Universal Depth Boat

• US 20090107381A1
• Filed: 10/27/2008
• Published: 04/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Phowler Boat Company, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Phowler Boat Company, Inc.
• Inventors: Woods, Timothy D.
• Application Number:
  US12/258,676
• Publication Number:
  US 20090107381A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 114/61.290
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 1/04 with single hull
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

The various embodiments disclosed and pictured herein illustrate a universal depth boat that is easy to operate and may be controlled by a single operator. A universal depth boat and hull design that comprises a hull having a bow, stern, sides, a V-hull portion and a flat bottom is disclosed. In the exemplary embodiment, a V-hull portion for spreading water is centrally located at a forward portion of the watercraft. The V-hull portion may include a keel as a forward apex, which forms a substantially perpendicular or vertical leading wedge with respect to the plane of water. The V-hull portion transitions to a flat bottom toward the stern. Accordingly, the watercraft will more easily traverse waves instead of riding over them, while the watercraft is simultaneously capable of accessing areas with extremely shallow water.

Claims

1. A universal depth boat hull comprising:

a. a bow;

b. a stern;

c. a first and second side, wherein said first and second sides are each affixed to said bow and said stern at opposite sides;

d. a flat bottom adjacent said stern, wherein said flat bottom is affixed to said stern, and wherein said flat bottom is integrally formed with said first and second sides; and

e. a V-hull portion adjacent said bow, wherein said V-hull portion is integrally formed with said first and second sides and said flat bottom, and wherein said V-hull portion includes a keel in the center of said V-hull portion.

2. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 1 further comprising a trim tab integrated into said universal depth boat hull adjacent the interface of said stern and said flat bottom.

3. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 1 further comprising a first and second shelf, wherein said first shelf extends outward from said first side, and wherein said second shelf extends outward from said second side.

4. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 1 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a first plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said flat bottom.

5. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 4 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a second plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said first plane.

6. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 5 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a third plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said second plane.

7. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 6 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a fourth plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said third plane.

8. The universal depth boat hull according to claim 7 wherein said first and second planes increase in width from said bow to said stern.

9. A universal depth boat comprising:

a. a hull, wherein said hull comprises;

i. a bow;

ii. a stern, wherein said stern is capable of supporting an outboard marine motor;

iii. a first and second side, wherein said first and second sides are each affixed to said bow and said stern at opposite sides of said bow and said stern;

iv. a flat bottom adjacent said stern, wherein said flat bottom is affixed to said stern, and wherein said flat bottom is integrally formed with said first and second sides; and

v. a V-hull portion adjacent said bow, wherein said V-hull portion is integrally formed with said first and second sides and said flat bottom, and wherein said V-hull portion includes a keel in the center of said V-hull portion;

b. a first and second top rail, wherein said first top rail is affixed to the upper edge of said first side, wherein said second top rail is affixed to the upper edge of said second side, and wherein said first and second top rails terminate adjacent said bow at a point with said V-hull portion; and

c. a bow cap, wherein said bow cap connects said first and second top rails adjacent said bow.

10. The universal depth boat according to claim 9 further comprising a first and second shelf, wherein said first shelf extends outward from said first side, and wherein said second shelf extends outward from said second side.

11. The universal depth boat according to claim 9 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a first plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said flat bottom.

12. The universal depth boat according to claim 11 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a second plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said first plane.

13. The universal depth boat according to claim 12 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a third plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said second plane.

14. The universal depth boat according to claim 13 wherein said first and second sides of said hull are further defined as including a fourth plane oriented at an angle between five and forty five degrees with respect to said third plane.

15. The universal depth boat according to claim 11 wherein said first plane increases in width from said bow to said stern.

16. The universal depth boat according to claim 12 wherein said second plane increases in width from said bow to said stern.

17. The universal depth boat according to claim 9 further comprising:

a. a plurality of cross supports affixed to the interior of said hull; and

b. a plurality of longitudinal supports affixed to the interior of said hull, wherein each longitudinal support is oriented substantially perpendicular to each cross support.

18. The universal depth boat according to claim 17 further comprising a plurality of floor panels affixed to said plurality of cross supports and said plurality of longitudinal supports.

19. A universal depth boat comprising:

a. a hull, wherein said hull comprises;

i. a bow;

ii. a stern, wherein said stern is capable of supporting an outboard marine motor;

iii. a first and second side, wherein said first and second sides are each affixed to said bow and said stern at opposite sides of said bow and said stern;

iv. a flat bottom adjacent said stern, wherein said flat bottom is affixed to said stern, and wherein said flat bottom is integrally formed with said first and second sides; and

v. a V-hull portion adjacent said bow, wherein said V-hull portion is integrally formed with said first and second sides and said flat bottom, wherein said V-hull portion includes a keel in the center of said V-hull portion, and wherein said V-hull portion and said first and second sides terminate at a point at said bow;

b. a first and second top rail, wherein said first top rail is affixed to the upper edge of said first side, wherein said second top rail is affixed to the upper edge of said second side, and wherein said first and second top rails terminate adjacent said bow at a point with said V-hull portion;

c. a bow cap, wherein said bow cap connects said first and second top rails adjacent said bow;

d. a first and second stern cap, wherein said first stern cap connects said first side with said stern, and wherein said second stern cap connects said second side with said stern;

e. a plurality of cross supports, wherein said cross supports are affixed to the interior surface of said hull perpendicular to the forward direction of travel;

f. a plurality of longitudinal supports, wherein said longitudinal supports are affixed to the interior surface of said hull parallel to the forward direction of travel;

g. a plurality of floor panels placed over said plurality of cross supports and said plurality of longitudinal supports; and

h. at least one trim tab, wherein said trim tab extends rearwardly from said stern at the interface of said stern and said flat bottom.

20. The universal depth boat according to claim 19 wherein said universal depth boat further comprises a plurality of runners affixed to the exterior of said hull.