초록 ▼

An improved performance marine surface vessel that includes pressurized supporting gas cushions in multiple hulls, normally catamaran-like sidehulls, where such pressurized supporting gas cushions support a majority of boat weight in operation. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes long

An improved performance marine surface vessel that includes pressurized supporting gas cushions in multiple hulls, normally catamaran-like sidehulls, where such pressurized supporting gas cushions support a majority of boat weight in operation. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes long fine pointed bow catamaran-like sidehulls that are in mechanical communication with a connecting hull structure. The long fine sidehulls offer performance advantages over a single large supporting gas cushion. The invention may also include a center bow disposed between the sidehulls that adds to stability in rough seas and gives a racy yacht-like appearance. Recesses in the sidehulls may include, at least in part, fixed and/or movable seals. Fixed seals may include inset vented steps to reduce wetted surface area. The recess gas pressurization system may include a controller to control pressures in individual recesses which allows at least some control of boat motions in rough seas. A further feature is the use of vertically oriented vented steps in the sides of the sidehulls to reduce wetted area drag when operating in rough seas. One other feature is the use of air flow turbulence generators on the underside, or wetdeck, of the connecting hull structure to thereby increase static pressure lifting forces acting on the connecting hull structure.

대표청구항 ▼

In an improved boat having supporting gas cushions disposed in catamaran-like sidehulls with said catamaran-like sidehulls in mechanical communication with connecting hull structure, said supporting gas cushions supplied with pressurized gas by gas pressurization means, and said supporting gas cushi

In an improved boat having supporting gas cushions disposed in catamaran-like sidehulls with said catamaran-like sidehulls in mechanical communication with connecting hull structure, said supporting gas cushions supplied with pressurized gas by gas pressurization means, and said supporting gas cushions pressurized at sufficient pressure to support a majority of boat weigth, the improvement comprising: said catamaran-like sidehulls being, at least in part, individually boat shaped with substantially more narrow bows than aft sections where said boat shape is defined by an intersection of said catamaran-like sidehulls and a calm sea surface waterline when said supporting gas cushions are pressurized at sufficient pressure to support a majority of boat weight and the boat is underway at speeds of more than 25 knots, said catamaran-like sidehulls having recesses in their undersides for restraining at least a part of said pressurized supporting gas cushions and a lower water contacting surface of said catamaran-like sidehull both, at least in part, bounds a recess and diverges further from the catamaran-like sidehull\s vertical centerline plane going aft from proximal said recess\forward portions.