Trim tabs and surface drive propeller bite control

Abstract

A trim tab of resilient material affixed in a cantilever fashion at the stern of a boat and of a regressive flexural stiffness such that when deflected, the undersurface of the trim tab assumes the shape of a progressive curve in the direction of water flow. A trim tab of a progressive curve which has gas or liquid ejection to the undersurface to control the boundary layer. A trim tab located under a surface drive whereby the bite of the propeller is controlled relative to the trim tab and the trim tab is controlled to optimize the boat hull.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to boating, and more specifically to a trim tab made of resilient material affixed in a cantilever fashion at the stem of a boat and its application to a surface piercing drive propulsion system.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Trim tabs have been used to change the “attitude” of a boat. Attitude is the angle of the boat relative to the water surface, and changes under different operating conditions. The attitude of a boat relative to the water surface has a profound effect on the speed and efficiency of the boat. Attitude is usually discussed in terms of the nose up/nose down adjustment of the boat, and is sometimes called the trim angle. The term “trim angle” often leads to ambiguity as to whether it is the angle of the boat, or the tabs, or the outdrive being discussed. The present disclosure attempts to be more specific in discussing trim angle.

[0004] Trim tabs are usually fastened to the boat at or near the stem and on the transom or on the bottom of the hull. The transom generally forms the rearmost portion of the stem, such as the generally flat and vertical rearward end of the chassis of the boat. When underway, water rushes under the boat, causing the rear of the boat to be deflected up or down by the trim tabs. Pushing the trim tab down deflects the departing water downward to boost the rear of the boat up into the air slightly, thus bringing the bow of the boat down. Pulling the trim tab up is intended to pull the rear of the boat down and to bring the bow up. Thus, “down on the tabs” means “down on the bow” and, conversely, “up on the tabs” means “up on the bow”. It is noted, however, that the “up on the tabs” operation of prior art trim tabs has limited effectiveness. Attitude may sometimes be discussed in terms of the left or right lean of a boat under way. Leaning may be due to propeller torque, uneven weight distribution, or cornering. Trim tabs may also be used correct this leaning.

[0005] Although trim tabs are an appurtenance to the hull, they serve to modify the shape of the planing surface and, therefore, from the perspective of hydrodynamics of the boat planing on the water, it is immaterial whether the tabs are considered as part of the hull or an appurtenance.

[0006] Prior art trim tabs are only somewhat effective in changing the attitude of the boat. Early prior art trim tabs were hinged where they joined the hull of the boat and usually were a rigid flat plate essentially parallel to the bottom surface of the hull. This flat plate could swing up or down several degrees via mechanical means. A major deficiency of flat plate hinged tabs is that the up tab position causes an abrupt change in the contour of the surface running on the water. This abrupt change causes flow separation at the hinge point. As with any airfoil, flow separation causes loss of lift. The hinged flat plate is simply a crude airfoil with poor lift to drag ratio and is not very successful at raising the nose of the boat. Hinge type tabs in the down position will lower the bow of the boat, but have a poor lift to drag ratio and tend to impose excessive drag in order to generate an equivalent amount of lift of present invention.

[0007] More recent prior art trim tabs are of a bending flat plate type whereby the tab is a resilient plate of uniform thickness and stiffness. A flat plate is attached solidly in a cantilever fashion to the boat hull and does not use a hinged joint but rather relies on the bending of the flat plate slightly up or down to generate a somewhat better, but still deficient, approximation of an airfoil. The bending flat plate trim tabs were flexed down and up by the boat operator to add hook or rocker as desired. Hook is usually caused by a concave surface on the bottom of the boat, when viewed from below the boat, which tends to lower the bow while underway. Rocker is usually caused by a convex surface on the bottom of the boat, when viewed from below the boat, which tends to raise the bow of the boat while underway. The bending flat plate trim tabs were slightly more effective than hinged type plates. Although somewhat superior to hinged plate designs, the bending flat plate also has excessive drag for the amount of lift generated. Bending flat plate trim tabs are somewhat better than the hinged type in that the problematic abrupt change of angle of the hinge type is softened. This curved surface method decreases the tendency of flow separation, but uses a plate of constant flexural stiffness, so that the curvature is fairly localized and diminishes as the water moves away from the area of attachment of the plate to the hull.

[0008] The attitude of a boat may also be changed by changing the thrust angle of the propeller as ordinarily found on outboard motors and on inboard/outboard propulsion systems. This function is normally controlled by a “trim” switch, which is part of an electro-hydraulic system. This method of changing the attitude of the boat and lifting or depressing the stem of the boat by changing the thrust angle of the propulsion is not as efficient as optimizing the thrust vector to be essentially parallel to the direction of travel and then adjusting the hull geometry to optimize the hydrodynamic lift to drag ratio.

[0009] Surface piercing drives are well known and are usually referred to as surface drives. One common type is mounted to project out the stem of the boat so that the propeller is located at the far aft or rearward end of an extended quasi-cylindrical thrust tube. Surface drives are designed to allow only the lower half of the propeller to be in the water at design operating conditions. In other words, surface drives only operate on the surface of the water. The depth to which the propeller is actually immersed in the water at any given operating speed has a major effect on the resistive torque load imposed on the engine. Therefore, it is desirable to vary the depth of immersion as needed but to also be able to closely control this depth to something less than half of the propeller diameter under all normal operating conditions. The propeller blade immersion or depth of partial immersion of the propeller is referred to herein as “bite”.

[0010] Surface piercing propeller drives are known to be very efficient propulsion systems. The most versatile surface drives have a means for thrust vectoring by changing the horizontal and vertical alignment of the propeller shaft with respect to the stem of the boat. This realignment is accomplished via a universal joint where the drive shaft exits the hull near the transom and connects to the propeller shaft. Mechanical means, usually of electrohydraulic cylinders push and pull the thrust tube in a preferred horizontal sweep or a vertical sweep. The horizontal sweep controls the steering of the boat, and the vertical sweep controls the trim of the boat. The steering sweep is somewhat effective, but the vertical sweep for controlling trim is rather deficient.

[0011] Surface drives have two primary advantages. The first advantage is that they have very little drag as only the propeller and skeg are in the water. The skeg is a fin that is affixed to the underside of the drive at a location forward of the propeller and that has a leading edge which sweeps generally downward and rearward. The skeg is supposed to protect the propeller from objects in the water and conversely to protect objects from the propeller. Neither is very successful. The skeg is also intended to contribute to the steering, but because a surface drive has a steerable thrust vector, the skeg has only a minimal contribution to the steering, especially when under power.

[0012] The skeg imposes undesirable drag and also slices a groove in the water as the water approaches the propeller blades. In this manner, the skeg causes a major disruption in the homogeneous flow field of water into which the blades are progressing as the is propeller screws itself into the water. Although there is a performance penalty due to the drag forces of the skeg in the water, there is an added performance penalty over and above that simple drag force due to the field disruption and aeration of the water ahead of the propeller. This is why many competitive race boats place the rudder, if necessary for steering, off to the side of the propeller so as not to interfere with the flow field in proximity of the propeller.

[0013] The second primary advantage of surface drives is that the propeller is designed to be in a ventilating mode at normal operating conditions. In contrast, most inboards and outdrives with submerged propellers use nonventilating propellers and hence they have a maximum theoretical speed limit before the propeller goes into the cavitation mode and loses its grip. A propeller designed to be nonventilating does not work well in a ventilating mode and conversely, a propeller designed to operate in the ventilating mode, which is sometimes referred to as “hyperventilating” mode, does not work well in a nonventilating mode. There is no maximum speed for a ventilating or hyperventilating propeller as there is for a nonventilating propeller.

[0014] Surface drives have a disadvantage of not backing up very well. This is caused by the propeller back wash impinging on the transom of the boat and nullifying the reversing thrust. In contrast, non surface drive boats have their propellers immersed deep enough to let the reverse propeller wash carry under the hull. Surface drives also have a disadvantage of presenting an exposed propeller at the surface of the water such that a passenger could fall into contact with the blades more easily than with submerged propeller type of drives.

[0015] With ordinary full immersion outdrives and outboard motors, the trim effect on the boat can be accomplished by tilting the lower unit as “trim out” or “trim in”, hence tilting the thrust vector up or down, to raise or lower the nose of the boat. However, as previously discussed, the vertical thrust vectoring of the propulsion system is inefficient compared to the preferred trimming of the hull through the use of trim tabs. Using the up trim on a surface drive has a very weak effect on the attitude of the boat and usually only tends to pull the propeller too far out of the water causing the engine to overspeed. Using the down trim immerses the propeller too far into the water causing the engine to slow down due to overload. In general, the up and down trim of a surface drive affects the bite of the propeller much more than it affects the attitude of the boat.

[0016] Controlling the bite of the propeller has the same effect as that of changing the pitch of the propeller, or changing the propeller diameter, or even changing the gear ratio of the transmission. The difficult part of controlling this bite is that the water depth on the surfacing propeller is influenced by wave action, boat bounce, cornering, or speed changes. Controlling the bite is advantageous in that it is like having an infinitely adjustable transmission to match the engine performance to the propeller load. However, sporadic changes in bite are not desirable because it is hard on the drive train, it makes the boat difficult to control, and it may be dangerous to the occupants.

[0017] Another disadvantage of surface drives is that they tend to crawl sideways due to having only the lower half of the propeller in the water, which thus imparts a net sideways force on the propeller. In other words, the propeller tries to crawl the back of the boat to the side. Side crawl pulls the thrust tube to one side and if the steering wheel is released, the boat turns sharply to that side, but if the wheel is held straight ahead, the boat veers to the other side following what is known as the “crabbing angle”. If the boat has two surface drives mounted on the transom in the ordinary fashion, and they are rotating in opposite directions, the side forces tend to cancel and the boat does not crawl to the side. It is important to note, however, that under normal conditions such as wave action, boat bounce, cornering, and speed changes, one propeller can dig into the water deeper than its twin and therefore cause the boat to momentarily crawl sideways. This side motion can be chronic, unpredictable, and fatiguing to the driver.

[0018] Another disadvantage of surface drives is that the boat tends to struggle to get up on plane. Because the torque output of an engine is low at low revolutions per minute (RPM) and because the propeller is fully immersed, or “flooded”, at low speeds, surface drive boats often have a difficult time getting over “hump speed”, which is that speed when the boat actually starts to plane and the drag forces tend to decrease. The previous ways to overcome this bogging down effect is to use a multi-speed transmission, or to vastly overpower the boat with a very powerful motor.

[0019] Another disadvantage with surface drive boats is they may tend to “blow over” at high speeds. Blow over means that the boat goes airborne, nose up, and does a complete back flip. Blow over starts with too much nose up, then the hull starts “kiting”, and the propeller continues to run up under the boat, and it flips over. Although other high speed boats also blow over, the surface drive may be worse in that, as the bow of the boat starts to rise up, the extended propeller is dunked under the water surface as the boat tends to rise up on its bottom surface at the stern thus adding to the blow over condition.

[0020] Prior boat designs do not address the changing bite associated with wave action, or hull bounce, or changes in speed, or the fact that the plane of water leaving the bottom of the craft when turning is not in the same plane as when the craft is traveling in a straight line. Prior designs do not address the uncontrolled bite problem. Rather, the driver is forced to make continual up and down changes on the prior art hydraulic cylinder, which is attached to the thrust tube, to try to compensate for these continually changing operating conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention include an improvement in trim tabs used alone or in combination with surface drive systems. In one embodiment, a trim tab of tapered thickness, or otherwise “regressive flexural stiffness”, is rigidly secured to the transom or bottom of a boat and provided with a power mechanism, such as a trim ram, or jackscrew, or the like, to flex the rearward end of the tab up or down so that the bottom surface of the trim tabs assumes the shape of a variable and progressive curve. It is the bottom surface of the trim tab which is the operative surface and which is in contact with the water. Control of the shape of that surface determines primarily the amount and distribution of lift forces exerted on the tab by the water. Lift can be both upward and downward in this application. It is the downward “lift” that is the most difficult to accomplish and control, and which is one of the improvements of present invention.

[0022] As with any surface in contact with the water, these trim tabs will cause undesirable drag forces, and there are circumstances when the boat is traveling well without need for any up or down trim, that is to say, it would be best if the trim tabs disappeared. Novel means for detaching the boundary layer, and its concomitant drag losses, or replacing the usual boundary layer with a very low friction boundary layer, are disclosed. This means drag losses can be minimized.

[0023] Lift forces and drag forces are both important in determining the efficiency of the hull and propulsion system. Both forces are determined by the length, width, shape, and texture of a surface. Having a surface with high lift and high drag is usually no better than having a surface with no lift and no drag. Which force is more important depends upon, at what speed the surface operates, and its load characteristics. The optimum ratio of lift to drag is important, but the ratio will change depending upon speed and loading of the boat. Present invention optimizes the lift to drag ratio and minimizes drag forces.

[0024] The lift to drag ratio of the trim tab, and by extension, the lift to drag ratio of the hull is important. One advantage of present trim tabs disclosed herein is the improvement in the hydrodynamic lift to drag ratio of a hull while minimizing the drag forces. Although only the trim tab flexes, it performs as though it is an extension of the hull of the boat. The ratio of the lift to drag forces of the hull is optimized for varying conditions of waves, loading, and speed. Premature boundary layer separation and consequent loss of “lift” is prevented by carefully controlling the shape of the bottom, or operative surface of the trim tab while the tab is flexed up or down by a high force, rigid, push pull mechanism.

[0025] It is important to note that the hydrodynamic forces of the water on the underside of the boat at high speed are enormous and carry the entire weight of the boat on a relatively small area. Therefore, the shape of the operative undersurface of the trim tabs must be controllable and repeatable, without unwanted deflection, at all operating conditions including heavy wave impact and extreme cornering. Therefore, the trim tab must be designed as a very sturdy member and not deflect from its intended shape as determined by the control mechanism.

[0026] The trim tab, when considered as a cantilevered structural member, has a regressive flexural stiffness from the forward end to the rearward end and is designed to take the shape of a variable and progressive curve which is adjustable, both up and down. The regressive flexural stiffness can be attained by constructing the trim tab with a decreasing second moment of inertia, for example, with a tapered thickness, or tapered width, or machined grooves in the top surface.

[0027] The trim tab, when considered as a hydrodynamic surface, is positioned to adjust the boat attitude to match the power characteristics of the propulsion system. The progressive curve is desirable because it allows the trim tabs to impart the necessary lift on the hull while doing so at the minimum drag on the hull. In one embodiment, the curve of the operative surface of the tab is generally that of a parabola. The two hydrodynamic forces of primary interest are the up forces on the undersurface of the trim tab in reaction to the net vertical component of momentum flux which is caused by the trim tab actually water-skiing across the water surface, and the opposing down forces causes by the suction “lift” due to the convex undersurface of the trim tab.

[0028] Drag forces are also important. In one embodiment, fluid ejection ports are provided near the forward end of the trim tabs. The fluid ejection ports enable gas, for example air, to be ejected from the under side of the trim tab to selectively detach the boundary layer under those operating conditions when the operator desires to eliminate the viscous drag of the water on the underside of the trim tab. These ports or fluid holes are grouped together and shaped to allow close control of the boundary layer across the under surface of each trim tab for all conditions, even “tab up” conditions. This provides the ability of the operator to make very fine changes to the boat while at high speed, which improves flight characteristics of the boat that may, for example, determine victory or defeat in a race. These fluid ejection ports may also be used for water ejection from, for example, the engine coolant water to modify the boundary layer. These ejection ports may also be used for ejecting a polymer and water mixture to further modify the boundary layer and thus reduce the drag forces. It must be noted that detachment, and maybe even modification of the boundary layer has resulted in loss of the desirable negative lift using devices of prior art. The present invention solves this problem. However, there are circumstances when detatchment or modification of the boundary layer is a favorable concession.

[0029] The trim tab has a regressive flexural stiffness such that when the adjustment rams connected to the rearward end of the tabs push down, the tabs add hook to the bottom of the boat, and conversely, when the rams on the rearward end of the tab pull up, the tabs add rocker to the bottom of the boat.

[0030] The trim tabs can also can be adjusted to have a transverse skew which twists the tab to predispose some degree of hook on one side and some degree of rocker on the other side of the trim tab.

[0031] The regressive flexural stiffness of the trim tabs is possible through several methods. One method is to make the trim tab of a solid material of tapered thickness. Another method is to use a ribbed flat plate and cut the ribs down to a progressively shorter height from the forward end to the rearward end. The ribs may face either up or down. Another method is to machine progressive grooves into a flat plate. Another method is to make the trim tab as a group of layered thinner platelets of progressive length much like a leaf style car spring. Another method is to fabricate a corrugated plate from relatively thin material which has large corrugations to match the strakes on the bottom of the hull, yet which taper to no corrugations on the rearward end of the trim tab.

[0032] Although the corrugation method may require custom tooling for each bottom configuration of strake size and spacing, such provides for the smoothest transition from those strakes to the desired flat contour on the leaving edge of the trim tab. The corrugation method may not be necessary if the design of the bottom of the hull allows the strakes to end sufficiently far forward of the transom such that the flow field normalizes back to a flat surface compatible with a flat undersurface of the trim tab. Another way to blend the strake into the desired flat bottom geometry is to add a fairing block to the bottom of the trim tab whereby this fairing block forms a smooth transition from one contour to the other. Under any circumstance, it is important that there not be any abrupt transitions from the bottom of the hull to the underside of the trim tab which would cause the boundary layer to separate.

[0033] It is recognized that the mounting of the trim tab to the bottom surface of the hull provides an ideal cantilever situation for some boats, however, there are some bottom surfaces which are highly irregular which may make the mounting difficult. In these latter cases, the trim tab may be mounted in an alternate fashion by bolting a rigid angle member, similar to a piece of angle iron, low on the transom with the trim tab then bolted to the bottom horizontal surface of the angle member. This method provides a smooth continuous flow surface for the water flowing across the undersurface of the boat and on to the undersurface of the trim tab.

[0034] The trim tab may be provided with a tapered width from the front end to the rearward end as viewed from above. A tapered width tends to minimize the potential of the trim tab snagging on the departing sheet of water as the boat is put into a turn. A boat designed for tight turns benefits from a trim tab which has a substantial amount of tapered width. A boat designed primarily for high speed straight running benefits from a trim tab of nearly constant width, that is to say, with nearly parallel sides.

[0035] The present invention also contemplates integrating trim tabs with a surface drive propulsion system to effectively control the attitude of the boat and to control the “bite” of the surfacing propeller. The operation of the overall system is optimized by controlling the attitude of the hull and controlling the bite of the propeller. Trim tabs of any design may be employed in this integrated manner, although operation is optimized with the improved trim tabs described herein. Such trim tab and surface drive integration solves several of the deficiencies of prior art surface drives. One of the deficiencies of current surface drives, without present invention, is that their trim controls do not perform well, that is to say, raising the “up” trim mechanism only serves to pull the propeller out of the water thus causing the motor to over speed, and lowering the “down” trim mechanism only serves to fully immerse the propeller and thus overload the engine, while neither serves well to change the planing attitude of the boat.

[0036] In one embodiment, the surface drive is mounted in the traditional manner to project out the back of the boat in a plane nearly parallel to the water surface. The trim tab is mounted below the thrust tube, coplanar with the boat bottom, aligned with the surfacing propeller and positioned immediately in front of the surfacing propeller. The trim tab is pulled up or pushed down, such as by power rams or the like, to adjust the hull attitude. The trailing end of the trim tab at the rearward end may be radiused to match the left and right swing arc of the thrust tube, and thus the propeller, and is located just below the rearward end of the thrust tube. The thrust tube does not have a skeg, or the skeg is removed, to allow the propeller to run in an undisturbed flow field. The surfacing propeller is located at the end of the thrust tube just beyond the end of the trim tab so that water exiting out from under the trim tab immediately encounters the propeller. The steering ram sweeps the thrust tube in a “horizontal” arc close to the top surface of the trim tab. A “bite bar” is located above and substantially parallel to the rearward edge of the trim tab to provide a smooth upper rail for the thrust tube to sweep across, left or right, for steering. The thrust tube is tensioned up against the bite bar so that as the bite bar is moved up or down, the thrust tube and hence the propeller are also simultaneously moved up or down. In one embodiment, the bite bar is stiff and hinged to the rear of the boat, and pushed up or down by a hydraulic ram or jack screw, or the like, referenced essentially to the trim tab. By this arrangement, the depth of the propeller bite is controlled independently of the trim tab position, and as the trim is changed, the bite bar follows along with it to maintain the same amount of propeller bite. The bite bar may be skewed to precisely vary the amount of propeller bite as a function of the left or right steering position. The skew feature may be advantageous if needed, to tune the system to be more stable or more responsive when the propellers dig in or kick out of the water during cornering.

[0037] It is contemplated that the trim ram may alternatively be located inside the hull and work through a lever to move the trim tab up or down. It is also contemplated that the bite ram may be fastened to the hull and not to the trim ram so that a servo lever strokes the bite ram to follow any changes in the trim ram.

[0038] A boat with traditional surface drives often has difficulty getting over “hump” speed because the propeller is fully immersed, or “flooded”, and the torque of the motor is generally low at low speeds. Placement of trim tabs of present invention at a location below and in front of the propeller inhibits water from rising up the transom at low speed and replenishing the “flood” condition around the propeller. Addition of flood walls on the sides of the trim tabs and flood skirts on the bite bar mechanism further limit “flood” conditions around the propeller.

[0039] The use of trim tabs to limit the bite of surfacing propellers may be employed to minimize high speed “blow over”, which can be a problem with conventional surface drives. This is accomplished because the bite of the propeller is limited, by design, to half depth by the trim tab even if the nose of the boat starts to go airborne in a flying motion at high speed.

[0040] The combined operation of surfacing propeller and trim tabs improves the back up characteristics of surface drives. This is accomplished by causing some of the backwash to flow cleanly under the trim tab and contribute to the rearward force while the remainder of the backwash strikes the transom and is nullified.

[0041] The integrated surface drive and trim tabs in accordance with the present invention improves the efficiency of the surfacing propeller as it cuts into the water by minimizing the disruption to the flow field of the water which strikes the propeller. This is accomplished by removing the skeg and by positioning the propeller very close to the rearward end of the trim tab. The advantage to this is that the drag force associated with pulling a skeg through the water is removed, and the flow field of water entering the propeller is as smooth and undisturbed as possible thus maximizing the efficiency of the propeller itself by providing an unperturbed flow field.

[0042] Of particular interest to dual surface drives with opposite rotation, the integrated surface drive and trim tabs in accordance with the present invention reduces yaw of the surfacing propeller and the sporadic side crawl forces by balancing these forces in opposition to each other. In particular, the bite of each propeller is closely controlled under all conditions to reduce the sporadic forces. The use of bite control and engine speed synchronizers tends to decrease the problem of unbalanced yaw forces.

[0043] Of particular interest to single surface drives which do not have a sister unit to offset the side crawl tendencies of surface drives, present invention also contemplates a pair of bias fins pointing down into the water on each side of the propeller and at a location close to the leading face of the propeller. These fins are rotatably positioned about an axis generally vertical to the departing water surface whereby they tend to instantaneously counteract both the steady state and the sporadic side crawl forces of the propeller and confine these forces to that particular outdrive as they occur. These fins have a “swept back” leading edge to make them “weedless” and to present an area to the water that is proportional to the area swept by the propeller at varying depths of operation. Despite the taming effect of these bias fins, they do impose an added drag force penalty to the system.

[0044] In a different application, the integrated surface drive and trim tab configuration may be employed to utilize yaw as a high speed steering mechanism, which is particularly suited for drag boats which run in a straight line. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by using a single engine with dual drive counter rotating surface drives. With this arrangement, the thrust tubes do not actually sweep left or right as part of the steering, but rather, the bite for each drive is moved down or up to add more or less thrust to either side of the boat. The differential bite mode of steering changes the direction of the boat travel by small increments while traveling at high speeds. One advantage to this is that the steering is accomplished using the existing hardware in a simplified form and there is no drag from a rudder. Another advantage is that the motor can be revved up to high speed with the propellers pulled out of the water and then dropped into the water at the green light, similar to revving up a car engine and dropping the clutch in a street drag race. Low speed maneuvering is accomplished by a simple low speed, swing down, rudder which can be controlled by the driver. At high speeds, the rudder swings up out of the water to minimize drag and therefore transfers steering authority to the bite control mechanism.

[0045] Historically, in emergency situations, such as, for example, the loss of a rudder, yaw control for steering of dual propeller boats was accomplished by slipping one clutch or slowing one engine relative to its sister. In contrast, the present invention allows drag racers the use of differential bite control of the propellers, which are spinning at the same speed, to steer the boat as the normally intended mode of operation. In this application, much of the weight of a gimble and universal joints can be eliminated if a coupling, such as a roller chain type, or gear and sleeve type, is used to connect the drive shaft to the propeller shaft. Due to their loose fit, these types of couplings have sufficient flexibility to allow the necessary up and down swing of the propeller shaft.

[0046] It is noted that present invention trim tabs can be used with any boat and motor combination, including full immersion propeller systems common to traditional outboard motors and traditional inboard/outboard boats, which are also commonly known as stem drives. However, many high performance boaters are modifying both of these drives by raising them higher on the transom such that they operate as surface drives, but as with other surface drives, the attitude of the boat is no longer effectively changed by tilting the thrust vector as was done before. Therefore, present invention contemplates combining trim tabs with the surface drive systems as noted to provide novel means for attitude control of the boat. Present invention also contemplates using bite control mechanisms, such as, for example, “jackplates”, “jackboxes”, bite bars, and extended bite rams, to control the propeller bite in conjunction with trim tabs for attitude control.

[0047] In one embodiment, the ever present danger from the exposed propeller is decreased by the addition of a people guard which covers the blades at low speed and retracts at high speed so as not to impair the full performance of the propeller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0049] FIGS. 1S, 1R, 1T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, of the stem portion of a surface drive boat illustrating trim tabs according to an embodiment of the present invention, with fluid ejection ports, combined with surface drive units to achieve bite control of the surfacing propeller(s).

[0050] FIGS. 1B and 1C are blow up diagrams illustrating an enlarged view of the underside of the present trim tabs including two different configurations for the diffusers of the fluid ejection ports.

[0051] FIGS. 2S, 2R, 2T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, illustrating a configuration similar to that shown in FIGS. 1S, 1R, and 1T using a straight sided trim tab. Also illustrated are means to limit flooding of the propeller.

[0052] FIGS. 3R and 3S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, illustrating the stem of a V-hull boat with a single surface drive.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates present combined invention for a dual-drive surfacing system on a V-hull boat with the drives spaced closely together to minimize yaw.

[0054] FIGS. 5R and 5S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, illustrating trim tabs according to the present invention fitted to a boat with an outboard motor with jackplate adjustment for operating in a surface piercing mode.

[0055] FIGS. 6R and 6S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, illustrating trim tabs according to the present invention fitted to a boat with an inboard/outboard or stern drive with a vertically jackable adjustment for operating in a surface piercing mode.

[0056] FIGS. 7U, 7N, 7D illustrate earliest prior art of hinged trim tabs in up (U), neutral (N), and down (D) positions, respectively.

[0057] FIGS. 8U, 8N, 8D illustrate earlier prior art of bending flat plate trim tabs in up (U), neutral (N), and down (D) positions, respectively.

[0058] FIGS. 9U, 9N, 9D illustrate trim tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in up (U), neutral (N), and down (D) positions, respectively.

[0059] FIGS. 10 through 14 each include rear (R) and side (S) views of trim tabs in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, including ribbed trim tabs, corrugated trim tabs, regressively tapered trim tabs, laminated trim tabs, and tapered ribbed trim tabs, respectively.

[0060] FIGS. 15S, 15R, 15T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, of side mounted bias fins mounted near the propeller and used to counteract the side crawl forces due to the surface propeller.

[0061] FIG. 16 is a side view of the stem of a boat illustrating a combined surface drive and trim tab configuration integrated into a swim platform hull extension.

[0062] FIG. 17 is a side view of the stem of a boat illustrating a combined surface drive and trim tab configuration integrated with independent cantilevered hull members.

[0063] FIG. 18 is a side view of the stem of a boat illustrating a combined surface drive and trim tab configuration in which the gimbal and universal joint are located inside the hull.

[0064] FIGS. 19S, 19R, and 19T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, illustrating a drag boat which has a single engine feeding power to a transmission which has a single input shaft and two counter rotating output drive shafts.

[0065] FIGS. 20S, 20R, and 20T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, illustrating a retractable guard mounted to the trim tab, or outdrive, mechanism to protect people from propeller inflicted injuries.

[0066] FIGS. 21R and 21S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a boat with a rigid trim tab and an air duct for supplying ventilating air to the propeller of a surface drive.

[0067] FIGS. 22R and 22S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a boat with a rigid trim tab or hull bottom extension combined with a surface drive.

[0068] FIGS. 23R and 23S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of the stem of a boat illustrating a surface drive with the bite bar below the propeller shaft carrier.

[0069] FIGS. 24R and 24S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of the stem of a boat illustrating the arcuate pivot and mounting details of the steering linkage bar and steering rams.

[0070] FIG. 24(C) is an enlarged section view of the steering linkage.

[0071] FIGS. 25R and 25S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a boat with a hinged trim tab and an air duct for supplying ventilating air to the propeller of a surface drive.

[0072] FIGS. 26R and 26S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a boat with a hinged trim tab or hull bottom extension combined with a surface drive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0073] FIGS. 1S, 1R, and 1T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, of the stern portion of a boat 20 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that the reference numeral 20 is used to generally reference each of several boat configurations, such as V-hull boats, flat bottom boats, catamarans, etc., where the particular boat configuration is shown in the Figures and corresponding descriptive text. Also, for simplicity, the description herein often refers to components in the singular, although it is understood that duplicate or complimentary components are often shown or otherwise included, such as, for example, for twin or dual-drive configurations. It is also noted that only the stern portion of the boat, including, in some instances, a transom 23 of the boat, is illustrated as the present invention primarily involves modifications and improvements thereto.

[0074] Attached to the stem of the boat 20 is at least one cantilevered trim tab 21 of “regressive flexural stiffness”, which is mounted to the underside of the stern of the boat 20 under a surface drive 22, which is also mounted through a transom 23 at the stern end of the boat 20. The surface drive 22 is an assembly of subcomponents which makes a working outdrive portion of a propulsion system. The surface drive 22 generally includes a propeller or “surfacing” propeller 27 mounted to a propeller shaft 144 (shown in FIG. 19T) journaled inside a corresponding thrust tube 29. The surface drive 22 also usually includes a universal joint (see, for example, universal joint 84 shown in FIG. 18) that rotatively couples the propeller shaft 144 to the surface drive input shaft 192 that extends forward from the transom 23. The thrust tube 29 is indirectly coupled to the transom 23 by an articulating joint, such as a large ball and socket, or gimbal 48, which surrounds the universal joint. Other propulsion systems not usually considered surface drives, such as, for example, an outboard motor 64 (FIG. 5) and an inboard/outboard (I/O) 66 (FIG. 6), can function as surface drives in context of present invention. I/O systems are also referred to herein as “outdrives”.

[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 9U, 9N, and 9D, each trim tab 21 includes a resilient plate 100 that has an operative bottom surface 101. The plate 100 is configured to be deflected in a variable and progressive curve from its forward end 121 (adjacent the boat 20) to its rearward end 123 (nearest the propeller 27) during operating conditions and when the rearward end is pulled up or pushed down. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGS 1T, 1R and 1S, for example, the trim tab 21 includes a half-inch thick plate of aluminum with a taper cut upper, or top surface 102 so that the second moment of inertia of the cross section is regressive in the direction of water flow, illustrated by arrow 24, under the trim tab 21.

[0076] A trim ram 25 is coupled to a joint or clevis end 103 mounted to the boat 20, such as to the transom 23. The trim ram 25 is attached to a trim yoke 26, which is further coupled to one or more clevis ends 105 of the trim tab 21. In the embodiment shown, the trim yoke 26 is in the form of an inverted “V” including two rigid or stiff legs hinged to corresponding clevis ends 105 on a trim bar 230. The trim bar 230 is affixed to the rearward end of a corresponding trim tab 21. The trim bar 230 is a stiff member that prevents transverse cupping or bowing of the rearward edge of trim tab 21 due to hydrodynamic forces. The trim ram 25 is attached rigidly and coextensively to the apex of the inverted “V” shaped trim yoke 26 to prevent buckling at the junction of the piston rod of the trim ram and the trim yoke. The trim ram 25 controls the up and down motion of the trim tab 21. In the embodiment shown, for example, trim ram 25 is a two way hydraulic piston and cylinder. Each of the trim tabs 21 and the trim bar 230 have a curved rearward edge 107 having a radius that is concentric with or otherwise matches the arc of the side to side swing of the corresponding surface drive propeller 27 and the thrust tube 29.

[0077] The surface drive thrust tube 29 is held upwardly against a bite bar 30 by a tension member comprised of a cable 182 coupled to a bite bar yoke 32 and a tension spring 183 coupled to the thrust tube 29. The bite bar 30 is a rigid bar that has a curved rearward edge 111 that is concentric with or otherwise matches the arc of the side to side swing of the corresponding surface drive propeller 27 and the thrust tube 29. A low friction pad 31, or wheel, is mounted to the thrust tube 29 where it contacts the bite bar 30 to allow easy sliding, or rolling, motion between the two. The bite bar 30 is connected to a bite ram 113 by a second, stiffed legged inverted “V” member referred to as the bite yoke 32. The bite ram 113 is rigidly and coextensively attached at one end to the bite yoke 32 and attached at the other end to the trim yoke 26 by a clevis end 115 and therefore can control the vertical position of the bite bar 30, hence the thrust tube 29 and propeller 27, relative to the trim tab 21. The bite bar 30 is constrained to a hinged motion relative to the transom 23 by two bite bar arms 33 hinged to the transom 23 at corresponding hinged joints 109. Both bite and trim positions are connected to cable operated or electronic-based remote indicators (not shown) located at the driver's station of the boat 20.

[0078] The trim yoke 26 is configured to have independently extendable legs to allow minor adjustments to the amount of vertical skew imposed on the rearward end of the trim tab 21 relative to the plane of the bottom of the boat 20. For example, it is contemplated that some hook may be predisposed on one side of the trim tab 21 and some rocker predisposed on the other side of the trim tab 21 to optimize or improve its performance. Likewise, the bite yoke 32 is configured to have independently extendable legs to allow minor adjustments in the amount of vertical skew imposed on the bite bar 30 relative to the trim tab 21. Thus, it is contemplated to predispose the amount of propeller bite on one side of the swing arc of the thrust tube 29 relative to the other side of the thrust tube swing arc.

[0079] A “tie bar” and combination steering link bar 40 serves as a connecting link between the two surface drives 22 and is controlled by two opposing hydraulic steering rams 41. The steering link bar 40 is adjustable in length to set the relative drive positions for parallelism. The combination of closely controlled bite and the use of the steering link bar 40 operates to minimize side crawl of the surfacing propeller 27 and substantially reduces sporadic side forces. These steering rams 41 also float vertically and arcuately from a hinged bracket mounted to the transom 23, as shown in FIGS. 24R, 24S, and 24C.

[0080] A characteristic of surface drives is that they tend to crawl sideways due to having only the lower half of the propeller in the water, which thus imparts a net sideways force on the propeller. Twin surface drives are configured to rotate in opposite directions, so that the side forces tend to cancel and the boat 20 does not crawl to the side. However, under normal conditions, such as wave action, boat bounce, cornering, and speed changes, one propeller can dig into the water deeper than its twin and therefore cause the boat to momentarily crawl sideways. This side motion can be chronic, unpredictable, and fatiguing to the driver. It is desirable to eliminate this inherent side force for ease of driving and to minimize driver fatigue, mechanical wear, and inherent instability. On dual engine, dual drive applications with opposite rotation propellers, the side forces are somewhat effectively offset by the use of a tie bar between the two thrust tubes. However, this is effective only if both drives are simultaneously creating equal and opposite forces at every instant and during any and all operating conditions. Such equal and opposite forces canceling each other rarely happens, however, and results in sporadic net side forces. The present invention contemplates the addition of bias fins 60 as illustrated in FIG. 15, which further reduce the sporadic side forces at the drive where they occur. It is noted, however, that the bias fins 60 do add drag forces, which may not be acceptable in certain limited circumstances, such as under racing conditions.

[0081] FIGS. 1T and 1S shows a pair of trim tabs 21 each having multiple fluid ejection holes or ports 50 drilled through from the top to the undersurface. Any type of gas, such as air or the like, is ejected from the fluid ejection ports 50 to form a sheet of bubbles to modify or detach the boundary layer of water flow (arrow 24) rushing below the trim tabs 21. The fluid ejection ports 50 are holes from the top surface 102 to the bottom surface 101 of the trim tabs 21 and are angled backwards from the vertical so that the velocity pressure does not force water up into the ports 50. In the embodiment shown, the ports 50 form two rows on staggered centers to provide fall coverage without compromising the structural integrity of the trim tabs 21. A fluid distribution manifold or the like (not shown) connects the ports 50 to a source of air through desired regulation control valves (not shown) to control when and the extent of boundary layer modification or separation of the trim tabs 21. It may be desirable to connect the control valve to a source of pressurized air, such as from a supercharger or pressurized exhaust gas from the engine manifold, to ensure a sufficient quantity of gas bubbles for boundary layer separation at high speeds and only when desired. The ports 50 may be grouped to direct the gas to areas most affected during turns or other maneuvers. The same components of ports 50 may be alternately used to eject water or a polymer and water mixture. Ejecting water will usually cause the boundary layer to change from turbulent to laminar flow and thereby change the lift and drag characteristics of the trim tabs. The process of ejecting a polymer, such as Polyox, and water mixture tends to reduce the drag forces.

[0082] FIGS. 1B and 1C are blow up diagrams illustrating enlarged views of the ports 50 from the underside of either of the trim tabs 21. In the configurations shown, each port 50 has a diffuser 51 on the underside of the trim tab 21 to help distribute the fluid as a thin film rather than a separate string of bubbles or liquid. The diffuser may be in the shape of a crescent as shown in FIG. 1C or a blunt arrowhead as shown in FIG. 1B pointing upstream into the direction of the approaching water illustrated by arrow 24. The flow streamlines from the side edges of the diffusers “overlap” with each other to ensure complete coverage of the fluid at the boundary layer on the undersurface 101 of the trim tab 21. The forward edge of the diffuser is a stepped recess into the undersurface 101 of the trim tab 21 and the rearward edge of the diffuser is feathered to gradually blend in with the bottom surface 101 of the trim tab.

[0083] FIGS. 1T and 1S illustrate an exemplary complete power system including a motor 55 having a drive end with a marine transmission 57 facing the bow of the boat 20. The marine transmission 57 feeds power to a “V drive” gearbox 56, which in turn feeds power to a corresponding surface drive 22 and propeller 27. In this drive arrangement, there are several advantages of using a V drive gearbox 56, such as, for example, those manufactured by Casale Manufacturing Company. The gear box is very accessible for gear changing and is not subject to water leakage as are prior art gearboxes mounted external to the boat. Also, it has changeable gear sets with ratios in increments of every few percentage points ranging from approximately 0.75 to 1, up to approximately 1.4 to 1. The center of gravity of the boat is easily changed by sliding the motor 55 rearward or forward without changing the location of the gearbox 56 or the surface drive propulsion system. In the use of pleasure craft, there is a desire for forward, neutral, and reverse operation of the boat and this can easily be accomplished by mounting a marine transmission 57 to the output shaft of the motor. An exemplary marine transmission 57 is the Borg-Warner, Velvet Drive, although other types of transmissions are contemplated. In racing applications, where weight is a premium and rules may dictate certain requirements, the transmission 57 may be replaced with a simple “in” or “out” of gear type of V drive gearbox 56 and a one way sprague clutch (not shown) on the propeller shaft to prevent propeller lock up if any of the drive components seize up.

[0084] FIG. 1T shows a top view of the trim tabs 21 illustrating a tapered width along opposite sides 117, 119. In particular, each trim tab 21 is wider at its forward end 121 where attached to the stem of the boat 20 and is tapered to a narrower rearward end 123. A tapered width is beneficial to prevent the trim tabs 21 from snagging on the sheet of water (illustrated by arrow 24) departing from the boat bottom at the stem of the boat 20 during turns. A tapered width also contributes to the regressive flexural stiffness of the tab. The taper is not limited to any particular shape, and may be a linear or nonlinear taper.

[0085] FIGS. 2S, 2R, and 2T illustrate a configuration that is similar to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1S, 1R, and 1T, except including generally parallel-sided trim tabs 321 that are particularly suited for straight ahead, high speed operation. In particular, the side edges 125 of the trim tabs 321 are generally straight and parallel with each other. A flood wall 213 made of a light weight material, for example 16 gauge aluminum, or the like, is affixed near each edge 125 of trim tab 321 to project upwards from the upper surface of the trim tab 321. These flood walls 213 limit the flooding of the propeller 27 during low speed operation and takeoff when water tends to wash in over the sides 125 of trim tab 321. Similar flood skirts 214 are affixed to the bite bar arms 33 and project vertically downward to further limit “flooding” of the propeller 27. These flood walls and flood skirts can be installed on any other tabs. In this configuration, an optional skeg 232 may be provided, which is affixed to the thrust tube 29 directly in front of the propeller 27 and behind the rearward edge of the trim tab 321. The skeg 232 has a tapered leading edge that is sloped rearward and downward and is immersed in the water during operation to shed impacting debris to protect the propeller 27.

[0086] FIGS. 3R and 3S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, illustrating the stem of a V-hull boat 20 with a single surface drive that is mounted above the center line 127 of the V-hull 129, yet which can be swung to either side of the center line 127 to cause the boat 20 to be steered as desired. Note that a bite bar 330 replaces straight configured bite bar 30, where the bite bar 330 includes a “V” configuration to cause the thrust tube 29 and propeller 27 to track the two planes of the trim tab 21.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a V-hull boat 20 with a pair of surface drives 131, 133 disposed near the centerline 127 of the boat 20 as is sometimes desirable to minimize the yaw effect of unequal thrust forces displaced off the centerline. The present invention allows the left side drive 131 to swing across to the tight side of the centerline 127, and further allows the right side drive 133 to swing across to the left side of the centerline 127, to facilitate sharper turns. This crossover capability is facilitated by the use of the bite bar 330 which defines the vertical location of either or both thrust tubes 29, hence the propellers 27 irrespective of their horizontal location. The horizontal position of the left side drive 131 and the right side drive 133 is determined by the steering link bar 40 which is pushed left or right by opposing steering rams 41.

[0088] The surface drive of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, and 17 is basically an extended arm type and allows vertical and horizontal deflection at an gimbal 48.

[0089] FIGS. 5S and 5R are side (S) and rear (R) views, respectively, of the stern of the boat 20 with an outboard motor 64 and trim tabs 21 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A jackplate 65 is mounted to the transom 23, and the outboard motor 64 is mounted to the jackplate 65. The jackplate 65 is moved up or down independently of the trim tabs 21 to correspondingly vertically position the outboard motor 64 to change the bite of propeller 27. Vertical movement is generally defined as movement that is parallel to a longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry that runs along the centerline of the boat from bow to stem. Adjustment of the trim tab 21 allows the attitude of the boat 20 to be controlled without changing the thrust vector of the propeller 27. This is different from prior art configurations whereby the attitude of the boat 20 was changed by tilting the outboard motor on the transom 23, hence tilting the thrust vector.

[0090] Trim tabs A and B can be used separately or together. Trim tab A and trim tab B are similar except trim tab B is shorter than trim tab A. Often, an ordinary outboard jackplate 65 is short and carries the motor fairly close to the transom 23. This close mounting of the motor to the transom leaves only a short distance for a trim tab B to be mounted between the motor drive mechanism and the transom. The effectiveness of a short trim tab B is somewhat limited by its short length and therefore, an arrangement using a long trim tab A only may be most suitable. Trim tab A is mounted in pairs and located off to the sides of the propeller mechanism and may even extend farther rearward beyond the rearward portion of the propeller 27.

[0091] In outboard racing applications, the jackplate 65 is often quite long and sets the motor 64 considerably far back from the transom 23 and the effects of boat bounce and cornering have greater effect on propeller bite due to this greater setback. A configuration of trim tab B is more suitable for controlling bite of propeller 27 because there is now sufficient length to enable an elongated version of trim tab B to function as an effective hydrodynamic surface. This single center located trim tab B may be sufficient to control the boat attitude and thus obviate the need for the side mounted trim tabs A and their concomitant added drag forces.

[0092] A boat using an outboard motor in a nonsurfacing mode of operation benefits from present invention trim tabs as illustrated in either the A configuration or the B configuration because the propeller thrust can be set horizontal and the attitude of the boat adjusted via the trim tabs to optimize the hull planing angle.

[0093] A boat using an outboard motor in a surfacing, or partially surfacing mode of operation benefits particularly from present invention trim tabs because the outboard motor now lacks effective means to change the hull planing attitude.

[0094] If the skeg is removed, the outboard motor 64 may accommodate a longer trim tab which reaches fully under the foot portion 63 of the outboard motor 64 giving the full benefit of the surface drives as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4. If the skeg is removed from the foot 63 of the outboard motor, the foot will appear generally like the foot 68 of the I/O 66 as shown in FIG. 6S. Actually, the thrust tube 29 of the surface drive 22, and the foot portion 63 of the outboard motor 64, and the foot 68 of the I/O 66 all serve the same function and can be referred to, in general, as a “propeller shaft carrier”.

[0095] Any surfacing propeller causes side crawl and the resultant yaw effect. A single outboard motor is no exception. This situation can be resolved by using the bias fins 60. The advantage of operating the outboard motor in a surfacing condition is the reduction of the drag forces and the resultant increase in speed. Outboard motors are often operated in the surfacing mode for racing applications.

[0096] In any of the outboard motor applications, the trim tab adjust can be connected to a servo lever (not shown) and servo switch (not shown) such that a change in the position of the trim tab 21 causes a corresponding change in the vertical position of the jackplate 65 and thus maintain a constant bite of the propeller 27. The vertical adjustment of the jackplate 65 may be operated independently of the trim tabs 21 to change the bite of the propeller to optimize the performance of the motor.

[0097] It is contemplated that present invention is suitable for both single and multiple outboard motor applications.

[0098] Dual outboard motors, comprised of a left side motor 201 and a right side motor is 202, are mounted to the boat. It is noted, as shown in FIG. 5R, that the right side motor 202 is mounted in the usual vertical fashion. If the boat 20 is a V hull or a catamaran or otherwise has a sloped bottom, the propeller 27 of the right side outboard motor 202 as viewed in FIG. 5R, will bite excessively into the departing sheet of water (arrow 24) as the motor is turned out, and conversely the propeller will decrease its bite as the motor is turned in. It is noted that the left side motor 201 is mounted in a novel fashion in that the motor 201 leans in at the top, and leans out at the bottom as viewed in FIG. 5R. Thus, the motor 201 is mounted with considerable “camber”. Again, if the boat 20 is a V hull or catamaran or otherwise has a sloped bottom, and the motor 201 is mounted with sufficient camber, that is to say the top of the motor is tilted in towards the centerline 127 of the boat, then the left and right swing of the propeller shaft carrier, hence the propeller 27, describes a plane which is generally parallel to and coextensive with the undersurface 101 of the trim tab 21 and with the surface of the departing sheet of water (arrow 24). This novel mounting arrangement eliminates variations in bite as a function of left or right steering motions. In a particular configuration, both motors are cambered or both are vertical. Note however, the jackplate 65 allows for true vertical motions of the outboard motors 201 and 202. Also, the amount of camber may be adjusted to result in a slight amount of skew of the propeller bite. Note, using the standard “tilt” function, as found on most outboard motors, will cause the amount of “toe in” to change, often with undesirable results, and should be reserved for “beaching” the boat.

[0099] Steering is accomplished by a steering link (not shown) and steering rams (not shown) which are similar to the steering link bar 40 and the steering ram 41, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0100] FIGS. 6S and 6R are side (S) and rear (R) views, respectively, of the outdrive portion of inboard/outboard (I/O) propulsion systems. Because outboard motors and I/O's have similar geometry and operating characteristics, the present invention also applies to I/O's. The I/O 66 may be mounted on jackboxes 67 similar in function to the jackplates 65 used for outboard motors to increase the distance between the propeller 27 and the transom 23 and to allow some vertical travel of the I/O 66. Vertical movement is generally defined as movement that is parallel to a longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry that runs along the centerline of the boat from bow to stem. Because the drive and propeller portion of an I/O is virtually identical in form and function to an outboard motor lower unit, the benefits of present invention are equally applicable to an I/O propulsion system. FIG. 6S illustrates an outdrive without a skeg which is similar to the operation of a skegless outboard motor as discussed in FIG. 5. It is contemplated that the I/O 66 can be operated as a full immersion propeller drive using present invention trim tabs alone and that the propeller shaft carrier portion of the outdrive may, or may not, have a skeg. Moreover, it is also contemplated that the VO can be operated as a surfacing drive with prior art or present invention trim tabs located immediately in front of and below the propeller and thereby improve the performance of the boat and the drive system. However, as stated before, the surfacing mode of the propeller will result in the side crawl of the boat and may require the addition of the bias fins 60 (not shown) of FIG. 15.

[0101] The operation of the trim tabs A is used to adjust the attitude of the boat. A servo lever and servo valve (not shown) causes the I/O 66 to be moved truly vertical on the jackbox 67 in response to a similar movement of the rearward edge of the trim tab 21. Thus, an adjustment of the trim tab 21 causes, in turn, a similar vertical adjustment of the I/O 66 to maintain the same amount of propeller bite. However, the bite of the propeller 27 can be changed independently of the trim tab adjustment to thus optimize the performance of the motor.

[0102] It is contemplated that present invention is suitable for use on both single and multiple I/O applications. It is also contemplated that the standard vertical mounting, as shown by outdrive 206 on the right side of FIG. 6R, of dual I/O's on a V hull or catamaran causes variable bite of the propeller 27 into the sheet of water (arrow 24) exiting out from the undersurface 101 of the trim tab 21. This variable bite is the result of outdrive 206 being mounted in the usual generally vertical fashion and the trim tab being mounted in the usual fashion flush with the bottom of the boat. As outdrive 206 is swung to the outside, the propeller digs into the angled sheet of water (arrow 24) and causes excessive bite. Conversely, if the outdrive is swung to the inside, the propeller pulls out of the angled sheet of water (arrow 24) and causes a decrease of its bite. Therefore, it is disclosed that each I/O should be cambered at an angle on the transom 23, as shown by outdrive 207 on the left side of FIG. 6R, such that the left and right steering motion of the propeller shaft carrier, hence propeller 27, describes a plane which is generally parallel to and coextensive with of the undersurface 101 of the trim tab 21 and the departing sheet of water (arrow 24). In a particular configuration, both outdrives are cambered or both are vertical. Note however, the jackbox 67 is mounted to allow for true vertical motions of the I/O 207 and 206. Also, the amount of camber may be adjusted in or out to result in a slight amount of skew of the propeller bite as disclosed in FIG. 1. Note, using the standard “tilt” function, as found on most I/O units, will cause the amount of “toe in” to change, often with undesirable results, and should be reserved for “beaching” the boat.

[0103] Steering is accomplished by a steering link (not shown) and steering rams (not shown) which are similar to the steering link bar 40 and the steering ram 41, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0104] FIGS. 7U, 7N, and 7D show prior art hinged trim tabs 135 in the up (U), neutral (N), and down (D) positions, respectively. The deflections illustrated are exaggerated versions of the normal operating deflections. FIGS. 8U, 8N, and 8D show prior art bending flat plate trim tabs 137 in the up (U), neutral (N), and down (D) positions, respectively. Again, deflections are exaggerated. FIGS. 9U, 9N, and 9D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of regressive flexural stiffness trim tabs 21 in the up (U), neutral (N), and down (D) positions, respectively. Again, deflections are exaggerated. The cross hatched areas illustrated are the hull bottom 139 and transom 23 of the boat 20. In each configuration, at least one bracket 141, typically a pair of brackets 141, are provided at or near the rearward edge 107 of the trim tabs 21 for attachment of the trim yoke 26 to enable the trim tab 21 to be flexed up and down. An up arrow 143 indicates an upward force applied to the brackets 141 and a downward arrow 145 indicates a downward force applied to the brackets 141. Brackets 141 are affixed to trim bar 230, which is affixed to the upper surface of the trim tab 21.

[0105] FIGS. 10 through 14 each include rear (R) and side (S) views of several trim tabs 21 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Each trim tab 21 configuration generally comprises a plate having a generally regressive second moment of inertia from the forward end 121 to the rearward end 123. When flexed up or down in this manner, each trim tab 21 configuration has the characteristic in that the bottom surface 101 is deflected in a progressive curve from the forward end 121 to the rearward end 123 during operating conditions, that is, while the boat 20 is moving across the surface of water so that water (arrow 24) is flowing across the bottom surface 101 of the trim tab 21. Although the height of these tapers appear to be linear, they are not limited to such since actual operational deflection requirements may dictate something different.

[0106] FIGS. 10R and 10S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a ribbed trim tab 21 with several ribbed spines 149. The ribbed trim tab 21 includes a generally flat plate 147 with the ribbed spines 149 extending upwards from a top surface 151 of the plate 147 as shown in FIG. 10R. The ribbed spines 149 may be integrally formed to the plate 147 or otherwise mounted to the plate 147 in any suitable fashion. Each ribbed spine 149 has been cut to a taper so that it is taller at the forward end 121 of the trim tab 21 and is progressively shorter towards the rearward end 123. The plate 147 and the ribbed spines 149 may be made of a suitable material, such as aluminum or the like.

[0107] FIGS. 11R and 11S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a corrugated trim tab 21 in accordance with another embodiment including a generally flat sheet of stainless steel or the like which has been corrugated lengthwise to match the strakes of the bottom of the boat 20. In particular, the corrugated trim tab 21 includes generally tapered corrugations 151 along the bottom surface of the otherwise flat sheet in which each tapered corrugation 151 is deeper at the forward end 121 and is progressively shallower towards the rearward end 123 of the trim tab 21. The corrugations align with and form coextensions of the strakes where formed on the hull bottom 139.

[0108] FIGS. 12R and 12S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a regressively tapered trim tab 21 in accordance with another embodiment including a generally flat and resilient sheet 153 of material which has been formed or machined with a regressive taper from the forward end 121 to the rearward end 123 of the trim tab 21. In this case, the upper or top surface 155 of the sheet 153 is tapered and the lower surface 156 remains generally flat in the neutral position.

[0109] FIGS. 13R and 13S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a laminated trim tab 21 in accordance with another embodiment comprised of multiple layers of resilient material similar in configuration to an automobile suspension leaf spring. In particular, a stack of relatively thin sheets 160 of material of progressively longer length from top to bottom are formed or otherwise mounted together to form the laminated trim tab 21. The laminated trim tab 21 performs much like a leaf spring. In this case, the upper surface is stepped downward from the forward end 121 to the rearward end 123 using progressively longer thin sheets 160 to form a trim tab 21 of regressive flexural stiffness. The lower surface 161 remains generally flat in the neutral position.

[0110] FIGS. 14R and 14S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a tapered ribbed trim tab 21 with several ribbed spines 162. The tapered ribbed trim tab 21 includes a generally flat plate 163 with the ribbed spines 162 extending downwards from a lower surface 164 of a generally flat plate 163. Each ribbed spine 162 been cut, or is otherwise formed with a tapered height and installed facing downwards to act like stiffening ribs. Each ribbed spine 162 has a streamlined leading edge 167.

[0111] Any of the trim plate 21 configurations may be employed on any boat 20 of any configuration to improve operation as described herein. The present invention further contemplates the use of any of the trim tab 21 configurations or existing or prior art trim tab configurations in cooperation with surfacing propellers as described herein. For example, the present invention contemplates positioning the trim tabs 21 in line with, directly in front of, and sufficiently close to the surfacing propeller 27 of a surface drive boat to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the surfacing propeller 27 under operating conditions. The present invention further contemplates positioning existing or prior art trim tab configurations in line with, directly in front of, and sufficiently close to the surfacing propeller 27 of a surface drive boat to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the surfacing propeller 27 under operating conditions.

[0112] FIGS. 15R, 15S, and 15T are rear (R), side (S), and top (T) views, respectively, of a surface drive system in another exemplary embodiment showing bias fins 60 for the correction of side crawl effects. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 15T does not show the usual bite bar 30 or bite bar yoke 32, which would occlude present detail bias fins 60 which are affixed to fin mounting plate 61, which, in turn, is affixed to thrust tube 29. The bias fins 60 are located on each side of the propeller 27 at a location behind the rearward edge 107 of trim tab 21. Each bias fin 60 has a leading edge 62 that is curved rearward and downward to shed impacting debris. Each bias fin 60 has a side area which is proportional to the swept area of the propeller 27 as it is similarly immersed in the water (arrow 24). These bias fins 60 are rotatably adjustable about a plane perpendicular to the bias fin plate 61 to impose a hydrodynamic side force to the thrust tube 29. A similar embodiment is effected when the bias fins 60 and the bias fin plate 61 are rotated as a combined unit on the thrust tube 29 about an axis vertical to the departing sheet of water (arrow 24) from the undersurface of the trim tab 21. Alternatively, a single bias fin (not shown) may be located on either side of the propeller 27 and adjusted at a steeper bias angle, or made larger in size, as necessary to offset the side crawl forces of the propeller 27. The bias fins 60 are suitable for all types of surface drives, including extended arm types (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4), outboard motor types (FIG. 5), and inboard/outboard or outdrive types (FIG. 6).

[0113] Despite the clear advantages of trim tabs in accordance with the present invention to minimize the sporadic changes in the thrust forces, and the side forces of surface drives in general, there still remain undesirable and unavoidable side forces due to the propeller side crawl. Advantageously, when surface drives are mounted in pairs with opposite rotation, and used with the trim tab configurations described herein, most of the side forces are answered by a nearly equal and opposite forces from the sister drive. However, the side forces due to the propeller side crawl are still present. The addition of bias fins 60 simultaneously cancels the propeller side force with a corresponding hydrodynamic force and contains them to that particular outdrive. As the propeller 27 plunges deeper into the water, so too, does the bias fin 60, thus increasing the counter force. The faster the propeller 27 spins, so too, the faster the boat travels, and so too, the stronger the bias fin 60 tends to counteract the side crawl. The bias fins 60 cause an instantaneous, counterbalancing hydrodynamic force. The use of the bias fins 60 improves single drive operation by nullifying nearly all the side forces at that drive as they occur. Unfortunately, despite the improvement in control by the addition of these bias fins, there is an added drag force penalty due to the bias fin 60 being pulled through the water (arrow 24).

[0114] FIG. 16 is a side view of the stem of the boat 20 with the trim tabs 21 and trim tab actuators 130 affixed to a swim platform 77 or other extension of the hull as popular with contemporary boat designs. Located above the trim tabs 21 is a surface drive 132 which is configured to swing left and right for steering and to a lesser degree, up or down for propeller bite. Propeller bite is controlled by separate bite actuators 134 which are affixed to the hull or to a carrier (not shown) which moves with the trim tabs 21. Although the bite actuators 134 may be configured to be independent, it is contemplated that servo valve 78 and servo lever 79 may optionally be added as shown to allow the bite bar 30 to track up and down movements of the trim tab 21. In this configuration, the bite of the surfacing propeller 27 and the deflection of the trim tabs 21 may be independently controlled, or they may be controlled together via operation of the servo valve 78 and a servo lever 79. It is also contemplated to add skew to the trim tab 21 by hydraulically sequencing the trim tab actuators 130. It is also contemplated to add skew to the bite bar 30 by hydraulically sequencing bite actuators 134.

[0115] FIG. 17 is a side view of the stem of the boat 20 illustrating another exemplary embodiment in which the hull extension or swim platform 77 is a powered elevator for 20 swimming or recreational convenience as common with luxury yachts. The surface drive 132 is located below the swim platform 77. A pair of rigid extensions 80 of the hull are located parallel to the surface drive 132 and the trim tabs 21 are located below the pair of rigid extensions 80. As before, the bite bar 30 is controlled by actuators 134, which may, or may not, be linked to trim tab actuators 130 in a similar manner as previously discussed. There may be some aesthetic advantages of concealing some of the mechanism, but service and maintenance access may be compromised. It is also contemplated to add skew to the trim tabs 21 by hydraulically sequencing the trim tab actuators 130. It is also contemplated to add skew to the bite bar 30 by hydraulically sequencing bite actuators 134.

[0116] FIG. 18 is a side view of the stem of the boat 20 illustrating another exemplary embodiment in which an entire gimbal assembly 83 and inner universal joint 84 is located within the hull of the boat 20. A rubber boot 86 is provided to seal the thrust tube 29 to the transom 23. The advantage of this configuration is that the gimbal assembly 83 and the universal joint 84 can be serviced from within the boat 20 and need not be waterproofed. Another advantage is that the hole in the transom 23 is sufficiently large to allow the rear half of the gimbal assembly 83 and the universal joint 84 to be removed with the thrust tube 29, as a unit, out through the transom 23 for easier service. The disadvantage is that if the rubber boot 86 fails, the stem portion or compartment of the boat 20 may flood.

[0117] FIGS. 19S, 19R, and 19T are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, illustrating a drag boat 20 which has a single engine 55 feeding power to a transmission 91 which has a single input shaft and two counter rotating output drive shafts 92. Each output drive shaft 92 is connected by a flexible coupling 93 to a propeller shaft 144 of a corresponding surface drive 22. The trim tab 21 and the bite bar 30 are shown and are operator controlled. High speed steering is accomplished by controlling the amount of bite of either propeller 27. For example, in one embodiment, the pair of bite rams 113 are raised or lowered in parallel to control the bite of the pair of surfacing propellers 27 as a means to optimize the engine load. The bite rams 113 may also be controlled to move in opposite directions simultaneously, such as by a steering wheel or the like, to effectuate steering by causing one propeller to bite more than its twin. Low speed steering may be accomplished by a drop down rudder 94 operated by the driver. The rudder 94 may alternatively be located at the rearward edge of the trim tab 21, as illustrated by a dashed line rudder 394, so that the pair of trim tabs 21 may be joined as one thereby eliminating the gap between them. It is also contemplated that the motor 55 may be rotated 180 degrees such that the engine output shaft is facing forward in the boat 20 as illustrated by dashed lines. This later, rotated arrangement requires longer drive shafts 95, but enables the flexible coupling 93 and half gimbal 83 to be located farther forward to minimize the angular deflection of the propeller shafts 144 and thus reduces the stresses on the flexible couplings 93 due to off axis operation. Another advantage for ease of service is that the hole in the transom 23 is sufficiently large to allow the rear half of the gimbal assembly 83 and the flexible coupling 93 to be removed with the thrust tube 29, as a unit, out through the transom 23.

[0118] FIGS. 20S, 20R, and 20T, are side (S), rear (R), and top (T) views, respectively, of a people guard 58. The illustrated people guard 58 is retractably attached (e.g., pivotally, hinged, via control arms or levers, etc.) to the bite bar yoke 32 such that at low speed, the spray from the propeller 27 is too weak to lift the people guard 58 away. At high speed, the propeller spray impact causes the people guard 58 to pivot or swing up to a new position illustrated at 358 and out of the way of the spray departing from the blade tips to thus allow the propeller 27 to fully ventilate as necessary for optimum performance. The people guard 58 is constructed of a generally rectangular piece of rigid material, for example, 16 gauge aluminum. The people guard 58 may additionally (or alternatively) operate as a splash plate. The people guard 58 is mounted generally horizontal above the propeller 27 and has a width sufficient to cover the propeller 27 at any point as it is swept left or right as part of the steering motion. The people guard 58 may be made sufficiently long, from front to rear, to cover the propeller 27 at any point as it is swept left or right as part of the steering motion. The people guard 58 is securely affixed to two rigid extensions, for example, 1 inch diameter aluminum tube, referred to as splash plate arms 211, which are hingedly attached to the legs of the bite yoke 32. A tether chain or cable (not shown) connected from the people guard 58 to the bite yoke 32, limits the downward position of the people guard 58 such that it does not contact the propeller 27. A remote control actuator (not shown) may be provided for racing applications to lift or otherwise pivot the people guard up at any operating condition.

[0119] Two flood gates 270 are mounted to project vertically up from and along each side of trim tab 21 to limit the flow of water flooding propeller 27 when the boat is attempting to get on plane. These flood gates 270 are secured by flood gate hinges 271 to the transom 23 of boat 20 and swing up to a raised position, by remote control, as shown by 370. These flood gates 270 serve a function similar to flood walls 213, and flood skirts 214, as shown in FIGS. 2S, 2R, and 2T.

[0120] FIGS. 21S and 21R, are side (S), and rear (R) views, respectively, of a stern of a boat 20 which has a trim tab 241 affixed to the bottom 139 of the boat 20. The trim tab is rigid and may, alternatively, be an integral extension of the hull. Bite rams 113, or alternatively, 134, move the bite bar 30 up or down to adjust the bite of the propeller 27 by moving the thrust tube 29 in an up or down motion. The bite bar 30 is attached by bite bar arms 33 to hinges 109 mounted to the boat 20. The gimbal 48, or alternatively 83, allow the left or right and up or down swing of thrust tube 29. Flood walls 250 serve to limit flooding of the propeller 27 and also provide edge support to the trim tab 241. A similar center support septum 251 provides additional support to the trim tab 241. An air duct 260 provides a path for ventilating air, illustrated by arrow 262, to fill the cavity surrounding thrust tube 29. The air duct 260 originates from a location above the water line at a location, which, for example, may be on the top surface of the boat 20, or alternately on the side, or on the stern 23 of the boat 20. Steering is accomplished by steering rams 41 connected to steering link bar 40.

[0121] FIGS. 22S and 22R, are side (S), and (R) views, respectively, of a stern of a boat 20 which has a rigid trim tab 244 affixed to the bottom 139 of the boat 20. The rigid trim tab may, alternatively, be an integral extension of the hull. The fixed portion of the gimbal 48 is mounted to the transom 23 at a location close to and above the trim tab 244. The lower end of an extended bite ram 263 is attached to the thrust tube 29 with a clevis connection 261. The upper end of the extended bite ram 263 is attached to the transom 23 by a ball and socket joint 264. A “pin and block universal joint” known in industry is another example of a suitable swivel joint whereby the axis of rotation of the vertical arc of swing crosses the axis of rotation of the horizontal swing of the joint similar to a ball and socket style joint. The ball and socket joint 264 is mounted to the transom 23 at a location such that the center of rotation of the ball and socket joint 264 is generally on a line which is collinear with the line formed by a perpendicular projection from the undersurface of the trim tab 244 through the center point of rotation of the gimbal 48. By establishing this perpendicular geometric relationship between the center of the gimbal 48 and the center of the ball and socket joint 264 and the plane of the undersurface of the trim tab 244, the left and right swing of the propeller 27 maintains a constant bite depth in the water (arrow 24) without adjusting the stroke position of the extended bite ram 263. The upper attachment point of the ball and socket joint 264 is adjustable to the left or right to predispose some skew on the propeller bite as the propeller 27 swings in a left and right steering motion. The depth of bite of the propeller 27 into water (arrow 24) is controlled by extending or retracting the extended bite ram 263. Adjusting the location of the ball and socket joint 264 by moving it rearward from the orthogonal line position will cause propeller 27 to “swoop” down to have greater bite in the middle portion and less bite in the right turn or the left turn position. This “swoop” down effect is visible while looking at the boat from the rear view. Adjusting the location of the ball and socket joint 264 forward from the orthogonal line position has the converse effect on the bite of propeller 27 causing it to “soar” up in the middle portion of the steering motion. This “soar” up effect is visible while looking at the boat from the rear view. Being able to adjust for “swoop” and “soar” is important for fine tuning the amount of propeller bite on boats with bottoms that have two different deadrise angles at the stern. That is to say, the amount of variations in propeller bite can be minimized even on boats that have bottoms that are not a single angle deadrise, but in fact have bottoms that are formed of two distinct angles per side of the centerline.

[0122] Designers of existing surface drives have ignored the importance of the orthogonal line location for ball and socket joint 264 and therefore, are known to have severe handling problems associated with large changes in the depth of the propeller bite. These designers have failed to recognize the importance of aligning the control mechanism relative to the bottom operative surface of the boat 139. Surface drive manufacturers rather simply, and incorrectly, instruct and show that the extended bite ram 263 is to be aligned square with the world, and vertical with respect to the horizon. Steering motion is accomplished by steering rams 41 acting on steering linkage bar 40 connected to the thrust tube 29. Vertical brace walls 266 located at the inner and outer edges of the trim tab 244 are affixed to the trim tab 244 on one edge and to the transom 23 on another edge to provide support and minimize flooding of the propeller 27.

[0123] FIG. 23S is a side view of the stem of a boat 20 similar to FIG. 1S. The difference between the two arrangements is that the bite bar 30 can either be used to push down on the thrust tube 29, as illustrated in FIG. 1S, or the bite bar 30 can be used to pull up on the thrust tube 29, as shown in FIG. 23S. In FIG. 1S, it is noted that the bite bar 30 is located above the thrust tube 29 and is used to force the propeller 27 down into the water 24, while at the same time the thrust tube is urged upward by tension spring 183 and cable 182 to pull the thrust tube upward such that the low friction pad 31 rides on the under side of the bite bar 30.

[0124] The configuration shown in FIG. 23S is an alternative construction in which the bite bar 30 is located below the thrust tube 29 and the low friction pad 31 is located below the thrust tube and rides on the upper surface of the bite bar. Tension spring 183 is replaced by a compression spring 185, and cable 182 is replaced by extension rod 184. Also, low friction pad 31 is located on the bottom side of thrust tube 29. The bite ram 113 and bite yoke 32 are very similar in either embodiment.

[0125] The advantage of the configuration shown in FIG. 23S is that it is more forgiving of propeller strikes on submerged objects. Because thrust tube 29 is located below bite bar 30, thrust tube 29 can freely recoil upward against the force of a simple spring and no damage occurs. In contrast, a propeller strike employing the configuration shown in FIG. 1S may cause the thrust tube 29 to recoil upward against a substantial amount of rigid hardware, which may ruin bite bar 30, bite yoke 32, bite ram 113, and other attachments.

[0126] FIG. 24S and FIG. 24R are partial side (S) and rear (R) views, respectively, of a dual surface drive system mounted to stern of a boat 20 with particular attention to the detail of the tie bar 40 and steering rams 41 as part of the steering system. FIG. 24C is a vertical section view through the center plane of the steering mechanism and is shown as an enlarged version to clarify some details. This steering system is shown in abbreviated form in FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 21, and FIGS. 22.

[0127] The tie bar 40 has swivel ends 273 where it is attached to the thrust tube 29. Swivel ends 273 attach tie bar 40 to thrust tube 29 to move the thrust tube in a left and right sweeping motion as part of the steering function. The swivel ends allow rotary motion about any axis and may be configured as simple ball joint rod ends that are common to industry.

[0128] Arrow 279 and arrow 289 show the paths of the thrust tubes as they follow the sloped bite bar 30 (not shown) on the left side of the boat and on the right side of the boat, respectively. It is noted that the right and left tie bar 40 thus have equal and opposite vertical components to its respective side to side motion. That is to say, when the left side thrust tube 29 follows up arrow 279, the right side thrust tube 29 follows down arrow 289 by the same amount, yet in opposite directions. The converse is true for the opposite steering motion. From simple geometry, it is known that the center point of a straight line drawn between the left side swivel end 273 and the right side swivel end 273, move in a horizontal arc despite having the ends move with equal and opposite vertical components. Hence, the center ball 282, which is also on the same vertical center plane between the left end and the right end, wants to also move on a horizontal arc. However, center ball 282 is also constrained to move in a vertical arc described by the fixed radius of the length of steering bracket arms 280 as measured between the center of center ball 282 and the axis of rotation about anchor pins 278. Each of the left and right steering anchors 281 is rigidly secured to the transom 23 providing a hinge base through which anchor pins 278 hingedly secure steering bracket arms 280 to the boat 20. Therefore, steering bracket arms 280 and center ball 282 are constrained to sweep up and down in a vertical arc about anchor pins 278 as the left and right swivel ends 273 ramp up and ramp down while fastened to the left and right thrust tubes 29.

[0129] A torsion tube 276 is rigidly connected to the left and right steering bracket arms 280 such that they move as a single unit without any torsional displacement of the left end relative to the right end. Center ball channel 277 is connected at the right and left ends to steering bracket arms 280 by channel pins 282 to allow center ball channel 277 to rotate freely about channel pins 275. The left and right steering rams 41 and the left and right center ball cups 283 are placed inside the slot of the center ball channel 277 on the left and right side respectively of the center ball 282. It is noted that steering ram 41, center ball cups 283, and center ball 282 are each larger in diameter than the slot width of center ball channel 277 and are thus held captive in sliding fashion in the center ball channel. Setscrew 274 allows tie bar 40 to be inserted into tie bar receiver 284 and locked in place. Center ball 282, ball stem 285, and tie bar receiver 284 may be fabricated as a rigid, integral assembly. To correctly adjust the steering system, the center ball channel 277 should be mounted on the centerline of the boat at the stem and the center ball 282 should be located at the midpoint of center ball channel 277. The right and left thrust tube 29 are set parallel, straight out the back of the boat, and set screw 274 is tightened on each side of the tie bar receiver 284.

[0130] In operation, as the propellers are lowered to increase the amount of propeller bite, both the left and the right thrust tubes 29 angle slightly down, and therefore swivel ends 273 are also slightly lowered. This simply lowers the location of the center of center ball 282 and everything connected assumes a lower operating position. Conversely, as the propellers are raised to decrease the amount of propeller bite, thrust tubes 29 and swivel ends 273 are also raised and the location of center ball 282, and all connected hardware, is also raised.

[0131] This assembly of components is designed to “float” in the vertical direction to changes in bite depth of the propeller and to allow the multiple thrust tubes, or propeller shaft carriers, to track along the surface of the bite bars. When viewed from the side, the linkage can be seen to function as a hinged, four bar, mechanical linkage in the shape of an irregular trapezium. As known from elementary engineering, a four bar linkage allows three of the links to “float” relative to the fourth link because it defines a non-rigid body.

[0132] If a third surface drive is located on the center plane as shown by 29′, it can be connected to the steering system by a simple connecting bar and the steering system continues to perform as before.

[0133] The steering and tie bar system work equally well on outboard motors and inboard outboards (I/O) when the drives are mounted in the true vertical position, or even when the drives are mounted in the cambered position as disclosed herein. However, the amount of propeller bite of the different units should be controlled in unison, and the drives should rise and fall only in the vertical plane as part of the bite control system.

[0134] Just as it is true with automobile suspension and steering systems where proper “toe in” must be maintained for correct handling, so too, it is also important to recognize that when using multiple drive systems, the propeller shaft carriers should be set for a prescribed amount of “toe in”. The amount of “toe in” is set by the distance as measured between the right and left ends of the tie bars 40. Therefore, in all of these embodiments, the bite control for each propeller works in unison with the sister drive in order to maintain the correct amount of “toe in”.

[0135] FIGS. 25R and 25S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a boat with a hinged trim tab and an air duct for supplying ventilating air to the propeller of a surface drive. FIGS. 25R and 25S are similar to FIGS. 21R and 21S, respectively, except that the rigid trim tabs 241 are replaced with hinged trim tabs 341. The hinged trim tabs 341 include a hinge 366 located at the forward end of each trim tab 341 where it is mounted to the transom 23 of the boat. A pair of bite rams 25 are each hingedly attached between a rearward end of a respective trim tab 341 and the transom 23 for moving the trim tab 341 up and down. The flood walls 250 and the center support septums 251 are decoupled from the trim tabs 341.

[0136] FIGS. 26R and 26S are rear (R) and side (S) views, respectively, of a boat with a hinged trim tab or hull bottom extension combined with a surface drive. FIGS. 26R and 26S are similar to FIGS. 22R and 22S, respectively, except that the rigid trim tabs 241 are replaced with hinged trim tabs 341. The hinged trim tabs 341 include a hinge 366 located at the forward end of each trim tab 341 where it is mounted to the transom 23 of the boat. A pair of bite rams 25 are each hingedly attached between a rearward end of a respective trim tab 341 and the transom 23 for moving the trim tab 341 up and down. The vertical brace walls 266 are decoupled from the trim tabs 341.

[0137] The operation of trim tabs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be understood in comparison to an airplane wing. In particular, the fluid dynamics of the water passing under a trim tab is similar to air passing below an upside down airplane wing. The lift generated by an airplane wing is due primarily to the curved upper surface of the wing. The lift caused by the air flowing over the wing is lost when the flow separates from that surface. The same is true of trim tabs running in water, except everything is upside down. The “lift” of the water on the present trim tab when in the up position is actually a sucking action of the water attempting to pull the trim tab down into the water, hence, this force imbalance causes the stem of the boat to go down and the bow to rise up. Here too, flow separation means loss of suck and is due to an adverse pressure gradient in the boundary layer. When the present trim tab is in the down position, it actually rides over the water in a water-skiing action and flow separation is not a problem because adverse pressure gradients do not have an opportunity to form. This skiing action of trim tabs according to the present invention riding up over the water raises the stem of the boat and pushes the bow down.

[0138] The shape of the operative bottom surface of trim tabs in accordance with the present invention is different from previously known trim tabs. The undersurface of bending flat plate trim tabs, such as those shown in FIGS. 8U and 8D, tends to flatten out in the direction of water flow. This shape is the natural and unavoidable result of mounting a flat plate of constant thickness, hence constant flexural stiffness, in a cantilever fashion and applying a deflecting force near the far edge. It is clearly the case of actual measured deflections of prior art trim tabs, that the bending is most pronounced at and near the point of cantilever and diminishes to virtually zero at the far edge. In contrast, the undersurface of a trim tab implemented in accordance with the present invention does not flatten out as much in the direction of water flow, but instead forms a progressive curve resulting in superior operation. The undersurface may be controlled to any desired curve, and especially to a non-flattening surface by varying the stiffness, or more correctly, the “flexural stiffness” of the trim tabs, in a regressive fashion from the forward cantilevered edge to the rearward end.

[0139] To explain the structural difference between prior art and present invention, it is necessary to understand “flexural stiffness”, also called bending stiffness. The definition of flexural stiffness is well founded in the engineering science known as “Strength of Materials”. Flexural stiffness is defined as the product of Young's modulus and the second moment of inertia of a body. The equations for deflections of cantilevered beams are well known and these equations assume elastic deformation and small deflections consistent with trim tabs in accordance with the present invention. The common simplified form of these deflection equations also assume a constant flexural stiffness and uniform distributed loads and simplified point loads, and is suitable for most engineering applications. These load simplifications are not always applicable in actual operation. The hydrodynamic load conditions on the underside of the trim tab are constantly changing and are non uniform and therefore, predicting the exact curvature and deflection of the underside of the trim tab, during operating conditions, is very difficult.

[0140] These deflection equations are derived from free body force diagrams and in their original form are very complex, but they are simplified by certain small angle approximations. These deflection equations are second order differential equations as functions of the load imposed and the length of the beam in the numerator, and of the flexural stiffness of the beam in the denominator. The common solution for this equation assumes a constant value of the flexural stiffness and it is a simple matter of calculating the first and second integral of the original function. In prior art, the flexural stiffness term is a constant. In contrast, the flexural stiffness term of the trim tabs implemented in accordance with the present invention decreases along the length of the trim tab and is defined as “regressive flexural stiffness”. Flexural stiffness decreases by decreasing the thickness or the width of the trim tab, or otherwise the second moment of inertia, or the Young's modulus of the material. However, as with any equation, its value increases as the value of the denominator decreases. Therefore, because the denominator, that is the flexural stiffness, becomes smaller with increasing length, the value of the second derivative becomes larger with increasing length. And it follows, if the value of the second derivative is larger, so to will be the value of the first derivative, and likewise the value of the function itself. It is this distinction which present invention defines as a “progressive curve” and it is relative to the shape of the curve of prior art. That is to say, prior art trim tabs tend to concentrate the bending deflections near the forward end, whereas trim tabs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention tend to decrease those bending deflections near the forward end and instead tend to redistribute the bending deflections along the length of the bottom surface of the trim tab. For example, a trim tab according to the present invention having a severely regressive flexural stiffness would have a very strong curve at the rearward end. An important distinction is that modifying the flexural stiffness results in a novel deflection curve which improves the hydrodynamics of the trim tab.

[0141] There is also a hydrodynamic difference between trim tabs of prior art and trim tabs implemented in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For a given end deflection, more of the lift of a prior art trim tab is close to the cantilever point where the bending is strongest as that is where the flow streamlines have the most divergence, and the lift decreases farther rearward where the surface flattens, as that is where the flow streamlines then tend to converge to parallel lines. Continuing to pull up on the rearward end ultimately causes the boundary layer to separate. Separation starts at or near the point of cantilever because that is where the flow streamlines have the strongest divergence. Conversely, for the same amount of end deflection, the “lift” of present trim tabs described herein is more distributed along the bottom surface of the trim tab. Continuing to pull up on the rearward end also ultimately results in boundary layer separation, but it does not occur as readily as with prior art trim tabs because the divergence of the flow streamlines is not as severe nor as concentrated in one small area as it is with prior art and therefore, improves boundary layer adhesion. Therefore, trim tabs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can produce more lift while incurring the same amount of drag. Given two trim tabs of equal length and width, those implemented according to the present invention have a better lift capability over those of prior art. Trim tabs according to embodiments of the present invention have a better lift to drag ratio.

[0142] A trim tab in accordance with the present invention generates a greater amount of lift for a given surface area while causing the minimum amount of drag under operating conditions. Therefore, a smaller trim tab may be used to generate the same amount of lift moment on the boat. Also, because the curvature is shifted rearward, the lift is also shifted rearward. The equivalent vertical force vector is located at a place farthest rearward of the stem to cause the greatest moment arm on the boat and hence the greatest amount of “bow up” or “bow down” for a given amount of horizontal drag force. To be technically correct, the term “centroid” is the proper term for converting a distributed force to an equivalent single force acting at a given point. Centroid is from a mathematical equation which simplifies the resolution of distributed forces and reactions to aid in the solution of engineering problems. So, more correctly, the centroid of the hydrodynamic forces is at a location farther rearward on the trim tabs according to the present invention than is possible with prior art trim tabs, due to a different and improved shape of the undersurface.

[0143] As stated before, it is important that the shape of the operative undersurface of the trim tab be determined and controlled by the point forces of the trim rams and that the undersurface not be deflected from its intended shape despite the enormous and changing distributed hydrodynamic forces of the water. Consequently, it is desired that the trim tabs be sufficiently stiff and that the trim rams be sufficiently strong to hold these positions.

[0144] Optional fluid ejection ports may be provided to selectively detach the boundary layer by ejecting air or other gas from the underside of the trim tab near its leading edge to reduce the viscous drag forces. It is contemplated that such fluid ejection process be controlled and used only under certain operating conditions, although the present invention is not limited to any particular operating conditions. The present invention also contemplates boundary layer modifications by the ejection of water and polymer/water mixtures. Novel shape and array of diffusers at each ejection port ensure maximum effectiveness.

[0145] The present invention also contemplates merging a surface piercing drive and a trim tab or hull extension to function as an integral system. The trim tab may be rigid or resilient and may be adjustable or fixed or any combination thereof. In fact, a static trim tab or one configured according to prior art or even a hull extension is contemplated for this purpose or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the problem of twin screw surface drives, wherein one propeller can dig into the water deeper than its twin and therefore cause the boat to momentarily crawl sideways, is effectively reduced or even eliminated by closely controlling the bite of each surfacing propeller under any operating condition, even under normal conditions, such as wave action, boat bounce, cornering, and speed changes. Trim tab configurations of all types are contemplated in the integral system, including prior art hinged and bending plate trim tabs, although superior results are achieved with trim tabs implemented in accordance with the present invention as disclosed herein.

[0146] In one configuration, bite control problems associated with surface drives is minimized by removing the skeg, if present, and locating the surfacing propeller on top of a trim tab and closest to the arcuate rear edge of the trim tab. The integral system also decreases “blow over” potential of surface drive boats by controlling and eliminating excessive bite.

[0147] Bite control also helps overcome the disadvantage of surface drives when the boat is struggling to get up on plane. The existence of the trim tab below and in front of the propeller prevents water from “flooding” up around the propeller while trying to attain “hump speed”. Flood skirts mounted on part of the surface drive control mechanism and flood walls mounted on part of the trim tabs further limit the “flooding” of the propeller.

[0148] In one configuration, the problem of side crawl of the surface propeller in dual drive, counter rotating applications may be minimized by controlling the propeller bite using trim tabs in accordance with the present invention and balancing the forces of one drive against its sister drive of opposite rotation. The problem of propeller side crawl with a single surface drive is solved by the use of bias fins in accordance with the present invention, which impart an instantaneous hydrodynamic side force that is equal and offsetting to the propeller side forces and is totally contained within the individual drive. Bias fins also tend to correct minor side crawl forces even on dual drives systems due to minor differences between the left side drive and the right side drive. Bias fins also tend to protect the propeller from submerged objects and to likewise protect submerged objects from the propeller.

[0149] In one configuration, the ever present danger of an exposed propeller is decreased by the addition of a people guard which attempts to minimize contact with the rotating blades while stopped or under way at low speeds, yet retracts at higher speed to allow the surfacing propeller to ventilate as designed for optimum performance.

[0150] Although a system and method according to the present invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments of the invention, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable trim tab for attaching to the stem of a boat, comprising: a resilient plate having a forward end for mounting to the stem of the boat and a rearward end, the plate having a regressive flexural stiffness from the forward end to the rearward end; and a trim adjustment device, coupled to the rearward end of the plate and for coupling to the stem of the boat, that moves the rearward end of the plate; the plate having an operative bottom surface that is deflected in a progressive curve from the forward end to the rearward end of the plate under operating conditions and with force applied by the trim adjustment device.

2. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, wherein the progressive curve has the shape of a parabola.

3. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, wherein the plate includes a plurality of ejection ports to the bottom operative surface and located near the forward end of the plate.

4. The adjustable trim tab of claim 3, wherein each ejection port is angled backwards relative to a line which is perpendicular to the bottom operative surface of the plate.

5. The adjustable trim tab of claim 3, wherein each ejection port has a diffuser with outer extremities that have overlapping streamlines.

6. The adjustable trim tab of claim 5, wherein each diffuser has shallow tapered rearward edges.

7. The adjustable trim tab of claim 5, wherein each diffuser has rearward edges that have an angle of departure that is away from and rearward of a corresponding ejection port.

8. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, wherein the plate has a generally tapered width.

9. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, wherein the plate has a generally constant width with generally parallel side edges.

10. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, further comprising: at least one flood wall, each affixed on an upper surface and near a side edge of the plate, and each projecting upwards.

11. The adjustable trim tab of claim 10, wherein the at least one flood wall comprises a pair of flood walls, each located adjacent a respective one of the side edges of the plate.

12. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, wherein the plate is skew adjustable.

13. The adjustable trim tab of claim 1, wherein the plate has a generally regressive second moment of inertia from the forward end to the rearward end.

14. The adjustable trim tab of claim 13, wherein the plate includes standing ribs with generally tapered height from the forward end to the rearward end.

15. The adjustable trim tab of claim 13, wherein each standing rib is oriented downward and has a streamlined leading edge.

16. The adjustable trim tab of claim 13, wherein the plate includes generally tapered longitudinal corrugations.

17. The adjustable trim tab of claim 13, wherein the plate is generally tapered height from the forward end to the rearward end.

18. The adjustable trim tab of claim 13, wherein the plate comprises a stack of layered platelets of progressively variable length.

19. The adjustable trim tab of claim 13, wherein the plate includes grooves of generally progressively tapered depth.

20. A surface drive system for a boat, comprising: a surface drive propulsion system including a surfacing propeller; and a hull extension having a forward end attached to the stem of the boat and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of the surfacing propeller and sufficiently close to the surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the surfacing propeller under operating conditions.

21. The surface drive system of claim 20, wherein the hull extension is rigid.

22. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 20, wherein the hull extension comprises: a plate; and a brace coupled to the plate and for coupling to the boat to maintain position of the plate.

23. The surface drive system of claim 20, further comprising: a bite control mechanism, interfaced to the surface drive propulsion system, that adjusts the bite of the surfacing propeller.

24. The surface drive system of claim 23, wherein the bite control mechanism comprises a jackplate.

25. The surface drive system of claim 23, wherein the bite control mechanism comprises a bite ram with a bite bar.

26. The surface drive system of claim 23, wherein the bite control mechanism comprises an extended bite ram.

27. The surface drive system of claim 23, wherein the bite control mechanism comprises a jackbox.

28. The surface drive system of claim 20, further comprising: a pair of parallel flood walls, each affixed on an upper surface and adjacent an opposite side edge of the hull extension, and each projecting upwards.

29. The surface drive system of claim 20, further comprising: a bite control, interfacing the surface drive propulsion system, that facilitates adjusting the position of the surfacing propeller; and a pair of flood skirts, affixed to the bite control, each projecting vertically downward to limit flooding of the surfacing propeller.

30. The surface drive system of claim 20, further comprising: a pair of flood gates, positioned above the hull extension and hingedly affixed to the boat, that are pivoted down on either side of a surfacing propeller.

31. The surface drive system of claim 20, wherein the hull extension comprises a trim tab.

32. The surface drive system of claim 31, further comprising: the trim tab being hingedly attached to the stem of the boat; and a trim ram attached to adjust position of the trim tab.

33. The surface drive system of claim 31, wherein the trim tab comprises a resilient plate.

34. The surface drive system of claim 33, wherein the trim tab has a regressive flexural stiffness.

35. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 33, further comprising: a first adjustment mechanism that interfaces the surface drive propulsion system and the trim tab and for coupling to the boat for adjusting the vertical position of the surfacing propeller and that moves the rearward end of the trim tab.

36. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 35, further comprising: a bite control mechanism, coupled to the first adjustment mechanism and interfacing the surface drive propulsion system, that facilitates adjusting the vertical position of the surfacing propeller relative to the boat.

37. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 35, further comprising: a second adjustment mechanism, coupled to the first adjustment mechanism and the surface drive propulsion system, that adjusts the vertical position of the surfacing propeller relative to the trim tab.

38. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 33, further comprising: a first adjustment mechanism coupled to the surface drive propulsion system and for coupling to the boat for adjusting the vertical position of the surfacing propeller; and a second adjustment mechanism coupled to the trim tab for moving the rearward end of the trim tab.

39. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 33, wherein the trim tab comprises a plate with a generally tapered width.

40. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 33, wherein the trim tab comprises a plate with a plurality of ejection ports to the bottom operative surface and located near a forward end of the plate.

41. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 33, wherein the trim tab comprises a plate having an arcuate rearward edge and wherein the surface drive propulsion system sweeps the surfacing propeller through an arc that is generally parallel to an undersurface of the trim tab and that has a common center as the arcuate rearward edge of the trim tab.

42. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 41, further comprising: a bite control, for mounting to the boat and interfacing the surface drive propulsion system, that maintains the depth of the surfacing propeller relative to a rearward edge of an operative surface of the trim tab.

43. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 42, wherein the bite control is skew adjustable.

44. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 42, wherein the bite control comprises a bite bar.

45. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 20, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system operative to sweep the surfacing propeller through an arc that is generally parallel to an undersurface of the boat; the boat having a longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry running along the centerline of the boat from bow to stem; and a bite control mechanism, mounted to the boat and to the surface drive propulsion system, that moves the surfacing propeller parallel with the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry.

46. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 45, wherein the surface drive propulsion system comprises an outboard motor that is cambered relative to the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry and wherein the bite control mechanism comprises a jackplate.

47. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 45, wherein the surface drive propulsion system comprises an inboard/outboard and wherein the bite control mechanism comprises a jackbox.

48. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 45, wherein the surface propulsion system includes propeller shaft carrier and articulating joint and wherein the bite control mechanism comprises an extended bite ram having a lower end attached to the propeller shaft carrier and an upper end mounted with a ball and socket joint to the stem of the boat, wherein the ball and socket is mounted at a location such that a center of rotation of the ball and socket joint is generally collinear with a line formed by a perpendicular projection from the undersurface of the boat through a center point of articulation of the articulating joint.

49. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 20, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including first and second surface drives and corresponding first and second surfacing propellers; a tie bar coupled between the first and second surface drives; and the hull extension comprising first and second trim tabs, each having a forward end adapted for attaching to the stem of the boat and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of a corresponding one of the first and second surfacing propellers, and each positioned sufficiently close to its corresponding surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the corresponding surfacing propeller under operating conditions.

50. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 20, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including a single motor that drives first and second surfacing propellers via first and second propeller shaft carriers; the hull extension comprising first and second trim tabs, each having a forward end adapted for attaching to the stem of the boat and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of a corresponding one of the first and second surfacing propellers, and each positioned sufficiently close to its corresponding surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the corresponding surfacing propeller under operating conditions; and a steering system coupled to the surface drive propulsion system and the first and second bite controls that control the direction of a boat by changing relative bite of the first and second surfacing propellers.

51. The surface drive and trim tab system of claim 20, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including first and second surfacing propellers via first and second propeller shaft carriers; the hull extension comprising first and second trim tabs, each having a forward end adapted for attaching to the stem of the boat and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of a corresponding one of the first and second surfacing propellers, and each positioned sufficiently close to its corresponding surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the corresponding surfacing propeller under operating conditions; and a resilient bridge piece coupled between the first and second trim tabs to generally form a piecewise continuous trim tab with a generally continuous operative bottom surface.

52. A boat, comprising: a chassis including a stern portion and a bottom surface; a resilient plate having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end being mounted near the bottom surface at the stem portion of the chassis; and a trim adjustment device, coupled to the stem of the chassis and to the rearward end of the plate, that applies up and down force generally perpendicular to the rearward end of the plate; wherein the plate has an operative bottom surface that is deflected in a progressive curve from the forward end to the rearward end under operating conditions of the boat and while force is applied by the trim adjustment device.

53. The boat of claim 52, wherein the plate includes a plurality of ejection ports to the bottom operative surface located near the forward end of the plate.

54. The boat of claim 53, wherein each ejection port is angled backwards relative to a line which is perpendicular to the operative bottom surface of the trim tab.

55. The boat of claim 52, wherein the plate has a generally tapered width.

56. The boat of claim 52, wherein the plate is of a generally regressive flexural stiffness from the forward end to the rearward end.

57. The boat of claim 52, wherein the plate has a regressive second moment of inertia.

58. The boat of claim 52, wherein the progressive curve has the shape of a parabola.

59. The boat of claim 52, further comprising: the chassis including left and right sides; first and second resilient plates, each having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end of each plate being mounted near the bottom surface at the stem portion of the chassis on a respective one of the first and second sides; and first and second trim adjustment devices, each coupled to the stem of the chassis and to the rearward end of a respective one of the first and second plates, each that applies up and down force to the rearward end of the respective plate.

60. A boat, comprising: a chassis including a stern portion and a bottom surface; a surface drive propulsion system mounted to the chassis and including a surfacing propeller; and a trim tab having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end being mounted near the bottom surface at the stern portion of the chassis, and the rearward end positioned in line directly in front of the surfacing propeller and sufficiently close to the surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the surfacing propeller under operating conditions.

61. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: a first adjustment mechanism, interfacing the surface drive propulsion system and the trim tab and coupled to the stern portion of the chassis, that adjusts the vertical position of the surfacing propeller and that moves the rearward end of the trim tab.

62. The boat of claim 61, further comprising: a bite control mechanism, coupled to the first adjustment mechanism and that interfaces the surface drive propulsion system, that facilitates adjusting the vertical position of the surfacing propeller.

63. The boat of claim 61, further comprising: a second adjustment mechanism, coupled to the first adjustment mechanism and the surface drive propulsion system, that adjusts the vertical position of the surfacing propeller relative to the boat.

64. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: a first adjustment mechanism, coupled to the surface drive propulsion system and the stem portion of the chassis, that adjusts the vertical position of the surfacing propeller; and a second adjustment mechanism coupled to the trim tab for moving the rearward end of the trim tab.

65. The boat of claim 60, wherein the trim tab comprises a plate with a generally regressive flexural stiffness from the forward end to the rearward end.

66. The boat of claim 60, wherein the trim tab comprises a plate with a plurality of ejection ports to the bottom operative surface located near a forward end of the plate.

67. The boat of claim 60, wherein the surface drive propulsion system sweeps the surfacing propeller through an arc generally parallel to the undersurface of the trim tab, and wherein the trim tab comprises a plate having an arcuate rearward edge having a common center as a swept arc of the surfacing propeller.

68. The boat of claim 67, further comprising: a bite control, mounted to the stem portion of the chassis and that interfaces the surface drive propulsion system, that maintains the depth of the surfacing propeller relative to a rearward edge of an operative surface of the trim tab.

69. The boat of claim 68, wherein the bite control is skew adjustable.

70. The boat of claim 68, wherein the bite control comprises a bite bar.

71. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: a people guard, retractively coupled to the surface drive propulsion system, that is positioned above the surfacing propeller to cover the propeller when the boat is not moving or is operating at slow speeds and that is retracted to allow the propeller to ventilate when the boat is operating at high speeds.

72. The boat of claim 71, wherein the people guard is retracted upwards by water spray departing from the surfacing propeller to allow the propeller to ventilate when the boat is operating at high speeds.

73. The boat of claim 71, wherein location of the people guard is controlled by an operator of the boat.

74. The boat of claim 71, wherein the people guard comprises a generally rectangular piece of rigid material.

75. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: at least one bias fin, each coupled to the surface drive propulsion system and positioned on one side of the surfacing propeller, that is immersed in the water during operation.

76. The boat of claim 75, wherein the at least one bias fin comprises a pair of bias fins located on either side of the surfacing propeller.

77. The boat of claim 76, wherein each bias fin has a leading edge that is curved rearward and downward.

78. The boat of claim 76, wherein each bias fin has a side area that is proportional to the swept area of the surfacing propeller.

79. The boat of claim 76, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including a propeller shaft carrier; and wherein each bias fin is rotatably adjustable to impose a hydrodynamic side force to the propeller shaft carrier during operation.

80. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including first and second surface drives and corresponding first and second surfacing propellers; and first and second trim tabs, each having a forward end mounted to the stem of the chassis and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of a corresponding one of the first and second surfacing propellers, and each positioned sufficiently close to its corresponding surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the corresponding surfacing propeller under operating conditions.

81. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including a single motor that drives first and second surfacing propellers via first and second propeller shaft carriers; first and second trim tabs, each having a forward end mounted to the stem of the chassis and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of a corresponding one of the first and second surfacing propellers, and each positioned sufficiently close to its corresponding surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the corresponding surfacing propeller under operating conditions; and a steering system coupled to the surface drive propulsion system and the first and second trim tabs that steers the boat by changing relative bite of the first and second surfacing propellers.

82. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: the surface drive propulsion system including first and second surface drives driving first and second surfacing propellers; first and second trim tabs, each having a forward end rigidly mounted to the stem of the chassis and a rearward end positioned in line directly in front of a corresponding one of the first and second surfacing propellers, and each positioned sufficiently close to its corresponding surfacing propeller to minimize variations in propeller blade immersion of the corresponding surfacing propeller under operating conditions; and a resilient bridge piece coupled between the first and second trim tabs to generally form a piecewise continuous trim tab with a generally continuous operative bottom surface.

83. The boat of claim 60, further comprising: the chassis including a transom and a hull extension mounted to the transom; a first adjustment mechanism, coupled to the surface drive propulsion system and the hull extension, that adjusts the vertical position of the surfacing propeller; and a second adjustment mechanism, coupled to the hull extension and the trim tab, that moves the rearward end of the trim tab.

84. The boat of claim 83, wherein the hull extension comprises a swim platform positioned above the surface drive propulsion system and the trim tab.

85. The boat of claim 83, further comprising: a servo valve and servo lever coupled to the first and second adjustment mechanisms to enable synchronized adjustments.

86. The boat of claim 83, wherein: the hull extension includes first and second cantilevers; the first cantilever is mounted above the surface drive propulsion system; the first adjustment mechanism is mounted to the first cantilever; the second cantilever is mounted below the surface drive propulsion system and above the trim tab; and the second adjustment mechanism is mounted to the second cantilever.