US20240059373A1 - Variable use pontoon boat system and method - Google Patents
Variable use pontoon boat system and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20240059373A1 US20240059373A1 US18/500,639 US202318500639A US2024059373A1 US 20240059373 A1 US20240059373 A1 US 20240059373A1 US 202318500639 A US202318500639 A US 202318500639A US 2024059373 A1 US2024059373 A1 US 2024059373A1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/16—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces
- B63B1/24—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydrofoil type
- B63B1/28—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydrofoil type with movable hydrofoils
- B63B1/30—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydrofoil type with movable hydrofoils retracting or folding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/32—Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
- B63B34/70—Arrangements on vessels specially adapted for generating waves for surfing, wakeboarding or the like, e.g. ballast tanks
- B63B34/75—Arrangements of wake plates
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
- B63B35/34—Pontoons
- B63B35/38—Rigidly-interconnected pontoons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/32—Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
- B63B2001/325—Interceptors, i.e. elongate blade-like members projecting from a surface into the fluid flow substantially perpendicular to the flow direction, and by a small amount compared to its own length
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to pontoon boats of the type having at least two pontoon floats and deck or platform supported on the floats, and more particularly to pontoon boats equipped with wake-modifying features.
- Recreational marine vessels are in common use and include a variety of boat types directed to different recreational activities. For example, there are recreational boats tailored for speed and for towing a water-skier or for towing an inflatable device at a generally high speed.
- Another type of boat is a wake-boat or wake creating boat, that has a specific hull and transom shape that produces a surfable wake behind the boat, allowing for wake surfing or wake boarding, in which a user is towed behind the boat, similar to a speed boat, and the wake boarder or wake surfer may direct themselves toward the wake pattern created by the boat.
- Wake boats typically operate at a slower speed than a speedboat that tows a water skier.
- Such mono-hull sport boats are often referred to as tow-boats.
- Pontoon boats are in common use as a leisure boat or pleasure craft capable of carrying a relatively large number of passengers. Pontoon boats may travel at various speeds, but are often utilized at slower speeds, such as cruising speeds, where the passengers may enjoy a relatively stable boat position at a variety of speeds. Pontoon boats may include multiple pontoons or “pontoon floats” that float on the water, with the pontoons supporting a platform on which the passengers are carried. Unlike a traditional boat hull, the pontoons will define an open area laterally between them, with the platform supported on top of the pontoons and above the open area.
- Pontoon boats may be utilized at higher speeds and may be able to operate to tow an inflatable or other similar device behind the boat, but are typically less efficient that other watercraft.
- a boat style directed to different types of recreational activity. Due to expense and/or storage limitations, consumers may typically choose a boat style directed to their primary recreational activity. However, in choosing such a boat style, consumers may be limited in other types of recreational activity. In some cases, a consumer may have to purchase more than one type of boat in order to be able to enjoy all of the recreational activities that they desire. For example, a consumer may desire the more relaxed recreational benefits of a pontoon boat, but may also desire the benefits of a speed boat or wake boat to enable wake surfing or water skiing. In this case, the consumer is forced to purchase more than one boat or is forced to compromise on the type of boat they choose, foregoing the benefits of another boat style.
- Pontoon boats are particularly popular in that they provide many recreational benefits and are capable of carrying a large number of passengers, which is desirable in many social settings.
- the wake pattern provided by the traditional pontoon boat is unsatisfactory for users interested in wake surfing or wake boarding, because the wake pattern is inconsistent and generally small.
- a desirable wake characteristic for wake surfing and wakeboarding includes the shape, the height, and energy of the wake pattern that is created.
- a wake boat can produce a large wake pattern, both in shape and height, enabling a maximization of tricks and other maneuvers that can be performed.
- Pontoon boats are typically designed to produce small wakes, which are undesirable for wake boarding or wake surfing enthusiasts. Additionally, pontoon boats do not include a mono-hull transom like traditional wake tow boats.
- a pontoon boat assembly comprises a plurality of pontoon floats, including at least two outer pontoon floats and at least one center pontoon float arranged between the alt least two outer pontoon floats.
- a deck is supported above the plurality of pontoon floats.
- a propulsion system is provided for moving the pontoon boat across a body of water and causing wakes to trail behind the pontoon float in the path of the pontoon floats.
- At least one wake panel is supported off a stern end of at least one of the outer pontoon floats and slideable to a lowered position for selectively engaging the body of water and altering the trailing wake trailing from the at least one outer pontoon float during propulsion of the pontoon boat.
- the assembly further includes at least one hydrofoil engagable with the body of water for drawing the stern end of the at least one outer pontoon float downwardly during propulsion of the pontoon boat.
- a pontoon boat comprising, comprising: two outer pontoons and a center pontoon and a platform supported by the pontoons. At least one wake enhancement device is supported for selective downward deployment for deflecting water to alter the size and/or shape of a wake of the pontoon boat when downwardly deployed.
- a propulsion system is provided having a rearwardly facing propeller. At least one hydrofoil is provided and engageable with the body of water to generate a downward force on the pontoon boat.
- a pontoon boat comprising two outer pontoons and a center pontoon and a platform supported by the pontoons.
- a V-drive propulsion system is disposed at least partially in the center pontoon and includes a fixed-angle prop shaft projecting through a wall of the center pontoon.
- the propulsion system includes a rearward-facing propeller and a rudder.
- a wake plate is supported off a stern end of each of the outer pontoons. The wake plates are selectively and independently slideable to a deployed position for engaging a body of water for modifying at least one trailing wake for water sport activities.
- At least one hydrofoil is supported off a stern end of the boat for selectively engaging the body of water and generating a downward force at the stern end of the boat.
- slidable wake plates which shape and enhance the wake trailing from one or both of the outer pontoon floats to transform them into wakes suitable for certain water sport activities including wake surfing.
- the inclusion of the hydrofoil further enhances the effect of the wake panels by pulling down on one or both sides of the boat to have the effect of added weight at the stern to increase the localized displacement of water issuing from one or both outer pontoons and thus increasing the size of the shaped wake.
- the hydrofoil is advantageously used in combination with the wake panels to decrease or all together eliminate the desire or need for a physical water ballast system which is often employed by tow-style mono-hull sporting boats to enhance wake size. Eliminating the need for ballast is advantageous in that it simplifies the design and also addresses concern for undesirable cross-contamination from ballast water when using the boat on different bodies of water.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pontoon boat having outer pontoons with a bottom inclined surface and actuatable wake panels extending therefrom;
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the boat
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of a decreased lateral space between an outer pontoon and a center pontoon;
- FIGS. 4 - 8 illustrate cross-section views of front and rear sections of the outer pontoons and the center pontoon, illustrating the increased width of the rear section relative to the front section;
- FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the boat
- FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the boat
- FIG. 11 illustrates the bottom inclined surface on one of the outer pontoons
- FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the wake panels and the retracted and deployed positions thereof
- FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a wake panel
- FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a wake panel having an inclined foil member spaced away from a trailing edge of the wake panel;
- FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the wake panel of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a slideable wake panel supported by the pontoon at the rear end of the pontoon shown in a retracted position
- FIG. 17 illustrates the wake panel of FIG. 16 in a downwardly deployed position
- FIG. 18 illustrates a rear perspective view of the wake panel of FIG. 16 in a retracted position
- FIG. 19 illustrates the wake panel of FIG. 18 in a deployed position
- FIG. 20 illustrates the wake panel of FIGS. 16 - 19 for the starboard side of the boat, with the port side wake panel being a mirror image;
- FIG. 21 illustrates a rear view of the wake panel of FIG. 16 in the retracted position
- FIG. 22 illustrates a rear view of the wake panel of FIG. 21 in the deployed position
- FIG. 23 illustrates a side view further embodiment of a pontoon boat
- FIG. 24 is rear view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 23 showing the wake plate and hydrofoil on the port side of the boat deployed and the wake plate and hydrofoil on the starboard side raised;
- FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the boat of FIG. 23 .
- the system 10 may include the boat 12 , which may include a pair of outer pontoons 14 (which may also be referred to as first and second pontoon floats) and, optionally, a center pontoon 16 (which may also be referred to as a third pontoon float) disposed laterally between the outer pontoons 14 .
- the system 10 may further include additional structure coupled to the boat 12 and the pontoons 14 , 16 thereof, as further described below.
- the outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 are specifically sized and arranged to direct the water flowing between the pontoons 14 , 16 downward rather than allowing the water to flow freely between the pontoons 14 , 16 and exiting the rear of the boat 12 .
- the pontoons may also be referred to as pontoon floats.
- the outer pontoons 14 may be considered as a pair, or as first and second outer pontoons 14 .
- the outer pontoons 14 may be referred to jointly as having the same features, or a single outer pontoon 14 may be described. It will be appreciated that a reference or discussion to a single outer pontoon 14 may apply equally to the other outer pontoon 14 unless otherwise noted.
- the pontoons 14 , 16 may also be referred to as pontoon floats.
- the pontoons 14 , 16 are hollow structures with an open space that is enclosed by the wall defining the pontoons 14 , 16 , thereby providing buoyancy.
- the pontoons are formed of sheet metal.
- the pontoons 14 are separate structures relative to the platform 20 , and are attached to the separate platform 20 via known attachment methods typical for pontoon boats.
- the center pontoon 16 may not be fully enclosed by its structure, but may be in the form of a U-shaped bent structure that is enclosed at the front and rear ends and bolted or otherwise fastened to the bottom of the platform 20 .
- the pontoon and platform arrangement of the boat 12 is distinguishable from hull-type boats, such as speedboats or the like.
- the outer pontoons 14 are spaced apart laterally and extend longitudinally relative to a longitudinal direction of the boat 12 , with the center pontoon 16 disposed laterally between the outer pontoons 14 .
- the boat 12 further includes a platform 20 supported by the pontoons 14 , 16 off the surface of the water along which the boat 12 travels in use, with the platform 20 being fixed to the pontoons 14 , 16 in a traditional manner known in the art, such as by welding, bolting, strapping, or the like.
- the platform 20 provides a structure for mounting additional boat structure, such as benches or other seating, storage compartments, boat controls, or the like that may be typically disposed on a recreational boat.
- the platform 20 includes an upper surface 20 a and a lower surface 20 b .
- the upper surface 20 a is typically the surface on which the passengers of the boat will sit or stand, and the lower surface 20 b faces the water.
- the lower surface 20 b and the pontoons 14 , 16 thereby define an open space 22 above the surface of the water that extends below the platform 20 and between the pontoons 14 , 16 when the boat 12 is floating on the water.
- the boat 12 may include the two outer pontoons 14 , where the pontoons 14 will be disposed generally laterally symmetrical relative to a longitudinal centerline of the boat 12 . Additionally, as described above, the boat 12 may include the center pontoon 16 disposed generally along the longitudinal centerline of the boat 12 . In this approach, a pair of open spaces 22 are disposed between the center pontoon 16 and the laterally outer pontoons 14 .
- the open spaces 22 may also be referred to as a channel or channels.
- water is displaced by the pontoons 14 , 16 into the spaces 22 as well as downward below the pontoons 14 , 16 and laterally outward along the sides of the outer pontoons 14 .
- the water that travels within the spaces between the pontoons will simply exit the rear of the pontoon boat.
- the arrangement of the system 10 and the boat 12 as described herein creates a different path of the displaced water.
- the pontoons 14 , 16 are sized and arranged such that the lateral space between the outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 is substantially reduced at the rear of the boat 12 relative to a traditional pontoon boat.
- the widths of the pontoons 14 and 16 are increased, such that the space between the pontoons 14 , 16 is taken up by the additional width, as further described below.
- FIG. 2 which illustrates the pontoons 14 and 16 from a top view looking down
- the pontoons 14 , 16 flare outward in the rearward direction.
- the outer pontoons 14 each include a front end 14 a and a rear end 14 b .
- the center pontoon 16 includes a front end 16 a and a rear end 16 b.
- the space between the pontoons 14 and 16 is larger than the space between the pontoons 14 and 16 at the rear of the boat.
- the lateral width of the pontoons 14 is greater at the rear end 14 b than at the front end 14 a .
- the lateral width of the center pontoon 16 is greater at the rear end 16 b than at the front end 16 a.
- the outer pontoons 14 are nearly touching the center pontoon 16 at an “intersection” point 17 . Accordingly, the water flowing between the pontoons cannot easily pass between the pontoons 14 , 16 and exit through the rear of the boat 12 . Rather, the water will be displaced downward below the intersection point 17 . Water may also be displaced above the intersection point 17 ; however, as described in further detail below, a splash panel or deflector piece may be disposed between the outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 that substantially blocks the upwardly displaced water or splashing water, thereby forcing this water downward below the intersection point 17 .
- the outer pontoons 14 have an increasing lateral width in the rearward direction.
- the outer pontoons 14 may therefore include a front section 14 c and a rear section 14 d .
- the front section 14 c may have a generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross-section.
- the rear section 14 d may have a modified non-circular cross-section, in which the width of the rear section is greater than the height of the rear section 14 d .
- the rear section 14 d may also be considered a flattened section relative to the generally circular front section, and may be formed by beginning with a circular cross-section corresponding in size to the front section 14 c , with the cross-section compressed vertically to reduce the height of the rear section 14 d and increase the width.
- the rear section 14 d may have a generally non-circular ellipse shape, with a major axis extending laterally and a minor axis extending vertically.
- a major axis extending laterally
- a minor axis extending vertically.
- other non-circular shapes with a width greater than a height can also be used.
- the rear section 14 d of the outer pontoons 14 flares laterally outward on both sides of the pontoon 14 , such that the width increases toward the center pontoon 16 and the width also increases laterally outward away from the centerline of the boat 12 .
- the width of the pontoon 14 may be increased toward the center pontoon 16 , and the laterally outermost surface may be generally aligned with the front section 14 c .
- the rear section 14 d flares outward on each side of the pontoon 14 at approximately the same amount. However, the rear section 14 d may flare outward a greater amount toward the center pontoon 16 relative to the amount on the outer side of the pontoon 14 .
- the rear section 14 d joins with the front section 14 c at a transition therebetween. Accordingly, at the point of the transition, the cross-section of the rear section 14 d is essentially the same as the cross-section of the front section 14 c . The difference between the cross-section increases at distances further from the transition, such that the width of the rear section 14 d is greater at the rear end of the boat 12 than at a location near the transition between the front section 14 c and the rear section 14 d . Put another way, the rear section 14 d tapers out in the lateral direction and tapers down in the vertical direction.
- the transition between the rear section 14 d and the front section 14 c is disposed at a point more than 50% away from the front of the boat. In one approach, the transition point may be between 60-70% of the length of the boat as measured from the front of the boat 12 .
- the center pontoon 16 may also include a front section 16 c and a rear section 16 d , and may further include an intermediate section 16 e disposed longitudinally between the front section 16 c and the rear section 16 d .
- the center pontoon 16 may have a generally U-shaped cross section. The width of the cross-section of the center pontoon 16 increases in a rearward direction.
- the front section 16 c may have a width that is generally constant along its length.
- the rear section 16 d may have a width that increases in the rearward direction.
- the intermediate section 16 e may also have a width that increases along its length.
- the front section 16 c may transition into the intermediate section 16 e , such that the width of the center pontoon 16 will begin to increase.
- the intermediate section 16 e may then transition into the rear section 16 d , where the width may then increase further.
- the width of the center pontoon 16 may be such that it nearly intersects with the outer pontoons 14 , which also have increased widths, as described above.
- the space 22 between the pontoons 14 , 16 decreases in a rearward direction, due to the space being taken up from the widths that increase and encroach into the spaces 22 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the encroachment of the pontoons 14 , 16 into the spaces 22 thereby provides a blocking structure that blocks water flowing in the spaces 22 from exiting the rear of the boat 12 , thereby forcing the water further downward.
- the combined widths of the outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 combine to define a segmented transom 130 .
- the segmented transom 130 is discontinuous across the width of the boat 12 , with small spaces defined laterally between the center pontoon 16 and the outer pontoons 14 .
- the combined transom may provide similar benefits as a continuous transom.
- the curved shape of the bottom surfaces of the outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 combines to define a track channel 23 below the intersection points 17 .
- the combined bottom surface of the segmented transom 130 is not flat, due to the rounded bottom surfaces of the pontoons 14 , 16 .
- curved triangular cross-sections are defined laterally between the pontoons 14 , 16 and below the intersection point 17 .
- water travels through the spaces 22 between the pontoons 14 , 16 and is displaced downward. The water will also flow through space of the track channels 23 , effectively providing a track of water on which the pontoons 14 , 16 are supported, providing additional control of the boat 12 .
- the outer pontoons 14 may further include an inclined surface portion 140 disposed on the bottom of the rear section 14 d .
- the inclined surface portion 140 may be defined as a “slice” off of the cross-sectional shape of the rear section 14 d .
- the inclined surface portion 140 may be defined by a plane that intersects the cross-section of the rear section 14 d , such that a portion of the rear section 14 d is removed, with the inclined surface portion 140 filling in the removed section, leaving the inclined surface 140 to intersect the remaining the portion of the rear section 14 d .
- the inclined surface may be curved in the longitudinal direction (as shown in FIG.
- the inclined surface 140 may not be planar, in one aspect when it is curved, or it may be generally planar.
- the inclined surface 140 is oriented at an incline relative to the longitudinal direction of the outer pontoon 14 .
- the inclined surface 140 therefore has a rear edge 140 a that is disposed above a front edge 140 b of the inclined surface 140 . Due to the inclined orientation of the inclined surface 140 relative to the rear section 14 d of the outer pontoon 14 , the width of the inclined surface 140 at its rear is greater than the width of the inclined surface 140 at its front.
- the inclined surface 140 therefore may have a generally trapezoidal profile, resembling for example a spatula blade.
- the longitudinally forward edge 140 b of the inclined lower portion has a first laterally extending length and the longitudinally trailing edge 140 a has a second laterally extending length, and the second laterally extending length is greater than first laterally extending length.
- the inclined surface 140 may also be inclined in the lateral direction, such that a laterally outer edge 140 c of the inclined surface 140 is above the laterally inner edge 140 d .
- the angle of inclination in the lateral direction may be about 7-8 degrees.
- the inclined surface 140 Due to the inclined surface 140 being defined by a removed portion of the rear section 14 d , the inclined surface 140 thereby defines the bottom rear edge of the outer pontoon 140 . Accordingly, when the inclined surface 140 is inclined laterally, the bottom rear edge of the outer pontoon 14 is likewise inclined laterally.
- the inclined surface 140 faces generally downward, and defines a portion of the overall bottom surface of the outer pontoon 14 . Accordingly, during operation of the boat 12 , water flows past the inclined surface 140 and is displaced by the inclined surface 140 . When the inclined surface 140 is inclined laterally, the inclined surface 140 faces laterally outward in addition to facing downward. Thus, water being displaced by the outer pontoons 14 may be directed laterally outward in addition to being displaced laterally downward.
- the inclined surface 140 In the rearward direction of the boat 12 , the inclined surface 140 inclines upward, as shown in FIG. 10 . Accordingly, while water is displaced downward due to the placement of the pontoon 14 into the water, the water may also be directed along the upwardly inclined direction of the inclined surface 140 . Accordingly, at high speeds, the water flowing along the bottom of the outer pontoons 14 may be displaced laterally outward, and drag may be reduced by allowing the water to flow along the upward inclination of the inclined surface 140 . In the case of the inclined surface being inclined in the longitudinal direction but being generally flat in the lateral direction, the water flowing along the inclined will not be displaced laterally outward as much as when the inclined surface 140 is inclined laterally. However, it will be appreciated that there is still some lateral displacement that occurs.
- the inclined surface 140 in one aspect, includes a downward facing convex curvature in the fore-and-aft direction. Put another way, when viewed from the side, as in FIG. 10 , the inclined surface has a curved profile. Thus, the laterally outer edge 140 c of the inclined surface 140 , such as where the inclined surface 140 intersects with the curved outer surface of the pontoon 14 , has a curvature that curves upward toward the rear of the pontoon 14 .
- the convex curvature of the inclined surface 140 need not be substantial.
- the curvature operates to create a “coanda effect” in which a fluid will tend to adhere to the surface against which it flows, similar to the top of an airfoil.
- the coanda effect causes the water flowing along the inclined surface 140 to track along the surface and be projected in an upward direction as it flow past the rear of the pontoon 14 .
- the curvature of the inclined surface 140 also operates to create a downforce on the pontoon 14 , which aids in displacing the water below the pontoon 14 .
- the inclined surface 140 may also include a downward facing convex curvature in the lateral direction. In this approach, when viewed from the rear, the edge of the inclined surface 140 may appear curved. However, in another approach, the inclined surface 140 may be generally flat in the lateral direction, such that when viewed from the rear, such as the view shown in FIG. 9 , the inclined surface appears flat.
- the system 10 further includes actuatable wake panels 150 .
- the wake panels 150 similar to the outer pontoons 14 , may be arranged in a pair that are generally symmetrical across the centerline of the boat.
- the wake panels 150 may include a first wake panel and a second wake panel, with the first wake panel 150 being coupled to the first outer pontoon 14 , and the second wake panel 150 being attached to the second outer pontoon 14 .
- the wake panels 150 may be discussed as a pair or individually, and it will be appreciated that reference to the structure and functionality of a single wake panel will apply to the other wake panel, unless otherwise noted.
- the wake panels 150 are independently actuatable, so it shall not be assumed that the actuated position of a single wake panel necessarily implies the same actuation of the other wake panel.
- the wake panels 150 are coupled to the rear ends of the outer pontoons 14 .
- the wake panels 150 may be attached to the outer pontoons 150 via a pivotable hinge structure 152 , allowing the wake panels 150 to pivot upward and downward relative to the fixed shape of the outer pontoons 14 .
- the pivot axis of the hinge structure 152 is preferably aligned with the rear edge defined by the inclined surface 140 . Accordingly, when the inclined surface 140 is inclined laterally, the pivot axis of the hinge structure 152 is also inclined laterally.
- the wake panels 150 essentially extend rearward from the rear edge of the inclined surface 140 and the outer pontoon 14 .
- the wake panels 150 may have various positions depending on the degree to which they are actuated relative to the outer pontoons 14 .
- the wake panels 150 may have a retracted position, where the wake panel 150 is oriented at an angle that is approximately the same as the angle of inclination of the inclined surface 140 , as shown in phantom line in FIG. 12 .
- the wake panels 150 may operate as an extension of the surface of the inclined surface 140 .
- the wake panels 150 may further include a deployed position, as shown in solid line in FIG.
- the wake panels 150 are inclined downward relative to the inclined surface 140 , such that the wake panels 150 would project downwardly into the water, increasing an amount of downward displacement of water that impacts the wake panels 150 in the deployed position.
- the downward angle of inclination shown in FIG. 12 is exemplary, and that the angle of inclination may be varied to suit the needs of the user and to tailor the resulting wake profile of the user. Regardless, in the deployed position, the wake panels 150 are deployed down and into contact with the water to produce a desired wake profile.
- the wake panels 150 may be actuated by an actuator mechanism 154 , which may be a linear actuator.
- the actuator mechanism 154 may be attached to a middle portion of the upper surface of the wake panel 150 , such that extension of the actuator mechanism 154 will force the wake panel 150 downward, and retraction of the actuator mechanism 154 will retract the wake panel 150 upward.
- the actuator mechanism 154 may also be in the form of a linkage that may move between two predetermined positions, namely the retracted position and the deployed position, with a supplemental actuator mechanism that moves the linkages of the linkage mechanism relative to each other.
- the actuator mechanism 154 may be sized and configured to resist loads exerted on the wake panel 150 , in particular when the wake panels 150 are in the deployed position and water is impacting the wake panels 150 .
- the linkages may resist the majority of the loading on the linkage mechanism, with the supplemental actuator receiving reduced loads.
- the wake panels 150 may have a generally planar shape, and may include a front portion 150 a and a rear portion 150 b .
- the front portion 150 a may be planar, and the rear portion 150 b may be planar, with the rear portion 150 b inclined downward relative to the front portion 150 a .
- the rear portion 150 b may be substantially smaller relative to the front portion 150 a , such that the length of the front portion 150 a is greater than the length of the rear portion 150 b .
- the wake panels 150 may further include a trailing edge 150 c . The edge of the wake panel 150 may be curved along both the front portion 150 a and the rear portion 150 b.
- the wake panels 150 may include a laterally outer edge 150 e (or outboard lateral edge) and a laterally inner edge 150 d (or inboard lateral edge).
- the trailing edge 150 c is longitudinally spaced from the hinge axis of the wake panel 150 .
- outboard edge 150 e is relatively longer than the inboard edge 150 d.
- the trailing edge 150 c may therefore be angled relative to the leading edge and/or hinge axis of the wake panel 150 .
- the angle of the trailing edges 150 c of each wake panel 150 are each directed forward and toward the center of the boat, such that they may be considered opposite each other or mirrors of each other relative to the center of the boat 12 .
- the downwardly bent rear portion 150 b of the wake panel 150 may be generally planar, similar to the major front portion 150 a .
- the bent portion 150 b is adjacent the trailing edge 150 c.
- the curvature of the outer edge 150 e transitions into trailing edge 150 c .
- the curvature of the outer edge 150 e extends along both the front portion 150 a and the bent rear portion 150 b .
- the outer edge 150 e may be curved along a substantial portion of its length.
- the inner edge 150 d may also be curved along at least a portion of its length.
- the inner edge 150 d may be curved along a portion of its length that is less than that of the outer edge 150 e.
- the curved portions of the outer edge 150 e and inner edge 150 d operates to reduce drag and also assists in shaping the wake profile.
- the water being displaced by the wake panel 150 when it is deployed is allowed to curl back around the edges of the wake panel 150 .
- the wake panels 150 are actuatable between a retracted position, in which the wake panels 150 are raised, and a deployed position, in which the wake panels 150 are disposed downward into the water and at an inclination relative to the inclined surface 140 of the outer pontoons 14 .
- the wake panels 150 are preferably arranged in the retracted position to reduce drag.
- the wake panels 150 may be positioned in the deployed position. With the wake panels 150 disposed in the deployed position, the water impacting the wake panels 150 will be displaced downward by the wake panels 150 , forcing the water downward. In response, the water will flow back upward after passing beyond the wake panels 150 , and the upward flow of the water after being displaced downward by the wake panels 150 will produce an improved wake profile that is surfable by a wake boarder or the like.
- the wake panels 150 may be actuated separately, such that the first wake panel 150 may be in the deployed position and the second wake panel 150 may be in the retracted position.
- the wake profile may be increased at the side of the first wake panel, while the wake profile at the side of the second wake panel is smaller.
- the second wake panel 150 may be disposed in the deployed position, and the first wake panel 150 may be disposed in the retracted position, resulting in wake profile that is higher on the side of the second wake panel 150 .
- the wake panels 150 may also be independently actuatable at different degrees, such that one or both of the wake panels 150 may be disposed at an intermediate position between the previously described retracted position and deployed position, depending on the degree of actuation of the actuation mechanism 154 . Similarly, the wake panels 150 may be retracted further than the previously described retracted position, in which the wake panels 150 are oriented upward relative to the inclined surface 140 .
- the wake panels 150 may be controlled and actuated to the desirable position depending on the desired use of the boat 12 .
- the boat 12 may therefore be operated in wake-profile producing mode when one or more wake panels 150 are deployed, or may be operated in a traditional non-wake-profile producing mode, in which the boat 12 may be operated at high speeds with reduced wake.
- the combination of the limited spacing between the pontoons 14 , 16 and the wake panels 150 therefore combine to displace additional water downward relative to a traditional pontoon boat 12 , such that the boat 12 may also be used as a wake boat.
- the water traveling between the pontoons 14 , 16 is substantially blocked from exiting the rear of the boat 12 , and therefore is displaced downward, which results in an increased wake profile.
- some water traveling between the pontoons 14 , 16 may tend to be urged upward and over the intersection point 17 between the pontoons 14 , 16 . This water may tend to exit the space 22 between the pontoons 14 , 16 , thereby reducing the amount of water that is displaced downward.
- the system 10 may further include splash panels 155 disposed between the pontoons 14 , 16 .
- the splash panels 155 may operate to block the water that would otherwise exit above the intersection point 17 .
- the splash panels 155 may also be referred to as deflector plates.
- the splash panels 155 may have a generally triangular shape, and may be generally planar.
- the shape of the splash panels 155 preferably corresponds to the shape of the space between the pontoons 14 , 16 in the area just forward of the intersection point. Accordingly, the outward flared shape of the outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 at the rear of the boat results in the shape of the space having a generally triangular shape, as shown in FIG. 1 , and the shape of the splash panels 155 can thereby be triangular.
- the splash panels 155 may be symmetrically arranged relative to the centerline of the boat 12 when the pontoons 14 , 16 are also symmetrically arranged. In an approach where the pontoons 14 are not symmetrically shaped, the splash panels 155 may have a non-symmetrical shape, corresponding to the shape of the space defined between the pontoons 14 , 16 . For the purposes of discussion, the symmetrical arrangement will be described.
- the splash panels 155 may be arranged at an inclination relative to the platform 20 of the boat 12 .
- the splash panels 155 may be arranged such that the splash panels 160 are inclined downward in a rearward direction. Put another way, a rear end of the splash panel is disposed below a front end of the splash panel 155 .
- the front end of the splash panel 155 is wider than the rear end of the splash panel 160 .
- the rear end of the splash panel may be in the form of a point or other convergence.
- the lateral sides of the splash panel 155 are closer together at the rear relative to the front.
- the splash panel 155 has a tapered shape that tapers down in the rearward direction.
- the splash panel 155 is disposed above the intersection point 17 between the pontoons 14 , 16 , and is not intended to be submerged below the surface of the water in normal operating conditions. Rather, water that is being channeled through the space 22 between the pontoons 14 , 16 may be displaced upward or splashed upward during operation. This water may therefore come into contact with the splash panel 160 , which will divert the water downward and below the intersection point.
- the splash panels 155 are preferably fixed in place relative to the pontoons 14 , 16 and the platform 20 . Put another way, the splash panels 155 are not actuated between different positions. Because the splash panels 155 are not disposed below the surface of the water, there is no need to retract the splash panels 155 toward the platform 20 or away from the water during different operating conditions. Rather, the splash panels 155 may remain in the same position during a wake-producing condition or a high speed condition.
- an alternative wake panel 160 may be used.
- the wake panel 160 is attached and operated similarly to the wake panel 150 , and may be applicable to each of the Figures illustrating wake panel 150 .
- the wake panel 160 differs from the wake panel 150 in that it is generally flat and does not include a bent trailing portion. Instead, the wake panel 160 may include a trailing inclined foil member 162 .
- the foil member 162 extends downward and forward, such that water flowing past the wake panel 160 will impact the leading face of the foil member 162 and be directed upward. Accordingly, the foil member 162 will provide additional downforce, while also operating to shape the wake by directing the water upward along the inclined surface of the foil member 162 .
- the foil member 162 is spaced away from the trailing edge of the wake panel 160 , allowing water to flow over the forward face of the foil member between the trailing edge of the wake panel 160 and the leading edge of the foil member 162 . While the foil member 162 is spaced away from the wake panel 160 , the foil member 162 may be attached to the wake panel by a plurality of laterally spaced gussets 164 .
- the gussets 164 may be oriented such that water flowing past them will not be substantially affected. Put another way, the flat shaped body of the gussets 164 may extend generally perpendicular from the surfaces of the wake panel 160 and the foil member 162 .
- the gussets 164 may be in the form of a single fixed piece, or they may be in a two-piece arrangement with a hinge or pivot mechanism disposed in the middle, allowing the angle of the foil member 164 to be adjustable relative to the wake panel 160 .
- the angle of the foil member 162 may be set to an angle/orientation to specifically tailor the shape of the wake that is produced to accommodate different users or different desired wake types.
- the shapes of the pontoons 14 , 16 were described above. It will be appreciated that variations in the shape of the pontoon 14 , 16 may be possible without substantially affecting the functionality described above.
- the pontoons 14 , 16 may be generally hollow, thereby providing buoyancy when disposed in the water and allowing the boat 12 to float.
- the pontoons 14 , 16 may have additional shape characteristics, such as the leading edge of the pontoon may be tapered to decrease resistance when the boat 12 is being propelled through the water.
- the pontoons 14 , 16 may further include additional rail structure or splash guards that are typically used with traditional pontoon boats.
- Traditional pontoon boats are designed to produce reduced resistance in the water such that the pontoons 14 , 16 will float high on the surface of the water, thereby displacing a smaller or minimal amount of water. As passengers are added to the pontoon boat, the weight thereby increases, displacing an additional amount of water. Increasing the water displacement will increase the wake produced by the pontoon boat.
- the wake produced by a traditional pontoon boat is typically very unorganized and turbulent around the pontoons. During operation of the traditional pontoon boat, a non-organized wake is produced within the channel between the pontoons as well as behind the pontoons.
- the boat may be more energy efficient and require less power to propel the boat through the water.
- wake and drag may be desirable in select operating conditions, and the system 10 will therefore produce an increased amount of water displacement, wake, and drag, which is the opposite of a traditional pontoon boat.
- the system 10 also allows for the boat 12 to produce reduced displacement and drag when the wake panels 150 are in the retracted position, similar to a traditional pontoon boat.
- the system 10 operates to control and organize the wake produced by the pontoon boat 12 , and in particular the wake produced between the pontoons 18 .
- the boat 12 may operate in a manner resembling a traditional pontoon boat.
- the wake panels 150 will make contact with the water, thereby displacing and directing an additional volume of water relative to a traditional pontoon boat that is not otherwise displaced.
- the deployed position will be understood to mean the desired, optimum, or target position for enhancing the wake profile characteristic. It will be understood that other positions relative to the second position, including intermediate positions or positions further downward from the second position, may also be used that enhance the wake pattern relative to the retracted position.
- the wake panel 150 When the wake panel 150 is in the deployed position, the wake panel 150 will extend downward into the water and will direct the previously unorganized and turbulent water flow behind the pontoons 14 in a controlled manner, organizing the water flow and directing it downward and rearward along the wake panel 150 , where the flow may then pass beyond the rear end of the wake panel 150 and return upward to produce the increased wake profile.
- the wake panels 150 operate to displace an additional amount of water relative to a traditional pontoon boat, which creates additional drag on the boat 12 .
- the wake panels 150 By disposing the wake panels 150 into the water, and displacing and directing more water, the wake panels 150 thereby create additional surface area that contacts the water, similar to other boat types that displace water over a greater surface area than a traditional pontoon boat.
- the increase of surface area is desirable for creating an enhanced wake pattern behind the boat 12 .
- the wake panels 150 may be individually controlled and actuated, meaning that the wake panels 150 may be at different angles relative to each other for producing the desired wake characteristic.
- the wake panels 150 When extended downward, the wake panels 150 contact the water and force the water downward in accordance with the angle of the wake panels 150 . However, the water also provides an upward reaction force on the wake panels 150 . Accordingly, in order to increase the amount of water displacement caused by the wake panels 150 , it may be desirable to provide additional downward force on the boat 12 .
- the additional downforce on the boat 12 may be provided by ballast, in one approach. The downforce contributes to the displacement of the water and counteracts the reaction force of the water that tends to urge the boat upward out of the water.
- the system 10 may include ballast mechanisms 50 disposed at various locations of the boat 12 to selectively increase the weight at specific locations of the boat 12 in order to increase water displacement, as desired.
- Ballast may be in the form of soft bags or hard tanks that may be filled with ballast material as desired.
- the ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed internally within the pontoons 14 , 16 , with an access panel or the like provided in the top of the pontoon 14 , 16 to add or remove ballast material from the ballast mechanism 50 .
- the ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed at an external location relative to the pontoon 14 , 16 .
- the ballast mechanism may be disposed on an inboard or outboard surface of the pontoon 14 , 16 , preferably at a location above the expected water level to prevent undesirable drag.
- the ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed below the platform 20 , or the ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed above the platform 20 .
- the ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed at different locations on the boat 12 .
- the ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed at both rear and middle locations of the boat 12 and on both lateral sides of the boat 12 .
- the ballast mechanism 50 may not be disposed near the front of the boat 12 .
- the degree or amount of ballast material used in the ballast mechanism 50 may depend on the particular boat size and expected use conditions. Accordingly, the ballast mechanisms 50 may be used to specifically tailor the boat 12 for ideal usage conditions depending on the needs of the user. In one case, it may be desirable for no ballast to be used, while in another, it may be desirable for ballast to be used at both front and rear locations and on both sides. In another case, ballast may only be desirable on one side of the boat 12 . It will be appreciated that various combinations of amount and location of ballast may be used. The location and amount of ballast may depend on the number of expected passengers, or the side of the wake profile where the wake surfer or wake boarder prefers to perform. The use of the ballast 50 may in some cases be sufficient to provide the necessary downforce to counteract the upward reaction on the wake panels 150 .
- the system 10 may include a controller 60 ( FIGS. 1 A and 2 A ) including a computing device and associated hardware and software for controlling the above-described actuatable components.
- the controller 60 may be disposed on the boat 12 where access by the operator during operation of the boat 12 is possible, such as near the traditional boat controls or integrated into the boat control system.
- the controller 60 may communicate with the actuators to position the components in a desired position, and may receive feedback from the components or the associated actuators to control the position of the components.
- the boat 12 may include at least two operating conditions that may be controlled by the controller 60 .
- the controller 60 may prevent actuation of the wake panels 150 into the deployed position, or the controller 60 may retracted the wake panels 150 from the deployed position.
- the controller 60 may prevent the boat from traveling above a predetermined speed.
- the controller 60 may automatically retract the wake panels 150 from their deployed position.
- the controller 60 may be configured to store different operating conditions for different users, such as a desired angle of inclination of the wake panels 150 to produce the desired wake profile.
- the controller 60 may also be configured to detect the amount of weight on the boat and the amount of displacement due to the weight on the boat 12 , and the controller 60 may control the amount that the wake panels 150 are actuated when in the deployed position. It will be appreciated that various other control aspects may be utilized by the controller 60 .
- the motor and propeller used for propelling the boat 12 may be a traditional motor and propeller commonly used for pontoon boats 12 or other boat types, such as inboard drives or outboard drives with a rear mounted propeller, or an inboard/outboard (stern) drive may be used.
- the propeller on an outboard or inboard/outboard drive may be pivoted up out of the water when not in use.
- an inboard/outboard drive 70 may be used with a front mounted propeller.
- the front-mounted propeller when in use may be disposed below the water level and directed in a forward and downward direction.
- the propeller itself may provide a substantial degree of downforce at the rear of the boat 12 .
- the above described system 10 has been described in reference to a pontoon boat 12 having outer pontoons 14 and the center pontoon 16 .
- the center pontoon 16 may be excluded, with the outer pontoons 14 operating to the support the platform 20 .
- a flow diverter 216 may be used in place of the center pontoon 16 to take up a similar degree of lateral space at the rear of the boat 12 and that may operate to block the water and force the water downward along with the outer pontoons 14 , as described above.
- the above-described system 10 has been described as including the wake panels 150 for producing an enhanced wake profile.
- the system 10 may also be provided without the wake panels 150 , and the inclined surface 140 and flared pontoons 14 , 16 may still combine to provide an improved wake profile relative to a traditional pontoon boat.
- the inclined surface 140 provides for improved water displacement, whether or not the surface is inclined laterally in additional to being inclined longitudinally.
- the downward displacement of water at the rear of the boat 12 even without the wake panels 150 actuated or provided, may still provide an improved wake profile at low speeds due to the additional downward displacement of water relative to traditional pontoon boats.
- the system 10 may include an alternative wake panel arrangement, shown in FIGS. 16 - 20 .
- the boat 12 may include the same variety of features of aspects described above, other than the wake panels 150 .
- the pontoons 14 , 16 and inclined surface 140 formed on the pontoons 14 , 16 may be used.
- the forward drive 70 may also be used.
- the ballast 50 and control system 60 may be used. It will be appreciated that other aspects that do not conflict with the alternative wake panel arrangement shown in FIGS. 16 - 20 may be used, even if not specifically mentioned.
- the alternative wake panel arrangement includes a deployable wake panel 250 that is arranged for sliding translational movement relative to the pontoons 14 , 16 .
- each pontoon 14 , 16 includes an associated wake panel 250 .
- Wake panel 250 is shown in FIG. 16 on the starboard side of the pontoon boat 12 and associated with the starboard pontoon 14 . Unless otherwise noted, the wake panel 250 on the port side is symmetrical to the wake panel 250 on the starboard side. For discussion purposes, the illustrated starboard wake panel 250 will be referenced.
- the wake panel 250 is generally arranged at an incline relative to the longitudinal direction or travel direction of the boat 12 (for example the horizontal plane defined generally by the deck that is supported by the pontoons 14 ).
- the panel 250 extends at an acute angle (in the upward direction) relative to a vertical plane extending vertically from the bottom edge of the panel 250 .
- a lowermost edge of the wake panel 250 is disposed forward relative to an uppermost edge.
- the rear end of the pontoon 14 may extend at a similar angle (upper edge of pontoon 14 being behind the lower edge of the pontoon 14 at its rear facing surface), such that the wake panel 250 and the rear surface face of the pontoon 14 are generally parallel, with being inclined.
- the wake panel 250 may be inclined at approximately a 22 degree forward angle relative to vertical. Put another way, in the side view of FIG. 16 , the panel 250 extends downward and forward from the upper end of the panel 250 , and extends upward and rearward from the lower end of the panel 250 .
- the wake panel 250 therefore has an alignment plane disposed at a downward and forward angle.
- the wake panel 250 is configured to travel along the alignment plane.
- the wake panel 250 is arranged to slide along the alignment plane. Accordingly, the wake panel 250 may move or translate along the alignment plane from a stowed and/or retracted position to a deployed and/or extended.
- the wake panel 250 may be arranged for reciprocal movement along the alignment plane.
- the wake panel 250 may be described as translating or sliding.
- the wake panel 250 is supported off the stern end of one of the pontoons 14 , 16 .
- one or mounting rails 252 is fixed to the stern end of the pontoon 14 , via welding or the like, such that the mounting rails project outwardly from the surface of the stern end of the pontoon 14 normal to the surface of the stern end of the pontoon 14 .
- the mounting rails 252 may create a surface that is generally parallel to the surface of the stern end of the pontoon 14 , and the wake panel 250 may slide along the surface defined by the mounting rails 250 .
- the wake panel 250 When the wake panel 250 is in the stowed position, the wake panel 250 is out of or substantially out of the water when the boat 12 is traveling along the water. In some cases, even in the stowed position, the wake panel 250 may be in contact with the surface of the water a nominal amount, depending on the overall weight of the boat 12 , traveling speed of the boat 12 , and the like. In one aspect, in the stowed position, the lowermost edge of the wake panel 250 is disposed below the lowermost edge of the stern end of the pontoon 14 . In another aspect, the lowermost edge of the wake panel 250 may be disposed above the lowermost edge of the stern end of the pontoon 14 . It will be appreciated that these relative positions are measured with the longitudinal axis of the pontoon extending in the direction of travel and being arranged generally horizontal.
- the wake panel 250 In the deployed position, which is a downwardly deployed position relative to the stowed position, the wake panel 250 is substantially disposed below the surface of the water when the boat 12 is being propelled. Put another way, a lower portion of the wake panel 250 is engaged with the water while the boat is being propelled. When in the deployed position, the wake panel 250 will substantially alter the size and/or shape of the trailing wakes.
- the wake panel 250 When deployed, the wake panel 250 maintains its orientation along its alignment plane, such that the lower portion is disposed forward relative to the upper portion. As a result, while the boat is traveling along the water, the water that passes along the bottom surface of the pontoon 14 and flows along the bottom surface of the pontoon 14 will substantially impact and be “blocked” and “trapped” along its rearward flow path by the wake panel 250 . Thus, the wake panel 250 interrupts the flow of water and can operate to effectively cancel a portion of the wake on the side of the boat 12 where the wake panel 250 is deployed. More particularly, wake panel 250 , when deployed, interrupts the cross-over effect of the wake that would otherwise cross over and interfere with the desired development of the opposite side surfable wake.
- This cancelling effect is effective over a short distance, mainly the prime surfable zone (e.g. 20-20 feet back from the boat 12 according to one aspect).
- both sides of the boat 12 create secondary and tertiary wakes that roll with the boat 12 and may be of a size that is surfable.
- the wake profile 250 on the opposite side may be enhanced because the “canceled” side allows the non-cancelled side to fully develop a primary surfable wake, along with the possible further secondary and tertiary surfable wakes on one or both sides.
- the inclined surfaces 140 creates the improved surfable wake as previous described.
- the combination of the inclined surfaces 140 and the selective deployment of the wake panels 250 that can enhance the wake beyond the enhancement provided by the inclined surfaces 140 .
- improved wake patterns relative to a traditional pontoon boat are possible using only the inclined surfaces 140 and without the wake panels 250 deployed, and an enhanced wake profile may also be created via the wake panels 250 used on traditional pontoons without the inclined surfaces 140 .
- some type of wake will still be generated by the boat 12 even when a wake panel 250 is deployed, and that reference to the enhanced wake is relative to the wake that would be created without deployment of the wake panel 250 .
- the wake panel 250 is downwardly deployed in a sliding manner according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- the wake panel 250 slides along a set of bolts or posts 254 that are fixed to the stern end of the pontoon 14 .
- the posts 254 may project outwardly from the mounting rails 252 .
- a plurality of posts 254 may be arranged to create a track along which the wake panel 250 may travel.
- a pair of posts may be disposed generally vertically along the mounting rails, with one post 254 disposed on or fixed in place to each mounting rails 252 .
- a second pair of posts may be offset laterally from the first pair of posts 252 , with the second pair of posts 254 attached to the mounting rails 252 in a similar manner.
- the rails 254 are effectively vertically aligned. However, they may also be aligned at an angle in the lateral direction to create a direction of travel of the wake panel 250 that is tilted or canted laterally inward or outward.
- the wake panel 250 may include a pair of slots 256 defined in the wake panel 250 .
- the slots 256 are generally parallel to each other and receive the posts 254 .
- the number of slots 256 may generally correspond to the number of laterally spaced posts 254 that are disposed at the stern end of the pontoon 14 .
- the posts 254 are generally arranged at a bottom end of the slot 256 .
- the posts 254 may contact the bottom end of the slot 256 , such that the bottom end acts a stop against upward travel of the wake panel 250 .
- the stopping position of the wake panel 250 may be controlled by the travel of the associated actuator or other control mechanism.
- the slots 256 travel relative to the posts 254 , such that the posts 254 become disposed closer to the upper end of the slots 256 .
- the upper ends of the slots 256 may act as a stop for the amount of travel of the wake panel 250 .
- the amount of deployment and the stopping position 256 may be limited or controlled by the actuator or other control mechanism.
- the direction of sliding of the wake plates may be generally vertical, or it may be tilted, as described above, based on the direction of the posts 254 that the slots 256 slide along.
- the inclined surface portion 140 (or flat bottom surface portion) of the pontoons may be tilted outward, such that n tilted plane of the inclined surface portion 140 is defined.
- the slots 256 and the posts 254 may be arranged and aligned such that the wake panel 250 slides in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the tilted plane of the inclined surface. For example, when viewed from the rear as shown in FIGS.
- the slots 256 and posts 254 would be aligned to extend down and to the right, perpendicular or normal to the face of the inclined surface portion 140 .
- the inclined surface 140 is canted or tilted as shown and facing downward and laterally outward.
- the wake panel 250 also moves slightly outward relative to its stowed position when the direction of travel is tilted or canted in this manner.
- the slots 256 are generally parallel to the outboard and inboard sides of the wake panel 250 , and the upper edge and lower edge of the wake panel 250 are generally perpendicular to the slots 256 .
- the lower edge of the wake panel may be aligned with the tilted plane of the inclined surface 140 .
- the wake panel 250 may simply move vertically with respect to the horizontal deck of the boat 12 , rather than canted or tilted, such that the sliding movement is in a direction that is at an angle relative to the laterally inclined plane of the inclined surface 140 (when the inclined surface 140 is tilted in the lateral direction with its face facing downward and outward). However, as shown, the direction of travel is inclined downward and laterally outward, when moving from the stowed position to the deployed position.
- the wake panel 250 is illustrated as having a plurality of bent edge portions, however, the wake panel 250 may also be generally planar or flat at various edges relative to its body. For purposes of the discussion, the illustrated bent portions will be described.
- the wake panel 250 may include a body portion 260 , which covers the majority of surface area defined by the wake panel 250 .
- the body portion 260 may be generally planar, and may include the slots 256 .
- the body portion 260 is the portion of the wake panel 250 that generally defines the alignment plane of the wake panel 250 .
- the body portion 260 may transition into the illustrated edges portions surrounding the body portion 260 .
- the edge portions may be in the form of flanges extending from the body portion 260 . As shown, the corners of the body portion 260 may be without bent portions, such that each bent portion or flange is separated from adjacent edge portions.
- the wake panel may include a bottom edge portion 262 that is bent relative to the body portion 260 .
- the bottom edge portion 262 extends rearwardly relative to the body portion 260 .
- the bottom edge portion 262 may be disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the body portion 250 .
- the bottom edge portion 262 may be disposed at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the body portion 260 .
- the bottom edge portion 262 may include a curved edge or curved profile, as shown in FIG. 20 , such that laterally inboard and outboard portions of the bottom edge portion extend a smaller distance from the body portion relative to a middle portion.
- the wake panel 250 When the wake panel 250 is disposed in a downwardly deployed positon, water that impacts the wake panel may flow and curl around the bottom edge portion.
- the bottommost edge of the bottom edge portion 262 When the wake panel 250 is deployed in the water, the bottommost edge of the bottom edge portion 262 is disposed rearwardly relative to the bend point between the body portion 260 and the bottom edge portion 262 .
- the bottom edge portion 262 When the wake panel 250 is in its stowed position, it is possible in some aspects that the bottom edge portion 262 may be disposed in the water slightly when the boat 12 is traveling along the surface of the water.
- the rearward orientation of the bottom edge portion 262 relative to the body portion allows the water to generally flow without being substantially impeded by the slight engagement with the water flowing along the bottom of the pontoon 14 .
- the wake panel 250 may include an outboard edge portion 264 , which is on the right side of the Figure for the illustrated starboard-side wake panel 250 .
- the port side wake panel 250 would have the outboard edge on the left side.
- the outboard edge portion 264 may be disposed at an obtuse angle of about 120 degrees relative to the body portion 260 .
- water flowing along the side of the pontoon 14 may be directed outwardly.
- Water splashing along the side of the pontoon 14 may likewise be directed outwardly by the outboard edge portion 264 .
- the outboard edge portion 264 may be described as being at an obtuse angle relative to the body portion 260 that is less than the obtuse angle of the bottom edge portion 262 relative to the body portion 260 .
- the wake panel 250 may include an inboard edge portion 266 bent and extending rearward relative to the body portion 260 .
- the inboard edge portion 266 is shown on the left side for the illustrated starboard wake panel 250 . It will be appreciated that the inboard edge portion 266 would be on the right side of the port wake panel 250 .
- the inboard edge portion 266 is bent relative to the body portion 260 at an angle of about 90 degrees, or generally perpendicular to the plane of the body portion. In one aspect, the inboard edge portion could be bent at a slight acute angle relative to the body portion 260 , or at a slight obtuse angle relative to the body. When disposed in the water, the inboard edge portion 266 , similar to the other edge portions, allows water that flows toward and impacts the wake panel 250 to flow and curl around the side of the wake panel 250 as the boat 12 is traveling along the surface of the water.
- the inboard edge portion 266 may not be exposed to as much water as the outboard edge, in particular when in the stowed position, due to the inboard edge portion being located behind the inboard side of the pontoon 14 , in contrast to the outboard edge portion 264 which may encounter more splash and water flow that is present on the outboard side of the pontoon 14 .
- the wake panel 250 may include an upper edge portion 268 that is bent and extends forward relative to the body portion 260 of the wake panel 250 .
- the upper edge portion 268 may be bent at approximately a 90 degree angle relative to the body portion.
- the upper edge portion 268 provides additional rigidity and stiffness to the panel, and may also operate as a stop member when the wake panel 250 is moved to the deployed position. In such an instance, the upper edge portion 268 may contact an upper surface of one of the mounting rails 252 , thereby limiting further downward movement of the wake panel 250 .
- the amount of travel may be controlled by the actuator and/or control system, such that the wake panel 250 is stopped prior to contact between the upper edge portion 268 and the mounting rail 252 .
- the upper edge portion 268 may be disposed out of the area of the actuator, which extends downward along the wake panel 250 for actuating the wake panel 250 .
- Each of the bent edge portions 262 - 268 provides rigidity and stiffness to the wake panel 250 , defining a general “L-shape” cross section at the edges of the panel 250 , with the shape of the “L” depending on the relative angle between the body portion 260 and the edge portion.
- the added rigidity and stiffness may limit instances of the wake panel 250 bowing or bending or flexing substantially in response to the loads and forces applied to the wake panel 250 by the water impacting against it.
- the wake panel 250 may be selectively actuated for downward deployment on one or both sides of the boat 12 .
- the panels 250 may be disposed on each lateral side of the boat behind each of the pontoons 14 , 16 and supported by each of the pontoons 14 , 16 .
- one wake panel 250 may be deployed while the other remains stowed. In one aspect, both may be deployed at the same time.
- the wake panels 250 may be selected to be deployed to an amount that is less than a full deployment. Accordingly, one panel may be deployed a full amount, with another being deployed a partial amount. In one aspect, a single wake panel 250 may be deployed a partial amount. It will be appreciated that various relative deployments at both sides of the boat 12 may be used.
- each panel 250 relative to the other may be selected by a control system, and may be predetermined or pre-selected based on user desires. In another aspect, the amount of deployment may be manually controlled by an operator of the boat 12 .
- both sides of the boat 12 may include the wake panels 150 / 250 .
- one side of the boat 12 may include the wake panel 150 / 250 , and the other side may be free from a wake panel.
- one side of the boat may include wake panel 150 , and the other side of the boat 12 may include wake panel 250 .
- the inclined surfaces 140 described in detail above, may provide wake enhancement separate from the wake panels 150 / 250 , and wake enhancement may be provided even when the wake panels 150 / 250 or fully retracted or only partially deployed, or even excluded.
- the inclined surfaces 140 may provide a substantial wake enhancement absent substantial effect provided by the wake panels 150 / 250 .
- the inclined surfaces 140 may primarily form the shapeable wake, with the wake panels 150 / 250 operating to further shape and refine the wake. For example, as described above with reference to one of the wake panels 250 being deployed and the opposite side being stowed or only slightly deployed, a primary enhanced and surface wake is created on the side of the boat where the wake panel 250 is not deployed, and the wake panel 250 on the deployed side disrupts the wake that is created on its side, helping impart a final enhanced shape on the opposite side where the wake panel 250 was not deployed.
- the enhanced wake is created by the inclined surfaces 140 , and the deployed wake panel 250 allows the enhanced wake on the opposite side to be formed without being disrupted by the wake coming from the deployed side, because wake on the deployed side is blocked or disrupted by the deployed wake panel 250 .
- wake may still be created and enhanced relative to traditional pontoons using the inclined surfaces 140 , even without the additional use of the wake panels 250 .
- the wake panels 250 could also be used to disrupt wake and allow wake developed on the non-deployed side to be uninterrupted for pontoons that do not include the inclined surfaces, although such a wake may not be as desirable as that which is created by pontoons having the inclined surfaces 140 .
- Both types of wake panels 150 and 250 may be supported by the pontoons and mounted to the pontoons 14 , 16 for movement relative to the pontoons 14 , 16 . Both types of wake panel 150 and 250 may be configured for downward deployment into the water from a stowed position to a deployed position and configured to enhance the wake profile trailing the pontoon boat 12 .
- the system 10 may be installed on the boat 12 in the manner described above to provide the above-described benefits of increased water displacement and control of the wake produced by the boat 12 to alter the wake profile and create a more surfable wake profile.
- the above-described components may be used in combination with one or more of the other components affecting the wake profile. It will be appreciated that various combinations of the above-described components may be used to achieve the desired result of an improved wake profile.
- FIGS. 23 - 25 A further embodiment of a pontoon boat 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 23 - 25 . It includes many features in common with the other embodiments, including at least two outer pontoons 314 and a center pontoon 316 .
- the configuration of the pontoons 314 , 316 including the shaped bottom surfaces at the stern end of the pontoons 314 are preferably the same as that previously described with the other embodiments.
- the pontoon boat 300 includes a top deck or platform 320 that is supported on the pontoons 312 , 314 .
- a propulsion system 370 is provided for moving the boat 300 across a body of water which causes a wake or wakes to trail from the pontoons 314 , 316 .
- Many water sport enthusiasts desire a wake of a certain size and shape and energy that makes them more conducive to the activity, such as wake surfing. As has already been discussed above, this has been a challenge with pontoon boats since by their nature they produce a relatively small wake with a lot of noise which is generally not suitable without modification for many water sport activities.
- the propulsion system 370 is selected to provide a desirable performance and clearance effect for water sports.
- the propulsion system 370 of this embodiment has a rearward-facing propeller 371 that is mounted on a fixed prop shaft 372 that is angled downwardly from front-to-back. The downward angle is desirable since it minimizes prop wash disturbance and imbalance of the trailing wakes, as the trailing plume of the propeller is directed downward at the stern of the boat 300 .
- the propulsion system 370 is preferably an in-board system in which the engine 373 and gear box 374 that drives the prop shaft 372 is forward of (or inboard of) the back end of the boat 300 .
- At least the shaft 372 and preferably also at least part of the gear box 374 and further more preferably also at least part of the engine is disposed in a well 375 or compartment of the center pontoon 316 at the stern end thereof which may be partially or fully open to the deck 320 of the boat 300 such that an upper part of the engine 373 can project above deck and be enclosed by an engine cover.
- the rearward location of the V-drive propulsion system 370 toward the stern of the boat 300 is advantageous in that it adds weight to the rear of the boat and enhances the size of the wakes trailing from the outer pontoons 314 for water sport activities.
- the prop shaft 372 extends rearward from the gear box 374 and projects through a wall of the center pontoon 316 , preferably with a water-tight seal.
- the wall through which the shaft 372 projects may comprise a rear or transom wall 376 of the center pontoon 316 as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 .
- the propeller 371 itself is disposed below a rearward bottom surface of the center pontoon 316 .
- the propeller 371 resides under the boat 300 and forward of the stern end of the platform 320 and clear of any interference with water sport participants in the water behind the boat 300 .
- a steerable rudder 377 is arranged behind the propeller 371 and may be supported in part by the center pontoon 316 and or the structure of the platform 320 for steering the boat 300 .
- the rudder further acts as a physical barrier between the propeller 371 and participants in the water behind the boat 300 .
- the wake enhancement features of the boat 300 in addition to the rearward-mounted V-drive propulsion system 370 with the rear-facing prop, include a combination of at least one wake-modifying plate 378 arranged behind at least one of the outer pontoons 314 and at least one hydrofoil 379 .
- the shape of the pontoons 314 , 316 may also contribute to wake shaping.
- the plate 378 is preferably the same or similar to the plate 250 described in a previous embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 - 24 , the description and operation of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- There are preferably two such plates 378 each mounted off the stern end of the outer pontoons 314 and selectively and individually slideable between a raised position and a lowered position.
- the plate or plates 378 engage the water immediately behind the outer pontoon or pontoons 314 and alter the size and/or shape of the trailing wake to make it more suitable for use in water sport activities such as wake surfing.
- the movement of the plate(s) 378 may be achieved by use of an actuator 380 , such as a hydraulic or electric cylinder.
- the hydrofoil or hydrofoils 379 are preferably provided at the back of the boat 300 and preferably rearward of the wake plates 378 .
- a hydrofoil 379 is preferably provided on each side of the boat in line with the outer pontoons 314 and wake plates 378 .
- the hydrofoils 379 are selectively and independently moveable between raised and lowered positons. When lowered, the hydrofoils engage the body of water and are downwardly inclined from back to front to dive when the boat 300 is propelled which forces the stern of the boat 300 downward. This can be done on one or both sides.
- FIG. 24 shows the wake plate 378 and hydrofoil 379 in the downward positions on the port side of the boat 300 , while those on the starboard side are raised.
- the trailing wake on the port side is being shaped by the wake plate 378 and the portside of the boat 300 is further being forced downward to increase the displacement of the portside outer pontoon 314 , thus increasing the amount of water displaced and increasing the size of the wake shaped by the deployed plate 378 .
- the portside plate 378 and hydrofoil 379 can be raised and those 378 , 379 on the starboard side can be lowered to enhance and shape the starboard side wake.
- the plates 378 and hydrofoils 379 of both sides can be lowered to enhance and shape both trailing wakes. Other combinations are possible and contemplated.
- the plates 378 and hydrofoils 379 may be raised so that the wakes are restored to the unmodified condition which may be more conducive to cruising or high speed travel or traversing sensitive zones (e.g., no-wake zones) on a body of water where large wakes are discouraged.
- sensitive zones e.g., no-wake zones
- the downward force achieved by the hydrofoils 379 has the same effect of added weight at the stern of the boat normally achieved in tow boats through taking on ballast water to generate a large wake, but without the need for a ballast system and without the drawback of having to manage the cleaning of internal ballast tanks to discourage cross-lake contamination.
- the hydrofoils 379 are external, mechanical and readily cleaned and dried and they are also adjustable in their downward force by adjusting the position of the hydrofoils 379 .
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Abstract
A pontoon boat assembly includes at least two outer pontoon floats and at least one center pontoon float. A deck is supported above the floats. A propulsion system in the preferred form of a V-drive with a rear-facing propeller is provided for moving the pontoon boat across a body of water and causing wakes to trail behind the pontoon float in the path of the pontoon floats. At least one wake panel is supported off a stern end of at least one of the outer pontoon floats and is slideable to a lowered position for selectively engaging the body of water and altering the trailing wake to shape the wake. At least one hydrofoil is engagable with the body of water for drawing the stern end of the boat downwardly during propulsion of the pontoon boat to increase the size of the shaped wake.
Description
- This U.S. CIP Application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/939,712, filed Jul. 27, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/879,136, filed Jul. 26, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/879,141, filed Jul. 26, 2019 and also claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Continuation application Ser. No. 17/865,856, filed Jul. 15, 2022 which claims the benefit of U.S. Continuation application Ser. No. 16/929,750, filed Jul. 15, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,407,477, issued Jul. 20, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/243,838, filed Jan. 9, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,745,084, issued Aug. 18, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/615,614, filed Jan. 10, 2018, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to pontoon boats of the type having at least two pontoon floats and deck or platform supported on the floats, and more particularly to pontoon boats equipped with wake-modifying features.
- Recreational marine vessels are in common use and include a variety of boat types directed to different recreational activities. For example, there are recreational boats tailored for speed and for towing a water-skier or for towing an inflatable device at a generally high speed. Another type of boat is a wake-boat or wake creating boat, that has a specific hull and transom shape that produces a surfable wake behind the boat, allowing for wake surfing or wake boarding, in which a user is towed behind the boat, similar to a speed boat, and the wake boarder or wake surfer may direct themselves toward the wake pattern created by the boat. Wake boats typically operate at a slower speed than a speedboat that tows a water skier. Such mono-hull sport boats are often referred to as tow-boats.
- Pontoon boats are in common use as a leisure boat or pleasure craft capable of carrying a relatively large number of passengers. Pontoon boats may travel at various speeds, but are often utilized at slower speeds, such as cruising speeds, where the passengers may enjoy a relatively stable boat position at a variety of speeds. Pontoon boats may include multiple pontoons or “pontoon floats” that float on the water, with the pontoons supporting a platform on which the passengers are carried. Unlike a traditional boat hull, the pontoons will define an open area laterally between them, with the platform supported on top of the pontoons and above the open area.
- Pontoon boats may be utilized at higher speeds and may be able to operate to tow an inflatable or other similar device behind the boat, but are typically less efficient that other watercraft.
- Accordingly, there are different boat styles directed to different types of recreational activity. Due to expense and/or storage limitations, consumers may typically choose a boat style directed to their primary recreational activity. However, in choosing such a boat style, consumers may be limited in other types of recreational activity. In some cases, a consumer may have to purchase more than one type of boat in order to be able to enjoy all of the recreational activities that they desire. For example, a consumer may desire the more relaxed recreational benefits of a pontoon boat, but may also desire the benefits of a speed boat or wake boat to enable wake surfing or water skiing. In this case, the consumer is forced to purchase more than one boat or is forced to compromise on the type of boat they choose, foregoing the benefits of another boat style.
- Pontoon boats are particularly popular in that they provide many recreational benefits and are capable of carrying a large number of passengers, which is desirable in many social settings. However, the wake pattern provided by the traditional pontoon boat is unsatisfactory for users interested in wake surfing or wake boarding, because the wake pattern is inconsistent and generally small.
- A desirable wake characteristic for wake surfing and wakeboarding includes the shape, the height, and energy of the wake pattern that is created. A wake boat can produce a large wake pattern, both in shape and height, enabling a maximization of tricks and other maneuvers that can be performed. Pontoon boats are typically designed to produce small wakes, which are undesirable for wake boarding or wake surfing enthusiasts. Additionally, pontoon boats do not include a mono-hull transom like traditional wake tow boats.
- In view of the above, improvements can be made to recreational marine vessels.
- According to a first aspect, a pontoon boat assembly comprises a plurality of pontoon floats, including at least two outer pontoon floats and at least one center pontoon float arranged between the alt least two outer pontoon floats. A deck is supported above the plurality of pontoon floats. A propulsion system is provided for moving the pontoon boat across a body of water and causing wakes to trail behind the pontoon float in the path of the pontoon floats. At least one wake panel is supported off a stern end of at least one of the outer pontoon floats and slideable to a lowered position for selectively engaging the body of water and altering the trailing wake trailing from the at least one outer pontoon float during propulsion of the pontoon boat. The assembly further includes at least one hydrofoil engagable with the body of water for drawing the stern end of the at least one outer pontoon float downwardly during propulsion of the pontoon boat.
- According to another aspect, a pontoon boat is provided comprising, comprising: two outer pontoons and a center pontoon and a platform supported by the pontoons. At least one wake enhancement device is supported for selective downward deployment for deflecting water to alter the size and/or shape of a wake of the pontoon boat when downwardly deployed. A propulsion system is provided having a rearwardly facing propeller. At least one hydrofoil is provided and engageable with the body of water to generate a downward force on the pontoon boat.
- According to another aspect, a pontoon boat is provided comprising two outer pontoons and a center pontoon and a platform supported by the pontoons. A V-drive propulsion system is disposed at least partially in the center pontoon and includes a fixed-angle prop shaft projecting through a wall of the center pontoon. The propulsion system includes a rearward-facing propeller and a rudder. A wake plate is supported off a stern end of each of the outer pontoons. The wake plates are selectively and independently slideable to a deployed position for engaging a body of water for modifying at least one trailing wake for water sport activities. At least one hydrofoil is supported off a stern end of the boat for selectively engaging the body of water and generating a downward force at the stern end of the boat.
- Advantageous solutions to problems are derived from the above combined features, which include slidable wake plates which shape and enhance the wake trailing from one or both of the outer pontoon floats to transform them into wakes suitable for certain water sport activities including wake surfing. The inclusion of the hydrofoil further enhances the effect of the wake panels by pulling down on one or both sides of the boat to have the effect of added weight at the stern to increase the localized displacement of water issuing from one or both outer pontoons and thus increasing the size of the shaped wake. The hydrofoil is advantageously used in combination with the wake panels to decrease or all together eliminate the desire or need for a physical water ballast system which is often employed by tow-style mono-hull sporting boats to enhance wake size. Eliminating the need for ballast is advantageous in that it simplifies the design and also addresses concern for undesirable cross-contamination from ballast water when using the boat on different bodies of water.
- These and other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in connection with the following detailed description and drawings directed to multiple embodiments of a pontoon boat, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pontoon boat having outer pontoons with a bottom inclined surface and actuatable wake panels extending therefrom; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the boat; -
FIG. 3 is a rear view of a decreased lateral space between an outer pontoon and a center pontoon; -
FIGS. 4-8 illustrate cross-section views of front and rear sections of the outer pontoons and the center pontoon, illustrating the increased width of the rear section relative to the front section; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the boat; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the boat; -
FIG. 11 illustrates the bottom inclined surface on one of the outer pontoons; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the wake panels and the retracted and deployed positions thereof; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a wake panel; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a wake panel having an inclined foil member spaced away from a trailing edge of the wake panel; -
FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the wake panel ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a slideable wake panel supported by the pontoon at the rear end of the pontoon shown in a retracted position; -
FIG. 17 illustrates the wake panel ofFIG. 16 in a downwardly deployed position; -
FIG. 18 illustrates a rear perspective view of the wake panel ofFIG. 16 in a retracted position; -
FIG. 19 illustrates the wake panel ofFIG. 18 in a deployed position; -
FIG. 20 illustrates the wake panel ofFIGS. 16-19 for the starboard side of the boat, with the port side wake panel being a mirror image; -
FIG. 21 illustrates a rear view of the wake panel ofFIG. 16 in the retracted position; -
FIG. 22 illustrates a rear view of the wake panel ofFIG. 21 in the deployed position; -
FIG. 23 illustrates a side view further embodiment of a pontoon boat; -
FIG. 24 is rear view of the pontoon boat ofFIG. 23 showing the wake plate and hydrofoil on the port side of the boat deployed and the wake plate and hydrofoil on the starboard side raised; and -
FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the boat ofFIG. 23 . - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , asystem 10 for varying the use of aboat 12, in particular a pontoon boat, is provided. Thesystem 10 may include theboat 12, which may include a pair of outer pontoons 14 (which may also be referred to as first and second pontoon floats) and, optionally, a center pontoon 16 (which may also be referred to as a third pontoon float) disposed laterally between theouter pontoons 14. Thesystem 10 may further include additional structure coupled to theboat 12 and thepontoons outer pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16 are specifically sized and arranged to direct the water flowing between thepontoons pontoons boat 12. The pontoons may also be referred to as pontoon floats. - The
outer pontoons 14 may be considered as a pair, or as first and secondouter pontoons 14. For the purposes of discussion, theouter pontoons 14 may be referred to jointly as having the same features, or a singleouter pontoon 14 may be described. It will be appreciated that a reference or discussion to a singleouter pontoon 14 may apply equally to the otherouter pontoon 14 unless otherwise noted. - As described above, the
pontoons pontoons pontoons pontoons 14 are separate structures relative to theplatform 20, and are attached to theseparate platform 20 via known attachment methods typical for pontoon boats. Thecenter pontoon 16 may not be fully enclosed by its structure, but may be in the form of a U-shaped bent structure that is enclosed at the front and rear ends and bolted or otherwise fastened to the bottom of theplatform 20. The pontoon and platform arrangement of theboat 12 is distinguishable from hull-type boats, such as speedboats or the like. - The
outer pontoons 14 are spaced apart laterally and extend longitudinally relative to a longitudinal direction of theboat 12, with thecenter pontoon 16 disposed laterally between theouter pontoons 14. Theboat 12 further includes aplatform 20 supported by thepontoons boat 12 travels in use, with theplatform 20 being fixed to thepontoons platform 20 provides a structure for mounting additional boat structure, such as benches or other seating, storage compartments, boat controls, or the like that may be typically disposed on a recreational boat. - The
platform 20 includes anupper surface 20 a and a lower surface 20 b. Theupper surface 20 a is typically the surface on which the passengers of the boat will sit or stand, and the lower surface 20 b faces the water. The lower surface 20 b and thepontoons open space 22 above the surface of the water that extends below theplatform 20 and between thepontoons boat 12 is floating on the water. - As described above, the
boat 12 may include the twoouter pontoons 14, where thepontoons 14 will be disposed generally laterally symmetrical relative to a longitudinal centerline of theboat 12. Additionally, as described above, theboat 12 may include thecenter pontoon 16 disposed generally along the longitudinal centerline of theboat 12. In this approach, a pair ofopen spaces 22 are disposed between thecenter pontoon 16 and the laterallyouter pontoons 14. - The
open spaces 22 may also be referred to as a channel or channels. As theboat 12 is traveling on the water, water is displaced by thepontoons spaces 22 as well as downward below thepontoons outer pontoons 14. In a traditional pontoon boat, the water that travels within the spaces between the pontoons will simply exit the rear of the pontoon boat. However, the arrangement of thesystem 10 and theboat 12 as described herein creates a different path of the displaced water. - With reference again to the
outer pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16, and in particular their shape, thepontoons outer pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16 is substantially reduced at the rear of theboat 12 relative to a traditional pontoon boat. In particular, the widths of thepontoons pontoons - With reference to
FIG. 2 , which illustrates thepontoons pontoons outer pontoons 14 each include afront end 14 a and arear end 14 b. Similarly, thecenter pontoon 16 includes afront end 16 a and a rear end 16 b. - At the front of the
boat 12, the space between thepontoons pontoons pontoons 14 is greater at therear end 14 b than at thefront end 14 a. Similarly, the lateral width of thecenter pontoon 16 is greater at the rear end 16 b than at thefront end 16 a. - In one approach, shown in
FIG. 3 , at the rear end of theboat 12, theouter pontoons 14 are nearly touching thecenter pontoon 16 at an “intersection”point 17. Accordingly, the water flowing between the pontoons cannot easily pass between thepontoons boat 12. Rather, the water will be displaced downward below theintersection point 17. Water may also be displaced above theintersection point 17; however, as described in further detail below, a splash panel or deflector piece may be disposed between theouter pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16 that substantially blocks the upwardly displaced water or splashing water, thereby forcing this water downward below theintersection point 17. - As described above and shown in
FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , theouter pontoons 14 have an increasing lateral width in the rearward direction. Theouter pontoons 14 may therefore include afront section 14 c and arear section 14 d. Thefront section 14 c may have a generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross-section. Therear section 14 d may have a modified non-circular cross-section, in which the width of the rear section is greater than the height of therear section 14 d. Therear section 14 d may also be considered a flattened section relative to the generally circular front section, and may be formed by beginning with a circular cross-section corresponding in size to thefront section 14 c, with the cross-section compressed vertically to reduce the height of therear section 14 d and increase the width. - In one approach, the
rear section 14 d may have a generally non-circular ellipse shape, with a major axis extending laterally and a minor axis extending vertically. However, it will be appreciated that other non-circular shapes with a width greater than a height can also be used. - As shown, the
rear section 14 d of theouter pontoons 14 flares laterally outward on both sides of thepontoon 14, such that the width increases toward thecenter pontoon 16 and the width also increases laterally outward away from the centerline of theboat 12. However, in another approach, the width of thepontoon 14 may be increased toward thecenter pontoon 16, and the laterally outermost surface may be generally aligned with thefront section 14 c. As shown, therear section 14 d flares outward on each side of thepontoon 14 at approximately the same amount. However, therear section 14 d may flare outward a greater amount toward thecenter pontoon 16 relative to the amount on the outer side of thepontoon 14. - The
rear section 14 d joins with thefront section 14 c at a transition therebetween. Accordingly, at the point of the transition, the cross-section of therear section 14 d is essentially the same as the cross-section of thefront section 14 c. The difference between the cross-section increases at distances further from the transition, such that the width of therear section 14 d is greater at the rear end of theboat 12 than at a location near the transition between thefront section 14 c and therear section 14 d. Put another way, therear section 14 d tapers out in the lateral direction and tapers down in the vertical direction. - In one approach, the transition between the
rear section 14 d and thefront section 14 c is disposed at a point more than 50% away from the front of the boat. In one approach, the transition point may be between 60-70% of the length of the boat as measured from the front of theboat 12. - With regard to the
center pontoon 16, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 6-8 , thecenter pontoon 16 may also include afront section 16 c and arear section 16 d, and may further include anintermediate section 16 e disposed longitudinally between thefront section 16 c and therear section 16 d. Thecenter pontoon 16 may have a generally U-shaped cross section. The width of the cross-section of thecenter pontoon 16 increases in a rearward direction. Thefront section 16 c may have a width that is generally constant along its length. Therear section 16 d may have a width that increases in the rearward direction. Theintermediate section 16 e may also have a width that increases along its length. - The
front section 16 c may transition into theintermediate section 16 e, such that the width of thecenter pontoon 16 will begin to increase. Theintermediate section 16 e may then transition into therear section 16 d, where the width may then increase further. At the rear end of therear section 16 d, the width of thecenter pontoon 16 may be such that it nearly intersects with theouter pontoons 14, which also have increased widths, as described above. - Accordingly, in view of the increasing widths of the
outer pontoons 14 andcenter pontoon 16, thespace 22 between thepontoons spaces 22, as shown inFIG. 2 . The encroachment of thepontoons spaces 22 thereby provides a blocking structure that blocks water flowing in thespaces 22 from exiting the rear of theboat 12, thereby forcing the water further downward. - With reference to
FIG. 9 , the combined widths of theouter pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16 combine to define asegmented transom 130. Thesegmented transom 130 is discontinuous across the width of theboat 12, with small spaces defined laterally between thecenter pontoon 16 and theouter pontoons 14. However, from a water displacement standpoint, the combined transom may provide similar benefits as a continuous transom. - Additionally, the curved shape of the bottom surfaces of the
outer pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16 combines to define atrack channel 23 below the intersection points 17. The combined bottom surface of thesegmented transom 130 is not flat, due to the rounded bottom surfaces of thepontoons pontoons intersection point 17. As described above, water travels through thespaces 22 between thepontoons track channels 23, effectively providing a track of water on which thepontoons boat 12. - With reference to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , in addition to the increased width of thepontoons outer pontoons 14 may further include aninclined surface portion 140 disposed on the bottom of therear section 14 d. Theinclined surface portion 140 may be defined as a “slice” off of the cross-sectional shape of therear section 14 d. Put another way, theinclined surface portion 140 may be defined by a plane that intersects the cross-section of therear section 14 d, such that a portion of therear section 14 d is removed, with theinclined surface portion 140 filling in the removed section, leaving theinclined surface 140 to intersect the remaining the portion of therear section 14 d. The inclined surface may be curved in the longitudinal direction (as shown inFIG. 10 ) and, optionally, in the lateral direction, such that it forms a convex curvature facing downward. Accordingly, theinclined surface 140 may not be planar, in one aspect when it is curved, or it may be generally planar. Theinclined surface 140 is oriented at an incline relative to the longitudinal direction of theouter pontoon 14. Theinclined surface 140 therefore has arear edge 140 a that is disposed above afront edge 140 b of theinclined surface 140. Due to the inclined orientation of theinclined surface 140 relative to therear section 14 d of theouter pontoon 14, the width of theinclined surface 140 at its rear is greater than the width of theinclined surface 140 at its front. Theinclined surface 140 therefore may have a generally trapezoidal profile, resembling for example a spatula blade. Put another way, the longitudinallyforward edge 140 b of the inclined lower portion has a first laterally extending length and thelongitudinally trailing edge 140 a has a second laterally extending length, and the second laterally extending length is greater than first laterally extending length. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , theinclined surface 140 may also be inclined in the lateral direction, such that a laterallyouter edge 140 c of theinclined surface 140 is above the laterallyinner edge 140 d. At the rear edge of theinclined surface 140, the angle of inclination in the lateral direction may be about 7-8 degrees. - Due to the
inclined surface 140 being defined by a removed portion of therear section 14 d, theinclined surface 140 thereby defines the bottom rear edge of theouter pontoon 140. Accordingly, when theinclined surface 140 is inclined laterally, the bottom rear edge of theouter pontoon 14 is likewise inclined laterally. - The
inclined surface 140 faces generally downward, and defines a portion of the overall bottom surface of theouter pontoon 14. Accordingly, during operation of theboat 12, water flows past theinclined surface 140 and is displaced by theinclined surface 140. When theinclined surface 140 is inclined laterally, theinclined surface 140 faces laterally outward in addition to facing downward. Thus, water being displaced by theouter pontoons 14 may be directed laterally outward in addition to being displaced laterally downward. - In the rearward direction of the
boat 12, theinclined surface 140 inclines upward, as shown inFIG. 10 . Accordingly, while water is displaced downward due to the placement of thepontoon 14 into the water, the water may also be directed along the upwardly inclined direction of theinclined surface 140. Accordingly, at high speeds, the water flowing along the bottom of theouter pontoons 14 may be displaced laterally outward, and drag may be reduced by allowing the water to flow along the upward inclination of theinclined surface 140. In the case of the inclined surface being inclined in the longitudinal direction but being generally flat in the lateral direction, the water flowing along the inclined will not be displaced laterally outward as much as when theinclined surface 140 is inclined laterally. However, it will be appreciated that there is still some lateral displacement that occurs. - The
inclined surface 140, in one aspect, includes a downward facing convex curvature in the fore-and-aft direction. Put another way, when viewed from the side, as inFIG. 10 , the inclined surface has a curved profile. Thus, the laterallyouter edge 140 c of theinclined surface 140, such as where theinclined surface 140 intersects with the curved outer surface of thepontoon 14, has a curvature that curves upward toward the rear of thepontoon 14. - The convex curvature of the
inclined surface 140 need not be substantial. The curvature operates to create a “coanda effect” in which a fluid will tend to adhere to the surface against which it flows, similar to the top of an airfoil. In the case of theinclined surface 140 facing downward, the coanda effect causes the water flowing along theinclined surface 140 to track along the surface and be projected in an upward direction as it flow past the rear of thepontoon 14. The curvature of theinclined surface 140 also operates to create a downforce on thepontoon 14, which aids in displacing the water below thepontoon 14. - The
inclined surface 140 may also include a downward facing convex curvature in the lateral direction. In this approach, when viewed from the rear, the edge of theinclined surface 140 may appear curved. However, in another approach, theinclined surface 140 may be generally flat in the lateral direction, such that when viewed from the rear, such as the view shown inFIG. 9 , the inclined surface appears flat. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 12, and 13 in addition to thepontoons system 10 further includesactuatable wake panels 150. Thewake panels 150, similar to theouter pontoons 14, may be arranged in a pair that are generally symmetrical across the centerline of the boat. Thewake panels 150 may include a first wake panel and a second wake panel, with thefirst wake panel 150 being coupled to the firstouter pontoon 14, and thesecond wake panel 150 being attached to the secondouter pontoon 14. For the purposes of discussion, thewake panels 150 may be discussed as a pair or individually, and it will be appreciated that reference to the structure and functionality of a single wake panel will apply to the other wake panel, unless otherwise noted. However, thewake panels 150 are independently actuatable, so it shall not be assumed that the actuated position of a single wake panel necessarily implies the same actuation of the other wake panel. - The
wake panels 150 are coupled to the rear ends of theouter pontoons 14. Thewake panels 150 may be attached to theouter pontoons 150 via apivotable hinge structure 152, allowing thewake panels 150 to pivot upward and downward relative to the fixed shape of theouter pontoons 14. The pivot axis of thehinge structure 152 is preferably aligned with the rear edge defined by theinclined surface 140. Accordingly, when theinclined surface 140 is inclined laterally, the pivot axis of thehinge structure 152 is also inclined laterally. - The
wake panels 150 essentially extend rearward from the rear edge of theinclined surface 140 and theouter pontoon 14. Thewake panels 150 may have various positions depending on the degree to which they are actuated relative to theouter pontoons 14. In one approach, thewake panels 150 may have a retracted position, where thewake panel 150 is oriented at an angle that is approximately the same as the angle of inclination of theinclined surface 140, as shown in phantom line inFIG. 12 . Accordingly, thewake panels 150 may operate as an extension of the surface of theinclined surface 140. Thewake panels 150 may further include a deployed position, as shown in solid line inFIG. 12 , in which thewake panels 150 are inclined downward relative to theinclined surface 140, such that thewake panels 150 would project downwardly into the water, increasing an amount of downward displacement of water that impacts thewake panels 150 in the deployed position. It will be appreciated that the downward angle of inclination shown inFIG. 12 is exemplary, and that the angle of inclination may be varied to suit the needs of the user and to tailor the resulting wake profile of the user. Regardless, in the deployed position, thewake panels 150 are deployed down and into contact with the water to produce a desired wake profile. - The
wake panels 150 may be actuated by anactuator mechanism 154, which may be a linear actuator. Theactuator mechanism 154 may be attached to a middle portion of the upper surface of thewake panel 150, such that extension of theactuator mechanism 154 will force thewake panel 150 downward, and retraction of theactuator mechanism 154 will retract thewake panel 150 upward. Theactuator mechanism 154 may also be in the form of a linkage that may move between two predetermined positions, namely the retracted position and the deployed position, with a supplemental actuator mechanism that moves the linkages of the linkage mechanism relative to each other. In the case of a linear actuator, theactuator mechanism 154 may be sized and configured to resist loads exerted on thewake panel 150, in particular when thewake panels 150 are in the deployed position and water is impacting thewake panels 150. In the case of a linkage mechanism, the linkages may resist the majority of the loading on the linkage mechanism, with the supplemental actuator receiving reduced loads. - With reference to
FIGS. 12 and 13 , thewake panels 150 may have a generally planar shape, and may include afront portion 150 a and arear portion 150 b. Thefront portion 150 a may be planar, and therear portion 150 b may be planar, with therear portion 150 b inclined downward relative to thefront portion 150 a. Therear portion 150 b may be substantially smaller relative to thefront portion 150 a, such that the length of thefront portion 150 a is greater than the length of therear portion 150 b. Thewake panels 150 may further include a trailingedge 150 c. The edge of thewake panel 150 may be curved along both thefront portion 150 a and therear portion 150 b. - The
wake panels 150 may include a laterallyouter edge 150 e (or outboard lateral edge) and a laterallyinner edge 150 d (or inboard lateral edge). The trailingedge 150 c is longitudinally spaced from the hinge axis of thewake panel 150. In one aspect,outboard edge 150 e is relatively longer than theinboard edge 150 d. - With the
outer edge 150 e being longer than theinner edge 150 d, the trailingedge 150 c may therefore be angled relative to the leading edge and/or hinge axis of thewake panel 150. The angle of the trailingedges 150 c of eachwake panel 150 are each directed forward and toward the center of the boat, such that they may be considered opposite each other or mirrors of each other relative to the center of theboat 12. - The downwardly bent
rear portion 150 b of thewake panel 150 may be generally planar, similar to the majorfront portion 150 a. Thebent portion 150 b is adjacent the trailingedge 150 c. - As shown, the curvature of the
outer edge 150 e transitions into trailingedge 150 c. The curvature of theouter edge 150 e extends along both thefront portion 150 a and the bentrear portion 150 b. Theouter edge 150 e may be curved along a substantial portion of its length. - The
inner edge 150 d may also be curved along at least a portion of its length. Theinner edge 150 d may be curved along a portion of its length that is less than that of theouter edge 150 e. - The curved portions of the
outer edge 150 e andinner edge 150 d operates to reduce drag and also assists in shaping the wake profile. The water being displaced by thewake panel 150 when it is deployed is allowed to curl back around the edges of thewake panel 150. - As described above, the
wake panels 150 are actuatable between a retracted position, in which thewake panels 150 are raised, and a deployed position, in which thewake panels 150 are disposed downward into the water and at an inclination relative to theinclined surface 140 of theouter pontoons 14. When theboat 12 is desired to travel at high speeds, thewake panels 150 are preferably arranged in the retracted position to reduce drag. When theboat 12 is desired to travel at a slower speed and to produce a wake profile for wake boarding or the like, thewake panels 150 may be positioned in the deployed position. With thewake panels 150 disposed in the deployed position, the water impacting thewake panels 150 will be displaced downward by thewake panels 150, forcing the water downward. In response, the water will flow back upward after passing beyond thewake panels 150, and the upward flow of the water after being displaced downward by thewake panels 150 will produce an improved wake profile that is surfable by a wake boarder or the like. - In one approach, the
wake panels 150 may be actuated separately, such that thefirst wake panel 150 may be in the deployed position and thesecond wake panel 150 may be in the retracted position. In this arrangement, the wake profile may be increased at the side of the first wake panel, while the wake profile at the side of the second wake panel is smaller. Similarly, thesecond wake panel 150 may be disposed in the deployed position, and thefirst wake panel 150 may be disposed in the retracted position, resulting in wake profile that is higher on the side of thesecond wake panel 150. - The
wake panels 150 may also be independently actuatable at different degrees, such that one or both of thewake panels 150 may be disposed at an intermediate position between the previously described retracted position and deployed position, depending on the degree of actuation of theactuation mechanism 154. Similarly, thewake panels 150 may be retracted further than the previously described retracted position, in which thewake panels 150 are oriented upward relative to theinclined surface 140. - Thus, in view of the above, the
wake panels 150 may be controlled and actuated to the desirable position depending on the desired use of theboat 12. Theboat 12 may therefore be operated in wake-profile producing mode when one ormore wake panels 150 are deployed, or may be operated in a traditional non-wake-profile producing mode, in which theboat 12 may be operated at high speeds with reduced wake. - The combination of the limited spacing between the
pontoons wake panels 150 therefore combine to displace additional water downward relative to atraditional pontoon boat 12, such that theboat 12 may also be used as a wake boat. As described above, the water traveling between thepontoons boat 12, and therefore is displaced downward, which results in an increased wake profile. However, as described previously, some water traveling between thepontoons intersection point 17 between thepontoons space 22 between thepontoons - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 10 , to counteract the water that may exit above the intersection point, thesystem 10 may further includesplash panels 155 disposed between thepontoons splash panels 155 may operate to block the water that would otherwise exit above theintersection point 17. Thesplash panels 155 may also be referred to as deflector plates. - The
splash panels 155 may have a generally triangular shape, and may be generally planar. The shape of thesplash panels 155 preferably corresponds to the shape of the space between thepontoons outer pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16 at the rear of the boat results in the shape of the space having a generally triangular shape, as shown inFIG. 1 , and the shape of thesplash panels 155 can thereby be triangular. - The
splash panels 155 may be symmetrically arranged relative to the centerline of theboat 12 when thepontoons pontoons 14 are not symmetrically shaped, thesplash panels 155 may have a non-symmetrical shape, corresponding to the shape of the space defined between thepontoons - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thesplash panels 155 may be arranged at an inclination relative to theplatform 20 of theboat 12. Thesplash panels 155 may be arranged such that thesplash panels 160 are inclined downward in a rearward direction. Put another way, a rear end of the splash panel is disposed below a front end of thesplash panel 155. - The front end of the
splash panel 155 is wider than the rear end of thesplash panel 160. In one approach, the rear end of the splash panel may be in the form of a point or other convergence. The lateral sides of thesplash panel 155 are closer together at the rear relative to the front. Thesplash panel 155 has a tapered shape that tapers down in the rearward direction. - The
splash panel 155 is disposed above theintersection point 17 between thepontoons space 22 between thepontoons splash panel 160, which will divert the water downward and below the intersection point. - The
splash panels 155 are preferably fixed in place relative to thepontoons platform 20. Put another way, thesplash panels 155 are not actuated between different positions. Because thesplash panels 155 are not disposed below the surface of the water, there is no need to retract thesplash panels 155 toward theplatform 20 or away from the water during different operating conditions. Rather, thesplash panels 155 may remain in the same position during a wake-producing condition or a high speed condition. - With reference now to
FIGS. 14 and 15 , in another aspect, analternative wake panel 160 may be used. Thewake panel 160 is attached and operated similarly to thewake panel 150, and may be applicable to each of the Figures illustratingwake panel 150. Thewake panel 160 differs from thewake panel 150 in that it is generally flat and does not include a bent trailing portion. Instead, thewake panel 160 may include a trailinginclined foil member 162. Thefoil member 162 extends downward and forward, such that water flowing past thewake panel 160 will impact the leading face of thefoil member 162 and be directed upward. Accordingly, thefoil member 162 will provide additional downforce, while also operating to shape the wake by directing the water upward along the inclined surface of thefoil member 162. - The
foil member 162 is spaced away from the trailing edge of thewake panel 160, allowing water to flow over the forward face of the foil member between the trailing edge of thewake panel 160 and the leading edge of thefoil member 162. While thefoil member 162 is spaced away from thewake panel 160, thefoil member 162 may be attached to the wake panel by a plurality of laterally spacedgussets 164. Thegussets 164 may be oriented such that water flowing past them will not be substantially affected. Put another way, the flat shaped body of thegussets 164 may extend generally perpendicular from the surfaces of thewake panel 160 and thefoil member 162. - The
gussets 164 may be in the form of a single fixed piece, or they may be in a two-piece arrangement with a hinge or pivot mechanism disposed in the middle, allowing the angle of thefoil member 164 to be adjustable relative to thewake panel 160. Thus, the angle of thefoil member 162 may be set to an angle/orientation to specifically tailor the shape of the wake that is produced to accommodate different users or different desired wake types. - The shapes of the
pontoons pontoon pontoons boat 12 to float. Thepontoons boat 12 is being propelled through the water. Thepontoons - Traditional pontoon boats are designed to produce reduced resistance in the water such that the
pontoons system 10, wake and drag may be desirable in select operating conditions, and thesystem 10 will therefore produce an increased amount of water displacement, wake, and drag, which is the opposite of a traditional pontoon boat. However, thesystem 10 also allows for theboat 12 to produce reduced displacement and drag when thewake panels 150 are in the retracted position, similar to a traditional pontoon boat. - In the present improved
system 10, thesystem 10 operates to control and organize the wake produced by thepontoon boat 12, and in particular the wake produced between the pontoons 18. - In the retracted position of the
wake panels 150, theboat 12 may operate in a manner resembling a traditional pontoon boat. In the deployed position, thewake panels 150 will make contact with the water, thereby displacing and directing an additional volume of water relative to a traditional pontoon boat that is not otherwise displaced. - For the purposes of the discussion, the deployed position will be understood to mean the desired, optimum, or target position for enhancing the wake profile characteristic. It will be understood that other positions relative to the second position, including intermediate positions or positions further downward from the second position, may also be used that enhance the wake pattern relative to the retracted position.
- When the
wake panel 150 is in the deployed position, thewake panel 150 will extend downward into the water and will direct the previously unorganized and turbulent water flow behind thepontoons 14 in a controlled manner, organizing the water flow and directing it downward and rearward along thewake panel 150, where the flow may then pass beyond the rear end of thewake panel 150 and return upward to produce the increased wake profile. Thus, thewake panels 150 operate to displace an additional amount of water relative to a traditional pontoon boat, which creates additional drag on theboat 12. - By disposing the
wake panels 150 into the water, and displacing and directing more water, thewake panels 150 thereby create additional surface area that contacts the water, similar to other boat types that displace water over a greater surface area than a traditional pontoon boat. The increase of surface area is desirable for creating an enhanced wake pattern behind theboat 12. As described previously, thewake panels 150 may be individually controlled and actuated, meaning that thewake panels 150 may be at different angles relative to each other for producing the desired wake characteristic. In addition to wakepanels 150, there are other manners of increasing the surface area in contact with the water to provide an enhanced wake pattern. For example, ballast may be added to theboat 12 in different ways, thereby increasing the weight of theboat 12 and increasing the amount that thepontoons - When extended downward, the
wake panels 150 contact the water and force the water downward in accordance with the angle of thewake panels 150. However, the water also provides an upward reaction force on thewake panels 150. Accordingly, in order to increase the amount of water displacement caused by thewake panels 150, it may be desirable to provide additional downward force on theboat 12. The additional downforce on theboat 12 may be provided by ballast, in one approach. The downforce contributes to the displacement of the water and counteracts the reaction force of the water that tends to urge the boat upward out of the water. - As previously mentioned, the
system 10 may includeballast mechanisms 50 disposed at various locations of theboat 12 to selectively increase the weight at specific locations of theboat 12 in order to increase water displacement, as desired. Ballast may be in the form of soft bags or hard tanks that may be filled with ballast material as desired. Theballast mechanism 50 may be disposed internally within thepontoons pontoon ballast mechanism 50. Alternatively, theballast mechanism 50 may be disposed at an external location relative to thepontoon pontoon ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed below theplatform 20, or theballast mechanism 50 may be disposed above theplatform 20. - The
ballast mechanism 50 may be disposed at different locations on theboat 12. For example, theballast mechanism 50 may be disposed at both rear and middle locations of theboat 12 and on both lateral sides of theboat 12. Typically, theballast mechanism 50 may not be disposed near the front of theboat 12. - The degree or amount of ballast material used in the
ballast mechanism 50, and at which location on theboat 12, may depend on the particular boat size and expected use conditions. Accordingly, theballast mechanisms 50 may be used to specifically tailor theboat 12 for ideal usage conditions depending on the needs of the user. In one case, it may be desirable for no ballast to be used, while in another, it may be desirable for ballast to be used at both front and rear locations and on both sides. In another case, ballast may only be desirable on one side of theboat 12. It will be appreciated that various combinations of amount and location of ballast may be used. The location and amount of ballast may depend on the number of expected passengers, or the side of the wake profile where the wake surfer or wake boarder prefers to perform. The use of theballast 50 may in some cases be sufficient to provide the necessary downforce to counteract the upward reaction on thewake panels 150. - Many of the above-described components of the
system 10 include the ability to be actuated by an associated actuation mechanism. Thesystem 10 may include a controller 60 (FIGS. 1A and 2A ) including a computing device and associated hardware and software for controlling the above-described actuatable components. Thecontroller 60 may be disposed on theboat 12 where access by the operator during operation of theboat 12 is possible, such as near the traditional boat controls or integrated into the boat control system. Thecontroller 60 may communicate with the actuators to position the components in a desired position, and may receive feedback from the components or the associated actuators to control the position of the components. - The
boat 12 may include at least two operating conditions that may be controlled by thecontroller 60. In the high speed operating condition, thecontroller 60 may prevent actuation of thewake panels 150 into the deployed position, or thecontroller 60 may retracted thewake panels 150 from the deployed position. When thewake panels 150 are deployed, thecontroller 60 may prevent the boat from traveling above a predetermined speed. Alternatively, when the boat reaches a predetermined speed, thecontroller 60 may automatically retract thewake panels 150 from their deployed position. Thecontroller 60 may be configured to store different operating conditions for different users, such as a desired angle of inclination of thewake panels 150 to produce the desired wake profile. Thecontroller 60 may also be configured to detect the amount of weight on the boat and the amount of displacement due to the weight on theboat 12, and thecontroller 60 may control the amount that thewake panels 150 are actuated when in the deployed position. It will be appreciated that various other control aspects may be utilized by thecontroller 60. - The motor and propeller used for propelling the
boat 12 may be a traditional motor and propeller commonly used forpontoon boats 12 or other boat types, such as inboard drives or outboard drives with a rear mounted propeller, or an inboard/outboard (stern) drive may be used. The propeller on an outboard or inboard/outboard drive may be pivoted up out of the water when not in use. - In one aspect, shown in
FIGS. 2 and 12 , an inboard/outboard drive 70 may be used with a front mounted propeller. In this approach, the front-mounted propeller when in use may be disposed below the water level and directed in a forward and downward direction. Thus, the propeller itself may provide a substantial degree of downforce at the rear of theboat 12. - The above described
system 10 has been described in reference to apontoon boat 12 havingouter pontoons 14 and thecenter pontoon 16. In another approach, thecenter pontoon 16 may be excluded, with theouter pontoons 14 operating to the support theplatform 20. In this approach, a flow diverter 216 may be used in place of thecenter pontoon 16 to take up a similar degree of lateral space at the rear of theboat 12 and that may operate to block the water and force the water downward along with theouter pontoons 14, as described above. - The above-described
system 10 has been described as including thewake panels 150 for producing an enhanced wake profile. However, thesystem 10 may also be provided without thewake panels 150, and theinclined surface 140 and flaredpontoons inclined surface 140 provides for improved water displacement, whether or not the surface is inclined laterally in additional to being inclined longitudinally. The downward displacement of water at the rear of theboat 12, even without thewake panels 150 actuated or provided, may still provide an improved wake profile at low speeds due to the additional downward displacement of water relative to traditional pontoon boats. - In another aspect, the
system 10 may include an alternative wake panel arrangement, shown inFIGS. 16-20 . Theboat 12 may include the same variety of features of aspects described above, other than thewake panels 150. For example, thepontoons inclined surface 140 formed on thepontoons forward drive 70 may also be used. Theballast 50 andcontrol system 60 may be used. It will be appreciated that other aspects that do not conflict with the alternative wake panel arrangement shown inFIGS. 16-20 may be used, even if not specifically mentioned. - The alternative wake panel arrangement includes a
deployable wake panel 250 that is arranged for sliding translational movement relative to thepontoons pontoon wake panel 250.Wake panel 250 is shown inFIG. 16 on the starboard side of thepontoon boat 12 and associated with thestarboard pontoon 14. Unless otherwise noted, thewake panel 250 on the port side is symmetrical to thewake panel 250 on the starboard side. For discussion purposes, the illustratedstarboard wake panel 250 will be referenced. - As shown in the side view of
FIG. 16 , thewake panel 250 is generally arranged at an incline relative to the longitudinal direction or travel direction of the boat 12 (for example the horizontal plane defined generally by the deck that is supported by the pontoons 14). In one aspect, as shown from the side, thepanel 250 extends at an acute angle (in the upward direction) relative to a vertical plane extending vertically from the bottom edge of thepanel 250. A lowermost edge of thewake panel 250 is disposed forward relative to an uppermost edge. The rear end of thepontoon 14 may extend at a similar angle (upper edge ofpontoon 14 being behind the lower edge of thepontoon 14 at its rear facing surface), such that thewake panel 250 and the rear surface face of thepontoon 14 are generally parallel, with being inclined. In this arrangement, thewake panel 250 may be inclined at approximately a 22 degree forward angle relative to vertical. Put another way, in the side view ofFIG. 16 , thepanel 250 extends downward and forward from the upper end of thepanel 250, and extends upward and rearward from the lower end of thepanel 250. - The
wake panel 250 therefore has an alignment plane disposed at a downward and forward angle. Thewake panel 250 is configured to travel along the alignment plane. In one aspect, thewake panel 250 is arranged to slide along the alignment plane. Accordingly, thewake panel 250 may move or translate along the alignment plane from a stowed and/or retracted position to a deployed and/or extended. Thewake panel 250 may be arranged for reciprocal movement along the alignment plane. For purposes of discussion, thewake panel 250 may be described as translating or sliding. - The
wake panel 250 is supported off the stern end of one of thepontoons rails 252 is fixed to the stern end of thepontoon 14, via welding or the like, such that the mounting rails project outwardly from the surface of the stern end of thepontoon 14 normal to the surface of the stern end of thepontoon 14. Thus, the mountingrails 252 may create a surface that is generally parallel to the surface of the stern end of thepontoon 14, and thewake panel 250 may slide along the surface defined by the mounting rails 250. - When the
wake panel 250 is in the stowed position, thewake panel 250 is out of or substantially out of the water when theboat 12 is traveling along the water. In some cases, even in the stowed position, thewake panel 250 may be in contact with the surface of the water a nominal amount, depending on the overall weight of theboat 12, traveling speed of theboat 12, and the like. In one aspect, in the stowed position, the lowermost edge of thewake panel 250 is disposed below the lowermost edge of the stern end of thepontoon 14. In another aspect, the lowermost edge of thewake panel 250 may be disposed above the lowermost edge of the stern end of thepontoon 14. It will be appreciated that these relative positions are measured with the longitudinal axis of the pontoon extending in the direction of travel and being arranged generally horizontal. - In the deployed position, which is a downwardly deployed position relative to the stowed position, the
wake panel 250 is substantially disposed below the surface of the water when theboat 12 is being propelled. Put another way, a lower portion of thewake panel 250 is engaged with the water while the boat is being propelled. When in the deployed position, thewake panel 250 will substantially alter the size and/or shape of the trailing wakes. - When deployed, the
wake panel 250 maintains its orientation along its alignment plane, such that the lower portion is disposed forward relative to the upper portion. As a result, while the boat is traveling along the water, the water that passes along the bottom surface of thepontoon 14 and flows along the bottom surface of thepontoon 14 will substantially impact and be “blocked” and “trapped” along its rearward flow path by thewake panel 250. Thus, thewake panel 250 interrupts the flow of water and can operate to effectively cancel a portion of the wake on the side of theboat 12 where thewake panel 250 is deployed. More particularly,wake panel 250, when deployed, interrupts the cross-over effect of the wake that would otherwise cross over and interfere with the desired development of the opposite side surfable wake. This cancelling effect is effective over a short distance, mainly the prime surfable zone (e.g. 20-20 feet back from theboat 12 according to one aspect). Beyond the prime surfable zone, both sides of theboat 12 create secondary and tertiary wakes that roll with theboat 12 and may be of a size that is surfable. Thus, thewake profile 250 on the opposite side may be enhanced because the “canceled” side allows the non-cancelled side to fully develop a primary surfable wake, along with the possible further secondary and tertiary surfable wakes on one or both sides. On the non-deployed side of theboat 12, theinclined surfaces 140 creates the improved surfable wake as previous described. Thus, it is the combination of theinclined surfaces 140 and the selective deployment of thewake panels 250 that can enhance the wake beyond the enhancement provided by the inclined surfaces 140. It will be appreciated that improved wake patterns relative to a traditional pontoon boat are possible using only theinclined surfaces 140 and without thewake panels 250 deployed, and an enhanced wake profile may also be created via thewake panels 250 used on traditional pontoons without the inclined surfaces 140. In any case, it will be appreciated that some type of wake will still be generated by theboat 12 even when awake panel 250 is deployed, and that reference to the enhanced wake is relative to the wake that would be created without deployment of thewake panel 250. - As described above, the
wake panel 250 is downwardly deployed in a sliding manner according to an aspect of the disclosure. In one aspect, thewake panel 250 slides along a set of bolts orposts 254 that are fixed to the stern end of thepontoon 14. More particularly, theposts 254 may project outwardly from the mounting rails 252. In one aspect, a plurality ofposts 254 may be arranged to create a track along which thewake panel 250 may travel. In one aspect, a pair of posts may be disposed generally vertically along the mounting rails, with onepost 254 disposed on or fixed in place to each mounting rails 252. A second pair of posts may be offset laterally from the first pair ofposts 252, with the second pair ofposts 254 attached to the mountingrails 252 in a similar manner. - Thus, in this arrangement, four posts are arranged to create two rails that are lateral offset relative to each other and define the path of travel for the
wake panel 250. As shown, therails 254 are effectively vertically aligned. However, they may also be aligned at an angle in the lateral direction to create a direction of travel of thewake panel 250 that is tilted or canted laterally inward or outward. - To travel along the
posts 254, thewake panel 250 may include a pair ofslots 256 defined in thewake panel 250. Theslots 256 are generally parallel to each other and receive theposts 254. It will be appreciated that the number ofslots 256 may generally correspond to the number of laterally spacedposts 254 that are disposed at the stern end of thepontoon 14. For example, as shown, there are two pairs ofposts 254 and twoslots 256. However, in another aspect, there could be three pairs ofposts 254 and threeslots 256. Typically, there are at least as many slots as there are groups ofposts 254. For example, if there are two groups ofposts 254, there could be two, three, ormore slots 256, with some of theslots 256 going unused. It will be appreciated that while groups or pairs ofposts 254 are described, in another aspect there asingle post 254 may be disposed at a given lateral location, and an associatedslot 256 may slide along thesingle post 254. - When the
wake panel 250 is disposed in its stowed position, theposts 254 are generally arranged at a bottom end of theslot 256. In one aspect, theposts 254 may contact the bottom end of theslot 256, such that the bottom end acts a stop against upward travel of thewake panel 250. However, the stopping position of thewake panel 250 may be controlled by the travel of the associated actuator or other control mechanism. - When the
wake panel 250 is translated or slides toward the deployed position, theslots 256 travel relative to theposts 254, such that theposts 254 become disposed closer to the upper end of theslots 256. The upper ends of theslots 256 may act as a stop for the amount of travel of thewake panel 250. Alternatively, the amount of deployment and the stoppingposition 256 may be limited or controlled by the actuator or other control mechanism. - The direction of sliding of the wake plates may be generally vertical, or it may be tilted, as described above, based on the direction of the
posts 254 that theslots 256 slide along. As described previously, the inclined surface portion 140 (or flat bottom surface portion) of the pontoons may be tilted outward, such that n tilted plane of theinclined surface portion 140 is defined. Theslots 256 and theposts 254 may be arranged and aligned such that thewake panel 250 slides in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the tilted plane of the inclined surface. For example, when viewed from the rear as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 , on the starboard side theslots 256 andposts 254 would be aligned to extend down and to the right, perpendicular or normal to the face of theinclined surface portion 140. When theinclined surface 140 is canted or tilted as shown and facing downward and laterally outward. Thus, in addition to moving thewake panel 250 downward when it is deployed, thewake panel 250 also moves slightly outward relative to its stowed position when the direction of travel is tilted or canted in this manner. - In one aspect, the
slots 256 are generally parallel to the outboard and inboard sides of thewake panel 250, and the upper edge and lower edge of thewake panel 250 are generally perpendicular to theslots 256. Thus, when mounted and supported on thepontoon 14, the lower edge of the wake panel may be aligned with the tilted plane of theinclined surface 140. - In alternative aspect, the
wake panel 250 may simply move vertically with respect to the horizontal deck of theboat 12, rather than canted or tilted, such that the sliding movement is in a direction that is at an angle relative to the laterally inclined plane of the inclined surface 140 (when theinclined surface 140 is tilted in the lateral direction with its face facing downward and outward). However, as shown, the direction of travel is inclined downward and laterally outward, when moving from the stowed position to the deployed position. - The
wake panel 250 is illustrated as having a plurality of bent edge portions, however, thewake panel 250 may also be generally planar or flat at various edges relative to its body. For purposes of the discussion, the illustrated bent portions will be described. - The
wake panel 250 may include abody portion 260, which covers the majority of surface area defined by thewake panel 250. Thebody portion 260 may be generally planar, and may include theslots 256. Thebody portion 260 is the portion of thewake panel 250 that generally defines the alignment plane of thewake panel 250. Thebody portion 260 may transition into the illustrated edges portions surrounding thebody portion 260. The edge portions may be in the form of flanges extending from thebody portion 260. As shown, the corners of thebody portion 260 may be without bent portions, such that each bent portion or flange is separated from adjacent edge portions. - In one aspect, the wake panel may include a
bottom edge portion 262 that is bent relative to thebody portion 260. Thebottom edge portion 262 extends rearwardly relative to thebody portion 260. Thebottom edge portion 262 may be disposed at an obtuse angle relative to thebody portion 250. In one aspect, thebottom edge portion 262 may be disposed at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to thebody portion 260. Thebottom edge portion 262 may include a curved edge or curved profile, as shown inFIG. 20 , such that laterally inboard and outboard portions of the bottom edge portion extend a smaller distance from the body portion relative to a middle portion. - When the
wake panel 250 is disposed in a downwardly deployed positon, water that impacts the wake panel may flow and curl around the bottom edge portion. When thewake panel 250 is deployed in the water, the bottommost edge of thebottom edge portion 262 is disposed rearwardly relative to the bend point between thebody portion 260 and thebottom edge portion 262. When thewake panel 250 is in its stowed position, it is possible in some aspects that thebottom edge portion 262 may be disposed in the water slightly when theboat 12 is traveling along the surface of the water. The rearward orientation of thebottom edge portion 262 relative to the body portion allows the water to generally flow without being substantially impeded by the slight engagement with the water flowing along the bottom of thepontoon 14. - In one aspect, the
wake panel 250 may include anoutboard edge portion 264, which is on the right side of the Figure for the illustrated starboard-side wake panel 250. The portside wake panel 250 would have the outboard edge on the left side. As shown inFIG. 20 , theoutboard edge portion 264 may be disposed at an obtuse angle of about 120 degrees relative to thebody portion 260. Thus, water flowing along the side of thepontoon 14 may be directed outwardly. Water splashing along the side of thepontoon 14 may likewise be directed outwardly by theoutboard edge portion 264. Theoutboard edge portion 264 may be described as being at an obtuse angle relative to thebody portion 260 that is less than the obtuse angle of thebottom edge portion 262 relative to thebody portion 260. - In one aspect, the
wake panel 250 may include aninboard edge portion 266 bent and extending rearward relative to thebody portion 260. InFIG. 20 , theinboard edge portion 266 is shown on the left side for the illustratedstarboard wake panel 250. It will be appreciated that theinboard edge portion 266 would be on the right side of theport wake panel 250. - In one aspect, the
inboard edge portion 266 is bent relative to thebody portion 260 at an angle of about 90 degrees, or generally perpendicular to the plane of the body portion. In one aspect, the inboard edge portion could be bent at a slight acute angle relative to thebody portion 260, or at a slight obtuse angle relative to the body. When disposed in the water, theinboard edge portion 266, similar to the other edge portions, allows water that flows toward and impacts thewake panel 250 to flow and curl around the side of thewake panel 250 as theboat 12 is traveling along the surface of the water. It will be appreciated that theinboard edge portion 266 may not be exposed to as much water as the outboard edge, in particular when in the stowed position, due to the inboard edge portion being located behind the inboard side of thepontoon 14, in contrast to theoutboard edge portion 264 which may encounter more splash and water flow that is present on the outboard side of thepontoon 14. - In one aspect, the
wake panel 250 may include anupper edge portion 268 that is bent and extends forward relative to thebody portion 260 of thewake panel 250. Theupper edge portion 268 may be bent at approximately a 90 degree angle relative to the body portion. Theupper edge portion 268 provides additional rigidity and stiffness to the panel, and may also operate as a stop member when thewake panel 250 is moved to the deployed position. In such an instance, theupper edge portion 268 may contact an upper surface of one of the mountingrails 252, thereby limiting further downward movement of thewake panel 250. However, as described previously, the amount of travel may be controlled by the actuator and/or control system, such that thewake panel 250 is stopped prior to contact between theupper edge portion 268 and the mountingrail 252. Moreover, with theupper edge portion 268 extending forward relative to thebody portion 260, theupper edge portion 268 may be disposed out of the area of the actuator, which extends downward along thewake panel 250 for actuating thewake panel 250. - Each of the bent edge portions 262-268 provides rigidity and stiffness to the
wake panel 250, defining a general “L-shape” cross section at the edges of thepanel 250, with the shape of the “L” depending on the relative angle between thebody portion 260 and the edge portion. The added rigidity and stiffness may limit instances of thewake panel 250 bowing or bending or flexing substantially in response to the loads and forces applied to thewake panel 250 by the water impacting against it. - Similar to previously described
wake panel 150, thewake panel 250 may be selectively actuated for downward deployment on one or both sides of theboat 12. Thepanels 250 may be disposed on each lateral side of the boat behind each of thepontoons pontoons wake panel 250 may be deployed while the other remains stowed. In one aspect, both may be deployed at the same time. In one aspect, thewake panels 250 may be selected to be deployed to an amount that is less than a full deployment. Accordingly, one panel may be deployed a full amount, with another being deployed a partial amount. In one aspect, asingle wake panel 250 may be deployed a partial amount. It will be appreciated that various relative deployments at both sides of theboat 12 may be used. - The amount of deployment of each
panel 250 relative to the other may be selected by a control system, and may be predetermined or pre-selected based on user desires. In another aspect, the amount of deployment may be manually controlled by an operator of theboat 12. - It has been found during testing that deployment of one
wake panel 250 on one side of theboat 12 with theother wake panel 250 in the stowed position can result in a cleaner and more surfable wake on one side of theboat 12, with the wake on the side of theboat 12 where thewake panel 250 is deployed being spoiled or canceled to a degree that it does not substantially impact the wake created on the side of theboat 12 with the stowedwake panel 250. - In one aspect, both sides of the
boat 12 may include thewake panels 150/250. In another aspect, one side of theboat 12 may include thewake panel 150/250, and the other side may be free from a wake panel. In another aspect, one side of the boat may includewake panel 150, and the other side of theboat 12 may includewake panel 250. Additionally, theinclined surfaces 140, described in detail above, may provide wake enhancement separate from thewake panels 150/250, and wake enhancement may be provided even when thewake panels 150/250 or fully retracted or only partially deployed, or even excluded. Theinclined surfaces 140 may provide a substantial wake enhancement absent substantial effect provided by thewake panels 150/250. Theinclined surfaces 140 may primarily form the shapeable wake, with thewake panels 150/250 operating to further shape and refine the wake. For example, as described above with reference to one of thewake panels 250 being deployed and the opposite side being stowed or only slightly deployed, a primary enhanced and surface wake is created on the side of the boat where thewake panel 250 is not deployed, and thewake panel 250 on the deployed side disrupts the wake that is created on its side, helping impart a final enhanced shape on the opposite side where thewake panel 250 was not deployed. Thus, the enhanced wake is created by theinclined surfaces 140, and the deployedwake panel 250 allows the enhanced wake on the opposite side to be formed without being disrupted by the wake coming from the deployed side, because wake on the deployed side is blocked or disrupted by the deployedwake panel 250. It will be appreciated, therefore, that wake may still be created and enhanced relative to traditional pontoons using theinclined surfaces 140, even without the additional use of thewake panels 250. And it will further be appreciated that thewake panels 250 could also be used to disrupt wake and allow wake developed on the non-deployed side to be uninterrupted for pontoons that do not include the inclined surfaces, although such a wake may not be as desirable as that which is created by pontoons having the inclined surfaces 140. - Both types of
wake panels pontoons pontoons wake panel pontoon boat 12. - Thus, in view of the above, the
system 10 may be installed on theboat 12 in the manner described above to provide the above-described benefits of increased water displacement and control of the wake produced by theboat 12 to alter the wake profile and create a more surfable wake profile. The above-described components may be used in combination with one or more of the other components affecting the wake profile. It will be appreciated that various combinations of the above-described components may be used to achieve the desired result of an improved wake profile. - A further embodiment of a
pontoon boat 300 is illustrated inFIGS. 23-25 . It includes many features in common with the other embodiments, including at least twoouter pontoons 314 and acenter pontoon 316. The configuration of thepontoons pontoons 314 are preferably the same as that previously described with the other embodiments. Thepontoon boat 300 includes a top deck orplatform 320 that is supported on thepontoons 312, 314. Apropulsion system 370 is provided for moving theboat 300 across a body of water which causes a wake or wakes to trail from thepontoons - According to a further aspect of this embodiment, the
propulsion system 370 is selected to provide a desirable performance and clearance effect for water sports. In particular, thepropulsion system 370 of this embodiment has a rearward-facingpropeller 371 that is mounted on a fixedprop shaft 372 that is angled downwardly from front-to-back. The downward angle is desirable since it minimizes prop wash disturbance and imbalance of the trailing wakes, as the trailing plume of the propeller is directed downward at the stern of theboat 300. Thepropulsion system 370 is preferably an in-board system in which theengine 373 andgear box 374 that drives theprop shaft 372 is forward of (or inboard of) the back end of theboat 300.FIGS. 23 and 25 illustrate one placement of the V-drive which is in line with thecenter pontoon 316. According to an advantageous embodiment, at least theshaft 372 and preferably also at least part of thegear box 374 and further more preferably also at least part of the engine is disposed in a well 375 or compartment of thecenter pontoon 316 at the stern end thereof which may be partially or fully open to thedeck 320 of theboat 300 such that an upper part of theengine 373 can project above deck and be enclosed by an engine cover. The rearward location of the V-drive propulsion system 370 toward the stern of theboat 300 is advantageous in that it adds weight to the rear of the boat and enhances the size of the wakes trailing from theouter pontoons 314 for water sport activities. Theprop shaft 372 extends rearward from thegear box 374 and projects through a wall of thecenter pontoon 316, preferably with a water-tight seal. The wall through which theshaft 372 projects may comprise a rear ortransom wall 376 of thecenter pontoon 316 as illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25 . Thepropeller 371 itself is disposed below a rearward bottom surface of thecenter pontoon 316. Thepropeller 371 resides under theboat 300 and forward of the stern end of theplatform 320 and clear of any interference with water sport participants in the water behind theboat 300. Asteerable rudder 377 is arranged behind thepropeller 371 and may be supported in part by thecenter pontoon 316 and or the structure of theplatform 320 for steering theboat 300. The rudder further acts as a physical barrier between thepropeller 371 and participants in the water behind theboat 300. - The wake enhancement features of the
boat 300, in addition to the rearward-mounted V-drive propulsion system 370 with the rear-facing prop, include a combination of at least one wake-modifyingplate 378 arranged behind at least one of theouter pontoons 314 and at least onehydrofoil 379. The shape of thepontoons - The
plate 378 is preferably the same or similar to theplate 250 described in a previous embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 16-24 , the description and operation of which is incorporated herein by reference. There are preferably twosuch plates 378, each mounted off the stern end of theouter pontoons 314 and selectively and individually slideable between a raised position and a lowered position. When lowered, the plate orplates 378 engage the water immediately behind the outer pontoon orpontoons 314 and alter the size and/or shape of the trailing wake to make it more suitable for use in water sport activities such as wake surfing. The movement of the plate(s) 378 may be achieved by use of an actuator 380, such as a hydraulic or electric cylinder. - The hydrofoil or
hydrofoils 379 are preferably provided at the back of theboat 300 and preferably rearward of thewake plates 378. Ahydrofoil 379 is preferably provided on each side of the boat in line with theouter pontoons 314 andwake plates 378. Thehydrofoils 379 are selectively and independently moveable between raised and lowered positons. When lowered, the hydrofoils engage the body of water and are downwardly inclined from back to front to dive when theboat 300 is propelled which forces the stern of theboat 300 downward. This can be done on one or both sides.FIG. 24 , for example, shows thewake plate 378 andhydrofoil 379 in the downward positions on the port side of theboat 300, while those on the starboard side are raised. In this case, the trailing wake on the port side is being shaped by thewake plate 378 and the portside of theboat 300 is further being forced downward to increase the displacement of the portsideouter pontoon 314, thus increasing the amount of water displaced and increasing the size of the wake shaped by the deployedplate 378. If desired, theportside plate 378 andhydrofoil 379 can be raised and those 378, 379 on the starboard side can be lowered to enhance and shape the starboard side wake. Still further, theplates 378 andhydrofoils 379 of both sides can be lowered to enhance and shape both trailing wakes. Other combinations are possible and contemplated. When not using the pontoon boat for water sports, theplates 378 andhydrofoils 379 may be raised so that the wakes are restored to the unmodified condition which may be more conducive to cruising or high speed travel or traversing sensitive zones (e.g., no-wake zones) on a body of water where large wakes are discouraged. - It will be appreciated that the downward force achieved by the
hydrofoils 379 has the same effect of added weight at the stern of the boat normally achieved in tow boats through taking on ballast water to generate a large wake, but without the need for a ballast system and without the drawback of having to manage the cleaning of internal ballast tanks to discourage cross-lake contamination. Thehydrofoils 379 are external, mechanical and readily cleaned and dried and they are also adjustable in their downward force by adjusting the position of thehydrofoils 379. - Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility.
Claims (16)
1. A pontoon boat assembly, comprising:
a plurality of pontoon floats, including at least two outer pontoon floats and at least one center pontoon float arranged between the alt least two outer pontoon floats;
a deck supported above the plurality of pontoon floats;
a propulsion system for moving the pontoon boat across a body of water and causing wakes to trail behind the pontoon float in the path of the pontoon floats;
at least one wake panel supported off a stern end of at least one of the outer pontoon floats and slideable to a lowered position for selectively engaging the body of water and altering the trailing wake trailing from the at least one outer pontoon float during propulsion of the pontoon boat; and
at least one hydrofoil engagable with the body of water for drawing the stern end of the at least one outer pontoon float downwardly during propulsion of the pontoon boat.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the propulsion system includes a rearwardly-facing propeller.
3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein the rearwardly-facing propeller is disposed on a fixed-angle prop shaft.
4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the propulsion system comprises an inboard V-drive and wherein the prop shaft of the V-drive extends through a wall of the at least one center pontoon.
5. The assembly of claim 4 , including a rudder disposed rearward of the propeller.
6. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the at least one wake panel includes a first wake panel supported off a first one of the at least two outer pontoon floats and a second wake panel supported off a second one of the at least two outer pontoons.
7. The assembly of claim 6 , wherein the wake panels are slidable relative to the outer pontoon floats and independently of one another.
8. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the wake panels are angled forwardly from top to bottom.
9. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the at least one hydrofoil includes at least two hydrofoils disposed rearwardly of the wake panels.
10. The assembly of claim 9 , wherein the at least two hydrofoils are moveable downwardly relative to the wake panels and are moveable relative to one another for selective engagement with the body of water to generate a down force behind one or both outer pontoon floats.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the movement of the wake panels and hydrofoils are controlled by powered actuators.
12. The assembly of claim 11 , wherein the powered actuators are hydraulic cylinders.
13. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the at least one center pontoon includes a well and wherein at least a portion of the V-drive is disposed in the well of the at least one center pontoon.
14. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the prop shaft extends within the well.
15. A pontoon boat, comprising:
two outer pontoons and a center pontoon and a platform supported by the pontoons;
at least one wake enhancement device supported for selective downward deployment for deflecting water to alter the size and/or shape of a wake of the pontoon boat when downwardly deployed;
a propulsion system having a rearwardly facing propeller; and
at least one hydrofoil engageable with the body of water to generate a downward force on the pontoon boat.
16. A pontoon boat, comprising:
two outer pontoons and a center pontoon and a platform supported by the pontoons;
a V-drive propulsion system disposed at least partially in the center pontoon and including a fixed-angle prop shaft projecting through a wall of the center pontoon; the propulsion system including a rearward-facing propeller and a rudder;
a wake plate supported off a stern end of each of the outer pontoons, the wake plates being selectively and independently slideable to a deployed position for engaging a body of water for modifying at least one trailing wake for water sport activities; and
at least one hydrofoil supported off a stern end of the boat for selectively engaging the body of water and generating a downward force at the stern end of the boat.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/500,639 US20240059373A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2023-11-02 | Variable use pontoon boat system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862616614P | 2018-01-12 | 2018-01-12 | |
US16/243,838 US10745084B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2019-01-09 | System and method for enhancing a wake profile for pontoon boats |
US201962879136P | 2019-07-26 | 2019-07-26 | |
US201962879141P | 2019-07-26 | 2019-07-26 | |
US16/929,750 US11407477B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2020-07-15 | System and method for enhancing a wake profile for pontoon boats |
US16/939,712 US11858601B2 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2020-07-27 | Variable use pontoon boat system and method |
US17/865,856 US11834132B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2022-07-15 | System and method for enhancing a wake profile for pontoon boats |
US18/500,639 US20240059373A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2023-11-02 | Variable use pontoon boat system and method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/939,712 Continuation-In-Part US11858601B2 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2020-07-27 | Variable use pontoon boat system and method |
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US20240059373A1 true US20240059373A1 (en) | 2024-02-22 |
Family
ID=89907298
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US18/500,639 Pending US20240059373A1 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2023-11-02 | Variable use pontoon boat system and method |
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US (1) | US20240059373A1 (en) |
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- 2023-11-02 US US18/500,639 patent/US20240059373A1/en active Pending
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