A cyclorotor is described that can be used as a propulsor for a marine vessel. The cyclorotor includes a rotary housing comprising a main body and a plurality of blade modules arranged circumferentially around the main body. The cyclorotor also includes a plurality of blade assemblies, each blade assembly being located in a respective blade module and having a blade extending from the rotary housing with a blade axis about which it can be pivoted relative to the rotary housing. Each blade assembly is associated with a blade actuator comprising an electric motor and having a drive shaft, a driving gear mechanically connected to the drive shaft and a driven gear mechanically connected to the respective blade assembly for pivoting the respective blade about its blade axis. Each blade module is preferably adapted to be detached and removed from the main body.

A maneuverable platform capable of operating on both fluid bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans, etc. in either liquid or frozen form) and land is provided. The platform has an above water portion formed of one or more sections onto discrete sections of which are positioned a number of buoyant propulsion members configured to support the above water portion and engage a fluid body or the ground to collectively provide support, propulsion and steering for the platform. The buoyant propulsion members are configured such that they provide buoyancy to the platform when the platform is at rest and lift when the platform reaches a specified hydrodynamic speed such that the platform planes atop the fluid of the fluid body during operation. The maneuverable platform, including the above water portion and the buoyant propulsion members, may be modular such that the platform may be split into sections of predetermined configuration to operate independently.

A maneuverable platform capable of operating on both fluid bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans, etc. in either liquid or frozen form) and land is provided. The platform has an above water portion formed of one or more sections onto discrete sections of which are positioned a number of buoyant propulsion members configured to support the above water portion and engage a fluid body or the ground to collectively provide support, propulsion and steering for the platform. The buoyant propulsion members are configured such that they provide buoyancy to the platform when the platform is at rest and lift when the platform reaches a specified hydrodynamic speed such that the platform planes atop the fluid of the fluid body during operation. The maneuverable platform, including the above water portion and the buoyant propulsion members, may be modular such that the platform may be split into sections of predetermined configuration to operate independently.

A method for propulsion of a marine vessel, a liquid-directing system and a marine propulsion system are presented. Water-directing scoops are moved in a rearward direction while the scoops are dipping into the water. The scoops may be arranged about a hub. Water is scooped using a bottom edge and lower sides of each of the scoops. Each scoop has an open-faced concave interior and directs scooped water towards a centerline and towards a water exit region of the scoop. The water exit region remains above the local or apparent waterline while the water is scooped, directed and ejected. Water is ejected from the water exit region of the scoop in the rearward direction and at a relative exit velocity that is greater than a relative entrance velocity of water being scooped. Rearward ejection of the water expresses a forward thrust of the propulsion system. Other liquids may be used.

A method for propulsion of a marine vessel, a liquid-directing system and a marine propulsion system are presented. Water-directing scoops are moved in a rearward direction while the scoops are dipping into the water. The scoops may be arranged about a hub. Water is scooped using a bottom edge and lower sides of each of the scoops. Each scoop has an open-faced concave interior and directs scooped water towards a centerline and towards a water exit region of the scoop. The water exit region remains above the local or apparent waterline while the water is scooped, directed and ejected. Water is ejected from the water exit region of the scoop in the rearward direction and at a relative exit velocity that is greater than a relative entrance velocity of water being scooped. Rearward ejection of the water expresses a forward thrust of the propulsion system. Other liquids may be used.

The present watercraft comprises a hull, and a flotation structure. The hull has a length overall and a beam. The flotation structure protrudes under the hull. The flotation structure supports a plurality of buoyant toothed rollers. Each buoyant toothed roller is substantially parallel to a beam of the hull. Each buoyant toothed roller is also rotationally retained by the flotation structure.

A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.

A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.

A bicycle and board apparatus comprising a buoyant board, a front wheel, a rear wheel and a steering member, and being mountable and usable in a first configuration as a bicycle in which the buoyant board is the bicycle's frame and in a second configuration as a surfboard by changing the orientation of the front wheel, the rear wheel or the steering member with respect to the buoyant board.

A bicycle and board apparatus comprising a buoyant board, a front wheel, a rear wheel and a steering member, and being mountable and usable in a first configuration as a bicycle in which the buoyant board is the bicycle's frame and in a second configuration as a surfboard by changing the orientation of the front wheel, the rear wheel or the steering member with respect to the buoyant board.