Marine Vessel

Abstract

A marine vessel is defined by multiple modular floatation modules, each of which is defined by a float captured in a frame. Plural floatation modules may be interconnected in a variety of configurations to vary the size and shape of the vessel. A deck is supported on the floatation modules and superstructures may be supported on the deck. The vessel is operable in a first on water mode in which the beam of the vessel is a first width, and in a second on land mode in which the beam is a second width that is narrower than the first width and preferably within the width allowable for towing on roadways. Wheels may be incorporated on the vessel in either the first or second modes or the vessel may be loaded onto a trailer. In one embodiment the vessel has wheels attached to the hull (either permanently or removably) and a trailer hitch assembly is located at the stern of the vessel so the vessel is towed stern-first when towed on land.

1 . A marine vessel, comprising:
 a hull having a bow end and a stern end;   a deck attached to the hull;   at least two wheels attached to the hull; and   a hitch assembly attached to the stern end of the vessel.   
   
   
       2 . The marine vessel according to  claim 1  wherein the hull is defined by a plurality of floatation modules, each floatation module defined by a frame having lateral and longitudinal support members, and a plurality of floats, each float captured in a frame. 
   
   
       3 . The marine vessel according to  claim 2  wherein the hull further includes at least two frames that are not populated with floats. 
   
   
       4 . The marine vessel according to  claim 3  wherein the wheels are housed in the at least two frames that are not populated with floats. 
   
   
       5 . The marine vessel according to  claim 1  wherein the hitch assembly comprises a frame assembly that includes a tongue attached to the vessel and a hitch on a distal end of the tongue. 
   
   
       6 . The marine vessel according to  claim 5  wherein the vessel includes an engine mounted on the stern of the vessel. 
   
   
       7 . The marine vessel according to  claim 6  wherein said hitch assembly includes a hitch that is attachable to a land vehicle, and wherein when said marine vessel is attached to said land vehicle the stern of the vessel is oriented toward the land vehicle. 
   
   
       8 . The marine vessel according to  claim 7  wherein the hitch is mounted on a tongue that is removably attached to the vessel, and wherein the hitch assembly further comprises a jack. 
   
   
       9 . The vessel according to  claim 8  wherein the jack is removably attached to the hitch assembly and is movable between a storage position and a use position, and wherein the hitch may be removed from the hitch assembly when the jack is in either position. 
   
   
       10 . The marine vessel according to  claim 1  wherein the hitch assembly includes a swim step. 
   
   
       11 . A marine vessel having a bow and a stern, comprising, a modular hull defined by plural floatation modules arranged into plural rows, wherein each floatation module defines a frame structure having an interior space, and plural float members, each retained in a frame, wherein at least two frame structures do not include float members;
 a wheel in each of the at least two frame structures that do not include float members;   a towing hitch on the stern of the vessel.   
   
   
       12 . The marine vessel according to  claim 11  including an axle interconnecting the two wheels, said axle attached to the hull. 
   
   
       13 . The marine vessel according to  claim 11  including a deck supported on the hull. 
   
   
       14 . The marine vessel according to  claim 11  wherein the towing hitch further includes a frame assembly on which a hitch and a jack are mounted, wherein the hitch is removable from the frame assembly independently of the jack. 
   
   
       15 . A marine vessel, comprising:
 a hull having a bow and a stern and said hull having a width, said hull defined by plural floatation modules arranged into plural rows, said hull further defined by at least two wheels attached to the hull so that said wheels remain attached to said hull when said vessel is floating and when said vessel is on land; and   a hitch assembly attached to the stern of the vessel, said hitch assembly defined by a frame having a hitch support arm and a tongue with a hitch removably attached to a hitch support arm, and a jack attached to the frame,   wherein the jack is movable between a storage position and a use position, and wherein the tongue and hitch may be removed from the hitch support arm regardless of the position of the jack.