초록 ▼

A channeled air planing apparatus improves low speed performance of boats without adversely affecting high speed performance. The apparatus includes structural elements for channeling air to a transverse step adjacent a running surface. Air channeled to the transverse step eliminates low pressure at

A channeled air planing apparatus improves low speed performance of boats without adversely affecting high speed performance. The apparatus includes structural elements for channeling air to a transverse step adjacent a running surface. Air channeled to the transverse step eliminates low pressure at the step caused by flow of water past the step, which in turn enhances low speed performance by lowering the bow of the boat and reducing drag on wetted propulsion equipment and other aft boat structure. In a preferred embodiment, the channeled air planing foil includes a lower hydrofoil member attached to a setback area of the boat by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls aft and above the boat's running surface. When the boat is at rest, a channel defined by the lower hydrofoil element and sidewalls contains water. As the boat moves forwardly through the water during takeoff, water is evacuated from the channel and replaced with air which ventilates the transverse step. The lower hydrofoil element also functions to provide lift to the stern, which further reduces drag and enhances the boat's ability to reach plane. In another embodiment, air channels are formed in a setback area of the boat to channel air forwardly to the transverse step during takeoff. Once planing speed is achieved, the channel air planing apparatus is completely out of the water and does not adversely affect high speed performance.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A hydro-planing foil for being attached to a boat having an outboard propulsion element and a running surface forward of the outboard propulsion element, the propulsion element and the running surface separated by a distance, the hydro-planing foil comprising:a lower hy

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A hydro-planing foil for being attached to a boat having an outboard propulsion element and a running surface forward of the outboard propulsion element, the propulsion element and the running surface separated by a distance, the hydro-planing foil comprising:a lower hydrofoil element having:a first end in opposed relation to a second end and defining a length therebetween; anda first edge in opposed relation to a second edge;a first sidewall for attaching the lower hydrofoil element to the boat aft and above a running surface and forward of the outboard propulsion unit, said first sidewall having a lower end connected adjacent the lower hydrofoil element first edge and an upper end for being attached to the boat;a second sidewall for attaching the lower hydrofoil element to the boat aft and above a running surface and forward of the outboard propulsion unit, said second sidewall having a lower end connected adjacent the lower hydrofoil element second edge and an upper end for being attached to the boat; andwherein a channel is defined between the lower hydrofoil element and the first and second sidewalls when the hydro-planing foil is attached to the boat, said lower hydrofoil element being below the water surface and said channel containing water when the boat is at rest, said lower hydrofoil element being above the water surface and said channel being substantially evacuated of water when the boat is at planing speed.