Remotely Piloted Crustacean Fishing Vessel

Abstract

An unmanned, remotely controlled modular vessel that is capable of deploying and retrieving a crustacean fishing cage or “pot.” A derrick structure is supported by two modular rigid pontoons and is interconnected to equipment deck plates that contain: a motor for propulsion, a winch for lowering and raising a cage suspended centrally from a pulley mounted underneath the top of the derrick, a receiver electronics module inside a waterproof enclosure, and a pair of rechargeable marine batteries. The derrick structure also provides elevated mounting points for a receiving antenna and a beacon light for use during night hours. The system is operated from the shoreline by the user, who manipulates the controls on a wireless transmitter, triggering the various on-board functions necessary to fulfill the intended mission: to catch and deliver fresh crustaceans to the user.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 
     
         1 . A modular crustacean fishing system comprising: first and second rigid pontoons, each having non-directional end sections and an integrally-formed pontoon connection interface located off-center at opposing, unequal distances relative to a midpoint of said pontoon; a derrick having a plurality of integrally-formed connections interfacing with said pontoon interfaces of said first and second pontoons to provide multiple connection configurations; and a trim adjustment system comprising said rigid pontoons, each being individually and selectively reversible front to back as coupled to said derrick, and said derrick having a centerline positioned for fastening a pulley in one of a plurality of available positions relative to said midpoint of said pontoons, wherein said first and second pontoons and said derrick directly interconnect in one of said plurality of connection configurations to form said modular crustacean fishing system and to provide a plurality of selectable trim adjustment settings. 
     
     
         2 . The modular crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein said derrick comprises: a pulley having an additional integrally-formed connection interface, and a detachable crustacean fishing cage or pot. 
     
     
         3 . The modular crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein said system is open at the deck under and through which the said cage or pot and may be lowered below the surface of the water during normal operation of said crustacean fishing system. 
     
     
         4 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein said system includes a receiver by which the user may remotely control the functions of the system. 
     
     
         5 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein said system includes a beacon lamp or lamps to indicate the location and/ or status of the system. 
     
     
         6 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein said system includes a winch to lower and hoist said crustacean fishing pots. 
     
     
         7 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes a propulsion system that can be activated and steered by said remote control. 
     
     
         8 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein system includes rechargeable marine batteries to power the various components of the system. 
     
     
         9 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes a hand-held transmitter to remotely operate the functions of the system. 
     
     
         10 . The crustacean fishing system derrick of  claim 2 , further comprising a tubular structure capable of supporting weight in excess of the crustacean fishing pots. 
     
     
         11 . The crustacean fishing system derrick of  claim 2 , wherein said tubular structure is constructed of tubular extruded material such as aluminum and held together with a top-mounted cross-member which supports the pulley and crustacean fishing pot. 
     
     
         12 . The crustacean fishing system derrick of  claim 2 , wherein said support members tie into the equipment deck with  120  degree bends in said tubing. 
     
     
         13 . The crustacean fishing system derrick of  claim 2 , wherein said derrick is comprised of small sections connected by stainless steel locking pins for ease of assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The crustacean fishing system derrick of  claim 13 , wherein said sections are comprised of small sections more easily reduced for ease of shipping of the system prior to assembly for use. 
     
     
         15 . The crustacean fishing system of  claim 1 , wherein the movement said system allows movement fore/aft of said derrick allows for said trim adjustment to compensate for the various weights and sizes variations of batteries or other electromechanical equipment.