Modular planing multi-hull systems and methods for vessels

Abstract

A planing system for a multi-hull watercraft comprising a hull defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions comprises a planing surface and an actuator system. The planing surface is supported for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position. The actuator system is arranged to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position. The watercraft operates in a first mode when the planing surface is in the upper position and in a second mode when the planing surface is in the lower position. When the watercraft operates in the second mode, the planing surface engages water to cause the vessel to plane.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A planing system for a multi-hull watercraft comprising a hull defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions, the planing system comprising:
 a planing surface supported for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position;   an actuator system comprising a source of pressurized fluid configured to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position; whereby   the watercraft operates in a first mode when the planing surface is in the upper position;   the watercraft operates in a second mode when the planing surface is in the lower position; and   when the watercraft operates in the second mode,
 the planing surface engages water to cause the vessel to plane; and 
 the actuator system is configured to inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft by acting on the pressurized fluid. 
   
     
     
         2 . A planing system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the planing surface is defined by a planing plate pivotably connected relative to the watercraft for movement relative to the watercraft. 
     
     
         3 . A planing system as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a latch for securing the planing plate relative to the watercraft when the watercraft operates in the first mode. 
     
     
         4 . A planing system as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a return system for applying a return force on the planing plate that displaces the planing plate such that the planing surface moves from the second position to the first position. 
     
     
         5 . A planing system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the the pressurized fluid is a compressible fluid that allows movement of the planing surface relative to the watercraft when the watercraft operates in the second mode. 
     
     
         6 . A planing system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the actuator system comprises:
 a fluid bag; and   a control system configured to supply pressurized fluid to the fluid bag; whereby   the control system inflates the fluid bag to cause the watercraft to operate in the second mode.   
     
     
         7 . A planing system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the actuator system comprises:
 an actuator assembly; and   a control system configured to supply pressurized fluid to the actuator assembly; whereby   the control system alters an effective length of the actuator assembly to cause the watercraft to operate in the second mode.   
     
     
         8 . A method of facilitating planing of a multi-hull watercraft defining a plurality of hulls and at least one channel between at least two of the hull portions, the method comprising the steps of:
 supporting a planing surface for movement within the at least one channel between an upper position and a lower position;   operatively connecting an actuator system to a source of pressurized fluid;   arranging the actuator system to displace the planing surface from the upper position to the lower position;   arranging the planing surface in the upper position to operate the watercraft in a first mode;   operating the actuator system to arrange the planing surface in the lower position to operate the watercraft in a second mode; and   when the watercraft operates in the second mode,
 engaging the planing surface with water to cause the watercraft to plane; and 
 causing the planing surface to act on the pressurized fluid to inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft. 
   
     
     
         9 . A planing method as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising the step of pivotably connecting a planing plate defining the planing surface to the watercraft for movement relative to the watercraft. 
     
     
         10 . A planing method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising the step of latching the planing plate relative to the watercraft when the watercraft operates in the first mode. 
     
     
         11 . A planing method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising the step of applying a return force on the planing plate that displaces the planing plate such that the planing surface moves from the second position to the first position. 
     
     
         12 . A planing method as recited in  claim 8 , in which the step of causing the planing surface to act on the pressurized fluid to inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft comprises the step of compressing the pressurized fluid. 
     
     
         13 . A planing method as recited in  claim 8 , in which the step of arranging the actuator comprises the steps of:
 providing a fluid bag; and   supplying pressurized fluid to the fluid bag to inflate the fluid bag to cause the watercraft to operate in the second mode.   
     
     
         14 . A planing method as recited in  claim 8 , in which the step of arranging the actuator comprises the steps of:
 providing an actuator assembly; and   supplying pressurized fluid to the actuator assembly to alter an effective length of the actuator assembly to cause the watercraft to operate in the second mode.   
     
     
         15 . A watercraft system comprising:
 a catamaran hull defining main deck portion and first and second hull portions;   a deck member secured to the catamaran hull to transfer loads on the deck member to the catamaran hull; and   a fluid bag comprising compressible pressurized fluid, where the fluid bag is arranged to
 cause a planing surface to engage water to cause the vessel to plane, and 
 inhibit transmission of shocks on the planing surface to the watercraft by compressing the compressible pressurized fluid. 
   
     
     
         16 . A watercraft system as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising a planing system arranged below the main deck portion and between the first and second hull portions. 
     
     
         17 . A watercraft system as recited in  claim 16 , in which:
 slots are formed in one or more of the catamaran hull and the planing system;   projections are formed on one or more of the catamaran hull and the planing system; and   the slots receive the projections when the planing system is arranged below the main deck portion and between the first and second hull portions.   
     
     
         18 . A watercraft system as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising a lock system configured to inhibit movement of the planing system relative to the catamaran hull when the planing system is arranged below the main deck portion and between the first and second hull portions. 
     
     
         19 . A watercraft system as recited in  claim 15 , in which the load comprises at least one accessory system.