Hull fairing for human-powered watercraft with retractable drive mechanism

Abstract

A hull fairing system for a water craft with a retractable drive mechanism including a vertically disposed deployment well integrated into the hull of the watercraft, a retractable drive mechanism, and a hull fairing matching the lower contour of the hull. The deployment well may incorporate draft to allow for a tight fit with the contour matched hull fairing when the drive mechanism is deployed and a loose fit through the retracted range. Further, the composition of the contour matched hull fairing may be of a suitable compliant material such as elastomeric compounds to provide an improved fit when deployed. The hull fairing itself is vertically constrained to the drive mechanism and travels up and down with it. The hull fairing need not be rotationally constrained and may therefore accommodate steerable lower propulsion units.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism comprising:
 a hull with a vertically disposed aperture to accommodate passage of the driving end of said drive mechanism;   a lift mechanism mounted to said hull to constrain the travel of the drive mechanism such that its driving end follows a linear or arcuate path; and   a hull fairing with a contoured lower surface, vertically constrained to a point on said drive mechanism at an elevation suitable to bring the lower contour in close proximity to the lower contour of said hull when the drive mechanism is fully deployed.   
     
     
         2 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said lift mechanism is a four bar arrangement. 
     
     
         3 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said lift mechanism is a linear slide arrangement. 
     
     
         4 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said hull fairing is constructed of a rigid plastic material. 
     
     
         5 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said hull fairing is constructed of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         6 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said hull fairing is constructed of fabric and resin. 
     
     
         7 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said hull is of single wall construction, and further comprising, an elastomeric bellows seal connecting said hull to said hull fairing thus presenting a curtain wall to prevent water intrusion. 
     
     
         8 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said vertically disposed aperture includes vertically orientated walls that bridge a gap between upper and lower hull surfaces. 
     
     
         9 . A human powered watercraft with a retractable drive mechanism as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said vertically disposed walls include a draft angle causing the upper opening of the aperture to be larger than the lower.