A watercraft includes a hull, an opening extending vertically through the hull, and a support assembly configured to mount a propulsion mechanism to the watercraft. The hull at least partially defines the opening. The support assembly includes a rightward support device attached to the hull, positioned between a forward portion of the opening and a rearward portion of the opening, and at least partially defining a right lateral portion of the opening. The support assembly further includes a leftward support device attached to the hull, positioned between the forward portion of the opening and the rearward portion of the opening, and at least partially defining a left lateral portion of the opening.

A pedal assembly and steering assembly are disclosed for converting an inflatable, drop stitch paddle watercraft into a pedal watercraft. The pedal assembly includes a mounting plate and mounting bracket for supporting a geared drive shaft in an opening extending through the floor of the watercraft. The steering assembly includes a rudder connected to a tiller through push pull cables.

In one example, a watercraft includes a hull that defines a well extending through a bottom of the hull, a pedal-drive mechanism connected to the hull, and the pedal-drive mechanism is movable, while connected to the hull, out of the well from a deployed position to a stowed position, and a mechanism that is configured to cover a portion of the well when the pedal-drive mechanism is in the deployed position.

A modular hybrid propulsion unit is disclosed that is mountable to a watercraft. According to an example, the modular hybrid propulsion unit includes a housing configured to fit within a complementary housing receiver on a topside of the watercraft, and a rotational output coupling configured to rotationally engage with a rotational input coupling for a propeller of the watercraft. The propulsion unit further includes an electric motor within the housing, the electric motor having a motor shaft connected to the rotational output coupling for providing an electrically powered rotational input to the rotational output coupling. The propulsion unit further includes a crank having one or more crank arms. The crank is connected to the rotational output coupling for providing a human powered rotational input to the rotational output coupling independent of the electrically powered rotational input by the electric motor.

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.

A watercraft comprising: a chassis; a drive means; a hydrofoil; and a drive transfer arm, wherein the drive means is operatively connected to a first end of the drive transfer arm, and the hydrofoil is pivotably connected to a second end of the drive transfer arm, the watercraft configured such that operation of the drive means causes the hydrofoil to oscillate, to provide thrust.

The present invention relates to two configurations of structure for a compact, pedal-propelled boat, a recumbent configuration and a conventional configuration, and to two possible propulsion systems, one with rigid transmission system and other with flexible transmission system. Both configurations are used with hulls arranged in parallel, catamaran configuration, preferably inflatable, allowing the volume and size of the assembly to be reduced so as to fit in a car trunk, making it easier to transport and store. In the recumbent configuration, the boat driver is in a sitting position, with his back supported by the seat, and actuates the pedals located in the front part of the structure while maneuvers the boat by means of handlebars located on the sides of the structure. In the conventional configuration, the boat driver is in the same position as the rider of a conventional bicycle, and the seat, pedals and handlebar are arranged in the same positions as in a bicycle. The invention seeks to provide simple solutions and the greatest quantity possible of shared components between these configurations, such that a production plant can produce these configurations through as few production processes as possible and sharing as many production processes as possible.

The invention relates to a kayak comprising a light and stylish hull with a propeller mounted on the underside thereof, said propeller being actuatable by means of pedals mounted in front of and above a seat, the pedals and propeller being connected by means of a transmission that passes through the inside of the hull and below the surface thereof. Two rudders are arranged at the rear.

A watercraft includes a hull, an opening extending through the hull, the opening configured to receive a removable propulsion mechanism, and an insert removably insertable into the opening. The insert includes an inner cavity, an aperture configured to be at least partially submerged in a fluid when the watercraft is positioned on the fluid, the aperture being configured to provide fluid communication between the inner cavity of the insert and the fluid as the watercraft travels in a forward direction, and a surface shaped and dimensioned such that a first pressure within the inner cavity is greater than a second pressure at the aperture as the watercraft travels in the forward direction.

A watercraft and associated pedal drive system are provided. Method of operating the pedal drive are also provided. The pedal drive system allows for unassisted manual pedaling to provide thrust to the watercraft. The pedal drive system also provides on demand pedal assistance of varying levels via an assist drive train having an electric motor to supplement the manual pedal force input provided by a user at the pedals of pedal drive system.