POWER BOAT WITH WASH DIVERTER

Abstract

A wash diverter that diverts wash produced by a motor away from a smooth, steep surf wave form formed in a wake by a deployed wave shaper of a power boat. The wash diverter can extend along the bottom edge of a transom of the power boat and be rotated to different positions. The wash diverter can span between the chine and keel of the boat. The wash diverter can include a main plate portion and an elongate portion. The main plate portion can be disposed proximate the chine and an end of the elongate portion can be disposed proximate the keel. The elongate portion can have a width that is less than half of the main plate portion. The wash diverter can form a low-pressure pocket in the water behind the power boat to direct wash away from the smooth, steep surf wave form in the wake.

Claims

1. A water sports boat with a wash diverter to divert wash away from a port or a starboard surf wave form formed in a wake produced by the water sports boat by creating a low-pressure pocket, the water sports boat comprising: a cockpit including controls configured to provide a driver operation of the water sports boat; a hull comprising a transom, a keel, a port chine, and a starboard chine; a sterndrive engine configured to propel the hull of the water sports boat through water to create a wake; one or more wake shapers configured to be controlled by the driver to form a port or starboard wave form in the wake; and a wash diverter rotatably coupled to the transom, the wash diverter configured to be movable by an actuator between an upward stowed position and a downward deployed position, the wash diverter comprising a main tab and an elongate extension portion, the main tab disposed proximate the port chine or the starboard chine, and the elongate extension portion extending to proximate the keel; wherein the wash diverter is configured to be moved by the actuator to a deployed position in which the wash diverter creates a low-pressure pocket in the water that pulls wash produced by the sterndrive engine away from the port or starboard wave form in the wake to a more central position such that the port or starboard wave form has a smooth front face.

2. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the wash diverter is substantially coplanar with a projected plane of a running surface of the hull in the upward stowed position.

3. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the wash diverter is above a projected plane of a running surface of the hull in the upward stowed position.

4. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the wash diverter extends below a projected plane of a running surface of the hull when in the downward deployed position.

5. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the wash diverter is disposed at a position on the transom that is lower than that of the one or more wake shapers.

6. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the wash diverter is configured to be deployed when the one or more wake shapers are deployed.

7. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal edge of the wash diverter is rotatably coupled to the transom.

8. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the main tab extends away from the transom farther than the elongate extension portion.

9. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the main tab extends away from the transom twice as far as the elongate extension portion.

10. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein a length of the elongate extension portion in a chine-to-keel direction is greater than a width of the elongate extension portion extending away from the transom.

11. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein a length of the elongate extension portion in a chine-to-keel direction is at least twice as large as a length of the main tab in the chine-to-keel direction.

12. The water sports boat of claim 1, wherein the main tab and the elongate extension portion are integrally formed from a plate of material.

13. A water sports boat with a wash diverter to divert wash away from a port or a starboard surf wave form formed in a wake produced by the water sports boat, the water sports boat comprising: a cockpit including controls configured to provide a driver operation of the water sports boat; a hull comprising a transom, a keel, a port chine, and a starboard chine; an engine configured to propel the hull of the water sports boat through water to create a wake; one or more wake shapers configured to be controlled by the driver to form a port or starboard wave form in the wake; and a wash diverter rotatably coupled to the transom, the wash diverter configured to be movable by an actuator between an upward stowed position and a downward deployed position, the wash diverter comprising a tab and an elongate portion, the tab disposed proximate the port chine or the starboard chine, and the elongate portion extending to proximate the keel; wherein the wash diverter is configured to be moved by the actuator to a deployed position in which the wash diverter moves wash away from the port or starboard wave form in the wake to a more central position.

14. The water sports boat of claim 13, wherein the wash diverter extends below a projected plane of a running surface of the hull when in the downward deployed position.

15. The water sports boat of claim 13, wherein a longitudinal edge of the wash diverter is rotatably coupled to the transom proximate a bottom edge of the transom.

16. The water sports boat of claim 13, wherein the tab extends away from the transom farther than the elongate portion.

17. The water sports boat of claim 13, wherein a length of the elongate portion in a chine-to-keel direction is greater than a width of the elongate portion extending away from the transom.

18. The water sports boat of claim 13, wherein the wash diverter is disposed at a position on the transom that is lower than that of the one or more wake shapers.

19. A water sports boat with a wash diverter to divert wash away from a port or a starboard surf wave form formed in a wake produced by the water sports boat, the water sports boat comprising: a cockpit including controls configured to provide a driver operation of the water sports boat; a hull comprising a transom and a keel; an engine configured to propel the hull of the water sports boat through water to create a wake; one or more wake shapers configured to be controlled by the driver to form a port or starboard wave form in the wake; and a wash diverter rotatably coupled to the transom, the wash diverter configured to be movable by an actuator between an upward stowed position and a downward deployed position; wherein the wash diverter is configured to be moved by the actuator to a deployed position in which the wash diverter moves wash away from the port or starboard wave form in the wake to a more central position.

20. The water sports boat of claim 19, wherein the wash diverter is rotatably coupled to the transom proximate a bottom edge of the transom at a position that is lower than then one or more wake shapers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. In addition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an example power boat.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a stern of a power boat.

[0032] FIG. 3A illustrates a view of a sterndrive of a power boat.

[0033] FIG. 3B illustrates another view of the stern drive of FIG. 3B.

[0034] FIG. 3C illustrates another view of the stern drive of FIG. 3C.

[0035] FIG. 4A illustrates a view of a surf wave form in a wake with excessive wash.

[0036] FIG. 4B illustrates a view of a surf wave form with excessive wash.

[0037] FIG. 4C illustrates results of a finite element analysis of a portion of a wake with excessive wash proximate a sterndrive of a power boat.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an example wash diverter.

[0039] FIG. 6A illustrates the wash diverter mounted on a power boat proximate a port chine.

[0040] FIG. 6B illustrates the wash diverter mounted on a power boat proximate a starboard chine.

[0041] FIG. 7A illustrates a flow of water along a running surface of a hull of the power boat hitting the deployed wash diverter.

[0042] FIG. 7B illustrates a flow of water along a running surface of a hull of the power boat hitting the deployed wash diverter.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a surf wave form with wash diverted by the deployed wash diverter out of the surf wave form.

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates example non-limiting dimensions of the wash diverter.

[0045] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a deployed wash diverter.

[0046] FIG. 11A shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter not deployed.

[0047] FIG. 11B shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter 10% deployed.

[0048] FIG. 11C shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter 25% deployed.

[0049] FIG. 11D shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter 50% deployed.

[0050] FIG. 11E shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter 75% deployed.

[0051] FIG. 11F shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter 100% deployed.

[0052] FIG. 12A shows a starboard surf wave form with the power boat traveling at 12 MPH with the wash diverter deployed at a position.

[0053] FIG. 12B shows a starboard surf wave form with the power boat traveling at 11.5 MPH with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 12A.

[0054] FIG. 12C shows a starboard surf wave form with the power boat traveling at 11 MPH with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 12A.

[0055] FIG. 12D shows a starboard surf wave form with the power boat traveling at 10.5 MPH with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 12A.

[0056] FIG. 12E shows a starboard surf wave form with the power boat traveling at 10 MPH with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 12A.

[0057] FIG. 13A shows a port surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a zero percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at a position.

[0058] FIG. 13B shows a port surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a five percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 13A.

[0059] FIG. 13C shows a port surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a ten percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 13A.

[0060] FIG. 13D shows a port surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a fifteen percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 13A.

[0061] FIG. 13E shows a port surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a twenty percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 13A.

[0062] FIG. 14A shows a starboard surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a zero percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at a position.

[0063] FIG. 14B shows a starboard surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a five percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 14A.

[0064] FIG. 14C shows a starboard surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a ten percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 14A.

[0065] FIG. 14D shows a starboard surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a fifteen percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 14A.

[0066] FIG. 14E shows a starboard surf wave from with the sterndrive of the power boat at a twenty percent deployment with the wash diverter deployed at the same position as in FIG. 14A.

[0067] FIG. 15A shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter rotated to one hundred percent deployment.

[0068] FIG. 15B shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter rotated to fifty percent deployment.

[0069] FIG. 15C shows a port surf wave form with the wash diverter rotated to twenty-five percent deployment.

[0070] FIG. 16A shows a port surf wave with the wash diverter deployed with the port ballast tank emptied.

[0071] FIG. 16B illustrates a wakeboard wake with the power boat traveling at 22 MPH.

[0072] FIG. 16C illustrates an example free body diagram of the wash diverter in use.

[0073] FIG. 16D illustrates the results of a finite element analysis representing stress of the wash diverter.

[0074] FIG. 16E illustrates the results of a finite element analysis representing deflection of the wash diverter.

[0075] FIG. 16F illustrates the results of a finite element analysis representing stress of the wash diverter.

[0076] FIG. 16G illustrates the results of a finite element analysis representing deflection of the wash diverter.

[0077] FIG. 17 illustrates a wash diverter.

[0078] FIG. 18A illustrates a wash diverter.

[0079] FIG. 18B shows the wash diverter of FIG. 18A coupled to a power boat.

[0080] FIG. 18C shows the wash diverter of FIG. 18A coupled to a power boat.

[0081] FIG. 18D shows the wash diverter of FIG. 18A coupled to a power boat.

[0082] FIG. 18E shows the wash diverter of FIG. 18A coupled to a power boat.

[0083] FIG. 18F shows the wash diverter of FIG. 18A coupled to a power boat.

[0084] FIG. 18G illustrates a port surf wave with the wash divert of FIGS. 18A-18F deployed.

[0085] FIG. 19A illustrates a wash diverter.

[0086] FIG. 19B illustrates the wash diverter of FIG. 19A mounted on a power boat.

[0087] FIG. 19C illustrates the wash diverter of FIG. 19A mounted on a power boat.

[0088] FIG. 20A illustrates a wash diverter.

[0089] FIG. 20B illustrates the wash diverter of FIG. 20A mounted on a power boat.

[0090] FIG. 20C illustrates the wash diverter of FIG. 20A mounted on a power boat.

[0091] FIG. 20D illustrates the wash diverter of FIG. 20A mounted on a power boat.

[0092] FIG. 21A illustrates a wash diverter.

[0093] FIG. 21B illustrates the wash divert of FIG. 21A mounted on a power boat.

[0094] FIG. 22A illustrates a table and graph with test results for different wash diverters showing the area of the wash diverter and an effective area at a twenty-two degree deployment.

[0095] FIG. 22B illustrates a table with drag force, area, and velocity for the wash diverters of FIG. 22A.

[0096] FIG. 23 illustrates a wash diverter mounted on a power boat.

[0097] FIG. 24 illustrates a wash diverter mounted on a power boat.

[0098] FIG. 25A illustrates a wash diverter mounted on a power boat.

[0099] FIG. 25B illustrates the wash diverter of FIG. 25A mounted on a power boat.

[0100] FIG. 26 illustrates a wash diverter mounted on a motor.

[0101] FIG. 27 illustrates a wash diverter mounted on a motor.

[0102] FIG. 28 illustrates a block diagram of a control system for a power boat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiments described below.

[0104] FIG. 1 illustrates an example power boat 100 (e.g., watersport boat, watercraft, boat, water craft, marine vehicle, aquatic vehicle, watersport vehicle) that can be used for wake surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, pulling inflatables, etc. The boat 100 can include a bow 102, stern 104, port side 122, starboard side 124, hull 120, swim deck 118, transom 116, control center 114 (e.g., cockpit), longitudinal axis 106, vertical axis 108, transverse axis 110, tower 112, and/or other features. The control center 114 can include a user interface that enables a driver to control the various systems of the boat 100.

[0105] FIG. 2 illustrates the stern 104 of the boat 100. The boat 100 can include a surf wake system 126, which can at least include one or more wake/wave shaper(s) shapers 128, 129 (e.g., flap(s), tab(s)), wake-modifying device(s) 130 (e.g., wedge(s)), a hydrofoil system (e.g., similar to the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,518,482, the entire content of which is incorporated herein), and/or a ballast system.

[0106] The one or more wake/wave shaper(s) 128, 129 can include a starboard wake shaper 128 and/or port wake shaper 129. The one or more wake/wave shaper(s) shapers 128, 129 can be mounted, which can include adjustably mounted, to the boat 100 for deflecting water travelling past the transom 116 of the boat 100 to shape a wake for surfing. The port wake shaper 129 can be positioned on the port side 122 and/or stern 104 of the boat 100. The starboard wake shaper 128 can be positioned on the starboard side 124 and/or stern 104 of the boat 100. In some variants, the one or more wake/wave shaper(s) 128, 129 can be stowed in recess(es) of the swim deck 118. One such device is commercially available from Malibu Boats under the product name SURF GATE, which is similar to those flaps described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,260,161, the entire content of which is incorporated herein. Other commercially available surf shapers include tabs or blades manually operated (e.g., rotated out, slid out, etc.), electronically controlled, suction or bolt-on adherent devices, and the like. The one or more wake/wave shaper(s) 128, 129 can include a pivot axis that is at an angle (e.g., greater than 90, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, or 0 degrees or any value between any of the foregoing) relative to a water surface supporting the boat 100.

[0107] The one or more wake-modifying device(s) 130 (e.g., wedge) can enhance the overall size of the wake formed by the boat 100. The wedge 130 can be stowed, as illustrated, or deployed to modify the wake created by the hull 120 of the boat 100. For example, the wedge 130 can be rotated downward to a deployed position within the water to create a downward force, pulling the hull 120 deeper into the water to create a larger wake. One such device is commercially available from Malibu Boats under the product name, Power Wedge, which is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,318, the entire content of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference. Another such device may incorporate pivotal centerline fins of the type developed by Malibu Boats and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,214, the entire content of which is also incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

[0108] The wake/wave shaper(s) 128, 129 and wedge(s) 130 can modify the configuration of a wake, such as the shape and/or size. The wake/wave shaper(s) 128, 129 and wedge(s) 130 can be used with a ballast tank system and/or hydrofoil system to produce wakes of a greater size.

[0109] FIGS. 3A-3C show various views of a motor 132 (e.g., sterndrive) of the boat 100. The motor 132 can include a propeller 133 that rotates to propel the boat 100 on water. As described herein, the motor 132 can produce wash (e.g., turbulence) that disrupts a surf wave form. The motor 132 can produce wash due to a variety of features, which can include non-hydrodynamic features such as an open and/or flat cavitation plate and/or non-hydrodynamic actuator.

[0110] FIGS. 4A and 4B show various views of a surf wave form in a wake 134 behind a boat 100 with excessive wash 138. The boat 100 has deployed a wake shaper to produce a surf wave form in the wake 134 on the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134, but wash 138 from the motor 132 is at the port-side portion 136 such that the port-side portion 136 does not have a steep, smooth surf wave form. As described herein, wash 138 caused by the motor 132 can spill over the peak of the surf wave form to disrupt the steep, smooth surf wave form. FIG. 4C shows illustrates results of a finite element analysis of the portion of the wake with excessive wash 138 proximate a sterndrive of the power boat 100.

[0111] FIG. 5 illustrates an example wash diverter 140, which can also be referred to as a wash dampener, wash suppressor, and/or wash controller. As described herein, the wash diverter 140 can be disposed (e.g., mounted, coupled) at the stern 104 (e.g., transom 116) of a boat 100. The wash diverter 140 can be deployed (e.g., rotated, slid, shifted) to divert wash 138 away from a surf wave form in a wake 134. For example, the wash diverter 140, when deployed, can create a low-pressure pocket in the water behind the boat 100 that diverts wash 138 away from the surf wave form in the wake 134. The wash diverter 140 can form a depression in the water that diverts wash 138 out of the surf wave form.

[0112] The wash diverter 140 can include a main plate portion 142, which can also be referred to as a tab, flange, plate, portion, enlarged portion, and/or main portion. In some variants, the main plate portion 142 can include a largest width (e.g., measured in the fore-aft direction) of the wash diverter 140. In some variants, the main plate portion 142 can include a trapezoid shape. In some variants, the main plate portion 142 can be a variety of shapes, which can include at least include semicircular, polygonal (e.g., triangle, square, rectangle, etc.), irregular, and/or others. The main plate portion 142 can include an outer side 154, an inner side 156, and an end (e.g., aft) side 157. The outer side 154 and inner side 156 can define opposing sides of the main plate portion 142. The outer side 154 and inner side 156 can be angled relative to each other, which can include being less than 30, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or more than 120 degrees or any value between any of the foregoing values. The end side 157 can define an end of the main plate portion 142 and extend between the outer side 154 and inner side 156. The end side 157 can be the side of the main plate portion 142 that is farthest from the boat 100 when the wash diverter 140 is rotated to a deployed position. The end side 157 can be straight (e.g., parallel to the transverse axis 110), angled (e.g., angled relative to the transverse axis 110), or curved. In some variants, curves can define the junctures between the end side 157 and the outer side 154 and inner side 156. In some variants, the main plate portion 142 can include flanges at a periphery thereof that can be angled up and/or down. In some variants, the main plate portion 142 can include a plurality of planes (e.g., be multiplanar) that are angled relative to each other.

[0113] The wash diverter 140 can include an elongate portion 144, which can also be referred to as an elongate extension and/or elongate extension portion. The elongate portion 144 can extend away from the main plate portion 142, which can include extending away from the inner side 156 of the main plate portion 142. A radius can be disposed at the juncture between the elongate portion 144 and the inner side 156 of the main plate portion 142. The elongate portion 144 can include a radius on an end portion opposite the main plate portion 142. The elongate portion 144 can include a length (e.g., measured in the port-starboard direction, measured in the chine-to-keel direction) that is two or more times the length of the main plate portion 142. In some variants, the elongate portion 144 can include a length that is less than, equal to, one and half times, two times, two and a half times, three times, or more than three times that of the main plate portion 142 or any value or range of values between any of the foregoing values. The elongate portion 144 can include a width (e.g., measured in the fore-aft direction, measured away from transom) that is smaller than the width of the main plate portion 142. For example, the elongate portion 144 can include a width that is less than one quarter, one quarter, one third, one half, or greater than one half or any value between any of the foregoing of the width of the main plate portion 142. The width of the elongate portion 144 can be less than one, one, two, three, four, five, or six or more inches or any value between any of the foregoing values.

[0114] The wash diverter 140 can include one or more holes 147 that can facilitate coupling the wash diverter 140 to the boat 100 (e.g., transom 116). For example, the holes 147 can couple the wash diverter 140 to a hinge coupled to the boat 100 (e.g., transom 116).

[0115] FIG. 6A illustrates the wash diverter 140 coupled to the boat 100. The wash diverter 140 can be coupled to a hinge 148 coupled to the transom 116 to facilitate rotating the wash diverter 140 to different positions. The wash diverter 140 can be positioned proximate (e.g., less than half, one, two, three, or four or more inches or any value between any of the foregoing away from) a bottom edge of the transom 116. The wash diverter 140 can follow the bottom edge of the transom 116. The wash diverter 140 can extend from a chine 150 on a port side 122 of the boat 100 to the keel 152 of the boat 100. For example, the wash diverter 140 (e.g., main plate portion 142) can be positioned proximate (e.g., less than 0.5, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more inches or any value or range of values between the foregoing away from) the chine 150 on a port side 122 of the boat 100. The wash diverter 140 (e.g., end of the elongate portion 144) can be positioned proximate (e.g., less than seven and half inches away from) the keel 152 of the boat 100. In some variants, the end of the elongate portion 144 can be positioned less than one, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more inches or any value between any of the foregoing away from the keel 152. The elongate portion 144 can direct wash from the motor away from the surf face of a wave in the wake. The elongate portion 144 can create a low pressure pocket to direct wash away from the surf face of a wave in the wake. The lower pressure pocket can be created centrally behind (e.g., aft) of the boat. The elongate portion 144 can divert wash to the opposite side of a wave in the wake relative to the surf face, which can improve the consistency of the wave.

[0116] As described herein, a port wake shaper 129 can be disposed at the stern 104. An actuator 166 can move (e.g., rotate) the port wake shaper 129 to deploy to form a surf wave form in the wake behind the boat 100. An actuator 162 (e.g., electric actuator, hydraulic actuator) can be coupled to the wash diverter 140 (e.g., main plate portion 142) and the boat 100 (e.g., transom 116) to move the wash diverter 140 to different positions. For example, the actuator 162 can rotate the wash diverter 140 about the hinge 148 to different positions (e.g., angles relative to the transom 116). The actuator 162 can deploy the wash diverter 140 to divert wash created by the motor 132 away from the surf wave form, which can include creating a low-pressure area behind the boat 100 to contain wash. The wash diverter 140 can be disposed below (e.g., lower than) the port wake shaper 129. The actuator 162 for the wash diverter 140 can be disposed below (e.g., lower than) the actuator 166 of the port wake shaper 129. In some variants, the actuator 162 can deploy the wash diverter 140 from 0% to 100% deployment in 2-4 seconds. In some variants, the actuator 162 can deploy the wash diverter 140 from 0% to 100% deployment slower than 4 seconds or faster than 2 seconds.

[0117] FIG. 6B illustrates the wash diverter 140 in a mirrored arrangement about the keel 152 compared to the arrangement depicted in FIG. 6A. As illustrated, the main plate portion 142 can be disposed proximate (e.g., within less than 0.5, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more inches or any value or range of values between the foregoing from) the chine 150 on the starboard side 124 of the boat 100. The end of the elongate portion 144 can extend from the main plate portion 142 to proximate (e.g., within less than 0.5, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more inches or any value or range of values between the foregoing from) the keel 152. As described herein, the starboard wake shaper 128 can be disposed at the stern and can be moved by way of an actuator to deploy to form a surf wave form in the wake behind the boat 100. The actuator 162 can deploy the wash diverter 140 to divert wash created by the motor 132 away from the surf wave form, which can include creating a low-pressure area behind the boat 100 to contain wash. The starboard wash diverter 140 and port wash diverter 140 can each have a dedicated actuator 162. In some variants, the outer side 154 of the main plate portion 142 can be disposed at a ninety degree angle relative to a longitudinal dimension of the elongate portion 144.

[0118] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a flow of water along a running surface 158 of the hull 120 and past the transom 116 to the deployed wash diverter 140 as the boat 100 moves through the water. The flow of water can be pushed downward as it flows into the wash diverter 140 which can create a pocket for the wash created by the motor 132. The wash diverter 140 can, in some variants, extend the running surface 158 of the hull 120. As illustrated, the wash diverter 140 can be disposed proximate the bottom edge of the transom 116 such that water flowing along the running surface 158 flows into the wash diverter 140. The wash diverter 140, in the deployed configuration, can extend below a projected plane of the running surface 158. The wash diverter 140, in some variants, can be disposed on (e.g., coupled to) the transom 116 at a position that is within less than 0.25, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25, 3.50, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, 6.0, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7.0, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8.0, or more inches away from a bottom edge of the transom 116, which can include any value or range of values between any of the foregoing values.

[0119] FIG. 8 show a smooth and steep surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with wash 138 diverted by the deployed wash diverter 140 out of the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134. As shown, the wash 138 is pulled out of the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 to leave a smooth face on the surf wave form. As described herein, the wash diverter 140 can create a low-pressure pocket, which can be centrally located aft of the boat 100, to position the wash 138 out of the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134.

[0120] FIG. 9 illustrates example non-limiting dimensions of the wash diverter 140. The elongate portion 144 can have varying widths (e.g., measured in the fore-aft direction) as described herein. The dimensions listed can be individually adjusted by less than 5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% or more than 50% or any value or range of values between any of the foregoing.

[0121] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a deployed wash diverter 140. As described herein, the wash diverter 140 can be deployed (e.g., rotated) to different positions. For example, in some variants, the wash diverter 140 can be rotated from a position deployed behind the boat 100 and substantially coplanar with the projected plane of the running surface 158 of the hull 120 to any angle less than and including forty-two degrees from the projected plane of the bottom running surface 158. Accordingly, in some variants, zero percent deployment corresponds to the wash diverter 140 being coplanar with the projected plane of the bottom running surface 158 and one hundred percent deployment corresponds to the wash diverter 140 being at a forty-two degree angle with the projected plane of the bottom running surface 158, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The wash diverter 140 can be rotated to any position between zero and forty-two degrees. In some variants, the wash diverter 140 can be rotated to angles larger than forty-two degrees. In some variants, the wash diverter 140 can be rotated to angles between zero and ninety degrees. In some variants, the wash diverter 140 can be rotated to proximate the transom 116 for stowage.

[0122] FIGS. 11A-11F show port surf wave forms with the starboard wash diverter 140 rotated to different positions. Throughout FIGS. 11A-11F, the drive trim was maintained at fifteen percent, the port wash diverter 140 was at zero percent deployment, the starboard wake shaper 128 was deployed, the port wake shaper 129 was stowed, and the boat 100 was travelling at 11 MPH. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at zero percent deployment, significant wash 138 was impacting the surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at ten percent deployment, excessive wash 138 was still present in the surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134. As illustrated in FIG. 11C, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at twenty-five percent deployment, a significant amount of wash 138 was diverted from the front side of the surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 while some wash 138 remained on the backside of the surf wave form proximate the peak of the surf wave form. As illustrated in FIG. 11D, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at fifty percent deployment, wash 138 was diverted from the surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134. As illustrated in FIG. 11E, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at seventy-five percent deployment, wash 138 was diverted from the surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134. As illustrated in FIG. 11F, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at one hundred percent deployment, wash 138 was diverted from the surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134. Pitches and rolls associated with each configuration are also indicated in FIGS. 11A-11F. Significant improvement was noted between FIGS. 11C and 11D.

[0123] FIGS. 12A-12E show starboard surf wave forms with the port wash diverter 140 deployed and the boat 100 traveling at different speeds. Throughout FIGS. 12A-12E, the drive trim was maintained at fifteen percent, the port wash diverter 140 was deployed at one hundred percent, the starboard wash diverter 140 was at zero percent deployment, the starboard wake shaper 128 was stowed, and the port wake shaper 129 was deployed. FIG. 12A shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the boat 100 travelling at 12 MPH. FIG. 12B shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the boat 100 travelling at 11.5 MPH. FIG. 12C shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the boat 100 travelling at 11 MPH. FIG. 12D shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the boat 100 travelling at 10.5 MPH. FIG. 12E shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the boat 100 travelling at 10 MPH. As shown, with decreasing speed, the wash 138 increased but the starboard surf wave form became steeper.

[0124] FIGS. 13A-13E show port surf wave forms with the starboard wash diverter 140 deployed and different drive trims. Throughout FIGS. 13A-13E, the port wash diverter 140 was at zero percent deployment, the starboard wash diverter 140 was at one hundred percent deployment, the starboard wake shaper 128 was deployed, the port wake shaper 129 was stowed, and the boat 100 was traveling at 12 MPH. FIG. 13A shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at zero percent. FIG. 13B shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at five percent. FIG. 13C shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at ten percent. FIG. 13D shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at fifteen percent. FIG. 13E shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at twenty percent. As shown, the height of the surf wave from in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 increased as the drive trim was increased. Pitches and rolls associated with each configuration are also indicated in FIGS. 13A-13E.

[0125] FIGS. 14A-14E show starboard surf wave forms with the port wash diverter 140 deployed and different drive trims. Throughout FIGS. 14A-14E, the starboard wash diverter 140 was at zero percent deployment, the port wash diverter 140 was at one hundred percent deployment, the port wake shaper 129 was deployed, the starboard wake shaper 128 was stowed, and the boat 100 was traveling at 12 MPH. FIG. 14A shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at zero percent. FIG. 14B shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at five percent. FIG. 14C shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at ten percent. FIG. 14D shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at fifteen percent. FIG. 14E shows the starboard surf wave form in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 with the drive trim at twenty percent. As shown, the height of the surf wave from in the starboard-side portion 137 of the wake 134 increased as the drive trim was increased. Pitches and rolls associated with each configuration are also indicated

[0126] FIGS. 15A-15C show port surf wave forms in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the starboard wash diverter 140 rotated to different positions. FIG. 15A shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the starboard wash diverter 140 rotated to one hundred percent deployment, which can be forty-two degrees. FIG. 15B shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the starboard wash diverter 140 rotated to fifty percent deployment, which can correspond with eighteen degrees. FIG. 15C shows the port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the starboard wash diverter 140 rotated to twenty-five percent deployment, which can be eight degrees. As shown in FIG. 15B, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at fifty percent deployment, the wash 138 negatively impacted the surf wave form. As shown in FIG. 15C, with the starboard wash diverter 140 at twenty-five percent deployment, the wash 138 severely impacted the surf wave form (e.g., disrupted the smooth surf face).

[0127] FIG. 16A shows a port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 with the starboard wash diverter 140 deployed with the port tank emptied, which resulted in a roll drop below four degrees. FIG. 16B illustrates a wakeboard wake 134 with the boat 100 traveling at 22 MPH and the motor at fifteen degrees of trim.

[0128] FIG. 16C illustrates a free body diagram of the wash diverter 140. FIGS. 16D-16G illustrate the results of finite element analyses (FEA) for the wash diverter 140.

[0129] FIGS. 16D and 16E respectively show FEA results for stress and deflection of the wash diverter 140 with the boat traveling at 12 MPH, the wash diverter 140 made with 10-gauge plate, 881N applied to the wash diverter 140, and the wash diverter 140 positioned at 100% deployment. As shown in FIG. 16D, stress was heightened, including the maximum stress of 9,350 PSI, on the main plate portion 142 proximate where the main plate portion 142 couples to boat 100 (e.g., proximate a hinge). Stress was heightened proximate the inner side of the middle hinge coupling the elongate portion 144 to the boat 100. Stress was heightened along the elongate portion 144 between the middle hinge and the hinge coupling the main plate portion 142 to the boat 100. As shown in FIG. 16E, deflection was heightened, including the maximum deflection of 0.06 inches, on the free end (e.g., aft end) of the main plate portion 142. Deflection was heighted on the elongate portion 144 between the middle hinge and the hinge coupling the main plate portion 142 to the boat 100.

[0130] FIGS. 16F and 16G respectively show FEA results for stress and deflection of the wash diverter 140 with the boat traveling at 50 MPH, the wash diverter 140 made with 10-gauge plate, 2791N applied to the wash diverter 140, and the wash diverter 140 positioned at 50% deployment. As shown in FIG. 16F, stress was heightened, including the maximum stress of 29,662 PSI, on the main plate portion 142 proximate where the main plate portion 142 couples to boat 100 (e.g., proximate a hinge). Stress was heightened proximate the inner side of the middle hinge coupling the elongate portion 144 to the boat 100. Stress was heightened along the elongate portion 144 between the middle hinge and the hinge coupling the main plate portion 142 to the boat 100. As shown in FIG. 16G, deflection was heightened, including the maximum deflection of 0.19 inches, on the free end (e.g., aft end) of the main plate portion 142. Deflection was heighted on the elongate portion 144 between the middle hinge and the hinge coupling the main plate portion 142 to the boat 100.

[0131] FIG. 17 illustrates a wash diverter 172. The wash diverter 172 can include any of the features of wash diverter 140 or other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 172 can include a main plate portion 174 that has a smaller angle between the outer side 154 and inner side 156 compared to the wash diverter 140.

[0132] FIG. 18A illustrates a wash diverter 168. The wash diverter 168 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein such as the elongate portion 144. The wash diverter 168 can include a main plate portion 170 that has a semicircular shape. The transition between the main plate portion 170 and the elongate portion 144 can be curved, which can include a concave to convex curvature change between the main plate portion 170 and the elongate portion 144. FIGS. 18B-18F show the wash diverter 168 mounted on the boat 100 in a similar manner as described for the wash diverter 140. FIG. 18G illustrates a port surf wave form in the port-side portion 136 of the wake 134 with the starboard wash diverter 168 deployed to divert wash 138 as described herein.

[0133] FIG. 19A illustrates a wash diverter 176. The wash diverter 176 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 176 can include a main plate portion 178 that has an outer side 154 and an inner side 156 that are angled relative to each other, which can at least include less than 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, or more than 145 degrees or any value or range of values between any of the foregoing. The outer side 154 and inner side 156 can be joined by a curved end side 157 (e.g., semicircle). The elongate portion 144 can be about the same length as the main plate portion 178. In some variants, the elongate portion 144 can be larger or smaller in length as the main plate portion 178. FIGS. 19B and 19C illustrate the wash diverter 176 coupled to a boat 100.

[0134] FIG. 20A illustrates a wash diverter 180. The wash diverter 180 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 180 can include a wing shape. The wash diverter 180 can include a straight inner side and an angled outer side. The straight inner side can be generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 106 of the boat 100. The straight inner side can be perpendicular relative to a straight fore side and a straight aft side (e.g., side with holes). The angled outer side can be angled relative to straight inner side, which can include an angle less than 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or more than 70 degrees or any value or range of values between any of the foregoing. FIGS. 20B-20D illustrate the wash diverter 180 mounted to a boat 100. The straight inner side can be positioned closer to the keel 152 than the angled outer side. The wash diverter 180 can be disposed generally central between the keel 152 and the chine. In some variants, the wash diverter 180 can be disposed closer to the keel 152.

[0135] FIG. 21A illustrates a wash diverter 182. The wash diverter 182 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 182 can include a main plate portion 184 that can be generally rectangular in shape, which can include having rounded corners. The elongate portion 144 can have a width that is more than half of a width of the main plate portion 184. The elongate portion 144 can have a width that is more than two-thirds of a width of the wash diverter 182. The elongate portion 144 can be two, three, four, five, or more than five times the length of the main plate portion 184. FIG. 21B illustrates the main plate portion 184 mounted on the transom 116 of a boat 100.

[0136] FIG. 22A illustrates a table with test results for a 9 by 12 inch wash diverter tab, wash diverter 176, wash diverter 180, wash diverter 182, wash diverter 172, and wash diverter 168. As shown, the area for the 9 by 12 inch tab was 108 square inches with the effective area at 22 degrees of deployment being 24 square inches. As shown, the area for the wash diverter 176 was 335 square inches with the effective area at 22 degrees of deployment being 125 square inches. As shown, the area for the wash diverter 180 was 332 square inches with the effective area at 22 degrees of deployment being 124 square inches. As shown, the area for wash diverter 182 was 133 square inches with the effective area at 22 degrees of deployment being 50 square inches. As shown, the area for the wash diverter 172 was 174 square inches with the effective area at 22 degrees of deployment being 65 square inches. As shown, the area for the wash diverter 168 was 185 square inches with the effective area at 69 degrees of deployment being 24 square inches.

[0137] FIG. 22B a table showing drag force, area, and velocity for the 9 by 12 inch wash diverter tab, wash diverter 176, wash diverter 180, wash diverter 182, wash diverter 172, and wash diverter 168.

[0138] FIG. 23 illustrates a wash diverter 185 rotatably coupled to the stern 104 of a boat 100. The wash diverter 185 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 185 can have a generally rectangular shape, which can include rounded corners.

[0139] FIG. 24 illustrates a wash diverter 186 rotatably coupled to the stern 104 of a boat 100. The wash diverter 186 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 186 can have a wing-like shape, which can include rounded corners.

[0140] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a wash diverter 188 rotatably coupled to the stern 104 of a boat 100. The wash diverter 188 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 188 can have a plurality of angled flanges that can be angled up and/or down. For example, an inner flange of the wash diverter 188 can be angled upward (e.g., less than 5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 or more degrees) relative to an adjoining portion of the wash diverter 188. An outer flange of the wash diverter 188 can be angled downward (e.g., less than 90, 90, or more than 90 degrees) relative to an adjoining portion of wash diverter 188. The wash diverter 188 can be disposed proximate the keel 152 of the boat 100.

[0141] FIG. 26 illustrates a wash diverter 190. The wash diverter 190 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 190 can be coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the motor 132, which can include being disposed above the propeller 133. The wash diverter 190 can be a plate. The wash diverter 190 can be generally u-shaped. The wash diverter 190 can curve around a forward-facing portion of the motor 132.

[0142] FIG. 27 illustrates a wash diverter 192. The wash diverter 192 can include any of the features of the other wash diverters described herein. The wash diverter 192 can be coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the motor (sterndrive motor) 132, which can include being disposed above the propeller 133. The wash diverter 190 can be disposed around the motor 132. The wash diverter 190 can include a horizontal plate with downward angled flanges disposed at opposing port and starboard sides.

[0143] FIG. 28 schematically illustrates an example control system 200. The architecture of the control system 200 can include an arrangement of computer hardware and software components used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. The control system 200 may include more or fewer elements than those shown in FIG. 28. It is not necessary, however, that all of these elements be shown in order to provide an enabling disclosure.

[0144] The control system 200 can be integrated into the water-sports boat 100, for example, fully integrated with a CAN bus of the water-sports boat 100. In some variants, the control system 200 or a portion thereof can be an aftermarket solution which may be installed on and/or otherwise connected with the water-sports boat 100, which can include connecting into the CAN bus or operating independently of the CAN bus. The control system 200, in some variants, can control the wash diverter(s) 232 and/or other systems and features of the water-sports boat 100, such as those illustrated in FIG. 28, which can include a ballast system 218, wedge(s) 220, tank(s) 222, wave/wake shaper(s) 228, engine(s) 262, camera(s) 264, light(s) 266, speaker(s) 268, thruster(s) 272, etc. The control system 200 can include a controller 202 that is in communication, via a data communication technique (e.g., wired and/or wireless) with a memory system 244, user interface 204 (e.g., control center, cockpit), ballast system 218, flow management system 226, and/or other systems 258.

[0145] The user interface 204 can provide (e.g., display) information to an operator and/or receive input from the operator. The user interface 204 and/or portions thereof can be integrated into the water-sports boat 100, such as built into a console proximate an operator's seat. The user interface 204 and/or portions thereof can be an application on a portable device, such as an operator's portable electronic device 216 (e.g., phone). The user interface 204 can include display(s) 206 and/or gauge(s) 208. In some variants, the display(s) 206 can be the operator's portable electronic device 216. The display(s) 206 can show status/configuration information regarding the water-sports boat 100 and/or the systems thereof. For example, the display(s) 206 can illustrate the position of the wash diverter(s) 232, such as whether the wash diverter(s) 232 are in the stowed, deployed, and/or intermediate position. In some variants, the display(s) 206 can illustrate an angle of the wash diverter(s) 232, which can include an angle in real time. The gauge(s) 208 can display information such as fuel level, battery level, fill level of the ballast tank(s) 222, etc.

[0146] The user interface 204 can receive operator input 210. The user interface 204 can receive operator input 210 to control the wash diverter(s) 232 and/or other systems, features, etc. of the water-sport boat 100. In some variants, the display(s) 206 are touch screen(s) that can receive operator input. In some variants, an operator and/or user can operate a switch(es) (button(s), switch(s), touch screen(s), knob(s), toggle(s), etc.) 314 and/or remote 212 to control the wash diverter(s) 232. For example, the switch 214 (or other user input element) can be manipulated to command the wash diverter(s) 232 to deploy or stow. In some variants, a portable electronic device 216, such as a smartphone (e.g., iphone, Android operated phone, etc.), can be used to command the wash diverter(s) 232 and/or monitor the status of the wash diverter(s) 232 via an application.

[0147] In some variants, the switch(s) 214 can be located at or proximate the driving console (e.g., cockpit, control center, steering) to be easily accessible by an operator, which can include on the display(s) 206. In some variants, the switch(es) 214 can be located at or proximate the stern 104 of the water-sports boat 100, which can include a position accessible to the user when in the water and/or proximate the swim deck 118. In some variants, the switch(es) 214 can be on an operator's portable electronic device 216, such as a phone. In some variants, the switch(es) 214 can be on a remote 212 that can be carried and/or worn by the user and/or operator. In some variants, the switch(es) 212 can be on another location of the water-sports boat 100. Various other types of user input elements can be used instead of, or in addition to, the switch(es).

[0148] The ballast system 218 can include various systems to control the depth of the hull of the water-sports boat 100 within water, which can modify the wake. The ballast system 218 can include the wedge(s) 220, described herein. The ballast system 218 can include tank(s) 222, which can be filled or emptied to adjust the hull level of the boat 100. The ballast system 218 can include other systems 224 to adjust the hull position of the boat 100.

[0149] The flow management system 226 can include the wave/wake shaper(s) 228. The flow management system 226 can include internal flow control 230, which can monitor the flow of water into and out of the ballast tank(s) 222. The flow management system 226 can include other systems 242. The flow management system 226 can include the wash diverter(s) 232, which can include a port wash diverter and a starboard wash diverter. The wash diverter(s) 232 can include one or more actuator(s) 234, feedback sensor(s) 236, position sensor(s) 238, timer(s) 240, and/or other features.

[0150] The wash diverter(s) 232 can be actuated by the actuator(s) 234 between the stowed and deployed positions. The actuator 234 can be a hydraulic actuator, electric actuator, electric hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, linear actuator, rotary actuator, motor, and/or another suitable actuator. In some variants, the actuator 234 can be disengaged and/or otherwise facilitate manual manipulation of the wash diverter(s) 232. In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 can include a release mechanism that enables an operator to manually maneuver the wash diverter(s) 232 between the stowed and deployed positions. In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 can not move or may not substantially move without actuation by the actuator 234 unless the release mechanism is manipulated, which can advantageously impede unwanted movement of the wash diverter(s) 232.

[0151] The wash diverter(s) 232 can include one or more position sensors 238. The position sensor 238 can sense the status (e.g., position, location) of the wash diverter(s) 232, such as deployed, deploying, stowed, stowing, etc. The position sensor 238 can sense the angle of the wash diverter(s) 232, such as the angle of the wash diverter(s) 232 between the stowed and deployed positions. The position sensor 238 can verify that the wash diverter(s) 232 is at an expected location after the wash diverter(s) 232 begins to deploy or stow. For example, the wash diverter(s) 232 can have an expected position after a given amount of time upon commencing deployment or stowage. The wash diverter(s) 232 can have a timer 240 and/or the memory system 244 can have a timer 256 that begins counting upon commencing deployment or stowage of the wash diverter(s) 232. The control system 200 can compare the position (e.g., angle) of the wash diverter(s) 232 sensed by the position sensor 238 against the expected position (e.g., angle) of the wash diverter(s) 232 based on the elapsed time counted by the timer 240 and/or timer 256. The expected position can be saved in the memory system 244. If the sensed position and the expected position are not the same and/or deviate beyond a predetermined range, the wash diverter(s) 232 can initiate operations, such as stopping deployment/stowage of the wash diverter(s) 232, alerting the operator and/or user with the light(s) 266, speaker(s) 268, and/or display(s) 206, and/or starting deployment/stowage of the wash diverter(s) 232.

[0152] In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 can include a feedback sensor 236. The feedback sensor 236 can sense if the actuator 234 is under a level of resistance and/or stress that exceeds a predetermined amount, which can indicate that the movement pathway of the wash diverter(s) 232 is obstructed. For example, the actuator 234 can experience a range of resistances depending on the circumstances of deployment/stowage (e.g., speed the boat 100 is traveling). If the resistance, however, exceeds a predetermined amount, the control system 200 can initiate operations, such as stopping deployment/stowage of the wash diverter(s) 232, alerting the operator and/or user with the light(s) 266, speaker(s) 268, and/or display(s) 206, and/or starting deployment/stowage of the wash diverter(s) 232.

[0153] The other systems 258 can include the engine(s) 262, camera(s) 264, light(s) 266, speaker(s) 268, sensor(s) 270, GPS 260, and/or thruster(s) 272. The camera(s) 264 can capture varying views of the water-sports boats 100 and surroundings. For example, the camera(s) 264 can capture an aft view that can show a rider. In some variants, the camera(s) 264 can be used to detect when a rider has fallen into the water such that the control system 200 can alert the operator via the display(s) 206, light(s) 266, portable electronic device(s) 216, and/or speaker(s) 268. In some variants, the camera(s) 264 can provide the control system 200 with the current position of the rider such that the control system 200 can adjust the configuration of the wedge(s) 220, ballast tank(s) 222, wake/wave shaper(s) 228, and/or wash diverter(s) 232 to create a suitable wake based on the rider position. For example, the control system 200 can, in some variants, switch the surfing wake from the starboard side to the port side upon detecting that the rider has switched from the starboard portion to the port portion of the wake. The light(s) 266, speaker(s) 268, and/or display(s) 206 can provide alerts to the operator.

[0154] The sensor(s) 270 can include orientation sensor(s) that detect the pitch, roll, and/or yaw orientations of the water-sports boat 100. In some variants, an orientation sensor(s) can detect heave of the water-sports boat 100. In some variants, the sensor(s) 270 can include depth sensor(s) that can detect the depth of the water in which the water-sports boat 100 is positioned. In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 will not deploy the wash diverter(s) 232 if the depth of water is not at or above a predetermined depth. The sensor(s) 270 can include speed sensor(s) that can determine the travel speed of the water-sports boat 100. The sensor(s) 270 can determine if the water-sports boat 100 is moving.

[0155] The GPS 260 can detect the location, speed, and/or movement of the water-sports boat 100. In some variants, the control system 200 can determine that the water-sports boat 100 is in an area with restrictions and control the various systems accordingly. For example, the control system 200 can determine, via the GPS 260, that the water-sports boat 100 is in a wake restriction area and control the size of the generated wake accordingly and/or alert the operator. In some variants, the water-sports boat 100 via GPS 260 can determine that the water-sports boat 100 is in an area that prohibits the use of ballast tanks and alert the operator and/or prohibit use of the ballast tank(s) 222.

[0156] The thruster(s) 272 can be used to turn, rotate, and/or pivot the water-sports boat 100. The thruster(s) 272 can improve the driver's control of the water-sports boat 100 for at least docking, loading onto a trailer, and/or collecting a fallen rider.

[0157] The memory system 244 can generally include RAM, ROM and/or other persistent auxiliary or non-transitory computer-readable media. The memory system 244 can store an operating system that provides computer program instructions for the controller 202 in the general administration and operation of the wash diverter(s) 232 and/or other systems, features, etc., which can at least include the methods described herein. The memory system 244 can store watercraft configuration information 246, which can include static parameters 248 such as hull shape, hull length, weight, etc., and/or dynamic parameters 250 such as passenger weight, ballast tank(s) 222 status, wedge 220 status, speed, water depth, fuel, wind conditions, engine 322 status, wave/wake shaper(s) 228 status, wash diverter(s) 232 status, etc. The memory system 244 can store operation instructions for maneuvering the wash diverter(s) 232 between the stowed and deployed configurations, expected position (e.g., angle) of the wash diverter(s) 232 during stowage and/or deployment, safety operation instructions, current position of the wash diverter(s) 232, status of the wash diverter(s) 232, etc.

[0158] The memory system 244 can store rider information 252, such as favorite configurations of the wedge 220, ballast tank(s) 222, wave/wake shaper(s) 228, speed of the water-sports boat, wash diverter(s) 232, etc. This can enable the rider to conveniently store and reselect favorite configurations without reselecting the desired configuration for each of the wedge 220, ballast tank(s) 222, wave/wake shaper(s) 228, speed of the water-sports boat, wash diverter(s) 232, etc. The memory system 244 can include wave/wake shape instructions 254 to control the wedge 220, ballast tank(s) 222, wave/wake shaper(s) 228, speed of the water-sports boat 100, wash diverter(s) 232, etc. to create a suitable wake shape for water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, pulling inflatables, minimizing a wake, reducing fuel use, improving the speed of the water-sports boat 100, improving riding comfort, etc. The memory system 224 can include wave/wake shape instructions 254 to control the ballast tank system 218, flow management system 226, speed of the water-sports boat 100, etc. to create wakes of varying sizes, such as large, medium, and/or small wakes, and/or to position a surfing wave in the port, starboard, and/or center position. In some variants, the memory system 224 includes a timer 256 to determine whether the wash diverter(s) 232and/or other system is performing correctly, as described elsewhere herein. The memory system 244 can include operation instructions for performing all the methods and actions described herein.

[0159] In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 can deploy and/or stow if certain conditions are met. For example, the wash diverter(s) 232 can deploy the wash diverter(s) 232 is moving at or below a predetermined speed or is not moving at or above a predetermined speed (e.g., not above 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or higher MPH). In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 may deploy if the water-sports boat 100 is within at least a predetermined depth of water. In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 may not deploy if an object is positioned within the expected movement pathway of the wash diverter(s) 232, which can be detected by the camera(s) 264 and/or another sensor that can detect the presence of an object. In some variants, the wash diverter(s) 232 will automatically stow if the engine 262 is commanded to start and/or the water-sports boat 100 is commanded to move and/or is moving at or above a predetermined speed. In some variants, the operator input 210 includes a go-home switch (button) that, when manipulated, can automatically stow the wash diverter(s) 2320, stow the wedge 220 upon forward movement of the boat 100, empty the tank(s) 22 of the ballast system 218, stow the wake shaper(s) 228, and/or perform other automated tasks to prepare the water-sports boat 100 for docking, loading onto a trailer, etc.

[0160] In some variants, the light(s) 266 can alert an operator and/or user that the wash diverter(s) 232 is about to deploy or stow, is deploying or stowing, and/or is deployed or stowed. In some variants, the light(s) 266 can provide a unique alert for when the wash diverter(s) 232 is about to deploy or stow, is deploying or stowing, and/or is deployed or stowed. This can alert the operator and/or user of the anticipated and/or current status of the wash diverter(s) 232. The alerts of the light(s) 266 can include flashes, flashing patterns, reduced brightness, increased brightness, colors, and/or other cues. In some variants, the light(s) 266 can indicate when there is an issue with the wash diverter(s) 232. In some variants, the light(s) of an operator's portable electronic device 216 can provide an alert.

[0161] In some variants, the speaker(s) 268 can alert an operator and/or user that the wash diverter(s) 232 is about to deploy or stow, is deploying or stowing, and/or is deployed or stowed. In some variants, the speaker(s) 268 can provide a unique alert for when the wash diverter(s) 232 is about to deploy or stow, is deploying or stowing, and/or is deployed or stowed. This can alert the operator and/or user of the anticipated and/or current status of the wash diverter(s) 232. The alerts of the speaker(s) 268 can include a variety of sounds. In some variants, the speaker(s) of an operator's portable electronic device 216 can provide an alert. In some variants, the speaker(s) 268 can indicate when there is an issue with the wash diverter(s) 232. Various other types of alerts can be used, such as a display of text or a symbol.

[0162] In some variants, the wash diverters described herein can be manually extended, retracted, tilted, and/or rotated. In some embodiments, the wash diverters can be manually extended, retracted, rotated, tilted and/or held in position with a screw, jack screw, rack and pinion, lever, pin(s) removably inserted into positioning holes along a portion of a spar, cable system, gear assembly, clamps that can selectively release and hold a spar, rollers, lockable rollers, pulley system, suction attachments, mechanical mating systems, and/or other suitable apparatuses or systems. In some variants, the wash diverters can be retrofitted to a boat.

[0163] Any of the wash diverters described herein can be actuated with an actuator to one or more positions, which can include one of several discrete positions or along a continuum between a stowed and fully deployed position.

Terminology

[0164] Although this disclosure has been described in the context of certain embodiments and examples, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, after reviewing the disclosure herein, that any embodiment disclosed can be combined with other embodiments, portions/aspects of other embodiments, and/or technologies known in the art to accomplished the desired advantages discussed herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, after reviewing the disclosure herein, that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art after reviewing the disclosure herein. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this invention may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.

[0165] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0166] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0167] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate after reviewing the disclosure herein that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0168] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize, after reviewing the disclosure herein, that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0169] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, can, could, might, may, e.g., and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. The term and/or has similar meaning in that when used, for example, in a list of elements, the term and/or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list, but does not require any individual embodiment to have all elements.

[0170] Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0171] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms approximately, about, generally, and substantially as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms approximately, about, generally, and substantially may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms generally parallel and substantially parallel refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

[0172] Values and ranges of values disclosed herein are examples and should not be construed as limiting. The values and ranges of values disclosed herein can be altered while gaining the advantages discussed herein. The listed ranges of values disclosed herein can include subsets of ranges or values which are part of this disclosure. Disclosed ranges of values or a single value for one feature can be implemented in combination with any other compatible disclosed range of values or value for another feature. For example, any specific value within a range of dimensions for one element can be paired with any specific value within a range of dimensions for another element. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from the disclosure herein that any disclosed length of a spar may be combined with any disclosed width of a foil, each having any disclosed shape.

[0173] Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, they can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication.

[0174] All of the methods and tasks described herein may be performed and fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, in some cases, include multiple distinct computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, cloud computing resources, etc.) that communicate and interoperate over a network to perform the described functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (or multiple processors) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device (e.g., solid state storage devices, disk drives, etc.). The various functions disclosed herein may be embodied in such program instructions, and/or may be implemented in application-specific circuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where the computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may, but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods and tasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storage devices, such as solid state memory chips and/or magnetic disks, into a different state. In some embodiments, the computer system may be a cloud-based computing system whose processing resources are shared by multiple distinct business entities or other users.

[0175] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include electrical circuitry or digital logic circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

[0176] The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module stored in one or more memory devices and executed by one or more processors, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, media, or physical computer storage known in the art. An example storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The storage medium can be volatile or nonvolatile. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

[0177] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0178] Additionally, all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.