A small watercraft having a float on either side of its hull pivotally connected thereto for rotation about a shaft mounted parallel to the direction of movement of the watercraft between a horizontal operative position and a vertical inoperative position taken when the watercraft is stowed away. The floats can be locked in these two positions and in any position as desired between these two positions. Each float is substantially triangular in planar configuration and diverges in going toward the stern of the watercraft. When the watercraft is stationary on the water, the forward end of each float is exposed from the surface of the water; and when the watercraft is planing, each float is exposed in its entirety on the surface of the water.
The present invention provides a foldable boat comprising a first rigid hull section having a bottom that is substantially V-shaped in transverse section, and a second rigid hull section hinged to the first rigid hull section, wherein an axis of the hinge is longitudinal. The foldable boat may further comprise an inflatable tube generally disposed above said first and second hull sections and extending rearwardly from a bow of the boat along opposite sides of the boat, a third rigid hull section hinged to the first rigid hull section, wherein an axis of the hinge is longitudinal and the third section is mounted on an opposite side of the first section from the second hull section such that the first section forms a center section and the second and third sections respectively form port and starboard sections, the second and third sections respectively forming upper edges of the V-shape. The hinges of the second and third hull sections are designed to permit the second and third hull sections to be folded upward from an unfolded state into a folded state, thereby significantly reducing the storage width of the boat relative to the unfolded state. The second and third sections lay on top of the first section when in the folded state. A latching mechanism is used for locking the second and third hull sections to the first hull section in the unfolded position. The boat is powered by a jet propulsion system integrally mounted in the first hull section.
A planing boat is provided having a variable configuration hull including two side panels hingedly secured to opposite sides of a keel panel. When the boat is sitting still in the water or moving at relatively slow speeds, the side panels extend generally outwardly from the keel panel providing the boat with a degree of stability. As the speed of the boat increases, and upon attaining dynamic stability, the side panels pivot upwardly thereby reducing the effect of impact on the water. When the speed of the boat decreases, the side panels return to their normal outwardly extending position.
A small watercraft of the jet propelled type having a pair of removable side containers adapted to be mounted on the sides of the hull so as to provide storage area and increased buoyancy. The containers may be selectively flooded by a displaced rider to change the buoyancy and facilitate entry from the water.
A semi-submerged water vehicle having a small rider's compartment designed to accommodate primarily a single rider that can operate the watercraft in either a standing or a seated position. There is provided both an underwater porthole and an above-the-water porthole both of which can be looked through by the operator when seated within the passenger compartment so as to afford both above-the-water and under-the-water viewing to the rider.
A float attachment for a small-sized watercraft having a deck and a hull, which comprises flange portions positioned at a junction between the deck and the hull, a clamp for clamping the flange portions and a float attached to the clamp, which can be removably mounted on the watercraft by means of the clamp.
