Modular planing multi-hull systems and methods for vessels
OwnerVittorio Mark Castelliinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A planing system for a multi-hull watercraft comprising a hull defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions comprises a planing surface and an actuator system. The planing surface is supported for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position. The actuator system is arranged to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position. The watercraft operates in a first mode when the planing surface is in the upper position and in a second mode when the planing surface is in the lower position. When the watercraft operates in the second mode, the planing surface engages water to cause the vessel to plane.
Claims19
A planing system for a multi-hull watercraft comprising a hull defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions, the planing system comprising:
- a planing surface supported for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position;
- an actuator system comprising a source of pressurized fluid configured to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position;
- whereby
- the watercraft operates in a first mode when the planing surface is in the upper position;
- the watercraft operates in a second mode when the planing surface is in the lower position;
- and
- when the watercraft operates in the second mode,
- the planing surface engages water to cause the vessel to plane;
- and
- the actuator system is configured to inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft by acting on the pressurized fluid.
A method of facilitating planing of a multi-hull watercraft defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions, the method comprising the steps of:
- supporting a planing surface for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position;
- operatively connecting an actuator system to a source of pressurized fluid;
- arranging the actuator system to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position;
- arranging the planing surface in the upper position to operate the watercraft in a first mode;
- operating the actuator system to arrange the planing surface in the lower position to operate the watercraft in a second mode;
- and
- when the watercraft operates in the second mode,
- engaging the planing surface with water to cause the watercraft to plane;
- and
- causing the planing surface to act on the pressurized fluid to inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft.
A watercraft system comprising:
- a catamaran hull defining main deck portion and first and second hull portions;
- a deck member secured to the catamaran hull to transfer loads on the deck member to the catamaran hull;
- and
- a fluid bag comprising compressible pressurized fluid, where the fluid bag is arranged to
- cause a planing surface to engage water to cause the vessel to plane, and
- inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft by compressing the compressible pressurized fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.