Watercraft

Abstract

The invention relates to proa-type personal floating vessels comprising means for enhancing sailing safety using an outrigger. The present watercraft comprises a main hull (1) and an outrigger (2) connected to the main hull by a bridge (9). The bridge is a spatial structure comprised of vertical connectors (6) and horizontal connectors (7 and 9) and having at least one transverse connector (8), one vertical connector (6), and one longitudinal connector (7) oriented along the main hull (1). Configured on the longitudinal connector (7) is a driver's seat which is situated above the main hull (1) and allows the driver to be seated as if on a motorcycle. The invention provides for safe and comfortable positioning of the driver, ease of steering and a maximum useful area of the vessel.

Description

[0001] FLOATING VEHICLE

[0002] The invention relates to shipbuilding, specifically to personal floating craft incorporating safety features using an outrigger. Such craft are known as "proas."

[0003] A well-known "velokayak" vehicle was described in Modelist-Konstruktor magazine, 1980, No. 4, p. 14. The driver is positioned on a bridge of a three-dimensional structure, between the main hull and the outrigger. The disadvantages include increased load on the bridge, the excess weight of the structure, and the difficulty of using powerful propulsion systems. The space between the main hull and the outrigger cannot be used as a cargo area.

[0004] A known invention, described in patent No. CA02892314, involves an outrigger attached to the main hull via a flat bridge, with the driver's seat mounted directly on the board. A drawback of this invention is that the flat bridge design makes it difficult to ensure the necessary bridge strength. A vertical engine mount does not contribute to the bridge's strength. The driver's seat does not provide additional foot support.

[0005] The problem that the invention is aimed at solving is to ensure the reliability and ease of use of the vessel.

[0006] The technical result of the invention is a combination of minimal dimensions of the main hull of the vessel, the strength of the bridge and the multifunctionality of its elements, ease of use of the vessel due to the compact location of both the driver and the cargo area, the optimal location of the controls of the propulsion system, the reliability and stability of the driver's seat.

[0007] This objective is achieved by incorporating a motorcycle-style seat, positioned above the main hull, into the bridge's design. The bridge also includes supports for the propulsion system.

[0008] The technical result of the invention is achieved only by installing a motorcycle-type driver's seat and propulsion system on the bridge struts. The bridge struts, in addition to providing strength, also serve as supports for the driver and propulsion system. Placing the driver above the main hull allows for a minimal main hull, reducing the load on the bridge and providing a cargo area. Increasing the strength of the bridge transverse struts allows for the installation of a propulsion system of the required power. Mounting the steering system directly on the bridge is also simplified.

[0009] Fig. 1 shows one of the variants of a proa with a motorcycle landing.

[0010] The proa comprises a main body 1, an outrigger 2, a bridge 9 formed by a rear cross member 8, a longitudinal member 7 on which the driver's seat 4 is located, a vertical member 6 connecting the longitudinal member 7 with the rear cross member 8, a cargo platform 3 located in the space between the main body 1 and the outrigger 2, a transom 5 located on the rear cross member of the bridge, stiffening elements 10, and steering elements 11. The proa operates as follows. The driver is seated on a longitudinally directed motorcycle-type seat in such a way that the legs are placed on opposite sides of the seat, allowing the thighs to wrap around the seat. The fastening of the engine and propulsion unit 5 on the rear cross support 8, together with the high seating position of the driver, allows for convenient control of the tiller. In the case of using a control other than the tiller, the design of the bridge allows for the installation of a steering control 11.Cargo platform 3, located between outrigger 2 and main hull 1, provides easy access to luggage for the driver. Driver's seat 4, located at the edge of the proa, increases usable space while maintaining close proximity to the water. The driver's elevated position and structural strength allow the driver to control the vessel's roll in critical situations. The high, narrow seat also allows the driver to move around the vessel with the engine off and to drive while standing. The aft longitudinal brace, constructed from two beams—an upper and a lower beam—integrated with the transom enhances the bridge's structural strength, serving two functions: supporting the propulsion system and strengthening the bridge as a whole. Vertical brace 6 and longitudinal brace 7, in addition to supporting the seat, also enhance the overall strength of the bridge.By arranging the seat 4 on the side elements of the bridge 6, 7, it becomes possible to place the driver above the main body 1. The stiffening elements 10 make it possible to increase the reliability of the bridge.

Claims

Invention formula 1. A floating craft comprising a main hull, an outrigger connected to the main hull by means of a bridge, characterized in that the bridge is a spatial structure containing at least one transverse tie, one vertical tie, one longitudinal tie directed along the main hull, located above the main hull, wherein a driver's seat is provided above the longitudinal tie, providing a motorcycle-like seating position for the driver.

2. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the upper longitudinal bridge connection, located above the main body, is a seat.

3. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that steering elements are installed on the bridge.

4. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the space of the bridge between the main body and the outrigger is designed as a luggage compartment.

5. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the propulsion system is located outside the main body.

6. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that a support for the propulsion system is provided on the rear cross member of the bridge.

7. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the main hull is designed with a closed deck.

8. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the main body is a board.

9. A floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the seat is designed with the possibility of adjusting the height.

10. The floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that a propeller is installed as a propulsion device.

11. The floating craft according to paragraph 1, characterized in that stiffening elements are provided on the bridge.

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