Abstract: A watercraft with improved safety and stability is provided. The watercraft includes a shell defining a plurality of raceways for receiving water during certain maneuvers of the watercraft, thereby excerpting force upon the watercraft in a first direction. The shell is configured so as to prevent or otherwise inhibit the water from excerpting an opposed second force upon the watercraft. An intermediate panel of the shell provides increased flexibility, thereby serving as a shock absorber for the watercraft.

Abstract: A corrugated plate structure including a plurality of first rows of members, each first row including a first plurality of members connected end-to-end lengthwise. Each first row has members of variable widths along its length to define a first edge, and the first edge is similarly shaped for each first row. The corrugated plate structure further includes a plurality of second rows of members, each second row including a second plurality of members connected end-to-end lengthwise. Each second row has members of variable widths along its length to define a second edge, and the second edge is similarly shaped for each second row. The first edge and the second edge are complementary in shape, and the first rows and second rows are connected side-by-side along their first and second edges, where each member of the first row is interconnected with one member of the second row.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a panel assembly for joining to a structure and method of making the same. The assembly has a first panel element having at least one first panel nonlinear edge, and has a second panel element having at least one second panel nonlinear edge, wherein the second panel nonlinear edge is designed to interlace with the first panel nonlinear edge to form a panel assembly with interlaced panel edgebands for joining to a structure. A width of the interlaced panel edgebands is reduced as compared to a width of adjacent panel edgebands formed by adjacent panel elements having linear edges, and the reduced width results in an overall reduced weight of the panel assembly and the structure to which the panel assembly is joined.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull defined by hull frame members. One or more supports extend vertically from at least one hull frame member and above a topline of the hull to define a portion of a compartment of the watercraft, providing structural support for both the hull and the compartment. Other features include an upper deck cover including an integrated drainage system, and a composite hull design improving insulation, buoyancy, water-tightness, and rigidity of the watercraft hull. A method of making a watercraft providing the above features is disclosed.

Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.

Abstract: A method for building lapstrake boats without use of a strongback and molds, and without the need to cut bevels on the strakes. The two-dimensional shape of each strake is determined and the strakes are cut to these shapes. A groove, or rabbet, is cut in the bottom inside edge of each, but the bottom, strake. The strakes are fastened or clamped so the top edge of each plank fits into the rabbet in the bottom of the adjacent strake. This has the effect of holding the strakes in alignment. The joints are filled with epoxy or other cementitious material making a strong stiff bond. One or more frames, bulkheads, or other interior components may be inserted as needed to maintain the strakes in the desired shape.

Abstract: A deck plank (1) of the present invention comprises a plank member (5) adapted to be secured directly to and to span between two or more support members (3), such as the joists of a dock structure or of a residential deck. The plank member is an elongate member having a bottom adapted to bear directly on the support members. The plank member is provided with at least one stiffening member (15). A cover (7) is removably secured to plank member so as to be supported at least in part by the stiffening members and so as to constitute an upper surface of the deck plank upon which a person may walk.

Abstract: A layered system for a ship deck including two kinds of elements, namely a deck element and an installation plank. According to the system, at least two opposite edges of the deck element are equipped with a protruding lower part, whereby two of such deck elements can be brought next to each other in a manner that both deck elements have a protruding lower part facing a corresponding part of the other deck element. At least two opposite edges of the installation plank are equipped with a protruding upper part which cover substantially the protruding lower parts of the deck elements when the installation plank is placed between the deck elements which have been placed next to each other in a manner that the protruding lower parts are facing each other. The installation plank is equipped with elements to fasten the deck element system to the deck base.

Abstract: A plurality of plate members for covering the outside of a ship's hull includes a base plate for shaping the plate members. The plate members are each coated with an inner and outer rubber resilient surface. Fasteners are used to attach the plate members to the ship's hull.

Abstract: A method and device for constructing a auxiliary hull, exterior to the primary hull of a ship, which has the capacity to absorb impact energy preventing primary hull puncture, and can be easily retrofitted to existing ship hulls. This method and device involves the use of energy absorbing members arranged in a truss-like formation to support the auxiliary hull shell. The auxiliary hull shell can be laminated to weaken interlaminar shear strength and further increase energy absorption during impact and thus prevent auxiliary hull puncture. This method and device also allows for the void spaces created between the primary and auxiliary hull shells to be filled with material which will, distribute the impact forces to the primary hull over a wider primary hull area, serve to support the auxiliary hull shell under hydrostatic forces and provide additional buoyancy forces if the auxiliary hull shell is punctured.

Abstract: A plank assembly for the formation of a ship's hull comprises interengaging hooks in only line contact with one another and enabling angular displacement of the two planks about an axis. The planks are also provided with arcuate flanges centered on this and bolted together and with attachment flanges enabling the planks to be secured to transverse ribs of the ship's hull.

Abstract: A plank assembly for the formation of a ship's hull comprises interengaging hooks in only line contact with one another and enabling angular displacement of the two planks about an axis. The planks are also provided with arcuate flanges centered on this and bolted together and with attachment flanges enabling the planks to be secured to transverse ribs of the ship's hull.