Boat collar attachment system and method

Abstract

A watercraft with outboard stabilizing members on a hull with a bow wrap and port and starboard side sheets with one or more longitudinal channels. The port and starboard stabilizing members comprise buoyant members in a sheath having one or more longitudinal keepers that are configured to be received into the side sheet channels. Tension members extend through the keepers, and are attachable near the aft end of the watercraft, and releasably engage tensioning mechanisms in the bow wrap, for releasably attaching the stabilizing members to the side sheet. Deck access plates through the side walls provide access to the tensioning mechanisms, which may be, for example, crank or electric winch mechanism.

Claims

1. A watercraft comprising: a hull having a port side sheet, a starboard side sheet, and a bow having a bow wrap, wherein the port and starboard side sheets each define a longitudinal channel; a port stabilizing member and a starboard stabilizing member, each stabilizing member comprising a sheath containing a floatation member, wherein the sheath comprises a keeper portion configured to be received into the corresponding longitudinal channel, and further wherein the bow wrap is configured to receive a forward end of each of the port and starboard stabilizing members; a first tensioning mechanism fixedly installed in the bow wrap and a second tensioning mechanism fixedly installed in the bow wrap; a port tension member configured to extend through the port stabilizing member sheath keeper portion and having a forward end configured to adjustably engage the first tensioning mechanism and an aft end configured to be fixedly attached to an aft end of the hull, and a starboard tension member configured to extend through the starboard stabilizing member sheath keeper portion and having a forward end configured to adjustably engage the second tensioning mechanism and an aft end configured to be fixedly attached to the aft end of the hull; wherein the port stabilizing member is releasably attached to the hull by the port tension member and the starboard stabilizing member is releasably attached to the hull by the starboard tension member.

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the first and second tensioning mechanisms comprise crank or electric winch mechanisms.

3. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the port side sheet further comprises a removable deck access plate positioned to provide access through the port side sheet to an interior of the bow wrap.

4. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the port tension member comprises an elongate strap.

5. The watercraft of claim 4, wherein the port tension member further comprises an insertion rod.

6. The watercraft of claim 4, wherein the port tension member aft end further comprises a hook member that is configured to engage an aft end of the watercraft.

7. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a connector mechanism comprising a first connector member fixedly installed in the bow wrap and a second connector member fixed to the keeper portion of the port stabilizing member sheath, wherein the first and second connector members are positioned to provide a secondary attachment of the port stabilizing member to the hull.

8. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first connector members distributed longitudinally along an outer face of the port side sheet, and configured to engage a plurality of second connector members distributed longitudinally along the keeper portion of the port stabilizing member sheath, wherein the plurality of first and second connector members are positioned to provide secondary attachment of the port stabilizing member to the hull.

9. The watercraft of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of a removable deck access plates positioned to provide access through the port side sheet to the plurality of first and second connector members.

10. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the each of the port and starboard stabilizing members comprising separable stabilizer sections that are configured to be aligned end to end during installation.

11. The watercraft of claim 10, wherein each of the port stabilizing member stabilizer sections further comprise connectors that are configured to connect the port stabilizing member stabilizer sections to each other end to end.

12. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the port and starboard keeper portions are disposed along an upper edge of the associated sheath, and the port and starboard stabilizing member sheaths further comprise a second keeper portion disposed along a lower edge of the associated sheath, and further comprising additional tensioning mechanisms installed in the bow wrap and additional tension members configured to extend through the second keeper portions and to engage the additional tensioning mechanisms.

13. A stabilizing member for a watercraft having a hull comprising a bow wrap and a side sheet having an outer longitudinal channel and a plurality of removable access plates that sealably engage access apertures through the side sheet, the stabilizing member comprising: a sheath enclosing a floatation member, wherein the sheath comprises a keeper portion configured to be received into the outer longitudinal channel, and further wherein the bow wrap is configured to receive a forward end of the stabilizing member; a first tensioning mechanism fixedly installed in the bow wrap; a tension member configured to extend through the keeper portion and having a forward end configured to adjustably engage the first tensioning mechanism and an aft end configured to be fixedly attached to an aft end of the hull; wherein the stabilizing member is releasably attached to the hull by the tension member.

14. The stabilizing member of claim 13, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a crank or electric winch mechanism.

15. The stabilizing member of claim 13, wherein the side sheet further comprises a removable deck access plate positioned to provide access through the side sheet to an interior of the bow wrap.

16. The stabilizing member of claim 13, wherein the tension member comprises an elongate strap.

17. The stabilizing member of claim 16, wherein the tension member further comprises an insertion rod.

18. The stabilizing member of claim 16, wherein the tension member aft end further comprises a hook member that is configured to engage an aft end of the watercraft.

19. The stabilizing member of claim 13, further comprising a connector mechanism comprising a first connector member fixedly installed in the bow wrap and a second connector member fixed to the keeper portion of the stabilizing member sheath, wherein the first and second connector members are positioned to provide a secondary attachment of the stabilizing member to the hull.

20. The stabilizing member of claim 12, wherein the stabilizing member comprises separable stabilizer sections that are configured to be aligned end to end during installation.

21. The stabilizing member of claim 20, wherein each of the stabilizing member stabilizer sections further comprise connectors that are configured to connect the stabilizing member stabilizer sections to each other end to end.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a watercraft having outboard stabilizers in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a partially exploded plan view of the watercraft shown in FIG. 1, showing one outboard stabilizer removed;

(4) FIG. 3A is a fragmentary view of the stabilizer and side sheet shown in FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 3B is a fragmentary unexploded view corresponding to FIG. 3A;

(6) FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the stabilizer in position to be attached to the watercraft side sheet and receiver;

(7) FIG. 5A is a fragmentary sectional view of a secondary embodiment of a stabilizer in accordance with the present invention, positioned to be attached to a watercraft side sheet using a single tension member;

(8) FIG. 5B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the stabilizer shown in FIG. 5A;

(9) FIG. 6 is a partially exploded fragmentary view of the stabilizer shown in FIG. 5A and a portion of the receiver, wherein the watercraft side sheet is removed for clarity;

(10) FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a third embodiment of a stabilizer in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, but wherein the stabilizer is formed in multiple segments; and

(11) FIG. 8 shows the stabilizer shown in FIG. 7 and a portion of the receiver, with the vessel side sheet removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) A high-performance watercraft 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown operating at planing speeds in FIG. 1. The watercraft 100 includes a planing hull 99 having oppositely disposed port and starboard outboard stabilizing members 110 (only starboard stabilizing member 110 visible). In this embodiment, the outboard stabilizing members 110 comprise one or more buoyant inserts, for example, polymeric foam inserts, that are enclosed inside a rugged outer membrane or flexible casing. The outboard stabilizing members 110 extend longitudinally along all or most of the length of the planing hull 99, and are securely attached to the hull side sheets 102 with a quick connect system (described below). The quick connect system may comprise, for example, one or more tension members and a tensioning mechanism such as a ratchet or winch. The hull 99 in a current embodiment is formed primarily from aluminum, and may be, for example, 12 feet to 80 feet in length. Other hull sizes and materials are also contemplated.

(13) The stabilizing members 110 are disposed on the upper portion of the side sheets 102, such that the stabilizing members 110 do not engage the water when the watercraft 100 is planing and travelling straight ahead. If the watercraft 100 heels sufficiently, for example, during high-speed turns, or the like, or due to weather and/or water conditions, the stabilizing member 110 on the heel side engages the water to thereby provide additional buoyancy, countering the heeling forces.

(14) In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a control console 96 is disposed approximately mid-ship, and one or more outboard motors 95 provide propulsion. It will be readily apparent to persons of skill in the art that other lengths, construction materials, number and type of motors, and the like, may be used without departing from the present invention.

(15) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the watercraft 100 with the starboard stabilizing member 110 in position to be releasably attached to the side sheet 102. The front end of the stabilizing member 110 in this embodiment is configured to be received into a receiver 94, for example, a bow wrap securely fixed to the bow of the watercraft 100.

(16) A fragmentary exploded sectional detail of the stabilizing member 110, and the watercraft side sheet 102, is shown in FIG. 3A. An unexploded view is shown in FIG. 3B. The stabilizing member 110 in this embodiment includes a foam core 108 enclosed by an outer sheath 112. The foam core 108 may be constructed as a single, unitary member, or may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending members. In alternative embodiments, the stabilizing members 110 may comprise an outer sheath 112 that is sealed and filled with air or other gas, or the sheath 112 may be partially filled with a buoyant material, for example, a foam material, and partially filled with a gas, which may be provided in a separate bladder. The sheath 112 may be made of a flexible material, for example, a rubberized fabric, and may optionally include internal scaffolding or support structure. Alternatively, the sheath 112 may be a relatively rigid structure, for example, a polymeric or composite tube or thin shell.

(17) The outer sheath 112 includes keeper portions 114 along the upper and lower inboard edges of the sheath 112. Elongate tension members 120, for example, webbing, cable, rope, or the like, extend through the keeper portions 114. It is contemplated that the tension member 120 may include or consist of a relatively rigid or semi-rigid rod (not shown) to facilitate insertion of the tension members 120 into the keeper portions 114.

(18) In this embodiment, the associated hull side sheet 102 includes upper and lower, outwardly open elongate channels 104 that are sized and configured to receive the keeper portions 114 of the sheath 112 with the inserted tension members 120. The channels 104 may be formed integrally with the side sheet 102 or, as in the current embodiment, may be defined by one or more members fixed to the side sheet 102, for example, aluminum extrusions 106. The extrusions 106 may be fixed to the side sheet 102 by any conventional means, for example, by welding, or with rivets, bolts, adhesives, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the upper channel 104 may be formed on the gunwale 107.

(19) FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross section of the forward-starboard side of the watercraft 100 looking towards the bow, with the forward end of the starboard stabilizing member 110 positioned to be moved into engagement with the receiver 94 and with the side sheet 102. The stabilizing member 110 is smaller in circumference than the opening defined by the receiver 94, such that the stabilizing member 110 may be readily inserted therein. A deck access plate 130, sometimes referred to as a pie-eye, provides a watertight seal through the side sheet 102, and can be removed to provide access to the interior of the receiver 94. Such deck access plates 130 are known in the art. A pair of tensioning mechanisms 122, for example, ratchets, winches, eccentric mechanisms, or the like, are installed in the receiver 94 and positioned to receive and engage a forward end of the tension members 120.

(20) The aft end of each tension member 120 is provided with a connector 124, for example, a hook, latch member, or other conventional means for securing the aft end of the tension member 120 at or near the transom 93 (FIG. 2). Preferably the tension member 120 and connector 124 extend around the edge of the transom 93. In a current embodiment, the connector 124 is a hook that is configured to be attached to a retainer (not shown) disposed on the transom 93. Alternatively, the upper and lower tension members 120 may be formed as a single strap or line that extends through the lower keeper portion 114, around an aft end of the stabilizer member 110, and back through the upper keeper portion 114.

(21) To attach the stabilizing member 110 to the side sheet 102, the tension members 120 are inserted into the corresponding keeper portions 114 of the sheath 112. As discussed above, a rod or other rigid or semi-rigid member may be used to guide the tension members 120 into the keeper portions 114.

(22) A forward end of each tension member 120 is positioned to engage the corresponding tensioning mechanism 122. The stabilizing member 110 engages the receiver 94, such that the stabilizing member 110 is disposed along the side sheet 102, adjacent the extrusions 106. It is contemplated that the stabilizing member 110 may be sized and shaped such that an inner surface is disposed against the side sheet 102 between the extrusions 106. In an alternative embodiment, the extrusions 106 are recessed in the side sheet 102 such that they are substantially flush with the side sheet 102. The keeper portions 114 with the tension members 110 slidably disposed therein are positioned in the channels 104. The aft end connector 124 of the tension members 120 are secured to the watercraft 100 near the aft end of the stabilizer 110. The deck access plate 130 is removed, providing access to the tensioning mechanisms 122, and the tension members 120 are pulled taut with the tensioning mechanisms 122, thereby securely fixing the stabilizing member to the hull 99. The deck access plate 130 is then reinstalled.

(23) The stabilizing member 110 may be easily removed by removing the deck access plate 130 and releasing the tension member 120 from the tensioning mechanism 122.

(24) A fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment for releasably attaching stabilizing members 210 to the watercraft 100 (starboard side) is shown in FIGS. 5A-6. In this embodiment, upper and lower flanges 206 are defined on the outboard side of the side sheet 202. The flanges 206 may be co-formed with the side sheet 202 or fixed to the side sheet 202, for example, by welding. A narrow, elongate recess or channel 204 is centrally located between the upper and lower flanges 206. In this embodiment, the channel 204 is formed as a corrugation in the side sheet 202. The flanges 206 are spaced apart and configured to receive the stabilizing member 210.

(25) The stabilizing member 210 is releasably fixed to the watercraft side sheet 202 with a single, centrally positioned tension member 120 that extends through an elongate keeper portion 214 on the inboard side of the stabilizing member 210. The keeper portion 214 and tension member 120 are sized to be received in the central channel 204. The connector 124 fixes the aft end of the tension member 120 to or near the aft end of the watercraft 100.

(26) An advantage of this second embodiment is the stabilizing member 210 is positioned between the flanges 206, thereby protecting the stabilizing member 210 from damage, for example, by hydrodynamic forces during operation of the watercraft 100.

(27) Optionally, a latch member 140, for example, a U-shaped hook member, is fixed to the side sheet 202 above the access plate 130. The latch member 140 is positioned to engage a corresponding engagement member such as a D-ring 142 (FIG. 5B).

(28) FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the receiver 94 and stabilizing member 210 in isolation, with the access plate 130 removed, providing access to the bow wrap or receiver 94 through the opening 132. The stabilizing member 210 is positioned to have a forward end inserted into the receiver 94. In this embodiment, the stabilizing member 210 is provided with a plurality of D-rings 142. The forward D-ring 142 is sized and positioned to releasably engage latch members 140 disposed on the outboard side of the side sheet 202 (FIG. 5A).

(29) In this embodiment, additional access plates 130 are installed at spaced-apart locations along the side sheet 202, and corresponding latch members 140 are installed on the outboard side of the side sheet 202. The access plates 130 and latch members 140 are positioned to engage corresponding D-rings 142 on the stabilizing members 210. It will be appreciated that the latching assembly 140, 142 may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, a more secure engagement may be accomplished by replacing the U-shaped latch members 140 with a closure mechanism having a positive engagement, for example, a carabiner, or the like. In another alternative, a twist and lock mechanism may be incorporated into the stabilizer and side sheet. Other options will be apparent to persons of skill in the art.

(30) The latch assemblies 140, 142 provide a secondary securement of the stabilizing members 210 to the side sheets 202, and facilitate installation and removal by holding the corresponding stabilizing member 210 in position before and after the tension member 120 is tightened. The latch assemblies 140, 142 also provide redundancy for retaining the outboard stabilizing members 210, in the event of failure of the primary tension members 120.

(31) The assembled stabilizing member 210 is readily installed as follows: (i) removing the access plates 130, (ii) connecting the forward end of the tension member 120 to the tensioning mechanism 122 installed in the receiver 94, (iii) inserting the forward end of the stabilizing member 210 into the receiver 94 with the stabilizing member 210 disposed between the flanges 206, (iv) connecting the latch assemblies 140, 142, (v) tightening the tension member 120 to secure the stabilizing member between the flanges 206, and (vi) replacing the access plates 130. The stabilizing member 210 may similarly be easily removed.

(32) A third embodiment of a quick release stabilizing member 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-6, but wherein the stabilizer assembly 310 comprises a plurality of separable segments 310A, 310B, and 310C. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the starboard side of a watercraft 300. An upper portion of the side sheet 302 receives and retains the sectional outboard stabilizer assembly 310. Upper and lower outboard flanges 306 define a channel that receives the sectional outboard stabilizer assembly 310, such that the flanges 306 extend over the upper and lower edges of the stabilizer assembly 310.

(33) The side sheet 302 includes spaced apart deck access plates 130 that are removable to provide access through the side sheet 302 to the channel defined between the flanges 306. An elongate recess 304 is defined similar to the channel 204 discussed above, to receive a tension member 120. For example, a slotted plate may be fixed at the aft end of the elongate recess 304 for securement of the connector 124 on the end of the tension member 120.

(34) FIG. 8 shows the view from FIG. 7, with the side sheet 302 removed to show the sectional stabilizer assembly 310, which is shown in exploded view. Although the sectional stabilizer assembly 310 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has three sections 310A, 310B, 310C, more or fewer sections are contemplated.

(35) As seen most clearly in FIG. 8, the sections 310A, 310B, 310C are formed such that adjacent surfaces between the sections are disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees (e.g., between 30 degrees and 60 degrees) with respect to the center plane of the watercraft 300. This angled joint provides protection from hydrodynamic forces during operation of the watercraft 300 at high speeds.

(36) Each of the sections 310A, 310B, and 310C may comprise an outer, flexible envelope or sheath that encloses a buoyant material, for example, foam. Each of the sections 310A, 310B, and 310C have a central keeper portion 314 that is sized and configured to receive the tension member 120, and positioned to be received into the elongate recess 304 in the side sheet 302.

(37) Latch members, for example, the D-rings 142 discussed above, or other types of latches, e.g., carabiner instead of a U-shaped hook providing a positive more secure capture of the D-rings, are provided to engage with corresponding latch members 140 (FIG. 5A) provided on the side sheet 302 and accessible through apertures when the deck access plates 130 are removed. Releasable clips 315, as are well known in the art, are fixed to the sections 310A, 310B, 310C to join the adjacent sections.

(38) The present invention provides a safe and stable high performance vessel with a quick release and secure installation of outboard stabilizing members.

(39) Although currently preferred embodiments are disclosed and illustrated in the figures, it will be appreciated that various changes could be made without departing from the present invention. For example, the tensioning mechanisms may be fixed to the watercraft near the aft end of the stabilizing members, and the forward end of the tension members may be hooked or latched near the bow of the watercraft. A crank or electric winch mechanism may be used to tighten the tension members. More than two tension members may be used to releasably secure the stabilizing members to the watercraft.

(40) While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.