B63B39/061

Trim control system and method

A trim control system for controlling a relative position of a trimmable marine device with respect to a marine vessel hull includes a trim actuator coupled to the trimmable marine device about a horizontal trim axis. The trim control system further includes a trim control module executable on a processor and configured to identify a target trim position for the trimmable marine device, determine a desired trim rate of change to rotate the trimmable marine device about the horizontal axis from a current trim position toward a target trim position, and operate the trim actuator to rotate the trimmable marine device at the desired trim rate of change toward the target trim position.

Wake-modifying device for a boat

A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35 from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.

TRIM TAB CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A SHIP AND A SHIP WITH THE TRIM TAB CONTROL SYSTEM
20200331572 · 2020-10-22 ·

A trim tab control system for a ship includes a trim tab and a controller. The trim tab is able to swing on a ship body. The controller is configured or programmed to swing the trim tab at a first swing speed when the trim tab is not at a time of landing based on operation state data indicating the operation state of the ship. The controller is configured or programmed to swing the trim tab at a second swing speed less than the first swing speed when the trim tab is at the time of landing based on the operation state data.

TRIM TAB FOR A SHIP AND A SHIP WITH THE TRIM TAB
20200324864 · 2020-10-15 · ·

A trim tab for a ship comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is swingably mounted to a rear portion of a ship body. The second portion extends from the first portion and curves in a swing direction away from the ship body.

Wakeboat hull control systems and methods
10759507 · 2020-09-01 · ·

Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to monitor the orientation of the wakeboat hull in the surrounding water, and to automatically control wakeboat ballast components to achieve or maintain desired hull orientations. Systems and methods are provided to measure, store, and recall hull orientation. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast systems.

Watercraft protection systems and methods
10717503 · 2020-07-21 · ·

Provided is a system for protecting submerged components of a watercraft from collision with a submerged object or a floor of a body of water. The system includes a depth sensor configured to measure a water depth beneath the watercraft, an actuated mechanism configured to adjust a depth of at least one of the submerged components, and a controller in communication with the depth sensor and the actuated mechanism. The controller is operable to receive the measured water depth and control the actuated mechanism to adjust the depth of the at least one submerged component as a function of the measured water depth to prevent the at least one submerged component from colliding with the submerged object or floor of the body of water.

Collapsible underwater foil for boats convertible to a hydrofoil from a trim stabilizer
10717498 · 2020-07-21 ·

The invention relates to a trim stabilizer device comprising a foil being structurally independent from the transom of a boat to which it is to be mounted and being tiltable around its transversal axis; a first actuator associated with the foil for tilting thereof; a adjusting arm associated with the foil, at one end, for making a vertical motion thereof relative to the transom, and at the other end, associated with a connecting member provided on the transom. The trim stabilizer device for boats comprises a second actuator for making a vertical motion by a non-manual force of the adjusting arm.

Wakeboat hull control systems and methods
10717502 · 2020-07-21 · ·

Wakeboat hull control systems are provided that can include a first accelerometer operatively associated with the hull of the wakeboat to measure the acceleration of the hull along a first axis; a second accelerometer operatively associated with the hull of the wakeboat to measure the acceleration of the hull along a second axis, the first axis being non-parallel to the second axis; and processing circuitry calculating the rotation of the hull of the wakeboat about a third axis based on the acquired measurements. Wakeboat hull control methods are provided that can include using the processing circuitry to calculate the rotation of the hull of the wakeboat about a third axis based on the acquired measurements.

Surf wake system for a watercraft

An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake. A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle d relative to the centerline.

Surf wake forming systems and methods with gyroscope force vector translation

A wakeboat has a hull, the hull forming a wake when moving forward in the water, with a left quiet region and a right quiet region in the wake. The hull may exhibit rotation around one or more of its roll, pitch, and yaw axes which affects the quiet regions in the wake. A gyroscope supported in the hull may be used to rotate the hull around one or more axes. Such rotation may be used to create a surf left and/or surf right configuration, and measured via one or more sensors. Other systems and methods are also provided.