ADJUSTABLE MULTIHULL RUNNING SURFACE DEVICE FOR WATERCRAFT AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

The present invention provides a hull-conversion device and method for modifying the underside of a watercraft, more specifically a multihull watercraft. The hull-conversion device comprising a water diverting surface, a kinematic assemblage, and a frame. The hull-conversion device may be operable to adjust the watercraft's characteristics in displacement mode and planing mode. The hull-conversion device may function to provide a more stable, controllable, and efficient platform for operating a multihull watercraft, and provide a suitable wake for towable water sports.

Claims

1. A hull conversion assembly for a multihull watercraft, the device comprising: a. a deployable hull conversion assembly comprising water diverting surfaces movably secured to a central structure of said multihull watercraft and operable to modify an underside of said multihull watercraft when deployed, said deployable water diverting surface being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and b. a deployment mechanism for deploying the water diverting surface to said deployed position to transform the hull geometry of said multihull water craft to a single hull configuration.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said deployable hull conversion assembly includes a port side adjustable water diverting surface and a starboard side adjustable water diverting surface each having a plurality of water diverting plates, each of said water diverting plates having a deck face, a water face, a front edge, a port edge, a starboard edge, and a trailing edge.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of water diverting plates is pivotally and/or slidably attached to adjacent plates on said plates port edge, starboard edge.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein in said deployed position, said hull conversion assembly has a port side outer portion that contacts a port side float of said watercraft, and a starboard outer portion contacts a starboard side float of said watercraft.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein in said non-deployed position, the water diverting surfaces are stowed at or near said central structure of said multihull watercraft

6. The device of claim 2, wherein said deployment mechanism includes a kinematic chain assemblage, at least one primary linear actuator having one proximal end pivotally attached to the underside of said multihull watercraft, and one distal end slidably and pivotally attached to a dynamic attachment affixed to said water diverting surface, and at least one secondary linear actuator between adjacent plates of said hull conversion assembly, having one proximal end pivotally attached to a deck face of a first plate, and one distal end slidably and pivotally attached to a second plate.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said kinematic chain assemblage includes a series of linkages and mechanisms operable to cooperate with said linear actuators to expand said water diverting plates on a predetermined path from said stowed position to said deployed position.

8. (canceled)

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said deployment mechanism is operable to modify the angle of said water diverting surface with respect to a deck of said watercraft.

10. (canceled)

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said hull conversion assembly includes a frontal water diverting plate for redirecting water and sealing a front edge of said water diverting surface.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. A hull-conversion device for a multihull watercraft, the device comprising: a. a water diverting surface in a V-hull configuration for modifying the underside of said multihull watercraft; and b. a frame for securing and positioning said water diverting surface to an underside of a deck of said multihull watercraft.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein said water diverting surface may be a continuous surface in a V-hull shape, having a port edge, and a starboard edge for sealing with a port side float and a starboard side float of said multihull watercraft.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of members including an inner rail, an outer rail, and a crossmember; the outer rail section embracing the inner rail section for slidably engaging with the inner rail for telescopically adjusting the distance of said water diverting surface with said deck.

25. (canceled)

26. The device of claim 22, wherein hull-conversion device includes a frontal water diverting plate for redirecting water and sealing a front edge of said water diverting surface.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. A method of converting a multihull watercraft to a single-hull watercraft, comprising: a. deploying a hull conversion assembly having water diverting surfaces movably secured to a central structure of said multihull watercraft to modify an underside of said multihull watercraft, transforming the hull geometry of said multihull water craft to a single hull configuration, said water diverting surfaces being deployable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said hull conversion assembly includes a port side adjustable water diverting surface and a starboard side adjustable water diverting surface each having a plurality of water diverting plates, each of said water diverting plates having a deck face, a water face, a front edge, a port edge, a starboard edge, and a trailing edge.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein each of said plurality of water diverting plates is pivotally and/or slidably attached to adjacent plates on said plates port edge, starboard edge.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein in a deployed position, said hull conversion assembly has a port side outer portion that contacts a port side float of said watercraft, and a starboard outer portion contacts a starboard side float of said watercraft.

37. The method of claim 33, further comprising retracted said hull conversion assembly to a stowed position at or near said central structure of said multihull watercraft

38. The method of claim 2, wherein a deployment mechanism for said hull conversion assembly includes a kinematic chain assemblage, at least one primary linear actuator having one proximal end pivotally attached to the underside of said multihull watercraft, and one distal end slidably and pivotally attached to a dynamic attachment affixed to said water diverting surface, and at least one secondary linear actuator between adjacent plates of said hull conversion assembly, having one proximal end pivotally attached to a deck face of a first plate, and one distal end slidably and pivotally attached to a second plate.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said kinematic chain assemblage includes a series of linkages and mechanisms operable to cooperate with said linear actuators to expand said water diverting plates on a predetermined path from said stowed position to said deployed position.

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. (canceled)

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Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 provides a bottom view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3 provides a rear view of an adjustable running surface in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 provides a rear perspective view of intermediary configuration for deployment of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 provides a rear perspective view of another intermediary configuration for deployment of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 provides a rear perspective view of an adjustable running surface in the deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 7 provides a side view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 provides a front view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional side view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 provides a rear view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 11 provides a side view of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 provides a rear perspective view of an adjustable running surface in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 13 provides a rear perspective view of intermediary configuration for deployment of an adjustable running surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 14 provides a rear perspective view of an adjustable running surface in the deployed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 15 provides a perspective view of a component of an adjustable running surface according, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 16 provides an exemplary view of a graphical user interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.

[0050] The present invention concerns an adjustable running surface apparatus that may be incorporated into a multihulled watercraft or pontoon watercraft. FIGS. 1-6 provide views of an exemplary pontoon-style watercraft 1000 incorporating a deployable and adjustable running surface 1200 according to the present invention, and deployment methods thereof. The exemplary pontoon-style watercraft 1000 may be a flattish boat with a shallow draft that relies on floats to remain buoyant for transporting lake goers. The adjustable running surface 1200 may attach to the base of the watercraft 1000 below the draft of the waterline ideally centered about the centerline 1020, and extending out to a port float 1010A and starboard float 1010B.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the watercraft 1000 may be a multihull design that includes a deck 1001, which securely anchors a pair of floats 1010 that are symmetrically placed about the deck's 1001 centerline 1050 to the far ends of the deck. The pair of floats 1010 including, a portside float 1010A and a starboard side float 1010B. The floats 1010 may have a float tab 1011 that may be tangent to the float surface at the location of the inmost depth. A center float 1020 may be affixed to the deck midway of the pair of floats 1010 having a keel of the center float 1020 in line with the centerline 1050. The pair of floats 1010 may have a trim tab 1012 attached astern to the float, the trim tabs including a starboard trim tab 1012A and port trim tab 1012B. The watercraft 1000 may propel through the fluid with an outboard engine 1030. The floats 1010 may be capable of keeping the watercraft 1000 afloat while maintaining a small depth and producing a comfortable ride with a limited wake generated by the natural geometry of the floats 1010 and the trim tabs 1012. The portion of the floats 1010 and center float 1020 submerged below the waterline to keep the watercraft afloat is the initial running surface.

[0052] The adjustable running surface 1200 may include a starboard side array 1210 and port side array 1220 of water diverting plates that may have an asymmetrical relationship about the centerline 1050 of the watercraft. A starboard side array 1210 including, a first water diverting plate 1211, a second water diverting plate 1212, and a third water diverting plate 1213. The first water diverting plate 1211 may attach on the port side edge of the diverting plate to a joint 1231 and may be tangentially affixed to the keel of the watercraft on the center float 1020. Acting off the starboard side of the first water diverting plate 1201 may be a joint 1233 connecting the plates port side edge to a second water diverting plate 1212, a third water diverting plate 1213 may attach to a joint 1235, at the port edge, to the starboard edge of the second water diverting plate 1212. The third water diverting plate 1213 may be capable, on the starboard side edge, to seal into the starboard side float tab 1011B of the starboard float 1010B. Equivalently, a portside array including, a first water diverting plate 1221, a second water diverting plate 1222, and a third water diverting plate 1223. A first water diverting plate 1221 may attach on the starboard side edge of the diverting plate to a joint 1231, the diverting plate 1221 connected on the port side to a second water diverting plate's 1222 starboard side edge via a joint 1232. A third water diverting plate 1223 may attach to a joint 1234, at the starboard edge, to the port edge of the second water diverting plate 1222. The third water diverting plate 1223, on the port side edge, may be capable of sealing into the port side float tab 1011A of the port side float 1010B. A frontal diverting plate 1230 having a pitch that may orient into an asternal angle and may have an acute edge 1237 for sealing the port and starboard side array of plates 1210, 1220; the frontal diverting plate 1230 may attach to the deck 1001 via a joint 1236.

[0053] The individual plates of the starboard side array 1210, port side array 1220, and frontal water diverting plate 1230 when deployed coalesce into a uniform surface and may be arrange to mimic the running surface of a V-hull type watercraft and gain the benefits and drawbacks of the V-hull geometry. The adjustable running surface 1200 may arrange the frontal diverting plate 1230 perpendicular to the bow and attached forward of midship. The adjustable running surface 1200 may have be configured to have a sternmost edge resolving between midship and the stern; in some embodiments the sternmost edge of the adjustable may extend to the transom of the watercraft.

[0054] FIG. 3 provides an exemplary view of the watercraft 1000 and the adjustable running surface 1200 in the stowed position. The adjustable running surface 1200 and the various plates may deploy with a system of linkages, slots, pins, and actuators. The deployable system having mechanisms that are Asymmetrical about the centerline 1050 for both the port side and starboard side array of water diverting plates 1210, 1220. The port side deployable system including a pinned deck flange 1237, a pinned diverting plate flange 1239, a first actuator 1241, a second actuator 1242, a first carriage 1243, a first slide 1244, second slide 1245, third slide 1246, and a second carriage 1247. Conversely, the starboard side deployable system including a pinned deck flange 1238, a pinned diverting plate flange 1240, a first actuator 1248, a second actuator 1249, a first carriage 1250, a first slide 1251, a second slide 1252, a third slide 1253, and a second carriage 1254. The dashed lines illustrate the slides and slots of the water diverting plates.

[0055] Regarding the port side, the pinned deck flange 1237 may be operable to receive the first actuator 1241 and allow for rotation about the central axis of the pin. The first carriage 1244 may attach to the first actuator 1241 and may be operable to nest a slide 1244 that may attach to the port side deck face of the third water diverting plate 1223. The slot 1245 may attach to the surface face of the third water diverting plate 1223 and may be operable to receive a pin that may be attached to the joint 1235 and operates in a pin-in-slot joint fashion. The second slot 1246 may attach to the deck face of the second port side water diverting plate 1222 and may be operable to receive a second carriage 1247. The second carriage 1247 may be actuated by a second actuator 1242 secured to the first port side water diverting plate 1221 on the deck face with a pinned flange 1239.

[0056] Symmetrically, on the starboard side, the pinned deck flange 1238 may be operable to receive the first actuator 1248 and allow for rotation about a central axis of the pin. The first carriage 1250 may attach to the first actuator 1248 and may be operable to nest into a slide 1251 that may be affixed to the deck face of the starboard side third water diverting plate 1213. The slot 1252 may attach to the surface face of the third water diverting plate 1213 and may be operable to receive a pin that may be attached to the joint 1232 and operates in a pin-in-slot joint fashion. The second slot 1253 may further attach to the deck face of the second starboard side water diverting plate 1212 and may be operable to receive a second carriage 1254. The second carriage 1254 may be actuated by a second actuator 1249 secured to the first starboard side water diverting plate 1211 on the deck face with a pinned flange 1240.

[0057] When deploying the adjustable running surface 1200, the port and starboard side deployable mechanism operates in an Asymmetrical manner. As shown in the exemplary view of FIG. 4, The port side, when actuated by an operator, the first actuator 1241 may linearly extend simultaneous pushing the first carriage 1243 against the distal end of the slot 1244 of the third water diverting plate 1223 on the deck side and invoking the pin of joint 1235 to slide within the slot 1245. The linear actuation of the first actuator 1241 ceases temporarily when the pin of joint 1235 has joined the starboard side edge of the third water diverting plate to the portside edge of the second water diverting plate 1222. An intermediary step for deployment of the water diverting surface is shown in FIG. 5 following a ceasing of the first actuator 1248, the second actuator 1249 linearly extends and slides the second carriage 1254 from port to starboard on a path adjacent to the slot 1253, and the first carriage 1250 slides from starboard to port and rotates the first linear actuator 1248 about the pinned deck flange 1238. The first actuator 1248 re-engages when central axis is perpendicular to the deck 1001 and continues to extend linearly, and the first carriage 1250 continues to slide port to starboard in the slot 1251. The first and second actuators 1248, 1249, move uniformly and continue to slide their respective carriages 1250, 1254, and along their slot paths 1251, 1253. The first and second actuators 1250, 1254 halt their motion once the port side edge of the third water diverting plate 1213 has seated into the port side float tab 1011B.

[0058] FIG. 6 provides an exemplary view of the watercraft 1000 and the adjustable running surface 1200 in the deployed configuration. The port side array 1220 shown in the fully extended configuration and may coalesce to form a singular surface and has sealed the portside edge of the third water diverting plate 1223 with the port side float tab 1011A. The starboard side array 1210 shown in the fully extended configuration and may coalesce to a singular surface and may seal with the starboard side edge of the third water diverting plate 1213. The linear actuators 1241 and 1248 are in the fully extended positions and may be operable to support and assist in absorbing forces applied to the hull of the system.

[0059] FIG. 7 provides an exemplary perspective view of the watercraft 1000 and the variable running surface 1200 of another embodiment. The variable running surface 1200 in the deployed configuration is illustrated, and the various water diverting plates form a singular surface. The deployment actuators, including the port side linear actuator 1241, starboard side linear actuator 1248, and a center actuator 1255 are in the fully extended configuration. The port side and starboard side trim tabs 1012A, 1012B may have a joint 1013A, 1013B enabling the actuation and variable trim tab orientations about the stern of the port side and starboard side floats 1010A, 1010B. The actuation of the systems may utilize actuators types similar to the deployment actuators.

[0060] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the system to have and additional lifting mechanism 1400 for assisting deployment of the variable running surface 1200, and adding redundancy to increase rigidity and strength of the system. FIG. 8 provides a possible implementation of the lifting mechanism 1400, and illustrates an exemplary port side view of the watercraft 1000 and a cross-sectional view of the surfaces below deck up to the centerline 1050; the surfaces including the initial running surface (e.g., port side float 1010A and center float 1030), and the initial running surface 1200. The additional lifting mechanism 1400 comprises a series of linkages moveable relative to the variable running surface 1200 and the keel of the center float 1020. Attached to the keel of the center float 1020 an array of keel slides 1430 may be nested within or on the keel of the center float 1020. Attached to the centerline of the variable running surface 1200 an array of surface slides 1420 may be attached to the deck face of the variable running surface 1200.

[0061] FIG. 9 provides a side view of the water craft 1000 and the lifting mechanism 1400 comprising a kinematic chain of equivalent members. A first pair of members 1401, 1402 in the lifting system 1400 having the mechanical advantage of a sliding rocker arm. The first link 1401 having one end 1431 pivotally attached, with a flange 1450 to the keel of the center float 1020, the second end 1422 slidably and pivotally attached to surface slide 1420 at joint 1432, and an intermediate surface 1461 therebetween; a second link 1402 having one end pivotally attached to a flange 1451 about the centerline of the variable running surface 1200, the second end slidably and pivotally attached keel slide 1420 at joint 1432, and an intermediate surface 1462 therebetween. The second link 1402 may traverse to the first link 1401, and the intermediate surfaces 1461, 1462, of the first link 1401, and second link 1402 are pivotally connected about a shaft 1410. The flanges 1450, 1451 are grounded with a fixed fastener about to the keel of the center float 1020 and centerline of the variable running surface 1200 and only allow for pivotal motion.

[0062] A second pair of members 1403, 1404 in the lifting mechanism 1400 sharing the attachment locations of the first pair of members 1401, 1402, and acquiring the mechanical characteristics of their attached location and translating any force inputs through the second pair of members 1403, to the first pair of members 1401, 1402. The third link 1403 having one end 1432 pivotally attached to the second link 1402 at the slidably and pivotally attached second end 1432, the second end 1423 slidably and pivotally attached to the surface slide 1420, and an intermediate surface 1463 therebetween; a fourth link 1404 having on end 1422, pivotally attached to the first link 1401 at the slidably and pivotally attached second end 1422, the second end 1433 slidably and pivotally attached to the keel slide 1420, and an intermediate surface 1464 therebetween. Alike the first pair of members 1401, 1402, the third link 1403 may traverse the fourth link 1404 and the intermediate surfaces 1463, 1464 of the third link 1403 and second link 1404 are pivotally connected about a shaft 1411. The subsequent linkages in the lifting system are attached in an equivalent fashion to the second pair of members 1403, 1404, and deploy symmetrically.

[0063] The lifting mechanism 1400 includes a sternmost pair of lifting members 1409, 1410, that are operable to receive on the sternmost side an input force. From the stern, a first link 1410 having one end joint 1436 slidably and pivotally attached to the keel slide 1430, the second end slidably and pivotally attached to the surface slide 1420 at joint 1425, and an intermediate surface 1470 therebetween; a second link 1410 having a first end 1426 affixed to a cleaves and pin of the actuator 1440, the second end slidably and pivotally attached to the keel slide 1430 at joint 1430, and an intermediate surface 1469 therebetween. Alike formerly described members 1401, 1402, 1403, and 1404 the first link 1409 traverses the second link 1410 and the intermediate surfaces 1469, 1470 of the third link 1403 and second link 1404 are pivotally connected about a shaft 1415.

[0064] In operation, the lifting mechanism 1400 of the present invention may be operable to the lift the configuration through actuation of the linear actuator 1440 causing the assemblage of members in the lifting system 1400 to kinematically react by translating the input force of the sternmost pair of lifting members 1409, 1410 through the kinematic chain to the grounded flanges 1450, 1451 of the first member group 1401, 1402, and generally elevating the variable running surface 1200 off of the keel 1020 of the watercraft 1000.

[0065] FIG. 10 provides an exemplary view of the watercraft 1000 and the variable running surface 1200. The variable running surface 1200 in a fixed configuration, may attach to the deck face 1001, with a frame 1300. The port side telescopic rail system including a deck rail 1305, a running surface rail 1307, a pin 1309, mounting foot 1303, and bracket and devises pin 1301. The starboard side telescopic rail system including a deck rail 1306, a running surface rail 1308, a pin 1310, mounting foot 1304, and bracket and devises pin 1302. The watercraft 1000 when out of the water may have the brackets 1301 and 1302 attached to the deck face 1001, and the deck rails 1305 and 1307 may be pinned to the bracket 1302. The variable running surface 1200 may have a mounting foot 1303 and 1304 attached to the variable running surface's inner face, and a running surface rail 1307 and 1308 may be fastened to the mounting foot 1303 and 1304. The variable running surface 1200 may then be attached to the watercraft 1000 by sliding the variable running surface rails 1307 and 1308 into the deck rails 1305 and 1306. When the rail system is configured into the final position, a pin 1309 and 1310 may secure the two rails together in a fixed configuration. The frame 1300 may have a plurality of telescopic rail that may be in line with each other and parallel to the centerline of the watercraft. In some implementation, a series of trusses may connect the plurality of telescopic rails.

[0066] FIG. 11 provides an exemplary side view of a portside cross-sectional view of the watercraft 1000 and the adjustable running surface 1200. The cross-sectional view exposes the port side frame 1300 and the plurality of telescopic rails comprised of the deck side rails 1305, 1315, and 1325, and the running surface rails 1307, 1317, and 1327. The system of telescopic rails may have an inline arrangement with each other and may be substantially parallel to the centerline of the watercraft. The plurality of telescopic rails may have characteristics to reinforce the stability of the frame with trusses 1341 and 1342. The truss 1341 may fasten on one end to the deck side rail 1325 at the pinned location 1343 and to the running surface rail 1317 at the pinned location 1344. The truss 1342 may attach to the running surface rail 1317 at the pinned location 1344 and the deck side rail 1305 at the pinned location 1345. The system, when assembled, may be a frame 1300 operable to secure the adjustable running surface 1200 to the watercraft 1000.

[0067] In some embodiments, the adjustable running surface 1500 may be configured from a stack of water diverting plates that are nested in the underside of a center float 1020 such as the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. The stack of water diverting plates may have a portside stack 1510 and a starboard side stack 1520. The portside stack 1510 may include a first plate 1510A slidably secured to the underside of the center float 1020 and operable to slidably secure a second plate 1510B on the under face of the first plate 1520A. The starboard stack 1520 may include a first plate 1520A slidably secured to the underside of the center float 1020, and operable to slidably secure a second plate 1520B on the under face of the first plate 1520A. FIG. 12 illustrates the adjustable running surface 1500 in the stowed position, and the stack of plate 1510, 1520 having a low-profile within the center float 1020.

[0068] The deployed position, illustrated in FIG. 14, may configure the stack of plates in a substantially planer configuration and inline with the center float 1020. On the portside, the first plate 1510A may have a starboard edge laterally in contact with the portside of the center float 1020, and portside edge of the first plate 1510A may link to the second plate's 1510B starboard edge. The portside edge of the second plate 1510B may be laterally in contact with the portside float 1010A. The starboard side of the first plate 1520A may have a portside edge laterally in contact with the starboard side of the center float 1020, and the starboard side edge of the first plate 1520A may link to the second plate's 1520B starboard edge. The sternmost plate 1520B may laterally rest on the portside float 1010B. The deployed configuration transforms the multihull watercraft 1000 to have a substantially planer water diverting surface and may increase performance in planning operations.

[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates the stack of plates 1510, 1520 in an intermediary position from the stowed to the deployed position. On the portside stack of plates 1510 the first plate 1510A and the second plate 1510B may be actuated from starboard to port, and on the starboard side, the first plate 1520A and 1520B may be actuated from port to starboard. The actuation of the portside stack 1510 and starboard side stack 1520, may simultaneously deploy and the first and second plates in the stacks 1510, 1520 may deploy steadily at different rates for the plates the deployed configuration. The first plates 1510A, 1520A may be in contact with the underside of center float throughout the deployment process, and the second plates 1510B, 1520B may be in contact with the underside of the first plates. In some embodiments, the plates may telescopically deploy, having the first plates nested inside of the center float 1020, and the second plates nested inside of the first plate.

[0070] FIG. 15 provides an exemplary perspective cutout view of the third water diverting plate 1223 of the port side array of the adjustable running surface 1200. The cross-sectional view shows a carriage (e.g., hub) 1243 and rail (e.g., slot) system 1244 that may pivotally attach to the linear actuator 1241. The carriage 1243 may be operable to slide along the rail 1244 freely, and the linear actuator may freely rotate about the carriage pin. In some embodiments, the rail 1244 may be embedded into the water diverting plate 1223. The carriage 1243 may have a ball bearing interior wall to allow for slip along the rail. The carriage 1243 and rail 1244 may have a material construction of aluminum, steel, ceramics, plastics, and fiberglass composites. In some implementations, the carriage 1243 and rail 1244 may be curved and non-linear to assist in timing the deployment to prevent interference with adjacent plates and the underside of the watercraft.

[0071] FIG. 16 provides an exemplary view of a graphical user interface 2000 that may be operable to control the various actuated systems of the watercraft 1000. The graphical user interface including a surface angle graphic 2010, pitch angle 2020, roll angle 2030, port tab controller 2050, starboard tab controller 2040, surface angle controller 2011, variable surface deployment starts 2100, and a variable surface return button 2200. The variable running surface 1200 may deploy when a user enables the deploy button 2100, the graphical user interface may display the measured speed 2070, and a controller may determine if the speed falls within the allowable range for safe deployment. A surface angle graphic 2010 may be displayed and the angle of the variable running surface with respect to the deck 1001 of the watercraft 1000. A user may modify the surface angle 2010 with the surface angle controller 2011 by increasing the depth 2013 and decreasing the depth 2012 with the buttons 2012, 2013. A pitch angle graphic 2020 and roll angle 2030 may be displayed to the user and may be modified by adjusting the port side tab 1012A, and starboard tab 1012B angle, by adjusting the port tab 2050 controller and starboard tab controller 2040. The port tab controller 2050 may have an angle increase 2051 button, and angle decrease 2052 button, the starboard tab controller 2040, may have an angle increase 2041 button, and angle decrease 2042 button. The trim tabs may zero with the button 2060.

[0072] Conclusion/Summary

[0073] The present invention provides an adjustable running surface, that is substantially variable and operable to modify the hull geometry of a watercraft, more specifically multihull watercraft for the generation of a surfable wake. The present invention is able to deploy a water diverting surface that functions to lift the forward bow and squat a watercraft into the water depths for generation of a surfable wake. It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.