A flat catamaran watercraft construction is provided having a bow that defines a “split V” configuration in which the bottom surface of each of the two asymmetrical catamaran hull portions at the forward section of each hull portion slope upward from the inboard side of the hull portion to the outboard side of the hull portion. Such upward slope of the bottom of each hull portion sheds water and waves to the outboard sides of the vessel as it travels through the water in order to minimize the amount of water and spray that is directed upward between the individual hull portions towards the passengers. The rear portions of each such hull portion define an angled slope along both inboard and outboard sides, which angled slopes allow the rear portion of the watercraft to slide and drift sideways along the surface of the water as the watercraft turns. The flat catamaran hull portions and deck of the watercraft are preferably of unibody construction, such that they are formed (e.g., molded or otherwise machined) in a single, one-piece assembly.

A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.

A planing system for a multi-hull watercraft comprising a hull defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions comprises a planing surface and an actuator system. The planing surface is supported for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position. The actuator system is arranged to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position. The watercraft operates in a first mode when the planing surface is in the upper position and in a second mode when the planing surface is in the lower position. When the watercraft operates in the second mode, the planing surface engages water to cause the vessel to plane.

A boat hull includes a pair of demi-hulls. Each demi-hull has a running surface configured to contact water when the hull is planing. The running surface extends longitudinally along a keel between an outer chine and an inner chine and aft to a running surface trailing edge. The running surface has most of its surface area outboard the keel. A first step extends laterally across the running surface and between the outer chine and inner chine. A first planing surface is aft the first step along the running surface. The first planing surface has an outboard convex curved surface on an outboard side of the keel extending from the keel to the outer chine and an inboard convex curved surface on an inboard side of the keel extending from the keel to the inner chine.

A high speed ship configuration for achieving a plane state efficiently, with threshold power available in fully loaded cargo ship. The system may include a boost phase assist structure to assist in the achievement of a plane state. The boost assist may be external or internal to the ship. The boost assist may provide power and/or lift assist. One embodiment may include a launch rail. In one embodiment, the configuration includes a retractable lateral wing structure disposed toward the stern of the vessel and containing auxiliary power providing thrust for the vessel. The wing structure is deployed during an initial boost phase acceleration and may be stowed in the vessel once the vessel achieves full plane operation. In one embodiment, the boost power structure may include propeller drive, paddle drive, or waterjet drive. The boost power structure may provide buoyancy and/or hydrodynamic trim to assist in achieving plane state operation.

Provided is watercraft hull system, including a hull having a fore end, an aft end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the fore end and the aft end; a substantially V-shaped portion extending from the fore end toward the aft end along a portion of the longitudinal axis; and a substantially M-shaped portion extending from the V-shaped portion toward the aft end, wherein the V-shaped portion gradually transitions to the M-shaped portion.

A pressurized air cushioned hull with fixed rigid side, front and rear seals. The hull includes a plurality of keels, with an air cushion disposed between inboard walls of each keel and an air cushion created/disposed along the outboard walls of each keel. These air cushions along the outboard walls of the keels are created by angling each keel by about 0.02 to about 1 relative to the longitudinal axis of the hull, wherein the left keel(s) is rotated clockwise and the right keel(s) is rotated counterclockwise, such that a distance between the keels is smaller at the front end of the keels than at the rear end of the keels. This slight angle was found to allow air, rather than water, to contact the outboard walls, unexpectedly reducing drag resistance a significant amount, thus improving performance of the hull as a whole.

A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.

Provided is watercraft hull system, including a hull having a fore end, an aft end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the fore end and the aft end; a substantially V-shaped portion extending from the fore end toward the aft end along a portion of the longitudinal axis; and a substantially M-shaped portion extending from the V-shaped portion toward the aft end, wherein the V-shaped portion gradually transitions to the M-shaped portion.