Ships – Hull or hull adjunct employing fluid dynamic forces to...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-24
2001-05-22
Sotelo, Jesus D. (Department: 3617)
Ships
Hull or hull adjunct employing fluid dynamic forces to...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234104
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved hull for a shallow water fishing boat, which generates significantly less noise and water spray than conventional shallow water boat hulls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional shallow water boats exhibit a number of problems that reduce their effectiveness, particularly when, used in fishing applications. Virtually all vessels of this type employ a chine. This is the portion of the hull that forms the junction between the side and bottom of the hull. The chine normally extends as smooth, shallow curve along each side of the hull. Under most conditions, a portion of the bottom of the hull proximate the bow of the vessel rises above the mean waterline. At the point where the chine intersects the waterline, a shallow void or space is formed between the surface of the water and the bottom of the hull. Typically, the hull bottom forms an angle of approximately 5 to 10 degrees with the plane of the water. Waves and ripples within this space tend to strike the hull and generate a slapping sound.
Shallow water fishing boats also normally employ one or more strakes, which are molded in the bottom of the hull, and serve to improve maneuverability of the vessel. Conventional strakes likewise utilize a smooth curve and rise at a gentle angle above the waterline toward the bow of the boat. This provides even more bottom surface area for the rippling water to strike.
The slapping noise produced by water striking the hull bottom and strakes is disturbing to the fisherman and, more importantly, tends to distract schools of fish. Fish hearing the water impacting the bottom of the vessel are very likely to veer away from the sound. This can adversely affect the boaters ability to catch fish. In many conventional boats a substantial portion of the gently curved chine extends above the mean waterline so that a relatively large, sound producing surface is formed along the bottom of the hull.
Standard shallow water fishing boats also tend to generate a significant and annoying amount of spray. As the hull maneuvers through the water, water is sprayed by the hull upwardly and into the interior of the boat. This can obviously be messy and uncomfortable for occupants of the vessel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved boat hull specifically designed for use on shallow water fishing vessels.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a shallow water boat hull that is constructed to substantially reduce the amount of noise created by water slapping against the hull so that fish are not frightened away and significantly improved fishing results are achieved.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a boat hull that generates a reduced amount of spray.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a shallow water boat hull employing a chine and strake construction that serves to significantly reduce boat hull noise and spray.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a shallow water boat hull that achieves much quieter and drier results than conventional boat hulls and which is also effectively maneuverable, especially in shallow water fishing applications.
This invention features a shallow water boat hull. Each side of the hull includes a generally S-shaped chine segment that extends longitudinally between a forward (bow) section and a rearward (stem) section of the hull. The chine segment divides a side portion of the hull from a bottom portion of the hull. Each chine segment includes sharply curved intermediate portion through which the mean waterline extends during normal operation of the boat. The curved intermediate portion of the chine segment and an adjacent portion of the hull bottom form an angle of at least 26 degrees with the horizontal plane of the water.
In a preferred embodiment, the chine and the adjacent bottom surface of the boat hull intersect the mean waterline such that the curved intermediate portion of the chine and the adjacent bottom surface of the boat hull forward of the mean waterline form an angle of between 28 and 34 degrees with the horizontal plane of the water. Such an angle significantly reduces the impact of ripples and waves against the bottom of the hull and resulting noise. The chine segment may include a branch portion that splits apart from a rearward end of the curved intermediate portion of the chine. The branch portion of the chine extends generally transversely across the bottom of the boat hull and divides a forward, relatively angled or sloped portion of the bottom of the hull from a rearward, relatively flat portion of the bottom of the hull. At least a portion of the chine may also define a lip that extends from the hull between the side portion and the bottom portion. The lip helps to deflect spray generated by the boat hull during operation of the vessel. This helps to keep occupants of the boat relatively dry.
The boat hull may also include one or more generally S-shaped strake elements. Each strake element extends from a forward portion to a rearward portion of the hull along the bottom portion of the hull. At least one primary strake in each half of the hull includes a forward end that extends above the mean waterline during normal operation of the vessel. The forward portion of the primary strake forms an angle of at least 28 degrees relative to the horizontal. The branch portion of the chine segment typically extends between the curved intermediate portion of the chine and the primary strake element. The strake elements also help to deflect and reduce boat spray.
It should be understood that, as used herein, “mean waterline” means the point at which the chine segment intersects the waterline while the vessel carrying an average load is either stationary or moving at a slow or idle speed within the water. During stationary, idle or slow operation and use of the hull, and under varying loads the waterline will rise and decrease somewhat between high and low waterlines. The mean waterline should be considered the average level of the water relative to the hull.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2887978 (1959-05-01), Tritt
patent: 5134949 (1992-08-01), Almog et al.
Noonan William E.
Sotelo Jesus D.
LandOfFree
Hull for a shallow water fishing boat does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hull for a shallow water fishing boat, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hull for a shallow water fishing boat will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2550769