PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Abstract

A personal watercraft comprises a hull, a deck and a seal. The deck is provided to the hull. The deck includes a first deck and a second deck that is disposed rearward relative to the first deck. The first deck and the second deck are connected to each other at overlapping sections thereof that overlap each other in a vertical direction to form an overlapping portion of the deck. The seal is sandwiched between the overlapping sections of the first and second decks. The seal includes a first seal member that continuously and laterally extends between lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck, and a pair of second seal members provided in vicinities of the lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck, the second seal members being further adjacent to end portions of the first seal member in a longitudinal direction of the personal watercraft, respectively.

Claims

1. A personal watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck provided to the hull, the deck including a first deck and a second deck that is disposed rearward relative to the first deck, the first deck and the second deck being connected to each other at overlapping sections thereof that overlap each other in a vertical direction to form an overlapping portion of the deck; and a first seal sandwiched between the overlapping sections of the first and second decks, the first seal including a first seal member that continuously and laterally extends between lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck, and a pair of second seal members provided in vicinities of the lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck, the second seal members being further adjacent to end portions of the first seal member in a longitudinal direction of the personal watercraft, respectively.

2. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks is provided with a first seal accommodation groove in which the first seal member is accommodated.

3. The personal watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the first seal accommodation groove laterally extends between the lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck in a lateral direction of the personal watercraft while changing a position thereof in the longitudinal direction of the personal watercraft.

4. The personal watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the first seal accommodation groove laterally extends between the lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck in a lateral direction of the personal watercraft while changing a height thereof in the vertical direction.

5. The personal watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the first deck and the second deck are fixedly coupled to each other at a plurality of fixing portions provided along the first seal accommodation groove.

6. The personal watercraft according to claim 2, wherein one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks is provided with a pair of second seal accommodation grooves in which the second seal members are accommodated, respectively.

7. The personal watercraft according to claim 6, wherein one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks is provided with a pair of convex parts for installing the second seal members, respectively.

8. The personal watercraft according to claim 7, wherein the convex parts each have an end wall that forms a part of a side wall defining the first seal accommodating groove.

9. The personal watercraft according to claim 8, wherein the end wall of each of the convex parts is spaced apart from a remainder part of the side wall defining the first seal accommodating groove.

10. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein an upper one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks is provided with at least one recess that is recessed downward at a position overlapping the first seal member as viewed from above.

11. The personal watercraft according to claim 10, wherein the at least one recess is provided in front of a front edge of a footrest.

12. The personal watercraft according to claim 10, wherein the at least one recess is provided behind a rear edge of a footrest.

13. The personal watercraft according to claim 10, wherein the at least one recess is provided with at least one rib that is disposed within the at least one recess.

14. The personal watercraft according to claim 10, further comprising at least one cover covering the at least one recess.

15. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the deck further includes a third deck that is disposed rearward relative to the second deck, the second deck and the third deck being connected to each other at second overlapping sections thereof that overlap each other in the vertical direction to form a second overlapping portion of the deck, and the personal watercraft further comprising a second seal that includes a third seal member that continuously and laterally extends between lateral ends of the second overlapping portion of the deck, and a pair of fourth seal members provided in vicinities of the lateral ends of the second overlapping portion of the deck, the fourth seal members being further adjacent to end portions of the third seal member in the longitudinal direction of the personal watercraft, respectively.

16. The personal watercraft according to claim 15, further comprising a grip disposed near the second overlapping portion of the deck.

17. The personal watercraft according to claim 15, further comprising at least one foot chock fixedly attached to the second deck near the third deck.

18. The personal watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the at least one foot chock is fastened to the second deck using a bolt or a nut that is placed on an underside of the second deck.

19. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the lateral ends of the overlapping portion of the deck are offset laterally inward relative to an outer edge of the deck.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a left side (port) elevational view of a watercraft in the form of a personal watercraft (PWC) in accordance with one illustrative embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with a saddle seat removed from a deck of the personal watercraft;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a left side (port) elevational view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with portions of a watercraft body broken away to show an engine and a jet propulsion unit;

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded left side (port) elevational view of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating arrangements of a hull and the deck of the personal watercraft;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded top plan view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 4, illustrating a bow deck, a middle deck and a rear deck;

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded left side (port) elevational view of the deck illustrated in FIG. 4, illustrating the bow deck, the middle deck and the rear deck;

[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged top plan view of a left side portion of the bow deck;

[0017] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the bow deck and the middle deck, with a first seal disposed between the bow deck and the middle deck;

[0018] FIG. 10 is an enlarged top plan view of a left side portion of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 11 is an enlarged top plan view of the left side portion of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with a bow gunwale structure removed from the deck;

[0020] FIG. 12 is an enlarged top plan view of a left side portion of the rear deck;

[0021] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the middle deck and the rear deck, with a second seal disposed between the middle deck and the rear deck;

[0022] FIG. 14 is an enlarged top plan view of a left side portion of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 15 is an enlarged top plan view of the left side portion of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1, with a rear gunwale structure removed from the deck;

[0024] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a left side portion of the middle deck, with a foot chock attached to the middle deck;

[0025] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of an underside portion of the middle deck, showing fasteners for fastening the foot chock to the middle deck;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the foot chock attached to the middle deck, showing a nut placed on an underside surface of the middle deck as the fastener; and

[0027] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the foot chock attached to the middle deck, showing a bolt placed on the underside surface of the middle deck as the fastener.

[0028] It should be noted that these figures are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of methods, structure and/or materials utilized in certain illustrative embodiments and to supplement the written description provided below. These drawings are not to scale and may not precisely reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values or properties encompassed by illustrative embodiments unless specified. The use of similar or identical reference numbers in the various drawings is intended to indicate the presence of a similar or identical element or feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the watercraft field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like similar or identical elements or features, and thus the descriptions of the similar or identical elements or features may be omitted in later embodiments.

[0030] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 3, a watercraft 10 is illustrated in the form of a personal watercraft (PWC) in accordance with one illustrative embodiment. While the watercraft 10 is illustrated as a personal watercraft, it will be apparent to those skilled in the watercraft field from this disclosure that the watercraft 10 is not limited to this illustrated configuration of a personal watercraft. The present invention can be provided to other types of watercrafts.

[0031] As seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the watercraft 10 basically comprises a watercraft body 12 with a hull 18 and a deck 20. The watercraft 10 also comprises a handlebar 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a saddle or straddle seat 24. As seen in FIG. 3, the watercraft 10 comprises an engine 26 and a jet propulsion unit 28. The watercraft 10 also comprises a steering column 30.

[0032] The hull 18 has a front end 18a, a rear end 18b, a first or left (port) side 18c and a second or right (starboard) side 18d. The deck 20 is provided to the hull 18. Preferably, the hull 18 and the deck 20 are integrated to form a unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the hull 18, the deck 20 and the other parts of the watercraft body 12 are made of suitable materials that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. Thus, the materials of the hull 18, the deck 20 and the other parts of the watercraft body 12 will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0033] The handlebar 22 is turnably supported on the deck 20. Here, the handlebar 22 is a bar-type steering handle that is turnably disposed relative to the watercraft body 12 for steering the watercraft 10. Specifically, the handlebar 22 has a steering shaft 22a that is turnably supported by the steering column 30. The handlebar 22 is positioned in the center of the watercraft 10 with respect to a lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The handlebar 22 is disposed in front of the saddle seat 24.

[0034] The saddle seat 24 is supported by the deck 20. The saddle seat 24 is detachably attached to the deck 20 by fasteners in a conventional manner. The saddle seat 24 is positioned in the center of the watercraft 10 with respect to the lateral direction D1 and supported by a seat support portion 32 of the deck 20. The saddle seat 24 is also disposed on the deck 20 at a rearward location of the handlebar 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle seat 24 includes a first or front seating portion 24a and a second or rear seating portion 24b. The front seating portion 24a forms an operator or driver seat of the watercraft 10. The rear seating portion 24b is located higher than the front seating portion 24a and forms a passenger seat of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle seat 24 is detachably mounted to the deck 20 for accessing an interior area or space of the watercraft body 12 between the hull 18 and the deck 20, in which the engine 26 and the jet propulsion unit 28 are disposed. In particular, as seen in FIG. 2, the deck 20 includes an access opening 34 for accessing the interior space of the watercraft body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle seat 24 is removably coupled to the deck 20 to overlie the access opening 34. Thus, the access opening 34 is accessible or exposed while the saddle seat 24 is removed from the deck 20, as seen in FIG. 2.

[0035] As seen in FIG. 3, the engine 26 and the jet propulsion unit 28 are disposed on the hull 18 inside of the watercraft body 12. In particular, the engine 26 and the jet propulsion unit 28 are provided between the hull 18 and the deck 20. A fuel tank (not shown) is also disposed on a front portion of the hull 18 inside of the watercraft body 12. Since the engine 26, the jet propulsion unit 28 and the fuel tank are conventional parts of a personal watercraft, these conventional parts will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

[0036] The jet propulsion unit 28 is also a conventional device in the watercraft field, and thus the jet propulsion unit 28 will be only briefly discussed and illustrated herein. The jet propulsion unit 28 is positioned in the center of the watercraft 10 with respect to the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. Basically, the jet propulsion unit 28 includes a housing 28a, an impeller 28b and a steering nozzle 28c. The housing 28a is mounted on the hull 18. The housing 28a has a water inlet and a water outlet. The impeller 28b is rotatably mounted inside the housing 28a between the water inlet and the water outlet. The steering nozzle 28c is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 28a at a location rearward of the water outlet. The steering nozzle 28c is operatively connected to the handlebar 22 in a conventional manner such as using cables and/or linkages. The impeller 28b of the jet propulsion unit 28 is operatively connected to a drive shaft of the engine 26. In this way, rotation of the drive shaft by the engine 26 rotates the impeller 28b inside the housing 28a. This rotation of the impeller 28b sucks water into the housing 28a via the water inlet and then forces the water at a higher velocity from the housing 28a through the steering nozzle 28c via the water outlet.

[0037] The steering column 30 rotatably supports the steering shaft 22a of the handlebar 22. The steering column 30 is fixedly coupled to a steering support 36 of the deck 20 in front of the saddle seat 24.

[0038] As also seen in FIG. 2, the deck 20 includes left and right side walls 38 and 40 that partially define left and right footwells 42 and 44 (e.g., footrests), respectively, that are designed to accommodate the feet of a person riding the watercraft 10, such as a driver, a passenger, etc. The left and right side walls 38 and 40 generally vertically extend from bottom surfaces 42a and 44a of the footwells 42 and 44, respectively. Thus, the left and right footwells 42 and 44 are arranged to sandwich the seat support portion 32 of the deck 20 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the deck 20 further includes a reboarding grip 46 that is designed to be held or gripped by a person boarding the watercraft 10. The reboarding grip 46 is provided behind the seat support portion 32 of the deck 20 with respect to a longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10.

[0040] The watercraft body 12 includes a widthwise space 50 that is located rearward of the steering column 30. In particular, the widthwise space 50 is formed between the saddle seat 24 and the steering column 30 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. The widthwise space 50 extends completely through in the lateral or widthwise direction D1 of the watercraft 10 such that the widthwise space 50 is accessible from both lateral sides of the watercraft 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the widthwise space 50 forms a lateral pass-through opening. However, the widthwise space 50 is not limited to this configuration as long as the widthwise space 50 extends in the lateral direction D1. For example, the number and the locations of openings of the widthwise space 50 are arbitrary. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the widthwise space 50 can be a space that is closed or covered at least in the vertical direction. In particular, the widthwise space 50 can be a space that is closed or covered at least in the vertical direction by the watercraft body 12.

[0041] Referring further to FIGS. 4 to 7, the watercraft body 12 will be discussed in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the hull 18 includes an outer shell 52 and an inner liner 54. The outer shell 52 and the inner liner 54 are fixedly coupled together as a unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner liner 54 is fitted inside the outer shell 52 and fastened to the outer shell 52 with adhesive, or other fastening manner. Thus, the outer shell 52 defines an exterior of the hull 18 of the watercraft 10, while the inner liner 54 defines an interior of the hull 18 or an interior of the interior space of the watercraft 10. In some cases, the outer shell 52 shown in FIG. 4 can be merely referred to as a hull, and the inner liner 54 can be merely referred to as a liner. In this case, the hull 18 can be referred to as a hull assembly. The outer shell 52 and the inner liner 54 are made of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) or other suitable materials that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. Thus, the materials of the outer shall 52 and the inner liner 54 will not be discussed in detail herein. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 52 and the inner liner 54 are made of the same material. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the hull 18 is not limited to this configuration, and can be configured not to have the inner liner 54. In this case, the hull 18 can be integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member.

[0042] As seen in FIGS. 4 to 7, the deck 20 includes a first or bow deck 60 and a second or middle deck 62 that is disposed rearward relative to the bow deck 60. The deck 20 further includes a third or rear deck 64 that is disposed rearward relative to the middle deck 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the bow deck 60, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are independently formed as separate members, and are coupled together with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. The bow deck 60 forms a front portion of the deck 20. The bow deck 60 includes the steering support 36 of the deck 20. The middle deck 62 forms a middle portion of the deck 20. The middle deck 62 includes the seat support portion 32 and the left and right footwells 42 and 44 of the deck 20. The rear deck 64 forms a rear portion of the deck 20. The rear deck 64 includes the reboarding grip 46 of the deck 20.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other at first overlapping sections 60a and 62a thereof that overlap each other in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The first overlapping sections 60a and 62a form a first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 where the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 overlap each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 is disposed near the steering support 36, the seat support portion 32 and the left and right footwells 42 and 44 of the deck 20. In particular, the first overlapping portion 20a is at least partially located between the steering support 36 and the seat support portion 32 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. Also, the first overlapping portion 20a is at least partially located in front of the left and right footwells 42 and 44 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10.

[0044] Similarly, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other at second overlapping sections 62b and 64a thereof that overlap each other in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The second overlapping sections 62b and 64a form a second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 where the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 overlap each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 is disposed near the reboarding grip 46, the seat support portion 32 and the left and right footwells 42 and 44 of the deck 20. In particular, the second overlapping portion 20b is at least partially located between the seat support portion 32 and the reboarding grip 46 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. Also, the second overlapping portion 20b is at least partially located behind the left and right footwells 42 and 44 with respect to the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises the reboarding grip 46 (e.g., the grip) disposed near the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20. In the illustrated embodiment, one reboarding grip 46 is disposed near the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20. However, the reboarding grip 46 is not limited to this number. For example, a plurality of reboarding grips can be disposed near the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20, as needed and/or desired.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 laterally extends along a rear edge 60b of the bow deck 60, while the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 laterally extends along a front edge 62c of the middle deck 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 overlies the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The first overlapping sections 60a and 62a are secured to each other with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 laterally extends along a rear edge 62d of the middle deck 62, while the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 laterally extends along a front edge 64b of the rear deck 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 overlies the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 in the vertical direction of the watercraft 10. The second overlapping sections 62b and 64a are secured to each other with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, when the bow deck 60, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other, an outer edge 20c of the deck 20 is formed by an outer edge 60c of the bow deck 60, a pair of lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 and an outer edge 64c of the rear deck 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge 60c of the bow deck 60 is a front side edge of the bow deck 60 and forms an outer periphery of the bow deck 60 together with the rear edge 60b of the bow deck 60. The lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 are left and right side edges of the middle deck 62 and form an outer periphery of the middle deck 62 together with the front edge 62c and the rear edge 62d of the middle deck 62. The outer edge 64c of the rear deck 64 is a rear side edge of the rear deck 64 and forms an outer periphery of the rear deck 64 together with the front edge 64b of the rear deck 64.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, as well seen in FIG. 6, the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 has a lateral width L10 that is narrower than a lateral width L12 of the middle deck 62 measured between the lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 at their front ends in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 also has the lateral width L10 corresponding to the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. Furthermore, the lateral width L10 of the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 is narrower than a lateral width L14 of the bow deck 60 measured between opposite ends of the outer edge 60c of the bow deck 60 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral width L12 of the middle deck 62 and the lateral width L14 of the bow deck 60 are equal to each other such that the opposite ends of the outer edge 60c of the bow deck 60 are aligned with the front ends of the lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 with respect to the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20, in which the first overlapping sections 60a and 62a of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 overlap each other, also has the lateral width L10. Therefore, lateral ends 63 of the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 are offset laterally inward relative to the outer edge 20c of the deck 20 that is at least formed by the outer edge 60c of the bow deck 60 and the lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, as also seen in FIG. 6, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 has a lateral width L20 that is narrower than a lateral width L22 of the middle deck 62 measured between the lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 at their rear ends in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. The second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 also has the lateral width L20 corresponding to the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. Furthermore, the lateral width L20 of the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 is narrower than a lateral width L24 of the rear deck 64 measured between opposite ends of the outer edge 64c of the rear deck 64 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral width L22 of the middle deck 62 and the lateral width L24 of the rear deck 64 are equal to each other such that the opposite ends of the outer edge 64c of the rear deck 64 are aligned with the rear ends of the lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 with respect to the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20, in which the second overlapping sections 62b and 64a of the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 overlap each other, also has the lateral width L20. Therefore, lateral ends 65 of the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 are offset laterally inward relative to the outer edge 20c of the deck 20 that is at least formed by the lateral edges 62e of the middle deck 62 and the outer edge 64c of the rear deck 64.

[0049] Of course, the bow deck 60, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are not limited to this. The bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 can be connected to each other such that the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 overlies the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. Similarly, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 can be connected to each other such that the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 overlies the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the deck 20 is formed as a three-piece member, but the deck 20 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the deck 20 can be integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member, or can be formed as a two-piece member with a first deck and a second deck that is disposed rearward relative to the first deck, or as a multiple-piece member with more than three decks.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a first seal 66. The first seal 66 is sandwiched between the first overlapping sections 60a and 62a of the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62. Thus, the first seal 66 is provided at the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20. The watercraft 10 further comprises a second seal 68. The second seal 68 is sandwiched between the second overlapping sections 62b and 64a of the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64. Thus, the second seal 68 is provided at the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first seal 66 and the second seal 68 are provided to maintain the watertight integrity. In particular, the first seal 66 and the second seal 68 are provided to prevent water from entering the interior space of the watercraft body 12 between the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 and between the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64, respectively.

[0051] Referring further to FIGS. 8 to 15, the first seal 66 and the second seal 68 will be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 8 to 15 are enlarged view of a left (port) side portion of the watercraft body 12. However, the first seal 66 and the second seal 68 are basically symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the watercraft body 12. Thus, the descriptions of the left (port) side portion of the watercraft body 12 made by reference to FIGS. 8 to 15 can be similarly or symmetrically applied to a right (starboard) side portion of the watercraft body 12.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the first seal 66 includes a first or main seal member 66a and a pair of second or end seal members 66b. The first seal member 66a and the second seal members 66b are made of suitable scaling materials that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first seal member 66a and the second seal members 66b are made of rubber materials, such as nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, neoprene, etc., for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the first seal member 66a and the second seal members 66b are made of the same scaling material. However, the first seal member 66a and the second seal members 66b can be made of different scaling materials.

[0053] The first seal member 66a is formed as a strip of a sealing material. Specifically, the first seal member 66a continuously and laterally extends between the lateral ends 63 of the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20. In other words, the first seal member 66a continuously extends along the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 and the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 between the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 and the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, as well seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 (e.g., one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks) is provided with a first seal accommodation groove 72 in which the first seal member 66a is accommodated. Specifically, the bow deck 60 includes a pair of front and rear ribs 74 and 76 that protrude upward from an upper or top surface 60d of the bow deck 60. The front and rear ribs 74 and 76 extend in parallel to each other along the rear edge 60b of the bow deck 60 at the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60. The front and rear ribs 74 and 76 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction D2 to at least partially form a pair of front and rear side walls 78 and 80 that define the first seal accommodation groove 72 therebetween. In particular, the front rib 74 extends along the entirety of the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60, and thus continuously forms the entirety of the front side wall 78. On the other hand, the rear rib 76 is shorter than the front rib 74 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. Thus, the rear rib 76 only partially forms the rear side wall 80.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the first seal member 66a has a height or thickness T10 that is larger than a height of the front and rear ribs 74 and 76 (or a depth of the first seal accommodation groove 72). Thus, when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other, the first seal member 66a is sandwiched and squeezed between the top surface 60d of the bow deck 60 and an underside surface 62f of the middle deck 62 within the first seal accommodation groove 72. Thus, when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other, the first seal member 66a can seal between the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 in a watertight manner.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 (e.g., one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks) is provided with a pair of convex parts 82 for installing the second seal members 66b, respectively. The convex parts 82 extend rearward from lateral end portions of the rear edge 60b of the bow deck 60, respectively. The convex parts 82 protrude upward above the top surface 60d of the bow deck 60, respectively. The convex parts 82 each have an end wall 82a that forms a part of the rear side wall 80 defining the first seal accommodation groove 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the convex parts 82 are laterally spaced apart from the rear rib 76. Thus, the end wall 82a of each of the convex parts 82 is spaced apart from a remainder part of the rear side wall 80 (e.g., the rear rib 76) defining the first seal accommodating groove 72.

[0057] The second seal members 66b are disposed on the convex parts 82, respectively. Thus, the second seal members 66b are provided in vicinities of the lateral ends 63 of the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20. Furthermore, the second seal members 66b are further adjacent to end portions 84 of the first seal member 66a in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10, respectively.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 (e.g., one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks) is provided with a pair of second seal accommodation grooves 86 in which the second seal members 66b are accommodated, respectively. Specifically, the second seal accommodation grooves 86 are formed by a pair of concaved portions 88 that concave upward from the underside surface 62f of the middle deck 62 at locations corresponding to the convex parts 82 of the bow deck 60. The second seal accommodation grooves 86 accommodate the second seal members 66b that are disposed on the convex parts 82, respectively. In particular, when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other, the second seal members 66b are sandwiched and squeezed between the convex parts 82 of the bow deck 60 and the concave portions 88 of the middle deck 62 within the second seal accommodation grooves 86, respectively. Thus, when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other, the second seal members 66b can seal between the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 in a watertight manner.

[0059] As well seen in FIG. 6, the first seal accommodation groove 72 laterally extends between the lateral ends 63 of the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10 while changing a position thereof in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. In particular, the first seal accommodation groove 72 laterally outwardly extends from a widthwise center of the bow deck 60 behind the steering support 36 in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the bow deck 60. As laterally moving away from the widthwise center of the bow deck 60, the first seal accommodation groove 72 curves forward and then curves rearward in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10 in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the bow deck 60.

[0060] Furthermore, as well seen in FIG. 7, the first seal accommodation groove 72 laterally extends between the lateral ends 63 of the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft while changing a height in the vertical direction. In particular, as laterally moving away from the widthwise center of the bow deck 60, the first seal accommodation groove 72 maintains the same height prior to curving forward, slightly curves downward while curving forward, and then slightly curves upward prior to curving rearward in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the bow deck 60. Furthermore, the first seal accommodation groove 72 curves downward after curving rearward in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the bow deck 60. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first seal accommodation groove 72 gradually and smoothly curves downward so as to provide smooth surface transition to properly accommodate the first seal member 66a.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 (e.g., an upper one of the overlapping sections of the first and second decks) is provided with a pair of recesses 90 (e.g., at least one recess) that are recessed downward at a position overlapping the first seal member 66a as viewed from above. Specifically, the recesses 90 are located above the end portions 84 of the first seal member 66a, respectively. Thus, when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other, the end portions 84 of the first seal member 66a is sandwiched between the top surface 60d of the bow deck 60 and underside surfaces of the recesses 90 of the middle deck 62 within the first seal accommodation groove 72. Specifically, the underside surfaces of the recesses 90 gradually and smoothly curves downward so as to provide smooth surface transition corresponding to the first seal accommodation groove 72 to properly sandwich the end portions 84 of the first seal member 66a between the top surface 60d of the bow deck 60 and the underside surfaces of the recesses 90 of the middle deck 62. Thus, even when the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 has an angular outer design at lateral end portions thereof (see FIG. 9), the recesses 90 of the middle deck 62 can provide the smooth surface transition for properly accommodating the first seal member 66a within the first seal accommodation groove 72.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 90 are provided in front of front edges 42b and 44b of the left and right footwells 42 and 44 (e.g., the footrests), respectively. Specifically, the recesses 90 laterally extends along the front edges 42b and 44b of the left and right footwells 42 and 44, and open upward and sideways (i.e., laterally outward). In the illustrated embodiment, two recesses 90 are provided to the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20. However, the recesses 90 are not limited to this number. For example, the first overlapping portion 20a of the deck 20 can be provided with only one recess, or more than two recesses, as needed and/or desired.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, as well seen in FIGS. 9 to 11, the recesses 90 are each provided with a plurality of ribs 90a that are disposed within the recesses 90, respectively. The ribs 90a laterally extends along the recesses 90 in a lengthwise direction of the recesses 90, respectively. The ribs 90a reinforce the recesses 90, respectively, to better seal between the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 at the recesses 90. In the illustrated embodiment, two ribs 90a are provided to each of the recesses 90. However, the ribs 90a are not limited to this number. For example, each of the recesses 90 can be provided with only one rib, or more than two ribs, as needed and/or desired.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a bow gunwale structure 92 that are arranged to cover the outer edge 20c of the deck 20 at the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62. Specifically, the bow gunwale structure 92 includes a pair of left and right side covers 92a and a bow cover 92b that is disposed between the left and right side covers 92a. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right side covers 92a covers the recesses 90. In particular, the left and right side covers 92a cover the recesses 90 from lateral outside, respectively. Thus, lateral openings of the recesses 90 are covered by the left and right side covers 92a. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right side covers 92a cover the lateral openings of the recesses 90 with drainage spaces therebetween, respectively. Thus, the water in the recesses 90 does not stay in the recesses 90 and can be drained through the drainage spaces. Of course, the left and right side covers 92a can also be configured to cover the recesses 90 from above, respectively.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, as mentioned above, the first overlapping sections 60a and 62a are secured to each other with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. Specifically, the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 has a plurality of fixing portions 94 provided along the first seal accommodation groove 72. The fixing portions 94 have through holes through which the fasteners are inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing portions 94 can be provided with threaded metal inserts or bushings for securing the fasteners, respectively. On the other hand, the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 has a plurality of fixing portions 96 provided corresponding to the fixing portions 94. The fixing portions 96 have through holes through which the fasteners are inserted. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are fixedly coupled to each other at the fixing portions 94 and 96 provided along the first seal accommodation groove 72. In particular, the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are fixedly coupled to each other with the fasteners that are inserted through the fixing portions 96 of the middle deck 62 and secured to the fixing portions 94 of the bow deck 60.

[0066] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second seal 68 includes a third or main seal member 68a and a pair of fourth or end seal members 68b. The third seal member 68a and the fourth seal members 68b are made of suitable sealing materials that are typically used in watercrafts for a marine environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the third seal member 68a and the fourth seal members 68b are made of rubber materials, such as nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, neoprene, etc., for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the third seal member 68a and the fourth seal members 68b are made of the same sealing material. However, the third seal member 68a and the fourth seal members 68b can be made of different scaling materials.

[0067] The third seal member 68a is formed as a strip of a sealing material. Specifically, the third seal member 68a continuously and laterally extends between the lateral ends 65 of the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20. In other words, the third seal member 68a continuously extends along the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 and the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 between the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 and the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 is provided with a third seal accommodation groove 102 in which the third seal member 68a is accommodated. Specifically, the rear deck 64 includes a pair of front and rear ribs 104 and 106 that protrude upward from an upper or top surface 64d of the rear deck 64. The front and rear ribs 104 and 106 extend in parallel to each other along the front edge 64b of the rear deck 64 at the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64. The front and rear ribs 104 and 106 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction D2 to at least partially form a pair of front and rear side walls 108 and 110 that define the third seal accommodation groove 102 therebetween. In particular, the rear rib 106 extends along the entirety of the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64, and thus continuously forms the entirety of the rear side wall 110. On the other hand, the front rib 104 is shorter than the rear rib 106 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10. Thus, the front rib 104 only partially forms the front side wall 108.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the third seal member 68a has a height or thickness T20 that is larger than a height of the front and rear ribs 104 and 106 (or a depth of the third seal accommodation groove 102). Thus, when the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other, the third seal member 68a is sandwiched and squeezed between the top surface 64d of the rear deck 64 and the underside surface 62f of the middle deck 62 within the third seal accommodation groove 102. Thus, when the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other, the third seal member 68a can seal between the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 in a watertight manner.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 is provided with a pair of convex parts 112 for installing the fourth seal members 68b, respectively. The convex parts 112 extend forward from lateral end portions of the front edge 64b of the rear deck 64, respectively. The convex parts 112 protrude upward above the top surface 64d of the rear deck 64, respectively. The convex parts 112 each have an end wall 112a that forms a part of the front side wall 108 defining the third seal accommodation groove 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the convex parts 112 are laterally spaced apart from the front rib 104. Thus, the end wall 112a of each of the convex parts 112 is spaced apart from a remainder part of the front side wall 108 defining the third seal accommodating groove 102.

[0071] The fourth seal members 68b are disposed on the convex parts 102, respectively. Thus, the fourth seal members 68b are provided in vicinities of the lateral ends 65 of the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20. Furthermore, the fourth seal members 68b are further adjacent to end portions 114 of the third seal member 68a in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10, respectively.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 is provided with a pair of fourth seal accommodation grooves 116 in which the fourth seal members 68b are accommodated, respectively. Specifically, the fourth seal accommodation grooves 116 are formed by a pair of concaved portions 118 that concave upward from the underside surface 62f of the middle deck 62 at locations corresponding to the convex parts 112 of the rear deck 64. The fourth seal accommodation grooves 116 accommodate the fourth seal members 68b that are disposed on the convex parts 112, respectively. In particular, when the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other, the fourth seal members 68b are sandwiched and squeezed between the convex parts 112 of the rear deck 64 and the concave portions 118 of the middle deck 62 within the fourth seal accommodation grooves 116, respectively. Thus, when the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other, the fourth seal members 68b can seal between the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 in a watertight manner.

[0073] As well seen in FIG. 6, the third seal accommodation groove 102 laterally extends between the lateral ends 65 of the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10 while changing a position thereof in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10. In particular, the third seal accommodation groove 102 laterally outwardly extends from a widthwise center of the rear deck 64 in front of the reboarding grip 46 in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the rear deck 64. As laterally moving away from the widthwise center of the rear deck 64, the third seal accommodation groove 72 curves rearward in the longitudinal direction D2 of the watercraft 10 in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the rear deck 64.

[0074] Furthermore, as well seen in FIG. 7, the third seal accommodation groove 102 laterally extends between the lateral ends 65 of the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 in the lateral direction D1 of the watercraft 10 while changing a height thereof in the vertical direction. In particular, as laterally moving away from the widthwise center of the rear deck 64, the third seal accommodation groove 102 curves downward in a symmetric manner with respect to the widthwise center of the rear deck 64. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the third seal accommodation groove 102 gradually and smoothly curves downward so as to provide smooth surface transition to properly accommodate the third seal member 68a.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 is provided with a pair of recess 120 that are recessed downward at a position overlapping the third seal member 68a as viewed from above. Specifically, the recesses 120 are located above the end portions 114 of the third seal member 68a, respectively. Thus, when the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other, the end portions 114 of the third seal member 68a is sandwiched between the top surface 64d of the rear deck 64 and underside surfaces of the recesses 120 of the middle deck 62 within the third seal accommodation groove 102. Specifically, the underside surfaces of the recesses 120 gradually and smoothly curves downward so as to provide smooth surface transition corresponding to the third seal accommodation groove 102 to properly sandwich the end portions 114 of the third seal member 68a between the top surface 64d of the rear deck 64 and the underside surfaces of the recesses 120 of the middle deck 62. Thus, even when the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 has an angular outer design at lateral end portions thereof (see FIG. 13), the recesses 120 of the middle deck 62 can provide the smooth surface transition for properly accommodating the third seal member 68a within the third seal accommodation groove 102.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 120 are provided behind rear edges 42c and 44c of the left and right footwells 42 and 44, respectively. Specifically, the recesses 120 laterally extends along the rear edges 42c and 44c of the left and right footwells 42 and 44, and open upward and sideways (i.e., laterally outward). In the illustrated embodiment, two recesses 120 are provided to the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20. However, the recesses 120 are not limited to this number. For example, the second overlapping portion 20b of the deck 20 can be provided with only one recess, or more than two recesses, as needed and/or desired.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 120 are provided with a plurality of ribs 120a that are disposed within the recesses 120, respectively. The ribs 120a laterally extends along the recesses 120 in a lengthwise direction of the recesses 120, respectively. The ribs 120a reinforce the recesses 120, respectively, to better seal between the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 at the recesses 120. In the illustrated embodiment, two ribs 120a are provided to each of the recesses 120. However, the ribs 120a are not limited to this number. For example, each of the recesses 120 can be provided with only one rib, or more than two ribs, as needed and/or desired.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 further comprises a rear gunwale structure 122 that are arranged to cover the outer edge 20c of the deck 20 at the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64. Specifically, the rear gunwale structure 122 includes a pair of left and right side covers 122a and a rear cover 122b that is disposed between the left and right side covers 122a. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right side covers 122a covers the recesses 120. In particular, the left and right side covers 122a cover the recesses 120 from lateral outside, respectively. Thus, lateral openings of the recesses 120 are covered by the left and right side covers 122a. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right side covers 122a cover the lateral openings of the recesses 120 with drainage spaces therebetween, respectively. Thus, the water in the recesses 120 does not stay in the recesses 120 and can be drained through the drainage spaces. Of course, the left and right side covers 122a can also be configured to cover the recesses 120 from above, respectively.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, as mentioned above, the second overlapping sections 62b and 64a are secured to each other with fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc. Specifically, the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 has a plurality of fixing portions 124 provided along the third seal accommodation groove 102. The fixing portions 124 have through holes through which the fasteners are inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing portions 124 can be provided with threaded metal inserts or bushings for securing the fasteners, respectively. On the other hand, the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 has a plurality of fixing portions 126 provided corresponding to the fixing portions 124. The fixing portions 126 have through holes through which the fasteners are inserted. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are fixedly coupled to each other at the fixing portions 124 and 126 provided along the third seal accommodation groove 102. In particular, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are fixedly coupled to each other with the fasteners that are inserted through the fixing portions 126 of the middle deck 62 and secured to the fixing portions 124 of the rear deck 64.

[0080] As seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 16 to 19, the watercraft 10 further comprises a pair of left and right foot chocks 130 (e.g., at least one foot chock). The left and right foot chocks 130 are basically symmetrical relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the watercraft body 12. The left and right foot chocks 130 are designed to be placed by the feet of a person riding the watercraft 10, such as a driver, a passenger, etc. The left and right foot chocks 130 each have a wedge-like shaped main body 130a with a footrest surface 130b. The footrest surfaces 130b are inclined surfaces that generally face forward and upward. The footrest surfaces 130b of the left and right foot chocks 130 are equipped with anti-slip pads 130c, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, two foot chocks 130 are provided to the watercraft 10. However, the foot chocks 130 are not limited to this number. The watercraft 10 can be provided with only one foot chock or more than two foot chocks, as needed and/or desired.

[0081] The left and right foot chocks 130 are attached to the middle deck 62 near the rear deck 64. Specifically, the left and right foot chocks 130 are attached to the middle deck 62 near the rear edges 42c and 44c of the left and right footwells 42 and 44, respectively. In particular, the left and right foot chocks 130 are attached to the middle deck 62 to cover the rear edges 42c and 44c of the left and right footwells 42 and 44, respectively.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right foot chocks 130 are fastened to the middle deck 62 using at least one fastener 132. In particular, as seen in FIGS. 17 to 19, the left and right foot chocks 130 are each fastened to the middle deck 62 using three fasteners 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 132 includes one bolt 132a and two nuts 132b. Specifically, the bolt 132a is placed on the underside surface 62f (e.g., the underside) of the middle deck 62, is inserted through a fastener hole of the middle deck 62 and is fastened to a threaded metal insert or bushing 132c that is attached or embedded to the corresponding one of the left and right foot chocks 130. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the nuts 132b are placed on the underside surface 62f (e.g., the underside) of the middle deck 62. Bolts 132d are inserted through fastener holes of the corresponding one of the left and right foot chocks 130 and the middle deck 62, and are threadedly coupled to the nuts 132b.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the first seal accommodation groove 72 is provided to the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60. However, the first seal accommodation groove 72 is not limited to this. The first seal accommodation groove 72 can be provided to the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. In this case, the first seal accommodation groove 72 can be provided to the underside surface 62f of the middle deck 62 at the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. Furthermore, when the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other such that the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 overlies the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 in the vertical direction, the first seal accommodation groove 72 can be provided to either an underside surface of the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 or an upper or top surface of the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the second seal accommodation grooves 86 are provided to the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. However, the second seal accommodation grooves 86 are not limited to this. The second seal accommodation grooves 86 can be provided to the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60. In this case, the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other such that the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 overlies the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 in the vertical direction, and the convex parts 82 are provided to the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 such that the convex parts 82 extend forward from lateral end portions of the front edge 62c of the middle deck 62.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the recesses 90 are provided to the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62. However, the recesses 90 are not limited to this. When the bow deck 60 and the middle deck 62 are connected to each other such that the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60 overlies the first overlapping section 62a of the middle deck 62 in the vertical direction, the recesses 90 can be provided to the first overlapping section 60a of the bow deck 60.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the third seal accommodation groove 102 is provided to the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64. However, the third seal accommodation groove 102 is not limited to this. The third seal accommodation groove 102 can be provided to the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. In this case, the third seal accommodation groove 102 can be provided to the underside surface 62f of the middle deck 62 at the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. Furthermore, when the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other such that the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 overlies the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 in the vertical direction, the third seal accommodation groove 102 can be provided to either an underside surface of the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 or an upper or top surface of the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the fourth seal accommodation grooves 116 are provided to the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. However, the fourth seal accommodation grooves 116 are not limited to this. The fourth seal accommodation grooves 116 can be provided to the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64. In this case, the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other such that the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 overlies the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 in the vertical direction, and the convex parts 112 are provided to the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 such that the convex parts 112 extend rearward from lateral end portions of the rear edge 62d of the middle deck 62.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the recesses 120 are provided to the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62. However, the recesses 120 are not limited to this. When the middle deck 62 and the rear deck 64 are connected to each other such that the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64 overlies the second overlapping section 62b of the middle deck 62 in the vertical direction, the recesses 120 can be provided to the second overlapping section 64a of the rear deck 64.

[0089] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term comprising and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, including, having and their derivatives. Thus, as used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the terms part, section, portion, member or element when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which illustrative embodiments of the inventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0090] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected or directly coupled to another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, similar words used to describe the relationship between elements or layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, above versus directly above, below versus directly below, adjacent versus directly adjacent, on versus directly on). Thus, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them unless specified otherwise.

[0091] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, positions and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, positions and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, position or section from another element, component, region, layer, position or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, position or section discussed above could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, position or section without departing from the teachings of illustrative embodiments.

[0092] Spatially relative terms, such as forward, rearward, above, below, beneath, downward, vertical, horizontal, and transverse as well as any other similar spatial terms may be used herein for the case of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) of the above embodiments. These terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a watercraft floating in calm water.

[0093] The terms of degree such as substantially, about and approximately as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0094] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.