CATAMARAN HULL WITH POSI-FLOW INDUCTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a catamaran hull system to improve performance characteristics. The catamaran hull system comprises a hull having a bow and a stern, at least one transverse step, and a posi-flow inductor system. The posi-flow inductor system includes an interior inductor channel extending vertically up the hull and terminating above a waterline when the hull is at rest, and a posi-flow cover plate attached to the hull and covering the interior inductor channel to form a posi-flow duct. This catamaran hull system provides a solution that reduces suction, improves air flow to the transverse step, and enhances overall hull efficiency. Overall, it offers improved performance, stability, and handling characteristics for catamaran vessels.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a catamaran hull and system for improving the performance characteristics of a catamaran.

BACKGROUND

The following discussion is not to be deemed admitted prior art, but merely related art to show possible background and information related to devices or systems for securing textiles to fixed surfaces.

Catamaran, as used herein, may be but not limited to, a boat with two parallel hulls of equal size, a vessel with twin hulls, a multi-hulled watercraft consisting of two parallel hulls of equal size.

Performance, as used herein, may be but not limited to, speed, efficiency, stability, maneuverability, fuel consumption, handling characteristics, ride comfort, and seaworthiness.

Hull, as used herein, may be but not limited to, the watertight body of a ship or boat, the main body of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck but not the masts, superstructure, rigging, engines, and other fittings.

Transverse step, as used herein, may be but not limited to, a discontinuity in the hull running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boat, a horizontal break in the hull bottom designed to reduce wetted surface area, a feature that introduces air under the hull to reduce drag.

Inductor, as used herein, may be but not limited to, a channel or duct designed to direct air flow, a structural feature that introduces air to specific areas of the hull, a component that manages air and water interaction along the hull surface.

Posi-flow induction system, as used herein, may be but not limited to, a system comprising inductors, cover plates, and ducts designed to manage air flow to the hull, a mechanism for preventing water from entering air channels, a feature that improves hull efficiency by controlling air introduction to transverse steps.

To illustrate examples of potential embodiments without limiting their scope, the following description will discuss the use of the posi-flow induction system in improving the performance of a catamaran hull. Transverse steps, inductors, and cover plates are used as examples, but it should be understood that the invention can be applied to other hull features and performance-enhancing mechanisms for various types of watercraft.

Catamarans have gained popularity in recreational boating due to their stability, spaciousness, and efficiency compared to traditional monohull boats. The twin-hull design of catamarans provides a wide platform that offers increased deck space and improved stability in various water conditions. However, as with any watercraft, there is a constant pursuit of enhanced performance, particularly in terms of speed, fuel efficiency, and handling characteristics.

One of the primary challenges in catamaran design is optimizing the hull's interaction with water to reduce drag and improve overall performance. As catamarans move through water, they encounter various hydrodynamic forces that can affect their speed, stability, and efficiency. These forces include wave resistance, frictional drag, and air resistance, all of which can significantly impact the vessel's performance.

Typically, a solution to improve catamaran performance is to modify the hull shape or add features such as steps or chines to reduce wetted surface area and introduce air under the hull. These modifications aim to create a layer of air between the hull and water, effectively reducing drag and improving speed and fuel efficiency.

Still, other solutions involve installing larger engines or upgrading propellers to increase power and torque. While these approaches can improve speed, they often come at the cost of increased fuel consumption and may not address the fundamental hydrodynamic challenges faced by catamarans.

Each of these solutions fails to meet the needed solution because they either focus on a single aspect of performance improvement or require significant alterations to the hull design or propulsion system. Additionally, many of these solutions do not adequately address the complex interplay between air and water flow around the catamaran hull, particularly in varying sea conditions and speeds.

Therefore, a need exists for a novel system, apparatus, and method to optimize catamaran hull performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a catamaran hull designed to improve performance characteristics and address common issues in catamaran design.

Numerous aspects of a unique catamaran hull for optimizing performance and enhancing stability are disclosed.

It is desirable to have a catamaran hull to provide the best performance, allow for variable hull size, reduce phenomena such as “sneezing” and “hunting”, eliminate a “wet ride” and “tunnel slap”, and lean into turns rather than outward. These improvements enhance the efficiency, stability, and overall performance of the catamaran.

The disclosed catamaran hull advantageously fills these needs and addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a catamaran hull with improved performance characteristics, including a posi-flow induction system that reduces drag and enhances air flow to transverse steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A system, apparatus, and method for a catamaran hull is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

While aspects of a system, apparatus, and method for a catamaran hull will be described with reference to the details of the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings (and some embodiments not shown in the drawings), these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1. A side view of a catamaran hull with exterior inductors, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2. An underside view of a catamaran hull showing transverse steps and inductors, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3. A rear orthogonal view of a catamaran hull structure, in accordance with example embodiments.

FIG. 4. A cutaway view of the port side of a catamaran hull, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5. A close-up view of a mid-section between two transverse steps on a port side hull, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6. A perspective view of the underside of a portion of a port-side catamaran hull, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

LIST OF FIGURE ITEMS

• • 001 Bow
  • 002 Stern
  • 005 Transverse Step
  • 007 Transom
  • 008 Keel
  • 009 Outer Chine
  • 010 Exterior Inductor
  • 011 Interior Inductor
  • 012 Waterline
  • 013 Posi-Flow Inductor System
  • 014 Inner Chine
  • 015 Posi-Flow Cover Plate
  • 016 Posi-Flow Duct

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The order of the steps in the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the following detailed description provides a more specific and detailed explanation of various embodiments of the system, apparatus, and method for a catamaran hull. These embodiments are provided to illustrate the invention but should not be seen as limiting its scope; the invention can be embodied in many different forms and is intended to be thorough and comprehensive to those skilled in the art.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of a system, apparatus and method for a catamaran hull, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same, only as examples and not intended to be limiting.

A catamaran hull may have a bow 001 and a stern 002, defining the front and rear ends of the vessel respectively. The bow 001 is typically designed to be streamlined and pointed to efficiently cut through water, while the stern 002 may be broader to support the vessel's weight and house propulsion systems.

A catamaran hull may include one or more transverse steps 005. These transverse steps 005 are discontinuities in the hull running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boat. They can vary in number, depth, and positioning along the hull bottom. The purpose of transverse steps 005 is to reduce the wetted surface area of the hull during operation, thereby decreasing drag and potentially improving speed and fuel efficiency.

The hull may feature a transom 007, which is the vertical or near-vertical surface at the stern of the boat. The transom 007 can vary in shape and size depending on the specific catamaran design and may be used to mount outboard motors or other propulsion systems.

A keel 008 may be present on each hull of the catamaran. The keel 008 is typically a structural element extending along the bottom of the hull, providing stability and improving the boat's ability to track straight in the water. The shape, depth, and length of the keel 008 can vary based on the intended use and performance characteristics of the catamaran.

The catamaran hull may include an outer chine 009 and an inner chine 014. The outer chine 009 is typically located where the sides of the hull meet the bottom, while the inner chine 014 is on the interior side of each hull facing the tunnel. These chines can be hard (angular) or soft (rounded) and play a role in the hull's hydrodynamic performance and stability.

The hull may incorporate exterior inductors 010 and interior inductors 011. These are channels or ducts designed to direct air flow to specific areas of the hull, particularly to the transverse steps 005. The exterior inductors 010 are positioned on the outer sides of the hull, while the interior inductors 011 are located on the inner sides within the tunnel area between the two hulls.

A waterline 012 may be indicated on the hull, representing the level at which the hull sits in the water when the catamaran is at rest. The positioning of various hull features relative to this waterline 012 is crucial for their effective operation.

The catamaran hull may include a posi-flow inductor system 013. This system comprises inductors, cover plates, and ducts designed to manage air flow to the hull. It's a mechanism for preventing water from entering air channels and improving hull efficiency by controlling air introduction to transverse steps 005.

A posi-flow cover plate 015 may be installed as part of the posi-flow inductor system 013. This cover plate 015 can be made of various materials such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, or non-corrosive metals. It may be flat or convex in shape and is typically positioned to create a posi-flow duct 016 between itself and the inner chine 014.

The posi-flow duct 016 is formed by the space enclosed by the inner chine 014 and the posi-flow cover plate 015. This duct 016 is designed to allow airflow, which is crucial for the functioning of the posi-flow induction system 013. The dimensions and shape of duct 016 can be engineered to optimize airflow and improve the catamaran's performance characteristics.

The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a catamaran hull designed to enhance performance characteristics. The catamaran hull may incorporate a unique posi-flow induction system, which is designed to manage air flow to the hull, particularly to the transverse steps. This system may include inductors, cover plates, and ducts. The inductors, which may be positioned on both the outer and inner sides of the hull, are designed to direct air flow to specific areas of the hull. The cover plate, which may be installed as part of the posi-flow induction system, can be made of various materials and may be flat or convex in shape. The cover plate is typically positioned to create a posi-flow duct between itself and the inner chine. The posi-flow duct is designed to allow airflow, which is crucial for the functioning of the posi-flow induction system. The dimensions and shape of the duct can be engineered to optimize airflow and improve the catamaran's performance characteristics. The catamaran hull may also include other features such as a bow, a stern, one or more transverse steps, a transom, a keel, an outer chine, an inner chine, and a waterline. Each of these features contributes to the overall performance and efficiency of the catamaran.

Some embodiments can be described as several key components that work together to improve the performance of catamaran hulls: (1) Transverse Steps: These are incorporated into the hull design to increase efficiency. The transverse steps are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sponson and require a supply of air to function effectively. (2) Interior Inductor Channel: This is a vertical channel extending in the same direction as the transverse step, located on the tunnel side of the catamaran sponson. It terminates at a height typically above the waterline when the boat is at rest. (3) Exterior Inductor: This is a vertical channel that extends up the outer side of the sponson. (4) Posi-Flow Cover Plate: This component is installed over the interior inductor channel. It can be made of various materials such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, plastic, or any other non-corrosive metal that can withstand seawater. The cover plate can be flat or convex and is designed to be above the waterline when the boat is at rest but below the waterline when the boat is on plane. (5) Posi-Flow Duct: This is created by the installation of the posi-flow cover plate over the interior inductor channel. It allows air to enter the interior inductor channel while preventing water from entering.

The posi-flow induction system functions by creating a duct-like structure that feeds air into the transverse steps. This air supply prevents suction, which can hinder the boat's ability to get on plane. The system's design ensures that air is consistently supplied to the steps, even when the boat is in motion and the water level changes.

The posi-flow cover plate plays a crucial role in the system's effectiveness. Its height is carefully designed to be below the waterline when the boat is on plane but above the waterline when the boat is at rest. This configuration allows for optimal air intake and prevents water from entering the duct.

Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of a catamaran hull is depicted. The hull extends from a bow 001 at the front to a stern 002 at the rear. The hull's profile shows a streamlined shape designed for efficient water displacement. Along the lower portion of the hull, two exterior inductors 010 are visible. These exterior inductors 010 are positioned in sequence, creating distinct sections along the hull's bottom surface. The exterior inductors 010 appear as stepped protrusions from the hull's main body, likely designed to influence water flow and potentially improve the catamaran's performance characteristics. The overall design of the hull, with its sleek lines from bow 001 to stern 002 and the incorporation of exterior inductors 010, suggests a focus on hydrodynamic efficiency and stability in water.

In some aspects, the exterior inductors 010 may be designed to optimize the hull's performance by managing air and water flow along the bottom of the catamaran. The exterior inductors 010 are channels that allow air to be fed into the transverse steps 005, helping to prevent suction and improve the boat's ability to plane. In some cases, the exterior inductors 010 may be positioned at various locations along the hull's bottom surface to optimize air flow to the transverse steps 005. The specific arrangement and design of these exterior inductors 010 may vary based on the intended use and performance characteristics of the catamaran.

Referring to FIG. 2, an underside view of a catamaran hull is depicted. This view provides a clear perspective of the arrangement of various components of the hull design. The hull extends from the bow 001 at the front to the stern 002 at the rear. The outer chine 009 is visible along the sides of the hull, defining the edge where the hull's bottom meets its sides. The outer chine 009 may be designed to help reduce drag and improve the boat's performance. In some aspects, the outer chine 009 may be hard (angular) or soft (rounded), depending on the specific catamaran design.

The hull features multiple transverse steps 005, visible as lines crossing the width of each hull section. These transverse steps 005 are designed to increase efficiency by reducing the wetted surface area of the hull during operation. In some cases, the number, depth, and positioning of the transverse steps 005 along the hull bottom may vary based on the intended use and performance characteristics of the catamaran.

Exterior inductors 010 are positioned on the outer sides of each hull section. These exterior inductors 010 are channels that allow air to be fed into the transverse steps 005, helping to prevent suction and improve the boat's ability to plane. In some aspects, the exterior inductors 010 may be designed to optimize the hull's performance by managing air and water flow along the bottom of the catamaran.

Interior inductors 011 are located on the inner sides of each hull section, within the tunnel area between the two hulls. Like the exterior inductors, these interior inductors 011 also feed air to the transverse steps 005. In some cases, the interior inductors 011 may be designed to optimize the hull's performance by managing air and water flow within the tunnel of the catamaran.

The arrangement of the transverse steps 005, exterior inductors 010, and interior inductors 011 forms a system designed to optimize the hull's performance by managing air and water flow along the bottom of the catamaran. In some aspects, the specific arrangement and design of these components may vary based on the intended use and performance characteristics of the catamaran.

Referring to FIG. 3, a rear orthogonal view of a catamaran hull is depicted. This view provides a clear perspective of the stern 002 of the catamaran, along with several key components of the hull design. The transom 007 is visible at the rear of the hull, forming the vertical or near-vertical surface at the stern. The transom 007 may be designed to support the weight of the vessel and house propulsion systems. In some cases, the transom 007 may also be used to mount outboard motors or other propulsion systems.

The outer chine 009 is visible along the sides of the hull, defining the edge where the hull's bottom meets its sides. The outer chine 009 may be designed to help reduce drag and improve the boat's performance. In some aspects, the outer chine 009 may be hard (angular) or soft (rounded), depending on the specific catamaran design.

The inner chine 014 is visible on the interior sides of the hulls, facing the tunnel area between the two hulls. The inner chine 014 may be designed to help manage water flow within the tunnel and improve the boat's stability and performance. In some cases, the inner chine 014 may be hard (angular) or soft (rounded), depending on the specific catamaran design.

The keel 008 is shown extending along the bottom of each hull, providing structural support and stability. The keel 008 may be designed to minimize drag and improve the boat's performance. The keel 008 is typically fitted with fins to further improve the boat's maneuverability. In some aspects, the shape, depth, and length of the keel 008 can vary based on the intended use and performance characteristics of the catamaran.

The exterior inductors 010 are positioned on the outer sides of each hull section. These exterior inductors 010 are channels that allow air to be fed into the transverse steps 005, helping to prevent suction and improve the boat's ability to plane. In some cases, the exterior inductors 010 may be designed to optimize the hull's performance by managing air and water flow along the bottom of the catamaran.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cutaway view of the port side of a catamaran hull is depicted. This figure highlights the interior inductors 011 and their role in the posi-flow inductor system 013. The interior inductors 011 are vertical channels that extend in the same direction as the transverse step 005, up the sponson of the catamaran hull. In some cases, the interior inductors 011 terminate at a height typically above the waterline 012 when the boat is at rest. This positioning of the interior inductors 011 is crucial for the effective operation of the posi-flow induction system 013, as it allows air to be fed into the transverse steps 005, helping to prevent suction and improve the boat's ability to plane.

The orientation of the interior inductors 011 relative to the waterline 012 can vary. In some aspects, the interior inductors 011 are not necessarily perpendicular to the waterline 012, but can vary at an angle of 0 degrees (perpendicular) to 85 degrees toward the bow 001. This variation in the angle of the interior inductors 011 can influence the flow of air into the transverse steps 005, potentially affecting the performance characteristics of the catamaran hull.

The interior inductors 011 are part of the posi-flow inductor system 013, which also includes the posi-flow cover plate 015 and the posi-flow duct 016. This system is designed to manage air flow to the hull, particularly to the transverse steps 005. By controlling the introduction of air to the transverse steps 005, the posi-flow induction system 013 can help to prevent water from entering the air channels, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the catamaran hull.

Referring to FIG. 5, a close-up view of the mid-section between two transverse steps 005 on the port side hull is depicted. This figure highlights the structure and function of the posi-flow cover plate 015 and its relationship to the inner chine 014 and the posi-flow duct 016.

The posi-flow cover plate 015 is shown installed vertically along the inner side of the hull. In some cases, the posi-flow cover plate 015 may be made of various materials such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, plastic, or any other non-corrosive metal that will withstand seawater. The choice of material may depend on factors such as cost, availability, weight, and the specific performance characteristics desired for the catamaran hull.

The posi-flow cover plate 015 may be flat or convex in shape. In some aspects, a flat posi-flow cover plate 015 may be used to minimize disturbance to the water flow over the cover plate. In other cases, a convex posi-flow cover plate 015 may be used. The convex shape can be engineered to improve the performance characteristics of the hull by influencing the flow of water and air around the transverse steps 005. Additionally, the convex shape may increase the volumetric flow of air to the transverse step 005, further enhancing the efficiency of the catamaran hull.

The posi-flow cover plate 015 is of a height that allows the bottom of it to be below the waterline 012 when the boat is on plane and the top to be above the waterline 012 when the boat is at rest. This positioning of the posi-flow cover plate 015 is crucial for the effective operation of the posi-flow induction system 013. When the boat is at rest, the top of the posi-flow cover plate 015 being above the waterline 012 allows air to enter the posi-flow duct 016. Conversely, when the boat is on plane, the bottom of the posi-flow cover plate 015 being below the waterline 012 helps to prevent water from entering the posi-flow duct 016.

The posi-flow cover plate 015 is positioned to create a posi-flow duct 016 between itself and the inner chine 014. This posi-flow duct 016 is designed to allow air flow, which is crucial for the functioning of the posi-flow induction system 013. The dimensions and shape of the posi-flow duct 016 can be engineered to optimize airflow and improve the catamaran's performance characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 6, the posi-flow cover plate 015 may be installed as a separate component after the catamaran is manufactured. In some cases, the posi-flow cover plate 015 may be attached to the sponson of the catamaran hull using various methods. For instance, the posi-flow cover plate 015 may be attached by screws, adhesives, heat, or any other method that suitably bonds the posi-flow cover plate 015 to the sponson. This allows for flexibility in the manufacturing process and can accommodate different materials and designs of the posi-flow cover plate 015.

In other cases, the posi-flow cover plate 015 and the posi-flow induction system 013 may be created at the time the boat is manufactured. This can be achieved by molding the sponson to have the feature as a single, pre-determined component. This method may provide a more integrated and streamlined design, potentially improving the hydrodynamic performance of the catamaran hull.

The posi-flow cover plate 015, whether installed separately or molded as part of the sponson, forms part of the posi-flow induction system 013. This system, which also includes the interior inductor 011 and the posi-flow duct 016, is designed to manage air flow to the transverse steps 005. By controlling the introduction of air to the transverse steps 005, the posi-flow induction system 013 can help to prevent water from entering the air channels, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the catamaran hull.

A method of manufacturing a catamaran hull with a posi-flow induction system may comprise the following steps:

• • 1. Constructing the main hull structure of the catamaran, including the bow 001, stern 002, and transom 007, using conventional boat-building techniques such as molding fiberglass or other composite materials.
  • 2. Incorporating transverse steps 005 into the hull design during the molding process, ensuring they are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boat.
  • 3. Forming exterior inductors 010 and interior inductors 011 as channels or ducts in the hull during the molding process, or cutting and shaping these features into the hull after initial construction.
  • 4. Molding or attaching the outer chine 009 and inner chine 014 to the hull structure, ensuring proper alignment with the transverse steps 005 and inductors.
  • 5. Molding the keel 008 along the bottom of each hull for structural support and stability.
  • 6. For separately installed posi-flow cover plates 015:
    • a. Fabricating the posi-flow cover plates 015 from materials such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, or non-corrosive metals.
    • b. Shaping the posi-flow cover plates 015 to be flat or convex as per design specifications.
    • c. Attaching the posi-flow cover plates 015 to the hull using screws, adhesives, or other suitable fastening methods, ensuring they cover the interior inductor channels 011.
  • 7. For molded posi-flow cover plates 015:
    • a. Incorporating the posi-flow cover plate 015 design into the hull mold, creating it as a single, pre-determined component during the initial hull molding process.
  • 8. Forming the posi-flow ducts 016 between the posi-flow cover plates 015 and the inner chine 014 of the hull.
  • 9. Applying appropriate coatings and finishes to the hull and all components for protection against marine environments.
  • 10. Installing any additional features such as propulsion systems, steering mechanisms, and other necessary equipment.
  • 11. Conducting quality control checks to ensure all components of the posi-flow induction system 013 are properly installed and functioning as designed.
  • 12. Performing water tests to verify the effectiveness of the posi-flow induction system 013 and make any necessary adjustments.

A method of using the posi-flow induction system and improving boat performance may include the following steps:

• • 1. Launching the catamaran into the water and allowing it to settle at rest. At this point, the top of the posi-flow cover plate 015 may be above the waterline 012, allowing air to enter the posi-flow duct 016.
  • 2. As the boat begins to move forward, water may flow over the transverse steps 005. The exterior inductors 010 and interior inductors 011 may begin to channel air to these transverse steps 005.
  • 3. When the boat reaches planing speed, the bottom of the posi-flow cover plate 015 may become submerged below the waterline 012. This submersion may help prevent water from entering the posi-flow duct 016 while still allowing air to flow through.
  • 4. The posi-flow induction system 013 may then continuously feed air to the transverse steps 005 as the boat moves through the water. This air feed may help reduce suction and improve the boat's ability to maintain its plane.
  • 5. The air introduced by the posi-flow induction system 013 may create a layer of air bubbles between the hull and the water. This air layer may reduce friction and potentially increase the boat's speed and fuel efficiency.
  • 6. As the boat's speed changes, the angle of attack of the hull may vary. The posi-flow induction system 013 may continue to function effectively across a range of speeds and hull angles, adapting to changing water conditions.
  • 7. In rough water conditions, the posi-flow induction system 013 may help maintain consistent air flow to the transverse steps 005, potentially improving the boat's stability and handling.
  • 8. During turns, the posi-flow induction system 013 may continue to provide air to the transverse steps 005 on both hulls, which may help maintain stability and reduce the risk of the inner hull digging into the water.
  • 9. When decelerating, the posi-flow induction system 013 may help manage the transition from planing to displacement mode by gradually reducing air flow to the transverse steps 005 as the boat slows.
  • 10. Throughout operation, the boat operator may monitor the performance of the catamaran, noting any improvements in speed, fuel efficiency, stability, and handling that may be attributed to the posi-flow induction system 013.

In some aspects, the effectiveness of the posi-flow induction system 013 may vary depending on factors such as boat speed, water conditions, and load distribution. Operators may need to familiarize themselves with the system's performance characteristics to optimize its use in various conditions. Regular maintenance of the posi-flow induction system 013, including cleaning of the posi-flow cover plates 015 and inspection of the posi-flow ducts 016, may help ensure continued optimal performance.

This manufacturing method can be adapted for either individual custom builds or batch production of catamaran hulls with posi-flow induction systems.

Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

The specification is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments; many additional embodiments of this invention are possible. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the Claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that is described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The invention is described with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Several specific details are set forth in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.

These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specifications, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the preceding description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly”, and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. Also, as used herein, terms such as “positioned on” or “supported on” mean positioned or supported on but not necessarily in direct contact with the surface.

Claims

1. A posi-flow induction system for a catamaran hull, comprising: two sponsons;at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson;an interior inductor channel extending vertically along a tunnel side of each sponson connected to the transverse step;an exterior inductor channel extending vertically along an outer side of each sponson connected to the transverse step;a posi-flow cover plate installed over each interior inductor channel; anda posi-flow duct of a given length and a given width formed between the posi-flow cover plate and the interior inductor channel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the posi-flow cover plate is positioned such that its top edge is above a waterline when a catamaran is at rest and its bottom edge is below the waterline when the catamaran is on plane.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the posi-flow cover plate is made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, plastic, and non-corrosive metals.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the posi-flow cover plate has a shape selected from the group consisting of flat and convex.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the posi-flow cover plate is a separate component installed after the catamaran hull is manufactured.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the posi-flow cover plate is molded into the catamaran hull during manufacturing.

7. A method of manufacturing a catamaran hull system, comprising: constructing a hull having a bow and a stern and two sponsons;forming at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson;creating an interior inductor channel extending vertically up the sponson and terminating above a waterline when the hull is at rest; andattaching a posi-flow cover plate to the sponson to cover the interior inductor channel,thereby forming a posi-flow duct.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the posi-flow cover plate is made of a non-corrosive material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, and plastic.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein attaching the posi-flow cover plate comprises shaping the posi-flow cover plate to have a convex shape.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising positioning the posi-flow cover plate to extend from below the waterline when the hull is on plane to above the waterline when the hull is at rest.

11. A method of improving performance of a catamaran, comprising: providing a catamaran hull having two sponsons;at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson;incorporating a posi-flow inductor system into the hull, the posi-flow inductor system including at least one transverse step on a bottom surface of each sponson; an interior inductor channel extending vertically along a tunnel side of each sponson connected to the transverse step; an exterior inductor channel extending vertically along an outer side of each sponson connected to the transverse step; a posi-flow cover plate installed over each interior inductor channel; and posi-flow duct formed between the posi-flow cover plate and the interior inductor channel; andoperating the catamaran such that air flows through the posi-flow duct to the at least one transverse step.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the posi-flow cover plate is made of a non-corrosive material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, and plastic.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the posi-flow cover plate has a shape selected from the group consisting of flat and convex.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the posi-flow cover plate extends from below the waterline when the catamaran hull is on plane to above a waterline when the catamaran hull is at rest.