Passenger watercraft using three methods of lift; displacement, hydrofoil, and ground-effect (wing-in-ground) operating over water

Abstract

This design is for a passenger watercraft that can operate in three modes, displacement, hydrofoil, and ground-effect (wing-in-ground, WIG), over a wide range of speeds up to 150 MPH. It also has the capability of approach and land on a beach due to the unique retractable wing design and reversable propellers for “backing out”.

1 . What I claim as my invention is the filly adjustable V-shaped hydrofoil watercraft wing that is fully retractable into the vessel hull.  
   
   
       2 . What I claim as my invention is a geometry configuration for the retractable hydrofoil wing that eliminates the necessity for any high speed bearings, cables, motors, or other equipment that must be exposed to the water. Only two (2) pivot bearings are submerged and only during slow speed operation (displacement mode, and hydrofoil mode). During high speed operation, that would normally involve risk of collision and wear and tear on components, all movable segments of the design are out of the water.  
   
   
       3 . What I claim as my invention is a passenger hybrid hydrofoil vessel that is capable of operating in three modes, displacement, hydrofoil, and ground-effect.  
   
   
       4 . What I claim as my invention is a passenger hybrid hydrofoil vessel with fully retractable foil design allowing operation in shallow water at low speeds.  
   
   
       5 . What I claim as my invention is a passenger hybrid hydrofoil vessel that utilizes aircraft-style engines with propulsion entirely from propellers operating in air, not water. This greatly reduces initial cost of manufacture, as well as avoiding high maintainence due to water immersion