Catamaran hull with posi-flow induction system

Abstract

The invention relates to a catamaran hull system to improve performance characteristics. The catamaran hull system comprises a hull having a bow and a stern, at least one transverse step, and a posi-flow inductor system. The posi-flow inductor system includes an interior inductor channel extending vertically up the hull and terminating above a waterline when the hull is at rest, and a posi-flow cover plate attached to the hull and covering the interior inductor channel to form a posi-flow duct. This catamaran hull system provides a solution that reduces suction, improves air flow to the transverse step, and enhances overall hull efficiency. Overall, it offers improved performance, stability, and handling characteristics for catamaran vessels.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A posi-flow induction system for a catamaran hull, comprising:
 two sponsons;   at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson;   an interior inductor channel extending vertically along a tunnel side of each sponson connected to the transverse step;   an exterior inductor channel extending vertically along an outer side of each sponson connected to the transverse step;   a posi-flow cover plate installed over each interior inductor channel; and   a posi-flow duct of a given length and a given width formed between the posi-flow cover plate and the interior inductor channel.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate is positioned such that its top edge is above a waterline when a catamaran is at rest and its bottom edge is below the waterline when the catamaran is on plane. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate is made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, plastic, and non-corrosive metals. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate has a shape selected from the group consisting of flat and convex. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate is a separate component installed after the catamaran hull is manufactured. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate is molded into the catamaran hull during manufacturing. 
     
     
         7 . A method of manufacturing a catamaran hull system, comprising:
 constructing a hull having a bow and a stern and two sponsons;   forming at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson;   creating an interior inductor channel extending vertically up the sponson and terminating above a waterline when the hull is at rest; and   attaching a posi-flow cover plate to the sponson to cover the interior inductor channel,   thereby forming a posi-flow duct.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate is made of a non-corrosive material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, and plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein attaching the posi-flow cover plate comprises shaping the posi-flow cover plate to have a convex shape. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising positioning the posi-flow cover plate to extend from below the waterline when the hull is on plane to above the waterline when the hull is at rest. 
     
     
         11 . A method of improving performance of a catamaran, comprising:
 providing a catamaran hull having two sponsons;   at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson;   incorporating a posi-flow inductor system into the hull, the posi-flow inductor system including at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson; an interior inductor channel extending vertically along a tunnel side of each sponson connected to the transverse step; an exterior inductor channel extending vertically along an outer side of each sponson connected to the transverse step; a posi-flow cover plate installed over each interior inductor channel; and posi-flow duct formed between the posi-flow cover plate and the interior inductor channel; and   operating the catamaran such that air flows through the posi-flow duct to the at least one transverse step.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate is made of a non-corrosive material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, and plastic. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate has a shape selected from the group consisting of flat and convex. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the posi-flow cover plate extends from below the waterline when the catamaran hull is on plane to above a waterline when the catamaran hull is at rest.