WO2009009823A1

WO2009009823A1 - Watercraft

Info

Publication number: WO2009009823A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001024
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Andrew Perry
Original assignee: Searide Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-13
Filing date: 2008-07-11
Publication date: 2009-01-22

Abstract

A watercraft (1) comprising: a steering mechanism (40, 41, 42, 5, 47); a seat assembly (2, 21, 22, 11) for a rider of the watercraft; at least one float (3, 5) for maintaining the rider in a seated position above a body of water; a propulsion system (6, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68) for moving the watercraft along the body of water; and a support frame (10, 11, 12, 13, 15) extending between the float (3, 5) and the seat assembly (2, 21, 22, 11), and supporting the steering mechanism (40, 41, 42, 5, 47) and the propulsion system (6, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68).

Description

WATERCRAFT TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a watercraft. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the watercraft has a steerable front float and side floats that make it impeccably stable on water.

BACKGROUND ART

Watercrafts for recreational use are known. Some types of watercrafts have the disadvantages that they are difficult to propel or steer, or are not particularly stable on water. Other types of watercrafts have the disadvantages that they cannot be used in shallow water nor in particular water conditions (eg. surf). Yet other types of watercrafts have the disadvantages that they are too large or bulky to be readily transported between locations, or to store when not in use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a watercraft that overcomes or minimises one or more of the disadvantages referred to above, or to public the public with a useful or commercial choice.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a watercraft comprising: a steering mechanism; a seat assembly for a rider of the watercraft; at least one float for maintaining the rider in a seated position above a body of water; a propulsion system for moving the watercraft along the body of water; and a support frame extending between the float and the seat assembly, and supporting the steering mechanism and the propulsion system. The float may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. If the watercraft has a single float, that it may extend completely or part way around the support frame. Preferably, the watercraft has a side (aft) float situated each side of the support frame as well as a front float situated in front of the support frame. Preferably, each side and forward float is roughly in the shape of a surf board, body board or sail board. The length, breadth and width of each float will depend on the weight of the rider and the nature of the body of water upon which the watercraft is to travel (ie. shallow water, deep water, rough water, rapids or surf). Each side float can preferably support the rider when the rider has dismounted the seat assembly, without the watercraft capsizing. Depending on the nature of the propulsion system, the watercraft may also be able to move over a frozen body of water, such as ice or snow. Each side float may have a top deck, a bottom deck, a bow and a stern. The bow may be tapered and cambered. The side floats may have a stabilising fins extending from the bottom deck and these may be of any suitable shape and construction. Such fins may be detachably connected to the bottom deck.

Likewise, the front float may have a top deck, a bottom deck, a bow and a stern. The bow may be tapered and cambered.

Each float may comprise a solid shell/exterior having a hollow interior or interior filled with material more buoyant than water. The solid shell/exterior may be made, for example, of plastics material or fibreglass. The interior of the float may be filled with, for example, foam manufactured from one or more of the following synthetic polymers: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polymethyl methacrylamide (acrylic), polyetherimide (PEI) and styreneacrylonitrile (SAN).

The support frame may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The support frame may be of solid cross- section or of tubular construction and may comprise metal (eg. aluminium alloy) and/or plastics material. The support frame may comprise a frame member for supporting the steering mechanism. The support frame may comprise a seat support for supporting the seat assembly. The support frame may comprise laterally extending float stays having ends connected to the side floats. The support frame may comprise one or more frame members for supporting the propulsion system. Preferably, the support frame is generally of tubular construction, much like the frame of a bicycle. The support frame may comprise a head tube that supports the steering mechanism, a seat tube extending downwardly from the seat assembly, a down tube extending between the head tube and the seat tube, a crossbar extending between the head tube and the seat tube, and float stays that extend laterally of the crossbar and seat tube to each side float. The support frame may further comprise reinforcing members, such as gussets, braces and brackets, extending between the aforementioned frame members. Each float stay may comprise a tubular upper portion and a base pad that is detachably connected to a top deck of a side float. The base pad and top deck may be detachably connected in any suitable way. Preferably, bolts extending through the base pad and top deck are used to connect them together, although other mechanisms may be used.

The steering mechanism may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The steering mechanism may be operated by hand, foot or both. The steering mechanism may comprise, for example, a steering wheel, a pair of handlebars or one or more foot-operated rudders. Preferably, the steering mechanism comprises a pair of handlebars, a stem extending downwardly from the handlebars through the head tube, a steering arm extending downwardly from the stem to the front float, and the front float. The stem may provide a steering axis about which the handlebars may be turned. The handlebars, stem and steering arm may be of solid cross-section or of tubular construction and may comprise metal (eg. aluminium alloy) and/or plastics material. Preferably, the steering arm is in the form of a fork.

The steering mechanism may further comprise one or more steering fins extending from the bottom deck of the front float. The steering fins may be of any suitable shape and construction. Such steering fins may be detachably connected to the bottom deck. Preferably, the steering fork has a front tine and a rear tine, and each tine comprises a base pad that is detachably connected to the top deck of the front float. Each base pad may be detachably connected to the top deck in any suitable way. Preferably, bolts extending through the base pad and top deck are used to connect them together, although other mechanisms may be used. The seat assembly may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. Preferably, the seat assembly comprises a padded seat and a seat post extending therefrom to the support frame (much like for a bicycle). The seat post preferably extends within the seat tube. The seat position may be adjustable as for a typical bicycle seat. Alternatively, the seat assembly may comprise a seat in which the rider may recline.

The watercraft may support more than one rider at any given time. If desired, the seat assembly may comprise more than one seat and seat post, much like a tandem bicycle, in which case the support frame could comprise more than one seat tube for receiving the seat posts.

Any suitable type of propulsion system may be used. The watercraft may be, for example, pedal driven by the rider, motor driven and/or wind driven. In one embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a propeller operatively connected to foot pedals that are rotated by the rider. The propeller may be operatively connected to the pedals in any suitable way. In another embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a propeller operatively connected to a drive shaft of a motor, such as a drive shaft of an electric motor or combustion engine. In another embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a self-laying (caterpillar- type) track assembly operatively connected to foot pedals that are rotated by the rider. The self-laying track assembly preferably provides propulsion over water, ice and snow. In another embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a self-laying track assembly operatively connected to a drive shaft of a motor, such as a drive shaft of an electric motor or combustion engine.

In yet another embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a mast, boom and sail mounted to the support frame, for catching the wind, much like a sailboard, wherein the sail may be operated hands-free.

In a preferred embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a propeller operatively connected to foot pedals by way of a gearbox and drive shaft. The pedals and gearbox may be mounted to the support frame. The gearbox may contain a first bevel gear having teeth intermeshed with teeth of a second bevel gear and the gears may be of differing sizes so as to increase the speed of rotation of the propeller. The gearbox may further comprise spur gears meshed with the bevel gears, for driving those gears. The pedals may be interconnected by way of a pair of cranks and an axle, and the axle may be connected to a first spur gear and extend through the gearbox. The propeller may be connected to the gearbox by way of a drive shaft. The drive shaft may comprise two or more shaft pieces connected to universal joints such that the drive shaft need not extend linearly from the gearbox to the propeller. The propeller may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The propeller may have a hub and two or more blades extending radially therefrom. The propeller may be made of plastics material.

In another preferred embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a self-laying track assembly operatively connected to foot pedals by way of an endless drive chain system. The self-laying track assembly may comprise a roller frame mounted to the support frame, a drive roller mounted to the roller frame, idler rollers mounted to the roller frame, and an endless track (eg. belt or chain mail) extending around those rollers. The pedals may be mounted to the support frame. The pedals may be interconnected by way of a pair of cranks and an axle, and the axle may be connected to a drive gear and extend through a bearing of the support frame. The drive roller may be connected to the drive gear by way of one or more endless chains and intermediate gears mounted to the support frame.

The self-laying track may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The track may be made of rubber and have a tread extending therealong, just as for vehicles designed to provide traction on snow and ice.

The propulsion system may further comprise a propeller position adjuster for raising and lowering the propeller relative to the water's surface. This is desirable should the watercraft need to move between deep water, shallow water and dry land. Such a position adjuster may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. Preferably, the position adjuster includes a lever operatively connected to the propeller such that when the lever is moved a first direction then the propeller is raised relative to the water's surface, and when the lever is moved in a second direction then the propeller is lowered relative to the water's surface. The position adjuster may comprise a lever operable by hand at an upper end of the lever and having a lower end pivotally mounted to the support frame, a lifting bracket pivotally connected to the support frame, a propeller shaft housing through which a tail end of the drive shaft extends, a lifting skeg having a lower end connected to the propeller shaft housing and an upper end pivotally connected to the bracket, one or more links pivotally connected to both the bracket and the lever intermediate the upper and lower ends, wherein movement of the lever in a forwards direction relative to the support frame causes the propeller to be raised and movement of the lever in a rearwards direction causes the propeller to be lowered.

The upper end of the lever preferably has a handle and the lower end of the lever is pivotally connected to a gusset extending between the seat tube and the down tube. The lever preferably has one or more eyelets intermediate the ends to which the link is pivotally connected.

The lifting bracket preferably is pivotally connected to a gusset extending between the front float stays. The lifting bracket preferably has one or more eyelets to which the link is pivotally connected. The upper end of the lifting skeg is preferably pivotally connected to an end of the bracket and the lower end of the skeg extends from a top of the propeller shaft housing.

Such a position adjuster may further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the lever in different positions to the support frame. Any suitable type of locking mechanism may be used. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a pivotable catch that can engage different projections spaced along the crossbar when the lever is moved forwardly and rearwardly relative to the crossbar.

The propeller shaft housing is preferably tubular and has tapered ends. More preferably, one or more fins for deflecting objects in the water away from the propeller

(or the propeller away from the objects) extent from the housing. Such fins may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably the fins extend radially from the housing along both the horizontal and vertical planes. A vertically extending fin may automatically raise the propeller should the fin hit bottom in shallow water or collide with an object in the water. Preferably, when the propeller is raised, it is locked in that position by way of the locking mechanism. Likewise, if the propulsion system comprises a self-laying track assembly, then the watercraft may comprise a track position adjuster for raising and lowering the track relative to the ground or water's surface. Such a position adjuster may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials.

Preferably, the position adjuster includes a lever operatively connected to the roller frame such that when the lever is moved a first direction then the track is raised relative to the water or ground surface,- and when the lever is moved in a second direction then the track is lowered relative to that surface. The watercraft may further comprise racks or storage compartments for fishing rods, tackle and the like. These may be mounted to the support frame in any suitable way. The watercraft may comprise a canopy for sheltering its rider. The watercraft may comprise a floating trailer. These may be of any suitable construction. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a front elevation view of part of a watercraft, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the watercraft shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a close-up view of part of the watercraft shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the watercraft shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in Figure 1 but have a further wind-powered propulsion system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the watercraft shown in Figure 1 but have a further electric motor propulsion system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows side elevation views of side and front floats of a watercraft, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a detailed plan view of part of a propulsion system of the watercraft shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a watercraft like the one shown in Figure 1 but having a different type of propulsion system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 11 is a rear elevation view of the watercraft shown in Figure 10.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features. Referring first to Figures 1-5 and 8, there is shown a watercraft 1 for use on a body of water. The watercraft 1 includes a steering mechanism, a seat assembly 2 for a rider of the watercraft 1, a pair of side floats 3 and a front float 5 for maintaining the rider in a seated position above the body of water, a support frame, a propulsion system having a propeller 6 and a propeller position adjuster for adjusting the position of the propeller 6 relative to the water's surface.

The side 3 and front 5 floats each has a shell made of fibreglass and an interior containing polyurethane foam. Each float 3, 5 is shaped much like a surfboard or body board. Each float 3, 5 has a top deck having a flattened region 31, 51 (see Figure 8). A bow 32, 52 of each float 3, 5 is shaped for water deflection. The top deck at the bow 52 of float 5 is also cambered for fast water deflection.

The support frame includes a head tube 10, a seat tube 11 extending downwardly from the seat assembly 2, a down tube 12 extending between the head tube 10 and the seat tube 11, a crossbar 13 extending between the head tube 10 and the seat tube 11, a front pair of float stays 14 extending laterally of the seat tube 11 to each side float 3, a rear pair of float stays 15 extending laterally of the crossbar 13 to each side float 3, as well as various gussets, brackets and braces. As seen in Figure 2, a gusset 16 extends between the front pair of float stays 14, and another gusset 17 extends between the rear pair of float stays 15. As seen in Figure 3, a lever support bracket 19 extends between the down tube 12 and the seat tube 11.

Each float stay 14, 15 has a base pad 20, 21 that is detachably connected to a flattened region 31 of a side float 3 by way of bolts (not shown). The bolts extend through holes that are spaced around a periphery of the base pad 20, 21 and coinciding holes in the shell of the flattened region 31. The latch bolts enable the floats 3 to be readily detached from the base pads 20, 21 for transport and stowage.

The seat assembly 2 includes a cushioned seat 21 and a seat post 22 extending therefrom into the seat tube 11. The seat 21 height may be adjusted as for a typical bicycle seat.

The steering mechanism includes a pair of handlebars 40, a stem 41 (see Figure

3), a steering fork 42, the front float 5 and steering fins 47 that extend downwardly from the bottom deck of the float 5. (Note that the front float 5 shown in Figure 8 has a different fin 150 from that shown in Figure 3.) The pair of handlebars 40 and stem 41 are similar to that of a typical bicycle. The pair of handlebars 40 has a link 44 and a pair of hand grips 45. The stem 41 extends centrally of the handlebars 40 through the head tube 10 to the steering fork 42. The stem 41 provides a steering axis about which the handlebars 40 may be turned.

The steering fork 42 has a front tine 140 and a rear tine 141. Each tine 140, 141 comprises a base pad 45, 46 that is detachably connected to the flattened region 51 of the front float 5 by way of bolts (not shown). The bolts extend through holes that are spaced around a periphery of each base pad 45, 46 and coinciding holes in the shell of the flattened region 51. The bolts enable the front float 5 to be readily detached from the base pads 45, 46 for transport and stowage.

The propulsion system includes a gearbox 60, an axle 61, a pair of cranks 62 and pedals 63, a propeller drive shaft 64, a pair of universal joints 65, 66 (see Figure 3), a propeller shaft housing 67, three fins 68, 69, 70, and the propeller 6.

The gearbox 60 has a housing 71 connected to the support frame where the down tube 12 and seat tube 11 meet (see Figures 1 and 3). As seen in Figure 9, the housing 71 has four side wall 700-703 (side wall 700 has an oil plug 707), a pair of axle bearings 704, a drive shaft bearing 72, and a pair of gear bearings 709. The gearbox 60 also has a drive spur gear 706, an idler spur gear 708, a first bevel gear 710 and a second bevel gear 711.

The axle 61 extends through the axle bearings 704 and through spur gear 706, and directly rotates the gear 706. Axle spur gear 706 has teeth intermeshed with teeth of idler spur gear 708. The idler spur gear 708 and first bevel gear 710 are mounted for rotation on an axle 712 that extends through bearings 709. The smaller second bevel gear 711 has teeth intermeshed with teeth of the first bevel gear 710 (in an eight to one ratio) and an output shaft 719 of the second bevel gear 711 extends through the drive shaft bearing 72 and is connected to an end of the drive shaft 64 by way of the universal joint 65. This is shown in Figure 3.

The propeller 6 has two blades 75 and is connected to a tail end of the drive shaft

64. The drive shaft 64 comprises two shaft pieces 76, 77 connected to one another by way of the universal joints 65, 66 (see Figure 3 and 4). The first shaft 76 piece extends between the two universal joints 65, 66. The second shaft piece 77 extends from universal joint 66 to the propeller 6 by way of the propeller shaft housing 67.

The propeller shaft housing 67 is tubular and has tapered ends, as seen in Figure 4. The three fins 68-70 extend radially from the housing 67. Fin 70 extends vertically and downwardly of the housing 67, and the other two fins 68, 69 extend substantially horizontally from the housing 67.

Each crank 62 is connected to a respective end of the axle 61 and a pedal 63 is connected to an end of each crank 62, such that when the axle rotates 61, the drive shaft 64 rotates and turns the propeller 6.

The propeller position adjuster includes a lever 80, a lifting bracket 81, a lifting skeg 82, a pair of links 83, and a locking mechanism 84 (see Figure 3).

The locking mechanism 84 has a pivoting locking member 85 that can engage different projections spaced along the crossbar 13 when the lever 80 is moved forwardly or rearwardly relative to the crossbar 13.

The lever 80 has an upper end to which is connected the locking member 85, a lower end that is pivotally connected to the lever support bracket 19 and a pair of eyelets 87 intermediate the upper and lower ends (see Figure 1).

As seen in Figures 2 and 4, the lifting bracket 81 has a frame including a first frame member 90 pivotally connected to gusset 16 by way of a pair of hinges 91, and second frame member 92 which extends perpendicularly of the first frame member 90. A flared upper end of the second frame member 92 has a pair of eyelets 94.

Each link 83 is a rod. One end of each link 83 extends through a respective eyelet 87 of the lever 80, and the other end of each link 83 extends through a respective eyelet 94 of the second frame member 92, such that each link 83 can pivot relative to the lever 80 and the lifting bracket 81 when the lever 80 is operated.

The lifting skeg 82 includes a vertically extending fin 100 having a lower end connected to the shaft housing 67. The lifting skeg 82 further includes a pair of stiffeners

101 extending laterally of the fin 100. An upper end of each stiffener 101 is pivotally connected to the first frame member 90 of the lifting bracket 81 by way of a bearing and pivot pin arrangement 103. This is most clearly shown in Figure 4.

When the rider moves the lever 30 forward, the links 83 are pulled forward and cause the lifting bracket 81 and lifting skeg 82 to pivot and raise the propeller 6 relative to the water's surface. When the rider moves the lever 30 rearwardly, the propeller 6 is lowered relative to the water's surface. The propeller 6 blades 75 remains in a substantially vertical orientation during this operation. The locking mechanism 84 enables the propeller 6 to be moved and locked in at least four different positions, according to the required depth and travel speed required.

In use, a rider would place the watercraft 1 upon a body of water with the propeller 6 in a fully raised protected position. In order to mount the seat 21, the rider would initially step on one of the side floats 3. In order to propel the watercraft 1 forwards, the rider would lower the propeller 6 partially or fully into the water by way of moving the lever 30 rearwards. In order to propel the watercraft 1 forwards, the rider would begin peddling using pedal 63 as one would normally ride a bike. The watercraft 1 will move faster if a top of the propeller is located above the water's surface. The watercraft 1 can be steered in any direction by turning the handlebars 40 left or right of centre. As the steering fork 42 and forward float 5 are turned, the fins 47 help steer the watercraft 1. Fin 70 will automatically raise the propeller 6 should the fin 70 hit bottom in shallow water or collide with an object in the water, the lever 80 will move forwards and the locking member 85 will lock behind a projection and maintain the propeller 6 in the raised position. Likewise, fins 68 and 69 will deflect floating objects in the water (eg. sea weed) away from the propeller 6.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown watercraft 1 but having a further propulsion system. The further propulsion system includes a mast 110, boom 111 and sail 112, and a forward sail boom control 113. The control 113 is connected to the crossbar 13 of the support frame. A bottom of the mast 110 is pivotally mounted to a rear float stay 15 of the support frame. Rather than peddling, the rider has the option of propelling the watercraft 1 using the wind.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown watercraft 1 but having a further propulsion system. The further propulsion system includes an in-line electric waterproof motor 120 electrically connected to a controller 121 and batteries 125. The controller 121 is connected to the handlebars 40, the motor 120 is mounted to the gearbox 60 housing 71 and an electrical lead 122 extends between the controller 121 and the motor 120. A battery 125 is located within each side float 3 and is readily accessible by way of a removable threaded hatch 126. An electrical lead (not shown) extends between each battery 125 and the motor 120. The controller 121 has an on/off switch and a throttle lever movable between forward and reverse positions. The motor 120 has an output shaft operatively coupled one of the bevel gears or drive shaft 64. Rather than peddling, the rider has the option of propelling the watercraft 1 using the motor 120.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a watercraft 800 for use on a body of water as well as on ice and snow. The watercraft 800 is virtually identical to watercraft 1 in that it includes a steering mechanism (but with fin 150), a seat assembly 2 for a rider of the watercraft 800, a pair of side floats 3 and a front float 5 for maintaining the rider in a seated position above the body of water/frozen water, and a support frame. The watercraft 800, however, has a different type of propulsion system and lacks a propeller position adjuster. The propulsion system comprises a self-laying track assembly 810 operatively connected to foot pedals 811 by way of an endless drive chain system. The self-laying track assembly 810 includes a triangular roller frame 815 mounted to the support frame by way of mounting arms 817 extending from the front pair of floats stays 14. The self- laying track assembly 810 further includes a drive roller 820 pinned for rotation between the mounting arms 817, two idler rollers 821, 822 pinned for rotation relative to the roller frame 815, and an endless track 825 extending around those rollers 820-822. The pedals 811 are interconnected by way of a pair of cranks 830 and an axle 831. The axle 831 extends through a bearing 833 of the support frame where the down tube and seat tube meet. The endless drive chain system includes a drive gear 840 mounted to the axle 831 , an idler gear 832 having an axle 835 mounted to and for rotation relative to one of the front float stays 14, and a gear 840 connected to an end of the drive roller 820. A first endless drive chain 813 extends around gears 840 and 832, and a second endless drive chain 812 extends around gears 832 and 84O.The endless track 825 is made of rubber and has a tread 860 that extends along a length of the track 825. The tread 860 is designed to provide traction on snow and ice and to propel the watercraft 800 over water when the pedals 811 are rotated.

The watercraft 1 as exemplified can be used in very shallow water, deep water, rough water conditions, rapids, surf, salt water and fresh water. Watercraft 800 can be further used on snow and ice. The stability and practical nature of the watercraft 1, 800 may even make it useful for lifesaving applications. The watercraft 1, 800 allows its rider to stay dry under most water conditions, therefore allowing the rider a 'freedom of dress' that is often not comfortably possible with other person-powered watercrafts. The watercraft 1, 800 can be steered in a similar manner to that of a standard bicycle. The large amount of surface contact that its three floats 3, 5 have with the water makes it free-standing and impeccably stable on both water and hard surfaces. Under average adult peddle propulsion, the watercraft 1, 800 can travel at fast walking speed (approximately six kilometres per hour). The watercraft 1, 800 steers and obtains both forward and backward momentum through the same peddling motion as that of a standard bicycle.

Due to its high stability, balance is not required by the rider. This is achieved through the three float 3, 5 design. Also, the three float 3, 5 design allows the rider to safely carry other people or large amounts of equipment, and also enables the rider to stay dry. Its high stability allows the rider to not only use their hands for other activities (eg. casting a fishing rod) but also gives them the freedom to walk on the side floats 3. It is this stability that creates the 'step on and ride away' feature, that allows the rider to step or climb aboard from the shore, within the water, another watercraft or jetty etc. A particularly advantageous feature of the watercraft 1 is the propulsion system.

Not only does the propulsion system propel the watercraft 1 but it also acts to deter weeds and other matter from entangling the propeller 6. The propulsion mechanism also automatically deflects itself from foreign bodies within the water. The propeller 6 can be selectively lifted and lowered via a lever 80, when traveling between deep water, shallow water and dry land.

The watercraft 1 can be produced in differing sizes in order to accommodate people of all ages and weights. Its properties make it very low maintenance, rust proof, running cost free, light weight, easy to transport, environmentally friendly, silent and aesthetically pleasing. The floats 3, 5 can be readily detached and the steering fork 42 can be turned 180° for compact stowage.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

Claims

1. A watercraft comprising: a steering mechanism; a seat assembly for a rider of the watercraft; at least one float for maintaining the rider in a seated position above a body of water; a propulsion system for moving the watercraft along the body of water; and a support frame extending between the float and the seat assembly, and supporting the steering mechanism and the propulsion system.

2. The watercraft according to claim 1, said watercraft having a side float situated on each side of the support frame as well as a front float situated in front of the support frame.

3. The watercraft according to claim 2, wherein each said side float supports the rider when the rider has dismounted the seat assembly, without the watercraft capsizing.

4. The watercraft according to claim 2, wherein each said side and front float has a top deck, a bottom deck, a bow and a stern.

5. The watercraft according to claim 4, wherein each said float is substantially in the shape of a surfboard, body board or sail board.

6. The watercraft according to claim 4, wherein the front float has stabilising fins extending from the bottom deck.

7. The watercraft according to claim 2, wherein each said float comprises a solid shell/exterior having a hollow interior or interior filled with a buoyant material.

8. The watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the support frame comprises a head tube that supports the steering mechanism, a seat tube extending downwardly from the seat assembly, a down tube extending between the head tube and the seat tube, a crossbar extending between the head tube and the seat tube, and float stays that extend laterally of the crossbar and seat tube to each said side float.

9. The watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the steering mechanism comprises any one of a steering wheel, a pair of handlebars or one or more foot-operated rudders.

10. The watercraft according to claim 8, wherein the steering mechanism comprises a pair of handlebars, a stem extending downwardly from the handlebars through the head tube, a steering arm extending downwardly from the stem to the front float, wherein the stem provides a steering axis about which the handlebars may be turned.

11. The watercraft according to claim 1 , wherein the propulsion system comprises a propeller operatively connected to foot pedals that are rotated by the rider.

12. The watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system comprises a self-laying (caterpillar-type) track assembly operatively connected to foot pedals that are rotated by the rider.

13. The watercraft according to claim 12, wherein the self-laying track assembly provides propulsion over water, ice or snow.

14. The watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system comprises a mast, boom and sail mounted to the support frame, for catching the wind, much like a sailboard, wherein the sail may be operated hands-free.

15. The watercraft according to claim 11, wherein the propeller is operatively connected to the foot pedals by way of a gearbox and drive shaft of the propulsion system.

16. The watercraft according to claim 15, wherein the propulsion system further comprises a propeller position adjuster for raising and lowering the propeller relative to the water's surface.

17. The watercraft according to claim 16, wherein the position adjuster comprises a lever operable by hand at an upper end of the lever and has a lower end pivotally mounted to the support frame, a lifting bracket pivotally connected to the support frame, a propeller shaft housing through which a tail end of the drive shaft extends, a lifting skeg having a lower end connected to the propeller shaft housing and an upper end pivotally connected to the bracket, one or more links pivotally connected to both the bracket and the lever intermediate the upper and lower ends, wherein movement of the lever in a forwards direction relative to the support frame causes the propeller to be raised and movement of the lever in a rearwards direction causes the propeller to be lowered.

18. The watercraft according to claim 17, wherein said position adjuster further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the lever in different positions to the support frame.

19. The watercraft according to claim 12, wherein said watercraft further comprises a track position adjuster for raising and lowering the self-laying track relative to the ground or water's surface.