Self-bailing watersprite with positive buoyancy

Abstract

A watersprite has a modified inner hull liner and an automatic liquid bailing system to reduce chemical deterioration of the inner hull liner and eventually other components of the watersprite. The inner hull liner provides a dam for water and/or spilled fuel so that the liquid accumulates at least temporarily at a location above the waterline for the watersprite. The accumulated liquid is immediately drained through a self-bailing pipe to the outside environment. The inlet for the self draining pipe is located in the vicinity of the bottom of the dam, which defines a low spot for the inner hull liner. In addition, the bilge volume between the inner hull liner and the outer hull assembly is completely filled with closed-cell flotation foam. The closed-cell flotation foam in the bilge volume helps to prevent water and/or spilled fuel from chemically attacking the hull and/or hull stiffeners in case the inner hull liner develops a leak. The flotation foam also provides additional structural integrity between the inner hull liner and the outer hull assembly. In addition, the flotation foam provides a watersprite with positive buoyancy to eliminate the threat of partial flooding and/or sinking in case the outer hull develops a crack, or in case the watersprite fills with splash water or rainwater.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.