The present invention relates to a hydrofoil system for a waterborne vessel, the hydrofoil system comprising a controller; a foil for engagement with the waterborne vessel, the foil comprising a plurality of adjustment members operable to vary the lift characteristics of the waterborne vessel; a propeller; an engine and gearbox located adjacent the foil and operable/in mechanical communication with the propeller; a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the controller, each sensor configured to monitor flight parameters of the waterborne vessel and generate measured flight parameter data; wherein the controller is in communication with the adjustment members, the engine and the sensors and wherein the controller is configured to receive measured flight parameter data from the sensors and to control the operation of the engine and the position of the adjustment members in dependence upon the received measured flight parameter data. Further provided is a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system.

The present invention further relates to a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system.

The present invention relates to a hydrofoil system for a waterborne vessel, the hydrofoil system comprising a controller, a foil for engagement with the waterborne vessel, the foil comprising a plurality of adjustment members operable to vary the lift characteristics of the waterborne vessel, a propeller, an engine and gearbox located adjacent the foil and operable/in mechanical communication with the propeller, a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the controller, each sensor configured to monitor flight parameters of the waterborne vessel and generate measured flight parameter data, wherein the controller is in communication with the adjustment members, the engine and the sensors and wherein the controller is configured to receive measured flight parameter data from the sensors and to control the operation of the engine and the position of the adjustment members in dependence upon the received measured flight parameter data.

The present invention relates to a gearbox system for mounting on a waterborne vessel with a hydrofoil, the gearbox system comprising:

a housing having an interior surface defining an interior space of defined dimension;
a gearing system comprising a propeller shaft engagement portion, the gearing system located within the interior of the housing; and
an engine located within the interior space of the housing and in mechanical communication with the gear box;
wherein the housing is water-tight and wherein the gearing system and engine are in thermal contact with the interior surface of the housing.

Further provided is a hydrofoil system including such a gearbox system and a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system.

A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.

A towboat hull configured to shape a desired wake shape by creating an adjustable dual side surf wake as the vessel travels through water. Controlled shaping of the wake is achieved by a secondary thrust flow redirector unit that has flow redirectors that redirect the thrust flow from a propeller as the towboat moves in a forward direction. The flow redirectors can create a single side surf wake on either side of the towboat or can simultaneously create an side surf wakes on both sides of the towboat. The adjustable flow redirector can create side surf wake with a controlled shape that is desirable for wake surfing.

A wakeboat creates a wake, the performance level of the wake varying depending upon the mass of the wakeboat, the wakeboat including a hull; an engine supported by the hull; a controller supported by the hull; a processor coupled to the controller; a memory coupled to the processor; a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat, the controller being coupled to the sensor and being configured to receive data from the sensor, the controller being configured to derive the present mass of the wakeboat from said sensor data, the controller being configured to determine the present wake performance level of the wakeboat based on the present mass of the wakeboat; and a tablet computer coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to use the tablet computer to indicate the present wake performance level of the wakeboat.

A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.

The present disclosure generally pertains to a lateral displacement surf system and methods of laterally displacing a watercraft to generate wake. The lateral displacement system includes at least one pair of foils configured to be extended from a hull on a first side of the watercraft at a level of approximately the waterline. Upon forward movement of the watercraft with extended foils, the watercraft is rotated about its vertical axis toward the first side and generates waves sufficient for the conduction watersport activities on a second side of the watercraft. In some instances, foils are built into the hull and extended from this position, while in other instances the foils are attached to the hull using attachment structures. Rotation of the foils about an axis of rotation approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft alters the angle of attack of the foils relative to the waterline.

This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.

A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.