Device for adjusting boat wake

Abstract

A boat with a controllable wake, including a boat hull with a propulsion system. A wake controlling device includes first and second plates with a bottom surface which is convexly curved between their forward and rear ends, and first and second mounts secured to the port and starboard sides, respectively, of the boat transom and securing the forward ends of the plates for pivoting about axes which are behind the boat transom and generally lie parallel to the plane of the aft boat bottom adjacent the first and second mounts. Plate controls extend between the transom and the plates to adjustably pivot the plates relative to the mounts. A plurality of generally triangular fins extend from the plates at substantially right angles to the plate bottom surfaces and extend at substantially right angles from the axes. Side plates are on the lateral edges of the first and second plates.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.TECHNICAL FIELD[0004]The present invention is directed toward boats for skiing and wake boarding, and particularly toward controlling the wake generated by, and enhancing the maneuvering of, boats.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART[0005]Power boating is a popular recreation enjoyed by many people of all walks of life. It is, of course, desirable to provide power boats which may be comfortably and safely operated by all potential users. Therefore, a variety of devices have been used to properly position the boat as it moves through the water, including a variety of trim tabs or plates which may be adjusted to ensure that when the boat moves through the water it will neither ride up too high to cause instability of the boat nor ride too low in the w...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, such adjustments are somewhat limited and not easily obtainable with boats that include inboard motors.

However, such devices may only change the boat trim slowly, and therefore quick changes to the wake level may not be quickly accomplished.

This may not only generally frustrate the wake boarder or skier, but also may make a quick succession of different tricks requiring different wake levels impossible.

Further, devices of this type may be dangerous if not used correctly as they may cause the boat to sit too low in the water.

However, boats using this device and others such as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,071 may not be ideally maneuvered.

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