Portable Personal Watercraft

Abstract

A watercraft includes a number of subassemblies, including an inflatable hull, a drive system, a battery, a seat assembly and a steering and thrust control. Each of the subassemblies of may be of one or more particular designs which are detailed herein. A watercraft in accordance with the teaching herein may use one or more of these designs and each such watercraft is within the scope of this disclosure.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 529,852 filed on Mar. 31, 2005 which is a United States National Phase Entry of PCT / CA2003 / 001494 which was filed on Sep. 29, 2003. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to marine craft and more particularly to an extremely lightweight, easily transportable highly maneuverable personal watercraft for recreational and other boating purposes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Recreational boating has become very popular, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Most small size personal watercraft are of a size and weight requiring a trailer to transport them to and from the launch site. Depending upon an individual's lifestyle and living accommodations, the use of a trailer may be precluded. For example, apartment dwellers in many locations do not have the space available to them for storing a boat and trailer when not in use. [0004] Other types of recreational boats include ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In accordance with the instant invention, an improved personal watercraft for recreational and utilitarian purposes is provided. The watercraft may have one or more of the following features and advantages.

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of this invention a personal watercraft is constructed to enable it to be readily collapsed. The collapsed watercraft may then be manually carried and easily transported in the trunk of an automobile and without the need for a trailer. Preferably, the watercraft has one or more inflatable sections to permit it to be collapsed.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of this invention a pump is provided to inflate and / or deflate the inflatable sections of the craft. Preferably, the pump is provided as part of the watercraft. More preferably, the pump is in air flow communication with the inflatable sections such that at the press of a button it may be actuated to inflate and / or deflate the watercraft thereby making the packing and unpacking of the craft simple, convenient, and quick.

Problems solved by technology

For example, apartment dwellers in many locations do not have the space available to them for storing a boat and trailer when not in use.

A further drawback of the canoe is that it is relatively slow and unmaneuverable and may be somewhat prone to tipping.

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