초록 ▼

A pontoon with an improved running surface and methods for construction the same are provided. The pontoon comprises an interior concave main running surface formed along the longitudinal centerline of the pontoon which is bounded by two sponsons, which in turn are bounded by two distal concave surf

A pontoon with an improved running surface and methods for construction the same are provided. The pontoon comprises an interior concave main running surface formed along the longitudinal centerline of the pontoon which is bounded by two sponsons, which in turn are bounded by two distal concave surfaces, or integrated lifting strakes. The associated methods provide a process for retrofitting prior art pontoons or constructing the pontoon to avoid the need for welds below the waterline of the pontoon. The pontoon provides improved pontoon boat performance by maximizing lift and minimizing leakage. The pontoon also reduces construction costs by lowering the number of welds required to form a pontoon with lifting strakes.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A method of manufacturing a pontoon having an improved running surface, comprising the steps of:supplying a sheet material having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a bow transverse edge, and a stern transverse edge;forming the

We claim: 1. A method of manufacturing a pontoon having an improved running surface, comprising the steps of:supplying a sheet material having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a bow transverse edge, and a stern transverse edge;forming the sheet material by imprinting along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of material a concave running surface;further forming the sheet material by imprinting along the longitudinal axis of the sheet material two concave integrated lifting strakes each having a proximal lifting strake surface, proximal lifting strake edge, distal lifting strake surface, and distal lifting strake edge, such that the concave integrated lifting strakes join the concave main running surface at two sponsons;further forming the sheet material by imprinting along the longitudinal axis of the sheet material one or more flotation cavity walls, such that the flotation cavity wall joins the integrated lifting strakes at the distal lifting strake edges;forming one or more seams along the first and second longitudinal edges;adjoining to the bow transverse edge a nose; andadjoining to the stern transverse edge an end.