening of the protective railing, and the stop is attached to the other of the two fence sections and includes a stop member extending from the deck to near the top of the fence that will prevent the gate from swinging outwardly. The stop member includes a padding strip thereon between the stop member and the gate, which prevents rattling between the stop member and the gate.

Abstract: A high speed hybrid marine vessel with integrated hydrodynamic lift-generating, roll stabilizing and pitch controlling wings, or hydrofoils, operable in two distinctly different modes, namely a hydrostatic stable low speed mode, featuring a positive GM-value with at least three submerged hull elements; and a hydrostatic unstable high speed mode, featuring a negative GM-value with only one submerged hull element, the hull elements being integrated to the vessel via an integrated deck construction connecting the side hulls to the main hull.

Abstract: A multi-hull design for a large apparatus and a propulsion system for same. The apparatus is a triangular boat hull apparatus having a bow and stem wave penetrating feature. The hull is composed of one triangle overlapping two additional triangles on the port and starboard sides of the apparatus. This invention includes a drive pod for a multi-hull apparatus composed of at least one hydropneumatic cylinder, a propulsion device and a propeller. A propulsion system for a multi-hull apparatus composed of a plurality of drive pods which are attached to the hull of the apparatus and provide adjustability for varying ocean conditions is also an object of the present invention.

Abstract: New electric boat designs are provided that exploit the weight of a battery to stabilize the boat and in some cases to overcome the hull speed limitation problem. The battery mass is enclosed in one or two torpedo-like structures that are mostly or completely submerged. A platform is spaced above the torpedo(s) via one or more struts that may allow wave energy to pass through the watercraft rather than collide with large vertical surfaces. The design minimizes wake formation, wave sensitivity and is useful for new kinds of electric boats that can dive with an air bubble to allow submarine use, higher speed pleasure craft, and sailing craft that can remain stable in shallow draft waters. The stabilized watercraft optionally have computer monitoring of wave activity and control for greater resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: When the load of a movable object is applied on to a platform of the invention it will create a counter force to the original point of application by means of specifically arranged mechanical devices. With such action the platform turns into an inclined surface to provide an automatic moving force for the movable object without requiring any outside power source except for the force of gravity.

Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel of variable width is disclosed, in which two floats (1, 2) are connected with one another by means of a variable connection device (4). By means of the connection device, the distance between the floats can be varied. At the maximum distance between them, the vessel features optimum seaworthiness, while at the minimum distance between them it has a small berthing space requirement. The connection device (4) supports the central unit (3), which encompasses a useful area unit (5). The floats (1, 2) do not have a continuous deck height over their entire length, but feature recesses (120, 220). These recesses (120, 220) are pushed beneath the useful area unit (5) when the floats are adjusted to their minimum interval spacing.

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 center pontoon for a pontoon boat provides improved performance and an adjustable engine mount. The adjustable engine mount makes it possible to adjust the relative position of an outboard engine relative to the waterline of the boat. The center pontoon includes a relieved top surface for allowing a vertical adjustment movement of the engine mount. The mount has an elongated, mount body which is adjustably attached to the bottom of the hull of the boat by a pair of spaced apart, elongated mounting rails. The mount body has a vertical profile that is compatibly shaped with the relieved top surface to provide sufficient vertical adjustable movement. The engine mount is located between a pontoon boat deck and the center pontoon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the salvage or installation of large multi-ton marine platform includes the use of usually two barges defining a base that can support a large multi-ton load. A lifting assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Each boom has a lifting end portion that fits a supplemental lifting frame attached to the platform. During removal of the platform from its underlying support (e.g. jacket), there are winches with cables that pull the barges together as the booms lift the supplemental lifting frame and the supported platform. The supplemental frame includes both horizontal and diagonal beams that interface with the platform to transmit load to the lower end of the platform.

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 sea friendly hull shape invention provides the benefit of water ballast without the penalty of carrying that ballast. There are open ballast passages which can be in the shape of pipes, or other similar shapes, through which water flows continuously when the vessel is in motion or at rest. The passages are connected to a main hull by thin wave piercing hull shapes. As a wave passes under the vessel, there is little area presented to increase the hull's displacement and any hull movement up or down will be countered by the force of the water going through the ballast passages. In this manner there is a reaction similar to one offered by static ballast, but without the power demand needed to carry it.

Abstract: Method for carrying out operations under water by means of a crane (3) equipped with a tool which is erected on a pontoon (1) which has been fixed and which can be jacked up, wherein an underwater working room (4) which is mainly open at the bottom is let down on the place of work, in that the water is pushed out of this working room (4) by means of compressed air, in that the place of work is divided in compartments in the working room (4) itself, i.e. out of the water, and in that one or several positions of the compartment division in which the crane (3) will have to carry out an operation are transmitted to the crane (3), after which the underwater working room (4) is lifted and the crane carries (3) out the operation.

Abstract: A pontoon water craft includes a pair of spaced apart, floatable, cylindrical, hollow pontoons. A mainframe is mounted between the pontoons having three horizontally spaced apart arcuate shaped harness members extending from each end of a cross bar member. The harness members are overlappingly secured to the upper exterior surfaces of the pontoons and the cross bar members and other mainframe members secure the entire structure together. An upright chair is releasably mounted on the mainframe. A battery provides energy through a steering powerhead to a motor for propelling the craft.

Abstract: An improved marine vehicle that offers very high efficiencies made possible by pressurized gas cushion(s) disposed between its hull(s) and a water surface is presented. The gas cushion(s), in the ideal arrangement, is supplied with pressurized gas by a powered blower that obtains at least part of its inlet gas flow from an opening(s) in upper surfaces of a wing shaped cabin structure referred to as the main wing. In an optional arrangement, gas supply to a propulsion system engine, normally a gas turbine, can be obtained from similar opening(s) in an upper surface of the main wing and, further, gas discharge from a propulsion system engine can be used to aid in pressurizing the hull's pressurized gas cushion or, in another arrangement, can be directed out openings in an upper surface of the main wing. The main wing is aerodynamically shaped on its upper surface which increases vehicle efficiency.

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 twin-hulled water craft or catamaran preferably has rotationally molded plastics hulls (1) and pod (2) preferably with provision for fore and aft adjustment of the hulls with respect to the pod. The craft is hand-steered and preferably hand accelerated. Propulsion is via either an inboard or outboard motor with propeller or water-jet. The rider or riders sit low in the pod behind the steering control and above or before the motor. The hulls (1) are shaped to minimize spray in front of the rider and to allow easy outward sideways skidding. The construction seeks to improve the handling, stability and speed characteristics of this type of craft.

Abstract: A drilling or other offshore application vessel which can have the outward appearance and other characteristic of a monohull vessel, comprised of two or more sub-hulls each of which may be sailed as an independent ship through restrictive waterways which would prevent passage of the assembled vessel. The sub-hulls are later joined together to form a composite drilling or other offshore application vessel. The sub-hulls in one example include a recessed portion which reduces the amount of ballast needed to balance the sub-hulls.

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 multi-purpose sailing kit assembly including at least one, and preferably two separate hulls. Each of the hulls further includes first and second elongated, buoyant and self-contained halves which are pivotally secured together along a longitudinal direction. Each of the pairs of hull halves further include first and second longitudinal and perpendicularly extending planar surfaces such that the halves may be converted from a first cross sectional profile to a second cross sectional profile. Coupling mechanisms are provided for engaging within selectively formed circular openings in the planar surfaces of the hull halves and locking engage the hull halves together in the desired cross sectional profile. A frame is provided and secures first and second convertible hulls together in a spaced manner or, alternatively, supports outriggers in a spaced manner relative to a single hull.

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 upwardly an upper remote end that is out of the water at the stern, thereby reducing drag.

Abstract: A pontoon boat having a flotation device, a deck, and a pair of side rails. The flotation device includes at least two pontoons and a support frame extending between the pontoons and having a pair of side edges. The deck is disposed atop the flotation device and has a top surface and a pair of side edges. The side rail has a generally angled shape and comprises a generally horizontal leg and a generally vertical leg. A free edge of the horizontal leg overlies a portion of the deck proximal a deck side edge. The vertical second leg depends over the support frame side edge. The horizontal leg substantially, horizontally extends the deck The rails include aligned inboard channels. Adjacent rails connect to one another by means of a plate or other member disposed in and attached to the inboard channel at the terminal ends of two adjoining rails providing for a non-overlapping joint.

Abstract: A small waterplane area multihull (SWAMH) vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means is housed. An engine means is situated on the surface platform and is joined to the rotary propulsive means through a work translating means which converts the output of the engine to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: An improved multi-hull gas cushion supported vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment, capable of transition to air-borne ground effect operation is presented. This vehicle, normally a marine vehicle known as SeaCoaster, has optional elongated knife shaped bows that slice into waves, fine entry bows and low angle of divergence sidekeels, water rejecting steps that extend high onto the sidehulls, and retractable water stabilizer to insure optimum performance in heavy seas. The Retractable water stabilizers are preferbably in the form of inverted-T hydrofoils and/or small boat shaped members. Several variations of hydrofoil configurations are presented. It also has special, normally inverted-V shaped, gas cushion and wetdeck aft seals to insure minimum effect of wave impacts in those areas. The gas pressurization system normally includes powered blowers where a flap-like sealing device can be installed to seal gas leakage.

Abstract: A marine advertising vessel comprises a floating member with superimposed deck supporting a display frame for mounting an advertising message or display well above water level to be readily visible along a shoreline. One or more vessels may be employed for an advertising display.