Water craft stabilizing device

Abstract

A device for stabilizing boats and other water craft that is generally blade-shaped and attaches to the body or hull of the boat. The stabilizing device projects generally outwardly and downwardly from the boat and is pivotally connected along the vertical axis at the attachment point to the water craft. The device improves the stability of the boat and resists unwanted drift either from a stationary position or from a desired heading.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 442,979, filed Jan. 28, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates in general to a stabilizing device for water craft, and more particularly to water craft of the type used for water sports such as fishing. Even more particularly this invention relates to a stabilizing device that is attachable to a water craft in such a manner as to prevent drifting or moving off course as a result of natural or unnatural forces, particularly the effects of currents and wind upon a water craft that is either stationary or moving on a desired heading. [0003] When stationary in or on the surface of a body of water, most water-borne vehicles provide large surface areas along the longitudinal axis that makes the vehicle susceptible to the effects of forces such as currents and wind, among other things. Such forces can cause the vehicle to drift either away from the desired stationary posi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention provides a boat stabilizing device comprising a generally blade-shaped stabilizer attached to a boat that projects into the water in such a manner as to counter movement of the boat at an angle to the longitudinal axis, such movements the result of such things as wind, current, and other forces acting upon the boat from in or on the boat itself. This stabilizer provides resistance at an angle to the force countering the resultant unwanted motion of the boat. When the boat is stationary, the present invention operates to keep the boat stationary. When the boat is in motion, the device operates to keep the boat from drifting or moving off or away from the desired heading.

[0007] The present invention can be either built into the boat as a permanent part thereof, or as a system that is installed after the boat has been constructed. There are advantages to both, but the post-construction installation reduces cost and is easy to install, position for optimal stabilization, and remove. Further, an embodiment of the present invention allows for its removal to use as a spare paddle in the event of an emergency.

[0008] The device itself comprises generally a top edge, a bottom edge, proximal and distal ends, and two stabilizing surfaces. The device is attached to the boat or water craft at the proximal end. The two stabilizing surfaces are oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boat or water craft. Experimental use has shown that a bottom edge angled downward from the proximal end to the distal end provides a more effective lower edge for riding over obstructions and entanglements. Experimental use has also shown that a design which grows narrower along the longitudinal axis running from the end proximal to the boat towards the end distal to the boat operates more efficiently. Such narrowing does not reduce the surface area of the vertical sides of the device, but reduces the thickness of the device horizontally. All embodiments of the present invention comprise a device that projects from the structure of the boat at an angle downward and / or outward such that part or all of the stabilizing surfaces of the device are in contact with the water.

Problems solved by technology

When stationary in or on the surface of a body of water, most water-borne vehicles provide large surface areas along the longitudinal axis that makes the vehicle susceptible to the effects of forces such as currents and wind, among other things.

Such forces can cause the vehicle to drift either away from the desired stationary position or off of the desired course heading.

Either solution is not an effective answer to the problem for several reasons.

First, it requires the vigilance and attention of the boater, often at a time when they are focusing on the task at hand, such as fishing.

It distracts them, and may require sacrificing a fish catch merely to adjust the boat's position.

Secondly, it wastes either gas in an outboard engine or battery power in a trolling motor.

Third, it creates noise and water turbulence that could negatively impact fishing results.

Finally, it is not an efficient or effective way to counter forces that are directed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the boat.

The need for such constant minor course corrections wastes time and fuel.

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