Bow module for a modular watercraft, modular watercraft, and use of an inflatable and dimensionally stabilisable float

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a bow module ( 30 ) for a modular watercraft ( 20 ). The watercraft ( 20 ) includes interconnectable modules including a stern module ( 22 ) and a bow module ( 30 ), which can be releasably connected by means of a first connection mechanism ( 26 ). The stern module ( 22 ) is connectable to a jet-propulsion module ( 24 ). The bow module ( 30 ) has a connection element ( 40 ) and a float ( 50 ). The connection element ( 40 ) is connectable to the stern module ( 22 ) by means of the first connection mechanism ( 26 ) and a dimensionally stable float receptacle ( 42 ) for receiving the float ( 50 ). The float ( 50 ) is inflatable by means of compressed air and is dimensionally stabilizable and, in an inflated state, is clampable or clamped into a recess ( 48 ) of the float receptacle ( 42 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 : A bow module that is releasably connectable to a stern module by means of a first connection mechanism to form a modular watercraft, the stern module being connectable to a jet-propulsion module, said bow module comprising:
 a connection element; and   a float;   wherein the connection element is connectable to the stern module by means of the first connection mechanism,   wherein the connection element has a dimensionally stable float receptacle for receiving the float,   wherein the float is inflatable by means of compressed air to become dimensionally stabilized, and   wherein the float, in an inflated state, is clampable or clamped into a recess of the float receptacle.   
     
     
         2 : The bow module according to  claim 1 , wherein the float and the connection element are releasably connectable or releasably connected by means of at least one bolt connection. 
     
     
         3 : The bow module according to  claim 1 , wherein the float receptacle has an upper-side receiving portion and a lower-side receiving portion and wherein the float has a float upper side and a float lower side as well as float side surfaces, the bow module having at least one bolt receptacle for receiving a bolt, the at least one bolt receptacle comprising an upper-side bolt opening in the upper-side receiving portion of the float receptacle and a lower-side bolt opening in the lower-side receiving portion of the float receptacle as well as a float bolt opening in the float, the float bolt opening being arranged in a stern-side part of the float and extending through the float from the float upper side to the float lower side, the upper-side bolt opening and the lower-side bolt opening being arranged so as to be aligned with one another, the float bolt opening being arranged or arrangeable so as to be aligned with the upper-side bolt opening and lower-side bolt opening, the bow module having a bolt for connecting the float and connection element for each of the at least one bolt receptacle, each bolt being sized so as to be adapted to the relevant bolt receptacle and being insertable into the relevant bolt receptacle. 
     
     
         4 : The bow module according to  claim 1 , wherein the bow module has at least two bolt receptacles, each comprising one upper-side bolt opening, each comprising one lower-side bolt opening, and each comprising one float bolt opening ( 52 ) and at least two bolts. 
     
     
         5 : The bow module according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one bolt is designed as a fitted bolt forming a form-fitting connection with a bolt receptacle. 
     
     
         6 : The bow module according to  claim 3 , wherein each bolt is produced at least in part from plastic material. 
     
     
         7 : The bow module according to  claim 3 , wherein each bolt has a diameter of at least 5 cm. 
     
     
         8 : The bow module according to  claim 3 , wherein each float bolt opening is spaced apart from the float side surfaces by at least 5 cm. 
     
     
         9 : The bow module according to  claim 3 , wherein each bolt has a first end and a second end, and wherein a releasably fastened first securing bolt plate for securing the bolt is provided at the first end and a releasably fastened or non-releasably fastened second securing bolt plate is provided at the second end. 
     
     
         10 : The bow module according to  claim 9 , wherein the first securing bolt plate is arranged or arrangeable so as to be flush with an upper side of the upper-side receiving portion or with a lower side of the lower-side receiving portion. 
     
     
         11 : The bow module according to  claim 9 , wherein the first securing bolt plate has a hexagon socket, and the first securing bolt plate is fastenable by means of the hexagon socket. 
     
     
         12 : A modular watercraft comprising a bow module according to  claim 1  and a stern module as well as a jet-propulsion module, the stern module being releasably connectable to the jet-propulsion module, the stern module having a recess that complements the shape of the jet-propulsion module. 
     
     
         13 : The modular watercraft according to  claim 12 , wherein the watercraft has a power supply module that is releasably connectable to the stern module, the power supply module providing the power supply for the jet-propulsion module. 
     
     
         14 : A method for operating the modular watercraft according to  claim 12 , the method comprising using the jet-propulsion module to propel the modular watercraft on water such that the modular watercraft functions as an electrically motorized surfboard or bodyboard.