The human powered hydrofoil bicycle includes multiple subsystems integrated together including a structural frame subsystem with associated steering and tiller module, a hydrofoil subsystem to provide vehicle lift, and a powertrain subsystem. The structural frame subsystem may be fitted with buoyancy modules to provide the overall vehicle with a near neutrally buoyant character. The structural frame subsystem also supports a seat for an operator and provides structural support for the steering and tiller module for the hydrofoil subsystem and the drivetrain subsystem. The hydrofoil subsystem includes multiple hydrofoil elements at lowermost portions of the vehicle. These hydrofoil elements generally include in a preferred embodiment a larger rear foil and a smaller front foil. The powertrain subsystem generally includes pedals rotatably supported on the vehicle at a convenient location for engagement and driving by feet of an operator. Power transmission elements extend from the pedals down to a prime mover such as a propeller.

The human powered hydrofoil bicycle includes multiple subsystems integrated together including a structural frame subsystem with associated steering and tiller module, a hydrofoil subsystem to provide vehicle lift, and a powertrain subsystem. The structural frame subsystem may be fitted with buoyancy modules to provide the overall vehicle with a near neutrally buoyant character. The structural frame subsystem also supports a seat for an operator and provides structural support for the steering and tiller module for the hydrofoil subsystem and the drivetrain subsystem. The hydrofoil subsystem includes multiple hydrofoil elements at lowermost portions of the vehicle. These hydrofoil elements generally include in a preferred embodiment a larger rear foil and a smaller front foil. The powertrain subsystem generally includes pedals rotatably supported on the vehicle at a convenient location for engagement and driving by feet of an operator. Power transmission elements extend from the pedals down to a prime mover such as a propeller.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for operating a watercraft vessel. The system can include a communication unit configured to receive a position signal and a velocity signal of the first vessel. The system can include a first sensing unit configured to determine a relative position signal of one or more nearby vessels including the first vessel, a second sensing unit configured to detect and measure a fluid velocity field of a vortex around the watercraft vessel, and a third sensing unit configured to detect and measure an efficiency gain from a lifting force experienced by watercraft vessel operating in an upwash region of the vortex. And the system can include a control unit configured to maneuver the watercraft vessel from a first position to an optimum position.

A foil displacement system includes one or more foils that can be deployed and stowed. When deployed, each foil can exert downforce or uplift depending on its orientation. For example, each foil may be positioned to have an angle of attack that creates a downward force effectively transmitted to the hull to pull the hull deeper within the water to, for example, create a larger wake. Use of the foil displacement system can enhance or replace the use of a ballast tank system, can be integrated into a new boat or retrofitted to existing boats, can be electronically or manually positioned, can enhance activities such as wake surfing, wake boarding, water skiing or other similar or related water sports.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to configuring a watercraft propulsion system and control surface to generate a higher rate flow and a lower rate flow governed by the watercraft's yaw slip angle, adjusting the rate difference between the higher rate flow and the lower rate flow based on adjusting the yaw slip angle determined as a function of the control surface position and the propulsion system thrust vector, and directing by the watercraft the higher rate flow to converge with the lower rate flow to create a wave. The propulsion system may be a plurality of independently adjustable propulsion methods permitting propulsion system differential thrust vector adjustment. The control surface may be adjustable 360 degrees in the plane of the watercraft longitudinal axis. The yaw slip angle may be adjusted based on sensor information. Exemplary implementations may increase wave quality and improve maneuverability of a watercraft configured to create waves.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to configuring a watercraft propulsion system and control surface to generate a higher rate flow and a lower rate flow governed by the watercraft's yaw slip angle, adjusting the rate difference between the higher rate flow and the lower rate flow based on adjusting the yaw slip angle determined as a function of the control surface position and the propulsion system thrust vector, and directing by the watercraft the higher rate flow to converge with the lower rate flow to create a wave. The propulsion system may be a plurality of independently adjustable propulsion methods permitting propulsion system differential thrust vector adjustment. The control surface may be adjustable 360 degrees in the plane of the watercraft longitudinal axis. The yaw slip angle may be adjusted based on sensor information. Exemplary implementations may increase wave quality and improve maneuverability of a watercraft configured to create waves.

The invention relates to a hydrofoil system for a marine vessel comprising a hull (101), the hydrofoil system comprising at least one pair of foldable hydrofoils (109, 110) which are pivoted relative to the marine vessel, wherein each hydrofoil (109, 110) is controllable by at least one actuator (930) for displacement of the at least one pair of foldable hydrofoils in a lateral direction of the marine vessel between a stowed position and a deployed position. Each foldable hydrofoil (109, 110) is hinged relative to the hull above the water line on opposite sides of the marine vessel. A first portion (111) of each hydrofoil extends adjacent the hull (101) towards the water line of the marine vessel when the hydrofoil is in the stowed position and a second portion (112) comprises a free second end extending under the hull. The second portion (112) is submerged and arranged in a lateral recess (107) behind a stepped hull portion (106) of the marine vessel when the hydrofoil is in the stowed position.

The invention relates to a hydrofoil system for a marine vessel comprising a hull (101), the hydrofoil system comprising at least one pair of foldable hydrofoils (109, 110) which are pivoted relative to the marine vessel, wherein each hydrofoil (109, 110) is controllable by at least one actuator (930) for displacement of the at least one pair of foldable hydrofoils in a lateral direction of the marine vessel between a stowed position and a deployed position. Each foldable hydrofoil (109, 110) is hinged relative to the hull above the water line on opposite sides of the marine vessel. A first portion (111) of each hydrofoil extends adjacent the hull (101) towards the water line of the marine vessel when the hydrofoil is in the stowed position and a second portion (112) comprises a free second end extending under the hull. The second portion (112) is submerged and arranged in a lateral recess (107) behind a stepped hull portion (106) of the marine vessel when the hydrofoil is in the stowed position.

A linear drive system adapted for repetitive driving using a linear motor. The drive system may be used to power pumping hydrofoils which drive a boat or ship. Linkages are used to maintain the driven portion in linear motion. A coupled dual drive system in which two driven portions are coupled such that their coupled motions travel at the same velocity in opposed directions. The coupled linear drive system which may be used as a mechanical power source for drive systems used in transportation and industry. A boat with dual pumping hydrofoils adapted for propel a boat using the hydrofoils for both lift and propulsion.

A linear drive system adapted for repetitive driving using a linear motor. The drive system may be used to power pumping hydrofoils which drive a boat or ship. Linkages are used to maintain the driven portion in linear motion. A coupled dual drive system in which two driven portions are coupled such that their coupled motions travel at the same velocity in opposed directions. The coupled linear drive system which may be used as a mechanical power source for drive systems used in transportation and industry. A boat with dual pumping hydrofoils adapted for propel a boat using the hydrofoils for both lift and propulsion.