Patent classifications
B63B39/061
Apparatuses and methods for watercraft pump assemblies and controls
A watercraft pump assembly for pumping fluid, the pump assembly including a pump intake adapter that creates a conduit through which fluid may flow; a pump coupled to the pump intake adapter to convey the fluid through the conduit; processing circuitry configured to control the pump, the processing circuitry comprising at least one computer interface; and a tablet computer coupled to the computer interface, the tablet computer comprising a user interface. Other systems and methods are provided.
COMPUTER SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO ACTUATE A PITCH MOTION STABILIZER
A computer system is configured to actuate a pitch motion stabilizer of a marine vessel. The computer system has processing circuitry configured to obtain operating data indicative of a maximum frequency of operation of the pitch motion stabilizer. The maximum frequency of operation is indicative of a capability of the pitch motion stabilizer to suppress pitch disturbances acting on the marine vessel, setting a low-frequency pitch motion range and a high-frequency pitch motion range of the marine vessel. The low-frequency pitch motion range is a frequency range below the maximum frequency of operation of the pitch motion stabilizer, and the high-frequency pitch motion range is a frequency range above the maximum frequency of operation of the pitch motion stabilizer. Vessel motion data indicative of an amount of pitch accelerations by the marine vessel in the high-frequency pitch motion range is obtained. A trim angle of the marine vessel is reduced by controlling the pitch motion stabilizer in response to an increased amount of pitch accelerations by the marine vessel in the high-frequency pitch motion range.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR POSTURE CONTROL TABS OF MARINE VESSEL, MARINE VESSEL, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POSTURE CONTROL TABS OF MARINE VESSEL THAT ARE CAPABLE OF ASSISTING OPERATIONS OF STEERING CONTROL
A control system for posture control tabs of a marine vessel assists operations of a steering control. The posture control tabs are mounted on a stern of a hull to move up or down to control a posture of the hull. Actuators actuate the respective posture control tabs. When a steering instruction is provided through the steering control, a processor determines the posture control tab to be actuated and controls the actuator corresponding to the posture control tab determined to be actuated so as to change the position of the determined posture control tab.
TRIM TAB SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING ATTITUDE AND PERFORMING ACTIVE STABILIZATION OF MARINE VESSELS
A system is provided and includes a trim tab, a hinge assembly, an actuator, and a controller. The trim tab adjusts at least one of pitch, roll or yaw motion of a marine vessel while the trim tab is in a deployed state. The trim tab includes a member, which has first and second ends and curves outward between and forward of the first end and the second end in a direction away from a point rearward of the member. The hinge assembly attaches a rearmost end of the first trim tab to the marine vessel at a location rearward of the member. The member rotates about a portion of the hinge assembly. The actuator actuates the trim tab. The controller controls the actuator to transition the member of the trim tab between a retracted state and the deployed state to adjust an attitude or motion of the marine vessel.
METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING SURFACE AREA AND USE OF ADJUSTABLE TRIM-TABS FOR INCREASING FUEL EFFICIENCY OF A WATERCRAFT
A method for watercraft efficiency at various speeds by use of at least one adjustable trim tab with a surface by calculating by the total surface area of the planar surface and determining the surface area necessary of the planar surface of at least one trim tab, and mounting the trim tab substantially under the hull. Provided in the method is determining the overall length of the hull, determining the maximum beam of the hull, multiplying the overall length of the hull by the maximum beam, taking a resultant of the overall length and maximum beam and multiplying that resultant by a percentage in the range of about one to about three, and taking the resultant and dividing it by the number of trim tabs mounted to the hull. Adjusting the trim tab by raising or lowering the rear of the planar surface, based on speed, to achieve higher efficiency.
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.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MARINE VESSEL
A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system for controlling a marine vessel.
SYSTEM FOR ATTITUDE CONTROL AND STABILIZATION OF A MARINE CRAFT
A system for attitude control and stabilization of a marine craft includes at least one elongate substantially planar surface, which may be rigid or flexible, disposed on either side of and in substantial alignment with a bottom of the planing hull of the marine craft. The elongate surface, in a rigid form, includes a tongue-like distal end confined within a fluid hinge enclosure upon a region of the hull about 2 to 8 feet forward of the transom. In a flexible form, a distal end of the elongate planar surface is secured directly to the hull. The elongate surface further includes an actuation portion proximal to a transom of the craft. The system also includes an actuator selectably slidable and securable within an actuation sleeve, the sleeve secured to the transom of the craft. Also included in the system are elements, manual, hydraulic or electrical, for selectably advancing the actuator relative to the hull to induce a selectable angulation of the elongate planar surface relative the bottom of the hull of the craft.
Boat with reconfigurable running surface for wake adjustment
A watersports boat includes a hull having an underside that defines a running surface that contacts water when the hull moves therein. The running surface includes a planing mode trailing edge and a pre-planing mode trailing edge. An aft running surface section of the hull includes port and starboard recesses that extend from a respective step at a forward end thereof aft to a respective aft edge thereof. The steps form the planing mode trailing edge where water disengages from the aft corners of the aft running surface section when the boat travels in planing mode and the aft edge of the recesses form the pre-planing mode trailing edge where water disengages from the aft corners of the aft running surface section when the boat travels in pre-planing mode.
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.