GB2578891A

GB2578891A - Stabiliser for a waterborne vessel

Info

Publication number: GB2578891A
Application number: GB1818368.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Sherratt Paul
Original assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
Current assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority date: 2018-11-12
Filing date: 2018-11-12
Publication date: 2020-06-03
Also published as: GB201818368D0

Abstract

A stabiliser 1 for a waterborne vessel 2 comprises at least two, preferably 4 detachably engaging supports 3, 5, 6, for placement either side of the centreline 8 of the hull 6. In some embodiments the stabilisers connect to a weighted mass 10, which aids in stabilising the vessel, especially when being towed. In other embodiments, the supports are joined by strengthening bars (22, figure 3), and a pivotable connection (17, figure 3) between two component parts (15, 16, figure 3)

Description

Stabiliser for a waterborne vessel The invention is in the field of waterborne vessels, and particularly adding stability thereto. Such waterborne vessels may comprise boats or ships, but also other waterborne paraphernalia such as buoys, markers or the like.

Waterborne vessels rest in or on calm water in a reasonably balanced state. Should the water not be in a calm state, perhaps because of weather, tide, current, motion of the vessel itself, or any combination thereof, generally a waterborne vessel will start to be moved by it to a greater or lesser extent and become unstable typically demonstrated with a variance between the relative positions of the centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy. This can cause problems when, for example, there is any reason to attempt to stabilise the vessel, for example when maintenance is required, or it is carrying cargo which may tip or is otherwise sensitive to motion; humans, animals or freight for example. Such instability may be exacerbated when such a vessel is moving, either under its own power or particularly when being towed, either by another vessel, a winch or alternative means.

The art deals with this issue either through designing the hull or water contacting surface of the vessel to minimise the effect of such water motion, often both when at rest or when planing, or by designing in some sort of permanently fixed stabiliser, such as by extending a keel downwards and/ or adding weight below the waterline. This may not prove practical in small craft, as it adds expense and limits usability in shallow water. Known stabilisers tend to comprise fins or rotors mounted below the waterline that project laterally from the hull to reduce a ship's roll in non-calm water conditions. These may be passive and be reasonably fixed, or active and may comprise gyroscopes or computer control to actively move them to react to water motion about a waterborne vessel. On larger waterborne vessels these may be retractable, but in all cases they risk requiring extra fuel as they are a permanent fixture of the waterborne vessel.

The art also addresses this when towing a waterborne vessel. Generally speaking to minimise the effect of the instability of a waterborne vessel being towed, such towing is carried out at low speed and/ or with flexible towing means, such that the waterborne vessel being towed can generally move about with any change in water condition independent of the towing means. This facilitates the towing of one large waterborne vessel by a smaller one, for example a tug boat towing a potentially significantly larger waterborne vessel generally does so using one or more ropes or bridles connected therebetween, permitting both waterborne vessels to move independently of each other regardless of the water state, and in any event is generally done at low speed, not least because of the potential disparity in power between the two waterborne vessels, but also to minimise the effect of instability of the smaller, towing vessel. Conversely when a large waterborne vessel is towing a smaller waterborne vessel, the large one may well be more stable than the smaller one thanks to its greater size and displacement, thus the speed it may attain will be less than that possible for the larger waterborne vessel, because of the potential instability of the smaller waterborne vessel; a position the user simply accepts. In all cases the user accepts that instability of at least one of the waterborne vessels is likely, and does not attempt to address instability, they generally reduce the speed of activity to reduce the impact of any such instability. The present invention seeks to address these issues.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a stabiliser for a waterborne vessel comprising at least two detachably engaging supports for placement at least partially either side of the centreline of the hull of said waterborne vessel configured to stabilise the waterborne vessel.

The centre of buoyancy of a waterborne vessel is important when attempting to optimise stability. In this, its most simple form, the stabiliser may add weight to either side of the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel when detachably engaged, lowering the centre of buoyancy. Or in the case where the stabiliser contacts the ground, as it is suitable for placement at least partially either side of the centreline of the hull, it restricts the waterborne vessel's roll, which can be advantageous in shallow, but perhaps open waters. Thus, the invention provides at least two detachably engaging supports, meaning they can be attached and detached from the hull of the vessel (above or below the waterline) and do not need to be in constant contact with the hull. As they can be placed at least partially either side of the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel, they add stability to it.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser wherein the at least two detachably engaging supports comprises four detachably engaging supports.

This provides a potentially larger contact area than two supports permitting greater stability and a greater range of possible supporting locations.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser further comprising a weighted mass.

Such a mass may take many different forms, and adds further stability. The intention of this is not to act as an anchor and contact the seabed or waterway floor, although it may happen incidentally, it is provided to lower the centre of buoyancy.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser configured to direct water away from the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel.

Such a stabiliser may be formed of appropriate material or shaping so as to push water away from the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel. This may assist with stability, which may be important when a waterborne vessel is moving, perhaps when being towed.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser further comprising at least one connection means for connecting the stabiliser to a device to tow.

It may be desirable for the waterborne vessel to tow or be towed by another means, such as a boat, rope, chain, hard bar or the like, particularly in its more stable state once the stabiliser is applied. A more stable waterborne vessel may tow or be towed either in water conditions where it could not (or would be difficult) to tow, or indeed it may be possible to tow or be towed by the same waterborne vessel at a higher speed than without the stabiliser applied.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser further comprising at least one connection means for connecting the stabiliser to a device to tow, the connection means comprises at least one of a ratchet and strap, a three-point towing bridle, a tow ball connection or a clamping means.

All of which are known and robust types of connection that users would likely be familiar with which have typically low maintenance requirements which is useful in a water-based environment.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising at least a first part and a second part pivotably connected.

A pivotal connection permits the stabiliser to be manufactured from convenient part sizes, with either the at least two detachably engaging supports being configured to be pivotably connected which may permit additional stability, or indeed in an optional embodiment comprising a connection means for connecting the stabiliser to a device to tow and variants thereof, such means may comprise one of the first and/ or the second parts.

Optionally when a stabiliser is provided comprising at least two parts pivotably connected the pivotable connection comprises at least one of a universal joint, a ball and socket, a through-hole in both the first part and second part and a releasable securing pin connecting therebetween.

Such connection types are well known, and typically have low maintenance requirements which is useful in a water-based environment.

Optionally when a stabiliser is provided comprising at least two parts pivotably connected at least one of the first part and the second part comprises a plurality of pivotably connected parts.

Such an arrangement permits many options of potential interest to the user, for example having a stabiliser capable of being folded so for convenience and/ or reduced size for storage, or for ease of assembly and/ or maintenance.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising at least one yaw constraint configured to restrict the yaw of said waterborne vessel. Such a constraint aims to restrict yaw movement of said waterborne vessel, further adding to its stability. In simple embodiments this assists stabilising the waterborne vessel. When towing this permits either a higher speed in a forward direction, or reduces the possibility of jack-knifing if reversing.

Optionally when a stabiliser is provided comprising at least one yaw constraint, said yaw constraint comprises at least one of a strap, a rope or a hard bar.

Such a yaw constraint may be used to restrict the yaw of said waterborne vessel.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising damping means.

Such damping means may provide for a reduction in abrupt shock between the two detachably engaging supports, or between them and the hull of a waterborne vessel, or any of the other optional features that may exist.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising damping means said damping means comprises at least one shock absorber.

Shock absorbers are well known, and typically in a water-based environment are configured to have low maintenance requirements.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising visual indicating means.

Such means can act to assist a user in locating the stabiliser, which may be important particularly in a water-based environment where the water plane may not be even or the water may not be clear.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising visual indicating means said visual indicating means comprises a float.

A float simple and robust, and is thus useful in a water-based environment as regardless of the position of the stabiliser and any options, it can act to indicate that the stabiliser is present.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising visual indicating means said visual indicating means comprises at least one of a reflector, a light, a fluorescent portion. Such an indication may be useful when light conditions are poor. Such a means may additionally or alternatively comprise a float (when present).

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising cushioning means for protecting any part of a waterborne vessel.

Such cushioning means are distinct from damping means and are when provided are suitable for protecting any part of a waterborne vessel from the from the stabiliser itself, external factors, or both, to reduce the chance of impact or damage.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising cushioning means for protecting any part of a waterborne vessel said cushioning means comprises at least one of: rubber, HDPE, neoprene.

Such materials are robust, low cost and are well suited to a water-based environment.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising at least one of: plastics; wood; composite material.

The user will select the appropriate material for their application, considering the requirement for strength, weight and cost. All of these materials are known in a water-based environment.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising metal.

The user will select the appropriate material for their application, considering the requirement for strength, weight and cost. Metal provides a good balance therebetween.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising metal said metal comprises at least one of steel, aluminium, titanium.

The user may choose one or more of these metals for one or more parts of the stabiliser to suit their particular application.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising metal or a variant thereof said metal comprises corrosion resistance.

This will improve the longevity of the underlying material.

Optionally when there is provided a stabiliser comprising metal or a variant thereof comprising corrosion resistance, such corrosion resistance comprises anodising or galvanising.

Such methods are known, reliable and low cost.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser wherein at least one of the detachably engaging supports is configured to detachably engage with the waterborne vessel using at least partially one of a vacuum; a strap; a nut and threaded bar.

In order to detachably engage, it is useful if the supports use a relatively simple form of connection which is sufficiently resilient to remain in place and cope with the environment, but also be capable of detachable engagement without significant burden. A vacuum type connection, strap or nut and threaded bar are all examples of such connection types.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising at least one passive or active stabiliser. One or more known active or passive stabiliser may be added to the stabiliser to provide additional assurance to the user and to offer further stability.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising at least one wheel for moving the stabiliser about on land.

This provides convenience for the user when in shallow water and or on land.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising at least one wheel for moving the stabiliser about on land the at least one wheel is detachable from the stabiliser. Should such a wheel be detachable, it could be added to the stabiliser only when needed, thus for example in deep water it could be removed so as to not create unwanted drag.

Optionally there is provided a stabiliser comprising strengthening bars configured to stabilise the detachably engaging supports.

Said strengthening bars may link between said detachably engaging supports, or any other part(s) of the stabiliser as the configuration may require.

A waterborne vessel comprising a stabiliser as described and set out herein is also claimed, as is a device to tow comprising such a stabiliser, which may also comprise a waterborne vessel.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, in which: Figure 1 shows: a perspective view of a first embodiment of a stabiliser at least partially either side of the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel.

Figure 2 shows: a perspective view of a second embodiment of a stabiliser when placed at least partially either side of the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel.

Figure 3 shows: An overhead view of a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows: A front end perspective of the third embodiment of the invention when a waterborne vessel is detachably engaged.

Figure 5 shows: The third embodiment when connected to a device to tow and when in a stowage position.

In the figures like elements are denoted with like reference numerals. Embodiments shown are merely exemplar and should not be taken as limiting the invention.

In a first embodiment there is provided the minimum the invention provides, a stabiliser 1 for a waterborne vessel 2 comprising at least two detachably engaging supports 3, 4 for placement at least partially either side of the centreline 8 of the hull 9 of said waterborne vessel 2 configured to stabilise said waterborne vessel 2. This is shown as being a stabiliser 1 which is located substantially below where the waterline would be, but the skilled person would appreciate the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 may be present and /or detachably engaging with a waterborne vessel 2 below the waterline, above it, or any combination as the user may require. The skilled person will also appreciate that placement at least partially either side of the centreline 8 of the hull 9 of said waterborne vessel 2 may refer to the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 themselves making contact with the hull 9 at least partially either side of the centreline 8, or as is shown in Figure 1 with at least part of the detachable engaging supports 3, 4 extending widthways with respect to the waterborne vessel 2 and being least partially either side of the centreline 8 of the hull 9 at another point, or any combination thereof as may be useful to the user's application.

When the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 in Figure 1 of the stabiliser 1 engage with the hull 6 of the waterborne vessel 2 it adds mass to it, lowering its centre of buoyancy, rendering it more stable.

As is shown in Figure 2, in a second embodiment the two detachably engaging supports 3, 4 comprise four detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, which permit a greater range of contact points for engagement with the hull 6 of a waterborne vessel 2, thus adding more stability. The skilled person will appreciate that as with the first embodiment, placement at least partially either side of the centreline 8 of the hull 9 of said waterborne vessel 2 may refer to the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6 themselves making contact with the hull 9 at least partially either side of the centreline 8, or as is shown in Figure 2 with at least part of the detachable engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6 extending widthways with respect to the waterborne vessel 2 and being least partially either side of the centreline 8 of the hull 9 at another point, or any combination thereof as may be useful to the user's application.

In this embodiment the stabiliser 1 further comprises a weighted mass 10, which further lowers the centre of buoyancy of the waterborne vessel 2. The skilled person would appreciate that with an appropriate choice of material when manufacturing the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6 there would be no need for an additional item for a weighted mass 10 to be present, the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6 would comprise such a weighted mass 10 simply by virtue of their being weighted more substantially than is necessary for the purposes of stabilisation. Naturally the skilled person would appreciate such a weighted mass 10 could apply to the first embodiment either as a separate item or as a part of the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 depicted therein, and may be located anywhere on or as a part of the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 (and also 5, 6 in the second embodiment).

In the first and second embodiments the stabiliser 1 is configured to direct water away from the centreline 8 of the hull 9 of a waterborne vessel 2, in the both embodiments this is achieved with the shaping of the external facings of the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 (and 5 and 6 in the second embodiment) which act as deflectors such that water passes either side thereof. The user will select the most appropriate shaping for their application and the effect they wish to achieve. For example should the user wish to tow the waterborne vessel 2 they may angle the external facings of the detachably engaging supports 3, 4 (and 5 and 6 in the second embodiment) substantially mirroring the shape of the hull 9 of the waterborne vessel 2 itself. The skilled person will appreciate when a weighted mass 10 is present it may also additionally or alternatively be configured to direct water away from the centreline 8 of the hull 9 of a waterborne vessel 2.

A third embodiment of the stabiliser 1 is shown in Figure 3, in which a waterborne vessel 2 is detachably engaged thereto in Figure 4, and when connected to a device to tow 11 and when the stabiliser 1 is in a stowage position in Figure 5. The skilled person will appreciate that all features, including those optional, in the first and second embodiments may apply to this third embodiment.

In this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 comprises five detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 which in this embodiment are additionally joined by strengthening bars 22 which, along with the number of detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, the skilled person will appreciate are not necessary in all applications but are simply convenient and add strength to the overall stabiliser 1. The skilled person will appreciate such strengthening bars 22 may be configured to add strength to the overall stabiliser 1, by being located substantially between the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or on or as part of them, or indeed additionally or alternatively as a part of the first part 15 and/ or the second part 16, or in any other location convenient to the user.

In this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 comprises at least a first part 15 and a second part 16 which are in this embodiment are pivotably connected 17 with a through-hole in both the first part 15 and the second part 16 and a releasable securing pin (not shown) connecting therebetween, in this example embodiment comprising a nut and threaded bolt (not shown). The skilled person would appreciate such a pivotable connection 17 may comprise a universal joint or a ball and socket (not shown), as the user may require.

The skilled person would appreciate if this embodiment comprised only two detachably engaging supports 3, 4 they could comprise a first part and a second part in their own right, and could be pivotably connected therebetween.

In this third embodiment the first part 15 comprises cushioning means 18 for protecting any part of a waterborne vessel 2, which may be located on or about any or all of the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and/ or the second part 16 or the like.

In this third embodiment these cushioning means 18 comprise rubber, and the skilled person would appreciate they may additionally or alternatively comprise similar materials, such as HDPE, neoprene or the like.

In this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 is manufactured from steel which has corrosion resistance in the form of having been galvanised and then painted, and the skilled person would appreciate the user would select relevant materials and any coating thereof to manufacture a stabiliser 1 from, depending on their intended use, for example different metals such as aluminium or titanium could be used if weight was an issue, or plastic, wood or composite material could equally be used if they were appropriate.

The skilled person would appreciate in this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 may comprise a weighted mass (not shown) and may (itself such a weighted mass) be configured to direct water away from the centreline 8 of the hull 9 of a waterborne vessel 2 in a similar manner to the first and second embodiments.

In this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 comprises a connection means 12 for connecting the stabiliser 1 to a device to tow 11 which in this embodiment comprises a sleeve 13 clamped about a projection 14 from the device to tow 11. The skilled person would appreciate that alternatively or additionally such a connection means 12 for connecting the stabiliser 1 to a device to tow 11 may comprise additionally or alternatively at least one of a ratchet and strap, a three-point towing bridle, a hard bar or a tow ball connection (none of which are shown) or any comparable connection means 12 as may be convenient for the user. The skilled person will also appreciate that more than one of such connection means 12 may be used to provide the user with additional assurance should they so wish.

In this third embodiment the second part 16 of the stabiliser 1 comprises a plurality of pivotably connected parts. The skilled person will appreciate that the first part 15 of the stabiliser 1 may alternatively or additionally also comprise a plurality of pivotably connected parts.

In this third embodiment this plurality of pivotably connected parts comprising the second part 16 comprises a support portion 19 which comprises one part which is pivotably connected 17 to the first part 15, and two further pivotable connections 20 to an interim portion 21, which itself comprises two further pivotable connections 20 which pivotably connect to the connection means 12. The further pivotable connections 20 share similar properties to the pivotable connection 17 between the first part 15 and the second part 16, and in this embodiment comprise through holes in the support portion 19, the interim portion 21 and releasable securing pins in the form of nuts on threaded bolts (not shown) permitting the pivoting motion. The skilled person would appreciate such pivotable connections 20 may comprise a universal joint or a ball and socket (not shown), as the user may require. This arrangement permits flexibility between the device to tow 11 (when present) and the first part 15 and the second part 16 reducing the strain on the pivotable connection 17 therebetween. It also permits, as per Figure 5, the stabiliser 1 to be folded to a stowage position when connected to a device to tow 11, which when not in use is convenient for the user as it removes the need for the stabiliser 1 be in the water, reducing drag and thus fuel, as well as the risk of damage to the stabiliser 1, the device to tow 11, or both.

The skilled person would appreciate that any or all of the portions making up this second part 16 may comprise damping means (not shown), in particular it may be advantageous for the interim portion 21 to comprise one or more shock absorbers (not shown) again to reduce strain on the pivotable connection 17.

In this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 comprises two one yaw constraints 23 which are configured to restrict the yaw of the waterborne vessel 2. The restriction in this example embodiment will permit total yaw of about 90 degrees, as in 45 degrees from the horizontal, preventing a waterborne vessel 2 from both jackknifing if a device to tow 11 is reversing, yet still permitting it to turn tightly when being towed.

In this example embodiment these yaw constraints 23 comprise a rope, and the skilled person will appreciate that as the first part 15 and the second part 16 of the stabiliser 1 rotate about the pivotable connection 17, when the rotation exceeds a limit predetermined by the length of the yaw constraints 23, one of these ropes would be under tension, thus the yaw constraints 23 would restrict the relative motion of the first part 15 and second part 16, resulting in a restriction of the yaw of the waterborne vessel 2. The skilled person would appreciate that the yaw constraints 23 may equally comprise a strap and/ or a rod in a similar location or located to achieve a similar effect, and indeed that stoppers in the form of raised projections (not shown) inserted at the pivotable connection 17 which limit its rotation about its axis (and thus limit the relative motion of the first part 15 and second part 16) could alternatively or additionally be used. In this example such stoppers are present to ensure there is no single point of failure when constraining yaw.

In this third embodiment the stabiliser 1 comprises visual indicating means 24 which comprise a fluorescent portion and a reflector to draw attention to the presence and location of the stabiliser 1, and a float 25 comprising a light which when attached to any part of the stabiliser 1 and when in water will rise at or near the surface to act to warn and guide the user as to where the stabiliser 1 is located. This is particularly useful in poor light or low visibility water conditions, improving safety.

In this third embodiment known commercially available passive and active stabilisers (not shown) are also attached to the first part 15 of the stabiliser 1, to provide the user with additional assurance that the stabiliser 1 will offer stability to a waterborne vessel 2.

In use a user would attach the stabiliser 1 to a device to tow 11 by clamping the sleeve 13 about the projection 14 on the device to tow 11, and may initially stow the stabiliser 1 in a stowage position as per Figure 5. When the user wishes to stabilise a waterborne vessel 2 they would lower the stabiliser 1 down to the water and potentially below which is possible thanks to the further pivotable connections 20 on the second part 16 of the stabiliser in this third embodiment. In this example embodiment the user would locate the detachably engageable supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 below the hull 9 of the waterborne vessel 2. The stabiliser 1 may then have a restriction on rotation about the pivotable connection 17 and/ or the further pivotable connections 20 such that there is an angular limit relative to the device to tow 11 below which the stabiliser 1 cannot go, for example not lower than 30 degrees to the horizontal to ensure it does not just "hang" from the device to tow 11. A subject waterborne vessel 2 will then be brought into close contact with the stabiliser 1 and the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, which, if the waterborne vessel 2 merely rests thereon are in detachable engagement therewith. In this embodiment detachable engagement is facilitated by a vacuum in which a rubber plunger (not shown) is attached to each of the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 which are compressed against the hull 9 of the waterborne vessel 2 to create a localised vacuum against the hull 9. The skilled person would appreciate a strap (not shown) between any part of the stabiliser 1 but principally the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and/ or the strengthening bars 22 of the first portion 15 could be used to detachably engage the stabiliser 1 to the waterborne vessel 2, as could one or more nuts and threaded bars (not shown) or the like.

The user may then operate the device to tow 11 which in this embodiment comprises a larger vessel than the waterborne vessel 2, which may have an operating window of a higher speed than the waterborne vessel 2. As the waterborne vessel 2 is stabilised by the stabiliser 1, the user may be able to transport the waterborne vessel 2 at a speed within the operating window of the larger vessel, ie one which is higher than that of the waterborne vessel 2, with confidence that there is a lower likelihood of rotation affecting it. The skilled person would appreciate the device to tow 11 could be connected to the first part 15 and the waterborne vessel 2 to the second part 16 with appropriate arrangements, permitting a smaller vessel than the waterborne vessel 2 to act as the device to tow 11.

Thanks to the second part 16 of the stabiliser 1 comprising a plurality of pivotably connected parts, both the device to tow 11 and the waterborne vessel 2 at speed may find their own planing position, without undue force on the pivotable connection 17 between the first part 15 and second part 16 of the stabiliser 1.

When the user has finished using the stabiliser 1 they may detach the detachably engaging supports 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and either return the stabiliser 1 to the stowage position shown in Figure 5 (thus comprising a device to tow 11 comprising a stabiliser 1), or remove it from the device to tow 11 and store it elsewhere. In this embodiment the user may attach four detachable wheels (not shown) to the stabiliser 1 to permit ease of movement when on land. The skilled person will appreciate at any such wheel may be a permanent fixture on the stabiliser 1, or to avoid unnecessary drag and the risk of damage it may be removable, and only be appended in shallow water or when on land.

Claims

Claims 1 A stabiliser for a waterborne vessel comprising at least two detachably engaging supports for placement at least partially either side of the centreline of the hull of said waterborne vessel configured to stabilise said waterborne vessel.
2 A stabiliser according to claim 1 wherein the at least two detachably engaging supports comprises four detachably engaging supports.
3 A stabiliser according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a weighted mass.
4 A stabiliser according to any previous claim configured to direct water away from the centreline of the hull of a waterborne vessel.
A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising at least one connection means for connecting the stabiliser to a device to tow.
6 A stabiliser according to claim 5 wherein the connection means for connecting the stabiliser to a device to tow comprises at least one of a ratchet and strap, a three-point towing bridle or a hard bar.
7 A stabiliser according to claim 5 wherein the connection means for connecting the stabiliser to a device to tow comprises at least one of a tow ball connection or a clamping means.
8 A stabiliser according to any previous claim wherein the stabiliser comprises at least a first part and a second part pivotably connected.
9 A stabiliser according to claim 8 wherein any of the pivotable connection comprises at least one of a universal joint, a ball and socket, a through-hole in both the first part and second part and a releasable securing pin connecting therebetween.
A stabiliser according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein at least one of the first part and the second part comprises a plurality of pivotably connected parts.
11 A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising at least one yaw constraint configured to restrict the yaw of said waterborne vessel.
12 A stabiliser according claim 11 wherein the at least one yaw constraint comprises at least one of a strap, a rope or a hard bar.
13 A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising damping means.
14 A stabiliser according to claim 13 wherein the damping means comprises at least one shock absorber.
A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising visual indicating means.
16 A stabiliser according to claim 15 wherein the visual indicating means comprises a float.
17 A stabiliser according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the visual indicating means comprises at least one of a reflector, a light, a fluorescent portion.
18 A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising cushioning means for protecting any part of a waterborne vessel.
19 A stabiliser according to claim 18 where said cushioning means comprises at least one of rubber, HDPE, neoprene.
A stabiliser according to any previous claim comprising at least one of: plastics; wood; composite material.
21 A stabiliser according to any of claims 1-19 comprising metal.
22 A stabiliser according to claim 21 wherein said metal comprises at least one of steel, aluminium, titanium.
23 A stabiliser according to claim 21 or 22 wherein said metal comprises corrosion resistance.
24 A stabiliser according to claim 23 wherein said corrosion resistance comprises anodising or galvanising.
A stabiliser according to any previous claim wherein at least one of the detachably engaging supports is configured to detachably engage with the waterborne vessel using at least partially one of a vacuum, a strap, a nut and threaded bar.
26 A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising at least one passive or active stabiliser.
27 A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising at least one wheel for moving the stabiliser about on land.
28 A stabiliser according to claim 27 wherein the at least one wheel is detachable from the stabiliser.
29 A stabiliser according to any previous claim further comprising strengthening bars configured to stabilise the detachably engaging supports.
A waterborne vessel comprising a stabiliser according to any previous claim.
31 A device to tow comprising a stabiliser according to any previous claim.