SURF DEVICE FOR DUAL SIDE SURF WAKE

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture, configured to be operably attached aft of a propeller of a steering device on a towboat, the article of manufacture comprising: a secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprising: at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector having a left side surface, a right side surface, and a forward leading edge, and configured to extend past an underside of the towboat and be located aft of the propeller, such that, when the flow redirector is moved or rotated, flow thrust originating from the propeller is redirected to a side of the towboat to shape a wake for wake surfing.

2. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors.

3. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the flow redirector has a vertical length of at least 3 inches to 6 feet.

4. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, further comprising a pod that comprises the secondary thrust flow redirector unit, the pod configured to be operably attached to extend from a stern of the towboat, wherein the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extends from an underside of the pod.

5. The article of manufacture according to claim 4, wherein the pod is modular and is configured to be operably attached to the stern of the towboat.

6. The article of manufacture according to claim 4, wherein the pod is integrated with a hull of the towboat.

7. A method for shaping a wake to a side of a towboat, the method comprising: obtaining a towboat having operably arranged thereon a secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprising at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector, arranged on or to a side of a centerline of the towboat, the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector having a left side surface, a right side surface, and a forward leading edge, and extending past an underside of the towboat and located aft of a propeller of a steering device; utilizing the propeller to generate a thrust flow that flows past the forward leading edge of the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector to create a wake at the stern of the towboat; and moving or rotating the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector to redirect the thrust flow and thereby adjustably shape a wake at a side of the towboat.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors arranged side-by-side in spaced relation, one on each side of the centerline, the pair being aft of the propeller, and wherein the method further comprises: moving or rotating the paired flow redirectors such that the thrust flow is divided to both the left side and the right side of the towboat to thereby adjustably shape a wake on each side of the towboat.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the towboat comprises a pod, the pod comprising the secondary thrust flow redirector unit, the pod being operably attached to extend from a stern of the towboat, and wherein the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extends from an underside of the pod.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pod is modular and is operably attached to the stern of the towboat.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pod is integrated with a hull of the towboat.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pod extends from the stern of the towboat and the underside of the pod is above a water line.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pod extends from the stern of the towboat and the underside of the pod is coplanar with the underside of the towboat.

14. An improved watercraft, the watercraft comprising a vessel hull having an underside, and a steering device comprising a propeller configured to generate a thrust flow for the watercraft operably engaged with the vessel hull, wherein the improvement comprises: a secondary thrust flow redirector unit located aft of the propeller, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprising at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extending past the underside of the vessel hull and configured to redirect the thrust flow of the watercraft to adjustably control the shape of a wake of the watercraft or to cause the watercraft to yaw sideways as it is moving in a forward direction.

15. The improved watercraft according to claim 14, wherein the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors.

16. The improved watercraft according to claim 14, wherein the flow redirector has a vertical length of at least 3 inches to 6 feet.

17. The improved watercraft according to claim 14, further comprising a pod that comprises the secondary thrust flow redirector unit, the pod configured to be operably attached to extend from a stern of the vessel hull, wherein the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extends from an underside of the pod.

18. The improved watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the pod is modular and is configured to be operably attached to the stern of the vessel hull.

19. The improved watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the pod is integrated with the vessel hull.

20. The improved watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the pod is configured to extend from the stern of the vessel hull and to have an underside that is above a water line.

21. The improved watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the pod extends from the stern of the vessel hull and has an underside that is coplanar with the underside of the vessel hull.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] In order that a more precise understanding of the above recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and any references to dimensions in the drawings or the following description are specific to the embodiments disclosed. Any variations of these dimensions that will allow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose are considered to be within the scope of the subject invention. Thus, understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered as limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a stern drive powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller, integrated into the hull in place;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a stern drive powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller, operably arranged on a pod that is configured to be operably affixed to the hull in place at or near the upper hull and gunwale;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an underside view of a stern drive powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller, integrated into the hull in place at or near the upper hull and gunwale.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an underside view of a stern drive powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller, operably arranged on a pod that is affixed to the hull in place at or near the upper hull and gunwale;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an underside view of a stern drive powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller, where the steerable stern drive is turned to the right, so the propeller thrust is redirected by the right side flow director of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit;

[0017] FIG. 6 is an underside view of a stern drive powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller, where the steerable stern drive is centered or aligned with the centerline of the towboat, and the propeller thrust is being redirected equally to the starboard and port sides of the towboat by the left and right flow redirectors of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propellor and the primary rudder of the steering device. The secondary thrust flow redirector unit is shown operably arranged on a pod that is operably attached aft of and is integrated into the primary hull in place at or near the upper hull and gunwale;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the propeller and the primary rudder of the steering device. The secondary thrust flow redirector unit is shown operably arranged on a pod that can be affixed aft of the primary hull in place;

[0020] FIG. 9 is an underside view of the hull of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the rudder of the steering device. The secondary thrust flow redirector unit is shown integrated into the hull in place at or near the upper hull and gunwale;

[0021] FIG. 10 is an underside view of the hull of a direct drive inboard powered tow boat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the primary rudder of the steering device. The secondary thrust flow redirector unit is shown operably arranged on a pod that can be affixed aft to the hull in place at or near the upper hull and gunwale;

[0022] FIG. 11 is an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit arranged aft of the primary rudder of the steering device in a pod integrated with the gunwale and above the hull underside. It can be seen that when the steerable primary rudder is turned to the right, the propeller thrust can be redirected to the port side of the towboat by the right side flow director;

[0023] FIG. 12 is an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the primary rudder of the steering device. The secondary thrust flow redirector unit is operably arranged on a pod integrated with the gunwale and above the hull underside. It can be seen that when the steerable stern drive is centered or aligned with the centerline of the towboat the propeller thrust can be redirected substantially equally to the starboard and port sides of the towboat by the left and right flow redirectors of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the primary rudder of the steering device. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit is operably arranged on a pod that is integrated with the hull and gunwale. The pod can have an underside surface that is coplanar with the underside of the hull of the towboat. This allows the secondary thrust flow redirector unit to extend from the pod underside in the same plane as the running surface of the towboat hull from which the primary rudder extends.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a direct drive inboard powered tow boat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the primary rudder of the steering device. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow director is operably arranged on a pod that can be affixed aft of the hull. The pod can have an underside surface that is coplanar with the underside of the hull of the towboat. This allows the secondary thrust flow redirector unit to extend from the pod underside in the same plane as the running surface of the towboat hull from which the primary rudder extends.

[0026] FIG. 15 is an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit operably arranged aft of the primary rudder of the steering device and on the same running surface as the primary rudder, integrated into the hull in place;

[0027] FIG. 16 is an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit placed aft of the primary rudder of the steering device and extending from the same running surface as the primary rudder. As shown here, when the right and left flow redirectors are turned in the same direction, for example to the port side, the primary rudder can be turned in the opposite direction, for example, to the starboard side, which can allow the right side flow redirector to redirect the propeller thrust to the port side of the towboat.

[0028] FIG. 17 is an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit operably arranged aft of the primary rudder of the steering device and extending from the same running surface as the primary rudder. It can be seen that when the right side flow director is turned to the right and the left side flow director is turned to the left, and the steerable stern drive is centered or aligned with the centerline of the towboat, the propeller thrust can be redirected substantially equally to the right and left sides.

[0029] FIG. 18 shows an underside view of a towboat where the secondary thrust flow redirector unit is configured to include both the primary rudder and a single flow redirector operably arranged aft of the steering device.

[0030] FIG. 19 shows the underside view of the towboat in FIG. 18, where the primary rudder is operably arranged to the left side of the center line of the towboat and the single flow redirector is to the right of the center line. In this figureb, the single flow redirector is shown rotated to the left side.

[0031] FIG. 20 shows the underside view of the towboat in FIG. 18, wherein the primary rudder is operably arranged to left of the center line of the towboat and the single flow redirector is to the right of the center line. In this figure, the single flow redirector is rotated to the left side of the towboat and the primary rudder is rotated to the right of the towboat.

[0032] FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a secondary thrust flow redirector unit that is in operable connection with a vertical support column that can vertically deploy the secondary thrust flow redirector unit into the water flow at the stern of the vessel. In this embodiment, the flow redirector has a wedge shape with a narrow leading edge 65 directed at the steering device propeller.

[0033] FIG. 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a secondary thrust flow redirector unit that is in operable connection with a rotation assembly. The flow redirector can have a wedge or wedge-like shape where a narrow leading edge directed at the primary rudder and/or the propeller to direct the water flow over the sides of the wedge to each side of the towboat.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0034] Embodiments of the subject invention pertain to devices and methods for controlling and directing the water flow thrust generated by a propeller of a boat. More specifically, the subject invention pertains to a secondary flow thrust redirector unit that can direct the flow thrust from a propeller towards the stern of a boat, so as to create a wake suitable for wake surfing. In particular embodiments, a secondary flow thrust redirector unit can generate a wake shape on either side of the boat that is capable of being wake surfed. In another particular embodiment, a secondary flow thrust redirector unit can generate a wake shape capable of being wake surfed simultaneously on each side of the boat.

[0035] The subject invention is particularly useful in the area of wake surfing and similar water sports. As the ordinary artisan can readily envision, the subject invention could also be useful for other purposes where controlling the direction of water flow and thrust from a boat propeller would be useful or advantageous. Thus, while the subject invention will be described in relation to wake surfing and the formation of wakes suitable therefore, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] The term “towboat” as used herein refers to any nautical vessel utilized to pull, tow, drag, or otherwise convey a person and wake surfing board or other watersport equipment through or across the surface of a body of water.

[0037] The term “steering device”, as used herein, refers to the device used to control the direction of the propeller thrust to propel and steer a towboat. A steering device can include, but is not limited to, a conventional primary rudder placed aft of a propeller on a straight shaft, a steerable stern drive, a steerable outdrive, or a steerable pod drive.

[0038] Also as used herein, the term “pod” refers to an assembly that is separate from, but can be operably attachable to the stern of a towboat. A pod can be a modular assembly, such that it is a separate assembly from the towboat, but can be permanently or removably attachable to a towboat. Alternatively, a pod can be an extension attached at the stern, for example, aft of the transom, such as above the transom or over the transom, which is integrated with or manufactured as part of the towboat and, thus, is not considered a modular component. A pod can extend out and above the water line, such that the transom is below the pod. Alternatively, a pod can go over or cover all or a substantial portion of the transom of the towboat, such that the bottom side or hull portion of a pod and the hull of the towboat can be coplanar. In specific embodiments, a pod, modular or otherwise, has a rotatably, movably, or fixedly attached secondary thrust flow redirector unit operably attached thereto.

[0039] Reference will be made to the attached figures on which the same reference numerals are used throughout to indicate the same or similar components. With reference to the attached figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen that a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 of the subject invention can include a single flow redirector 50 arranged on or on either side of the centerline 8 or paired flow redirectors 50 arranged side-by-side one on each side of the centerline 8. A flow director can be movably or rotatably arranged on the hull 15 of a towboat or on a pod 6 arranged at the stern of the towboat. The single or paired flow redirectors can be positioned aft of the propeller 13 or aft of the primary rudder 12 of the steering device 4 of the towboat 100. The single or paired flow redirectors can also be arranged on, to one side, or to each side of the center line 8. Each of these general components can have one or more sub-components, which will be discussed in detail below.

[0040] A towboat can have a steering device 4 at or near the stern 2 that typically includes a propeller 13 that moves water under the towboat to provide thrust to the towboat. Moving the steering device can change the direction of the propeller, and the flow of water from the propeller can change the direction of the towboat.

[0041] Wake surfing behind a towboat 100 requires a wake 110 that is shaped to “break” behind the towboat in a manner that causes the water forward of the break or closest to the towboat to be accelerated. Wake surfing ahead of the wave break allows the wake surfer to be propelled forward. The subject invention pertains to a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 with a single or paired flow redirectors 50, arranged in spaced relation or separated from each other, that direct the thrust flow 9 generated by a steerable outdrive propeller of the towboat and control the shape of the wake formed behind the towboat. By moving or rotating the flow redirectors 50 relative to the direction of the propeller or the direction of the thrust flow, a single flow redirector, or one or both of a pair, can redirect the thrust flow to shape a wake for wake surfing on a side of the boat for a single wake surfer. Alternatively, paired flow redirectors, arranged in spaced relation and side-by-side can be rotated in opposition to form dual wakes, one at each side of the towboat, each with a desired shape for wake surfing.

[0042] In one embodiment, aft of the vessel’s steering device 4, there can be a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5, which can have a single or a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors 50 that can rotate in unison, so that one or the other can be utilized to redirect the thrust flow, or in opposition to one another, so that each can simultaneously redirect thrust flow to a respective side of the towboat. The secondary thrust flow redirector unit can be moveably or rotatably mounted to the primary hull structure 15, such as shown, for example, in FIGS. 13 and 15. Alternatively, a secondary thrust flow redirector unit can be mounted to a pod that can be integrated with the primary hull structure during manufacture, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13. In still another alternative embodiment, a secondary thrust flow redirector unit can be mounted on a pod that can be operably attachable to the aft portion of the primary hull structure 15, which is shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 4, 8, 10, and 14. In the case of a stern drive-type, or an outboard drive-type steering device, the pod comprising the secondary thrust flow redirector unit are can be attached or integrated above the bottom surface of the hull 15, such as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-6. For pod drive hulls and fixed shaft inboard hulls, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit can be positioned at the surface of the bottom of the towboat, in other words, on the bottom of the hull of the towboat, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 13-20.

[0043] A flow redirector can be a fin or blade-like device that is movably or rotatably mounted to the stern of the towboat. The flow redirector can have a vertical length with all or at least a portion thereof that extends below the water line and aft of the propeller of the steering device 4. In one embodiment, the flow redirector has a vertical longitudinal length 60 that is at least 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″, 10″, 11″, 1 ft., 1.5 ft., 2 ft., 2.5 ft, 3 ft., 3.5 ft., 4 ft., 4.5 ft., 5 ft., 5.5 ft, 6 ft. and/or a longitudinal length between any two of the listed values.

[0044] In one embodiment, a flow redirector has a forward leading edge 52 directed at the propeller of the steering device 4 and a left side surface 53 and a right side surface 54 that direct the thrust flow 9 to a side of the towboat when the flow redirector is moved or rotated to the left or right. A flow redirector can have any of a variety of shapes advantageous for directing the thrust flow from the propeller of the steering device. In a specific embodiment, a flow redirector has a trapezium or trapezium-like shape, such as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 8, and 13. The left side 53 and right side 54 can be substantially planar. Alternatively, the left side and/or the right side can have any of a variety of curvatures or raised surfaces that are advantageous for directing the thrust flow to shape a wave. A person of skill in the art can determine an appropriate shape and configuration for a flow redirector appropriate for a particular towboat that can accurately and efficiently redirect the thrust flow to shape a wave for wake surfing.

[0045] When viewed from the bottom of the hull, it can be seen that a steerable drive can redirect the waterflow coming off of the propeller to one side of the towboat. In one embodiment, paired flow redirectors turn or rotate in unison to remain in line with the waterflow from the propeller. In the case of a stern drive or a pod drive, the propeller is attached to the end of a large gear case that does not turn the propeller on its center axis. Instead, the gear case turns to the side, and the propeller not only turns, but is moved sideways and away from the centerline of the towboat, such as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 11. By placing the flow redirectors 50 of a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 to the sides of the towboat center line, they are able to redirect the flow of the propeller thrust, which has been moved away from the centerline of the towboat. This arrangement allows a towboat to carefully control the thrust to one side of the hull to achieve the desirable conditions that create a single side ideal surf wake. FIGS. 5, 11 and 16 illustrate how the flow thrust can be redirected by the flow redirectors 50 to one side, such as the left side, as shown, to create the desirable surf wake shape. FIG. 19 shows an embodiment with a single flow redirector forming a wake on one side of the towboat.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, where the steerable drive or primary rudder is in the straight position aligned with the centerline 8 of the towboat, paired flow redirectors can be each steered to an outboard position, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 12, and 17, which divides the thrust flow 9 coming off the propeller, and causes the thrust flow to be substantially equally distributed on both sides of the vessel, thereby simultaneously creating two wakes shaped for wake surfing.

[0047] In keeping with the teachings of the present invention, a towboat will no longer need to skew sideways in order to direct the thrust flow 9 coming off the propeller to only one side. Advantageously, the subject invention provides a system that redirects the thrust flow from the propeller to one or both sides of the towboat.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a deployable or fixedly attached wedge shaped device and can be mounted on the towboat aft of the propeller and the primary thrust flow direction to create an ideal idle side wake on either or both sides of a tow boat hull.

[0049] With reference to the attached figures, which show specific embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen that FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of a towboat having a bow 1, a stern 2, a keel 3, a steering device (stern drive) 4, with a pod 6 comprising a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 arranged aft of the steering device 4, integrated into the hull in place. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the flow redirector 50 of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is rotatably attached to integrated pod 6 and has a vertical longitudinal length 60 that extends from the pod 6 to the thrust flow 9 from the propeller.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of a towboat having a bow 1, a stern 2, a keel 3, a steering device 4 and having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 placed aft of the steering device 4. The flow redirectors 50 are rotatably affixed to a pod 6 attached to the hull.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows an underside view of the towboat depicted in FIG. 1 with a stern drive powered steering device 4 and having a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 comprising two flow redirectors 50 is placed aft of the steering device 4. The flow redirectors 50 of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 are integrated into the hull with a pod 6 shown in place.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows an underside view of the stern drive powered steering device 4 on the towboat of FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the pod 6 is attached to the hull shown in place.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows an underside view of the stern drive powered towboat of FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the steerable outdrive 4 can be seen rotated to the right. The propeller 13 can be seen rotated away from the centerline 8, and the thrust flow redirectors 50 are turned to the left in order to redirect the thrust flow 9 generated by propeller 13 to shape an ideal wake surf wake to the left side 10 of the towboat.

[0054] FIG. 6 is an underside view of the stern drive powered towboat shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the steerable outdrive 4 can be seen centered or aligned with the towboat centerline 8, as viewed from the bottom. The propeller 13 that is aligned with the towboat centerline 8 directs thrust flow 9 directly towards the flow redirectors 50, which are turned in opposition and inward to form a “V” open aft of the towboat. This results in the thrust flow 9 of the propeller 13 being redirected out to the sides of the towboat. This shapes two ideal wake surf wakes, one at each side 10 of the towboat.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of a direct drive inboard powered steering device 4 on a towboat having a shaft mounted propeller 13, and a primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged aft of the primary rudder 12 with the flow redirectors 50 operably attached to an integrated pod 6 that is above the hull bottom shown in place.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a side elevation view of the direct drive inboard powered towboat having a modular, attached pod 6. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is shown arranged aft of the primary rudder 12, affixed in attached modular pod 6 above the hull bottom in place.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat of FIG. 7 having a shaft mounted propeller 13, and a primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged aft of the primary rudder 12 and the flow redirectors 50 are integrated with the hull by integrated pod 6 arranged above the running surface of the hull, shown in place.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows an underside view of the direct drive inboard powered towboat in FIG. 8, wherein the flow redirectors 50 of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 are p-laced aft of the primary rudder 12 and are operably affixed to a modular pod 6 that is attached to the towboat above the running surface of the hull, shown in place.

[0059] FIG. 11 shows an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat of FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged aft of the primary rudder 12 in operable connection to pod 6 above the hull bottom. The shaft mounted propeller 13 can be seen directly aligned on the towboat centerline 8, so the thrust flow 9 is directed to the primary rudder 12. Primary rudder 12 can be seen here rotated to the left side 10 of the towboat, as viewed from the bottom. The paired flow redirectors are turned to the right to allow the outside or right side thrust flow redirector 50 to redirect the thrust flow 9 off the primary rudder 12. Advantageously, this configuration shapes an ideal wake surf wake to the side 10 of the towboat, in this example, to the left side of the towboat.

[0060] FIG. 12 shows an underside view of the direct drive inboard powered steering device 4 on the towboat of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can be seen in the neutral position, or aligned with the centerline 8 of the towboat, as the boat is viewed from the bottom. Each flow redirector 50 is turned or rotated outboard, to form a “V” open aft of the primary rudder 12, which can redirect the thrust flow 9 off the primary rudder 12 to each side of the towboat. Advantageously, this shapes two ideal wake surf wakes, one at each side 10 of the towboat.

[0061] FIG. 13 shows a side elevation view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a shaft mounted propeller 13, and a primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, a secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged aft of the primary rudder 12 and is operably attached to the towboat hull running surface, shown here in place.

[0062] FIG. 14 shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a direct drive inboard powered towboat. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged on a modular pod 6 affixed to the towboat aft of the primary rudder 12. This can position the flow redirectors 50 at the same level as or parallel to the primary rudder 12, such that the bottom of pod 6 is coplanar with the towboat hull running surface.

[0063] FIG. 15 shows an underside view of a direct drive inboard powered towboat having a shaft mounted propeller 13, and a primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is placed aft of the primary rudder 12 and is operably connected to the running surface of the tow boat hull.

[0064] FIG. 16 shows an underside view of the direct drive inboard powered towboat of FIG. 15. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged aft of the primary rudder 12 and operably connected to the running surface or underside of the towboat hull. The shaft mounted propeller 13 can be seen aligned directly on the towboat centerline 8, which can direct the thrust flow at the primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can be seen rotated to direct thrust flow 9 to the right. The paired thrust flow redirectors are turned or rotated so that the outside or right side thrust flow redirector 5 redirects the thrust flow 9 of the primary rudder 12. As shown, this shapes an ideal surf wake 5 to the left side 10 of the towboat.

[0065] FIG. 17 shows an underside view of the direct drive inboard powered towboat of FIG. 16. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 is arranged aft of the shaft mounted propeller 13 and is operably connected to the running surface of the towboat hull. In this embodiment, the propeller 13 can be directly aligned on the towboat centerline 8, so that the thrust flow is directed to the primary rudder 12. The primary rudder 12 can also be seen in the neutral position or aligned with the towboat center line 8. Each flow redirector 50 of the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 can be turned outboard to form a “V” that is open aft of the towboat, in order to redirect the thrust flow 9 from the primary rudder 12 to each side 10 of the towboat. Advantageously, this shapes two ideal wake surf wakes, one at each side 10 of the towboat.

[0066] FIG. 18 shows an underside view of another direct drive inboard powered towboat, with the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 arranged aft of the shaft mounted propeller 13 and operably attached to the running surface of the towboat hull. The shaft mounted propeller 13 can be seen aligned directly on the towboat centerline 8. In this embodiment, secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 includes the primary rudder 12, which is placed off of the centerline 8, and a single flow redirector 50, which is placed opposite to the primary rudder 12 on the other side of centerline 8. In this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can be seen parallel to the centerline. The thrust flow redirector 50 is also parallel to the centerline

[0067] FIG. 19 shows an underside view of the direct drive inboard powered towboat of 15, with the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 arranged aft of the shaft mounted propeller 13 and operably connected to the running surface or underside of the towboat hull. The shaft mounted propeller 13 can be seen aligned directly on the towboat centerline 8, which can direct the thrust flow 9 to both flow redirector 50 and the primary rudder 12 simultaneously. In this embodiment, secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 includes the primary rudder 12, which is placed off of the centerline 8, and the flow redirector 50 is placed to the opposite side of the centerline 8 from primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can be seen parallel to the centerline 8 while the flow redirector 50 is rotated to the left, so that the outside or left side the flow redirector 50 creates an ideal wake surf wake to the left side 10 of the towboat. With this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can be utilized to balance the force for the flow redirector 50.

[0068] FIG. 20 shows an underside view of the direct drive inboard powered towboat of FIG. 19, with the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 arranged aft of the shaft mounted propeller 13 and operably connected to the running surface or underside of the towboat hull. The shaft mounted propeller 13 can be seen aligned directly on the towboat centerline 8, which can direct the thrust flow 9 to both the flow redirector 50 and the primary rudder 12 simultaneously. In this embodiment, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 includes the primary rudder 12 placed off of the centerline 8, and the flow redirector 50 placed to the opposite side of the centerline 8 from primary rudder 12. In this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can be seen turned to the right while the flow redirector 50 is rotated to the left so that the thrust flow 9 is equally divided to both sides of the hull to create an ideal wake surf wake to both sides 10 of the towboat. With this embodiment, the primary rudder 12 can also be utilized to balance the force of the flow redirector 50 to fine tune the steering while underway.

[0069] FIG. 21 shows a towboat configured with an alternative secondary thrust flow redirector unit 5 that deploys downward into the waterflow aft of propeller 13. This flow redirector 50 can be a single non-rotating assembly that has a wedge shape, arranged with a narrow leading edge 65. With this embodiment, water flow at the stern can be equally directed to both sides of the towboat. Alternatively, a secondary structure with a profile designed to mimic a symmetrically diverted thrust flow aft of a steering device 4 can be separately affixed to a conventional hull in order to achieve similar results.

[0070] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 22, a flow redirector has a wedge shape operably connected to a vertically rotating assembly 77. The rotating assembly can rotate downwards to deploy the flow redirector into the water at the stern 2 of the towboat, with a narrow leading edge 65 directed at the thrust flow 9 from the propeller 13. The thrust flow from the propeller can be directed over the sides of the wedge by the narrow leading edge 65 which divides the water.

EMBODIMENTS

[0071] Embodiment 1. An article of manufacture, configured to be operably attached aft of a propeller of a steering device on a towboat, the article of manufacture comprising: [0072] a secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprising: [0073] at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector having a left side surface, a right side surface, and a forward leading edge, and configured to extend past an underside of the towboat and be located aft of the propeller, such that, when the flow redirector is moved or rotated, flow thrust originating from the propeller is redirected to a side of the towboat to shape a wake for wake surfing.

[0074] Embodiment 2. The article of manufacture according to embodiment 1, wherein the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors.

[0075] Embodiment 3. The article of manufacture according to embodiment 1, wherein the flow redirector has a vertical length of at least 3 inches to 6 feet.

[0076] Embodiment 4. The article of manufacture according to embodiment 1, further comprising a pod that comprises the secondary thrust flow redirector unit, the pod configured to be operably attached to extend from a stern of the towboat, wherein the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extends from an underside of the pod.

[0077] Embodiment 5. The article of manufacture according to embodiment 4, wherein the pod is modular and is configured to be operably attached to the stern of the towboat.

[0078] Embodiment 6. The article of manufacture according to embodiment 4, wherein the pod is integrated with a hull of the towboat.

[0079] Embodiment 7. A method for shaping a wake to a side of a towboat, the method comprising: [0080] obtaining a towboat having operably arranged thereon a secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprising at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector, arranged on or to a side of a centerline of the towboat, the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector having a left side surface, a right side surface, and a forward leading edge, and extending past an underside of the towboat and located aft of a propeller of a steering device; [0081] utilizing the propeller to generate a thrust flow that flows past the forward leading edge of the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector to create a wake at the stern of the towboat; and [0082] moving or rotating the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector to redirect the thrust flow and thereby adjustably shape a wake at a side of the towboat.

[0083] Embodiment 8. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors arranged side-by-side in spaced relation, one on each side of the centerline, the pair being aft of the propeller, and wherein the method further comprises:

[0084] moving or rotating the paired flow redirectors such that the thrust flow is divided to both the left side and the right side of the towboat to thereby adjustably shape a wake on each side of the towboat.

[0085] Embodiment 9. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the towboat comprises a pod, the pod comprising the secondary thrust flow redirector unit, the pod being operably attached to extend from a stern of the towboat, and wherein the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extends from an underside of the pod.

[0086] Embodiment 10. The method according to embodiment 9, wherein the pod is modular and is operably attached to the stern of the towboat.

[0087] Embodiment 11. The method according to embodiment 9, wherein the pod is integrated with a hull of the towboat.

[0088] Embodiment 12. The method according to embodiment 9, wherein the pod extends from the stern of the towboat and the underside of the pod is above a water line.

[0089] Embodiment 13. The method according to embodiment 9, wherein the pod extends from the stern of the towboat and the underside of the pod is coplanar with the underside of the towboat.

[0090] Embodiment 14. An improved watercraft, the watercraft comprising a vessel hull having an underside, and a steering device comprising a propeller configured to generate a thrust flow for the watercraft operably engaged with the vessel hull, wherein the improvement comprises:

[0091] a secondary thrust flow redirector unit located aft of the propeller, the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprising at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extending past the underside of the vessel hull and configured to redirect the thrust flow of the watercraft to adjustably control the shape of a wake of the watercraft or to cause the watercraft to yaw sideways as it is moving in a forward direction.

[0092] Embodiment 15. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 14, wherein the secondary thrust flow redirector unit comprises a pair of movable or rotatable flow redirectors.

[0093] Embodiment 16. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 14, wherein the flow redirector has a vertical length of at least 3 inches to 6 feet.

[0094] Embodiment 17. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 14, further comprising a pod that comprises the secondary thrust flow redirector unit, the pod configured to be operably attached to extend from a stern of the vessel hull, wherein the at least one movable or rotatable flow redirector extends from an underside of the pod.

[0095] Embodiment 18. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 17, wherein the pod is modular and is configured to be operably attached to the stern of the vessel hull.

[0096] Embodiment 19. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 17, wherein the pod is integrated with the vessel hull.

[0097] Embodiment 20. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 17, wherein the pod is configured to extend from the stern of the vessel hull and to have an underside that is above a water line.

[0098] Embodiment 21. The improved watercraft according to embodiment 17, wherein the pod extends from the stern of the vessel hull and has an underside that is coplanar with the underside of the vessel hull.

[0099] All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and other publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification. Additionally, the entire contents of the references cited within the references cited herein are also entirely incorporated by reference.

[0100] The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.