Wakeboats, wakeboat displays, and systems and methods of measuring and indicating wakeboat potential

Abstract

A wakeboat creates a wake, the performance level of the wake varying depending upon the mass of the wakeboat, the wakeboat including a hull; an engine supported by the hull; a controller supported by the hull; a processor coupled to the controller; a memory coupled to the processor; a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat, the controller being coupled to the sensor and being configured to receive data from the sensor, the controller being configured to derive the present mass of the wakeboat from said sensor data, the controller being configured to determine the present wake performance level of the wakeboat based on the present mass of the wakeboat; anda display coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to use the display to indicate the present wake performance level of the wakeboat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to watercraft, and in particular apparatus and methods for measuring the interaction of wakeboat hulls with their surrounding water; conveying information to the operator of wakeboats, and improving the safety and performance of wakeboats.

BACKGROUND

Watersports involving powered watercraft have enjoyed a long history. Waterskiing's decades-long popularity spawned the creation of specialized watercraft designed specifically for the sport. Such “skiboats” are optimized to minimize the wake in the water behind the watercraft's hull, thereby providing the smoothest possible water to the trailing water skier.

More recently, watersports have arisen at the other extreme, by actually taking advantage of, and benefitting from, the wake produced by a watercraft. Sports such as wakesurfing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and others use the watercraft's wake to allow the participants to perform various maneuvers or “tricks” including becoming airborne.

To address this changing market, skiboats dedicated to a single watersport have yielded to a new type of watercraft known as a “wakeboat”. Wakeboats seek to more completely manage the spectrum of wakes that are produced behind the hull—diminishing it for some activities, while enhancing it for others.

Many techniques have evolved to manipulate the wake produced by the hull of a wakeboat. One method, as described by U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,616to Hagan and incorporated herein by reference, is to selectively pump water aboard the wakeboat to act as ballast, changing the mass of the wakeboat and thus the displacement and draft (depth in the surrounding water) of its hull. The amount of ballast is often measured and recorded, on the theory that a desireable wake can be reproduced by duplicating the ballast amounts.

Another approach is to use hydrofoils (sometimes characterized as “wings”), trim tabs/plates, water diverters, or other hydrodynamic control surfaces to selectively change the effective mass of the wakeboat as it moves in water. (While hydrofoils and trim tabs/plates have historically been used to elevate the hull, in wakeboat applications these control surfaces are sometimes inverted to yield the opposite effect.) Parameters such as control surface depth and angle are often measured and recorded, again in the hopes of recreating a desireable result on demand.

Semi-permanent features, such as the presence and amount of lead, other metals, sandbags, and other heavy objects are also used to affect the wake or wave behind the hull.

Ballast, control surfaces, weight bags, and the like are not the only variables affecting the relationship of the hull to the surrounding water. Other parameters such as the number and weight of passengers, amount of fuel, amount of equipment, and supplies such as food and potable water all contribute. Some wakeboats even employ specially shaped hulls to increase or decrease their displacement, and hence their effective mass, while moving through water. It is the aggregate of these variables, and their effects on the hull, that determine the wake or wave that forms behind it.

Unfortunately, this aggregation and the resulting interactions are not obvious, nor easily understood, nor managable by the operator of the wakeboat. There has been no concise, convenient method to summarize this information and convey it to the operator. The result has been often vain attempts by operators to roughly estimate this information and then apply that estimation, via experimentation, to the watercraft on a day-by-day basis. The inability to accurately reproduce a desired wake or wave as all of the estimated variables change—often during the course of a single day—is a large source of frustration for watercraft operators, dealers, manufacturers, and the wakeboat industry in general.

The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that enable the operator to more accurately control the wakes and waves produced by the wakeboat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wakeboat according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a wakeboat management system included in the wakeboat of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display of wakeboat operational characteristics according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates another display of wakeboat operational characteristics according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further display of wakeboat operational characteristics according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another display of wakeboat operational characteristics according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates wakeboat displays and controls according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates wakeboat displays and control according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Attention is directed towards the following patent applications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: Ser. Nos. 13/543,659; 14/658,980; and 62/201,030. Attention is also directed towards U.S. Pat. No. 8,798,825, issued Aug. 5, 2014to Hartman, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

The assemblies and methods of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

The hull of a watercraft produces a wake as it proceeds through the water. Participants in watersports have different needs and preferences with respect to the size, shape, and orientation of such a wake.

A variety of techniques for creating, minimizing, enhancing, and generally controlling a wakeboat's wake have been developed and marketed with varying degrees of success. As described earlier herein, these include but are not limited to ballast systems, control surfaces, semi-permanent weights, and specially shaped hulls.

These approaches are based on the fact that the displacement of the hull of the wakeboat in the water is related to the magnitude of the wake it produces. Displacement, in turn, is driven by the mass of the wakeboat and its cargo. By varying actual mass (through the addition or removal of such things as ballast and semi-permanent weights) and/or what might be termed “artificial” mass (via the effects on displacement caused by control surfaces 170), the effective mass of the hull can be modulated and the resulting wake behind the hull can be modulated as well.

For a given wakeboat design, parameters such as the maximum amount of water ballast and the degree of control surface deployment can be measured, stored, and reproduced. Were these the only parameters affecting the mass of a wakeboat, and thus affecting the resulting wake, the goal of on-demand wake duplication would be straightforward.

However, there are other factors that affect the mass of a wakeboat. An abbreviated and incomplete list includes the number and size of passengers, fuel, personal equipment, food, and potable water. These factors, and more, serve to vary the mass of a wakeboat from day to day, and even session to session within the same day.

Recognizing the presence of these variables and their effect on wakeboat mass, it becomes clear why wake duplication has so challenged the wakesport industry. The substantial investment of time and effort to measure and display such things as ballast and control surfaces ignores these other variables. To display “percentages” and “angles” without also incorporating the effect of these other variables yields a false sense of accuracy and control.

This is confirmed by the frustration expressed by wakeboat owners and operators. From one day to another, the “displayed” values will be identical yet the results behind the boat can be wildly disparate.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure address these problems by accounting for these missing variables, delivering the aggregated information to the wakeboat operator, and enabling the operator to use this newly available information to achieve the desired performance and behavior of the wakeboat and the wake it produces.

To achieve a specific level of performance from the wake produced by a wakeboat, it is first necessary to know the potential range that is available. As noted above, the magnitude of the wake is driven by the displacement of the wakeboat, which in turn is driven by the mass of the wakeboat plus its cargo. Lower mass leads to reduced displacement, which leads to a wake of lesser magnitude. Likewise, higher mass leads to increased displacement, which leads to a wake of greater magnitude.

The minimum mass of a wakeboat could be defined as having only the factory installed permanent fixtures, zero fuel, no passengers, no personal equipment, no ballast, etc. In other words, a wakeboat stripped to its bare essentials. Having minimum mass, such a wakeboat would have minimum displacement and yield its minimum wake for those watersports that benefit from smoother water

Maximizing the mass of a wakeboat is more nebulous. Some things are obvious, such as a full fuel tank and full ballast compartments. But “maximum mass” is where the aforementioned variables come into play, and where the industry frustration has originated.

Consider the following scenario: A wakeboat operator invites a group of eight adult friends for a day of wakesports. They maximize their ballast to obtain the largest possible wake, and find the resulting wake to be quite desireable. The wakeboat operator notes the ballast settings of this desireable, “maximum” wake so that it can be duplicated at some future time.

Encouraged by this success, the wakeboat operator takes his spouse and two small children out the next day to duplicate this desireable “maximum” wake. The operator duplicates the ballast settings of the day before. Unfortunately, the result is underwhelming; the wake is a different size, a different shape, and entirely unsatisfactory for their intended purpose.

What to do? The ballast is already maximized. The settings are identical. The reasonable expectation that “If the settings are the same, the wake will be the same” has instead led to disappointment and embarrassment in front of his family.

In this scenario, the problem is that the (displayed) settings do not incorporate the variable mass of the passengers. On the first day, the cumulative mass of nine adults could be 1200-1600 pounds. But on the second day, the cumulative mass of the operator's three family members might be under 500 pounds. A change of 1000 pounds is very significant; for some wakeboats that is equivalent to losing half of the ballast. Yet the ballast indicators, and other displays, provide no insight into this fundamental problem. The operator is left frustrated, embarrassed, and angry.

It is unrealistic for a wakeboat operator to expect to duplicate a wake that benefits from 1000 extra pounds of mass when that extra mass is absent. However, it is also unrealistic (and commercially detrimental) to restrict a wakeboat to only produce the wakes that are “always possible” regardless of variable conditions. A given wakeboat may have a wide range potential range of performance; the entirety of that potential may not always be achievable at any given moment, but all of that potential should be made available if conditions allow.

Similarly, just because a given maximum potential is available does not mean that maximum is always desired. For example, a maximum possible wake may be desireable when the operator or other adult is participating in wakesports behind the boat. In contrast, a much smaller wake may be necessary (should a child wish to begin learning a watersport on that same day) or desireable (if the activity changes to a low-wake watersport such as the aforementioned waterskiing).

From the above, it is clear that there are three relevant parameters: 1) The maximum potential performance range of the wakeboat, defined by its minimum and maximum performance levels; 2) the performance range that is presently available given current conditions; and 3) the actual performance level within that range that is presently selected.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods to clearly and concisely communicate these parameters to the wakeboat operator. This helps make the operator aware of the total potential range available under the right conditions, the potential range available at the moment, and the potential level within the latter range that the operator's choice of settings now establishes. In turn, various embodiments thus assist the operator in optimizing the performance of the wakeboat under present conditions, and inform the operator that the wakeboat may be capable of delivering different performance under different conditions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wakeboat 10 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The wakeboat 10 includes a system 12 to measure parameters of the wakeboat 10, to adjust the amount of wake generated, for receiving inputs from an operator of the wakeboat 10, and to display information for the operator of the wakeboat 10 concerning operation of the wakeboat. Wakeboat 10 also comprises an engine 14 to power the wakeboat, and optionally a number of hydrofoils, trim tabs/plates, water diverters, or other hydrodynamic control surfaces 170 which can selectively change the effective mass of the wakeboat as it moves in water.

As shown in FIG. 2, system 12 includes a controller 100. In some embodiments, the controller 100 includes processing circuitry such as microprocessors, logic, memories, programmable gate arrays or other field-configurable devices, and other digital electronic components. Such processing circuitry may also include analog circuitry including amplifiers, filters, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, and related components.

In some embodiments, the controller 100 includes electromechanical devices such as relays or their solid-state equivalents, switches, potentiometers, and similar components. In some embodiments, the controller 100 further includes power supply and conditioning components and connectors for various cables and memory devices.

Analog or digital inputs may be configured with the processing circuitry of controller 100 to allow various parameters to be monitored.

In some embodiments, controller 100 also includes one or more wireless interfaces 155 to communicate wirelessly with other components, systems, or subsystems whether permanently on board the watercraft or temporarily present.

Such wireless communications could be with portable electronic devices such as cellphones or tablets to enable passengers to interact with controller 100 in various ways. As just one example, some embodiments of the present disclosure allow controller 100 to use wireless interface(s) 155 transmit wakeboat configuration data to handheld devices. Some embodiments also support the reception by controller 100, using wireless interface(s) 155, of wakeboat configuration data from personal electronic devices. One application for this latter ability allows passengers to bring their preferred configuration along with them when visiting a friend's wakeboat, easily transferring that data to controller 100 instead of requiring the passenger or the wakeboat operator to manually type in the information.

Controller 100 may interact with some or all of the various other components, systems, and subsystems of system 12, if and when present on the wakeboat 10. System 12 selectively comprises any quantity of any of the following: hull sensors 110 such as draft, velocity, depth of water below the hull, heading, bearing, and angles of roll/pitch/yaw; ballast systems 120 for increasing or decreasing mass on the wakeboat 10; actuators 130 run by electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, or other power sources; operator outputs 140 such as analog and digital gauges, graphical screens, indicators, lights, and acoustic transducers; operator inputs 150 such as touchscreens, switches, buttons, and knobs; wireless interfaces 155; hydrodynamic control surfaces 170; watercraft mass sensors 180; engine 14 and associated parameters such as RPM, temperatures, pressures, control settings such as throttle percentage, and fuel flow rates; and fuel, water, and other fluid level sensors 195.

Any number of these components and subsystems may have unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange with controller 100 as appropriate to the specific application. Thus, as just one example, control surface(s) 170 may accept data from controller 100 for parameters such as deployment and/or (re)positioning, and may send data to controller 100 to report parameters such as angle of deployment, pressure, and temperature. Likewise, ballast systems 120 may accept data from controller 100 to control filling and draining of ballast compartments, and may send data to controller 100 to report parameters such as amounts of ballast in various ballast compartments, flow rates, and other pertinent information.

In implementing certain embodiments of the present disclosure, controller 100 receives information from the various sensors, subsystems, and components. Controller 100 processes this information and selectively takes action to display information, send information or instructions to other subsystems and components, accept information and instruction from the operator of the wakeboat, and other operations as suited to the specifics of the application.

FIG. 3 illustrates an information display used in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Graph 200 shows the full range of wave/wake potential that is available from this wakeboat 10, from Minimum Potential 210 to Maximum Potential 220. Graph 200 and the associated elements described herein could be presented, for example, on operator outputs 140 of FIG. 2 as part of a graphical screen, an array of discrete visual/audible/tactile indicators, an analog gauge, or other representation appropriate to the specific application.

Continuing with FIG. 3, controller 100 is configured to let Minimum Potential 210 on graph 200 represent minimum wakeboat mass, which yields minimum displacement and thus the smallest wake. In some embodiments, Minimum Potential 210 would also include the effects of any displacement-offsetting accessories such as control surfaces 170 when deployed in that manner.

Controller 100 is also configured to let Maximum Potential 220 on graph 200 represent the maximum recommended mass for a given wakeboat including maximum passenger load, maximum ballast load, maximum fuel load, maximum equipment load, maximum additional semi-permanent ballast load, maximum “equivalent ballast” from displacement-enhancing control surfaces, and so forth. The specific definition of this value may vary, but a typical limit might be the amount of mass beyond which safe operation of the wakeboat 10 cannot be assured. In some embodiments, this maximum mass is set by the manufacturer of the wakeboat 10, and cannot be changed by the operator. In other embodiments, the maximum mass may be changed either automatically by controller 100, or manually by operators and/or service personnel, in response to changing conditions.

Controller 100 uses Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 to reflect the maximum available wave/wake potential under present conditions. While Maximum Potential 220 yields the largest wave or wake, as revealed in the above scenario a wakeboat cannot always achieve its maximum displacement even when its ballast, control surfaces, and other displacement-enhancing tools are fully deployed. In such situations, controller 100 will position Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 somewhat below Maximum Potential 220 and inform the operator not only of the performance that is presently available, but that even more potential is available from the wakeboat if suitable changes were to be made.

An example using specific numbers will now be provided, by way of example only. Consider a wakeboat whose minimum operational mass is 4000 pounds, equipped with a ballast system that can bring aboard an additional 2000 pounds. Presuming for this example that the manufacturer recommends that the maximum safe mass of the wakeboat is 8500 pounds, then up to 2500 pounds of cargo can be carried in addition to the basic 4000 pounds plus 2000 pounds of ballast.

In this example, controller 100 uses, for example, Minimum Potential 210 to represent 4000 pounds and Maximum Potential 220 to represent 8500 pounds. The range between Minimum Potential 210 and Maximum Potential 220 is thus 4500 pounds. Controller 100 is configured with a ballast range of 0 to 2000 pounds, meaning that selective use of the ballast could optionally add mass in that range to the mass of the wakeboat.

Continuing with this example, in a quiescent state with ballast drained, Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 could indicate roughly 44% of full scale. (2000 pounds of optional ballast is 44% of the 4500 pounds represented by the full dynamic range of graph 200 in this example.)

This 44% indication by Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 represents the maximum potential displacement of the wakeboat—not what the wakeboat might be actually displacing at that moment. Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 informs the operator of what is possible.

Next, presume that fuel is added. Fuel has mass and adds weight. If 300 pounds of fuel were added, controller 100 becomes aware of that in a variety of ways, in various embodiments, directly via a level sensor 200 of FIG. 2 associated with the fuel tank; indirectly via a vessel mass sensor 180 or a hull draft sensor 110, both of FIG. 2; or any other technique that suits the specifics of the application.

Upon becoming aware of the additional fuel, controller 100 can recalculate the mass of the wakeboat as now being 2300 pounds out of 4500, or 51%, and Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 would move accordingly. Again, Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 represents the maximum potential displacement of the wakeboat (fixed mass of 4000, plus the added fuel of 300, plus up to 2000 pounds of ballast, for example). Since 300 pounds of fuel have been added, the maximum potential displacement has moved from 44% to 51% of the full scale shown by graph 200.

At some point in time, passengers board the wakeboat. In keeping with the example earlier herein, presume the operator and eight adult friends are on board. If the adults average 175 pounds each, this adds another 1575 pounds of mass. This change can be communicated to controller 100 in any suitable fashion, including but not limited to indirect sensing (such as a hull draft sensor 110 of FIG. 2 since increased mass increases displacement, which in turn increases hull draft); direct sensing (a vessel mass sensor 180 of FIG. 2); operator manual entry via operator inputs 150 of FIG. 2; or any other technique that suits the specifics of the application.

With 2000 pounds of optional ballast, plus 300 pounds of fuel, plus 1575 pounds of passengers, controller 100 repositions Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 to roughly 86% of full scale to represent the 3875 total pounds, both present and optional, above the wakeboat's minimum operational mass as indicated by Minimum Potential 210. (Once more: 1875 of those pounds are already present, and another 2000 pounds can be optionally added via the ballast system, so the total amount of mass available is 86% of the maximum, or 3875 pounds.)

By observing the display of this embodiment of the present disclosure, the operator can immediately see that 1) more than three quarters of the wakeboat's potential performance is available given present conditions, and 2) there is still untapped performance which could be realized if Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 were brought up to Maximum Potential 220 by the addition of more mass.

Thus, in various embodiments, operators no longer need wonder how much of their wakeboat's potential they have access to, nor how much untapped potential might be available, nor how to reach that untapped potential. System 12 makes all of that information immediately available so the operator can make informed decisions about its safe and optimal operation.

Various embodiments also provide enhanced safety. Too often, operators blindly add more and more ballast (in the form of accessory ballast bags, weights of lead or other metals, and the like) as they seek maximum performance from their wakeboat. Lacking any indication of where they actually are in the operational envelope of the wakeboat in question, excessive ballast can quickly lead to a dangerous overweight situation. Some embodiments of the present disclosure enable operators to know when their wakeboat has untapped potential, and to know when they have added sufficient (but not dangerously excessive) additional ballast to reach that potential.

Some embodiments also selectively warn the operator when the total mass or the angle of hull rotation, as measured by hull sensors 110, reaches or exceeds safety limits. Some embodiments can selectively and automatically adjust ballast systems 120 or actuators 130 or control surface(s) 170 alone or in combination to keep the hull rotation or total mass within safety limits. In some embodiments the operator is given the option to acknowledge and override such warnings and adjustments, preserving the operator's ability to make the final—but informed—decision.

Continuing with the earlier example, presume the operator and the operator's family use the wakeboat 10 on a subsequent day. Presuming fuel and all else are equal, passenger mass might drop from 1575to (175 operator+150 spouse+75 child+75 child=) 475 pounds. Mass above Minimum Potential 210 is thus (2000 optional ballast+300 fuel+475 passengers=) 2775 pounds, which is 62% of graph 200's full dynamic range of 4500 pounds. Controller 100 positions Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 to 62% with the family instead of 86% with the nine adult friends of the day before.

Recall that the operator was left confused, embarrassed, and angry that the previous day's settings did not yield an identical wave or wake behind the wakeboat for the family outing. But with suitable embodiments of the present disclosure, it is immediately clear that while the group of adults allowed the wakeboat to realize 86% of its potential, the reduced mass of the family allows the wakeboat to realize just 62% of its potential. The operator is no longer lost in an absence of information, and can make informed decisions.

Should the operator truly wish to duplicate the maximum potential of the earlier day, various embodiments of the present disclosure make that straightforward as well. No longer is it a question of how much additional ballast to add, or whether doing so has created a dangerous situation. System 12 provides an immediate indication of the conditions aboard the wakeboat 10; adding mass to bring Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 to the same 86% as the earlier day substitutes for the missing mass of the adult friends.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure. Graph 200, Minimum Potential 210, Maximum Potential 220, and Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 from FIG. 3 are present. Current Performance Indicator 310 represents the presently configured performance level of the wakeboat.

As described earlier, Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 informs the operator of the maximum potential of the wakeboat. This leaves open the question of how the wakeboat is actually configured within the range between Minimum Potential 210 and Highest Available Potential Indicator 230.

In the above examples, Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 indicated 86% and 55% of the full scale of graph 200. No indication was provided of where the wakeboat was presently configured within that available potential. In FIG. 4, Current Performance Indicator 310 fills this need.

Continuing with an earlier example for familiarity, the adult group yielded an available potential 230 of 86%, derived from 1575 pounds of passengers, 300 pounds of fuel, and (up to) 2000 pounds of (optional) ballast. But unless ballast is added, the actual mass above Minimum Potential 210 is actually (1575+300=) 1875 pounds.

FIG. 4 makes this information available to the operator. Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 indicates 86% of the wakeboat's maximum potential could be available. But Current Performance Indicator 310 indicates the actual, present condition: 42%, which is 1875 pounds out of the full scale 4500 pound dynamic range of graph 200.

If the operator were to begin filling the ballast compartments, controller 100 would begin to reposition Current Performance Indicator 310 upward, indicating the increasing present performance that results from increased wakeboat mass. If 1000 pounds of ballast were added, Current Performance Indicator 310 would rise from its earlier 42% to 64% (1575+300+1000=2875 out of 4500 pounds full scale). Note, however, that filling the ballast would not change Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 because its reading already incorporates the potential mass of the optional ballast, whether that ballast is onboard or not.

Consider what would happen if the ballast were filled to its capacity of 2000 pounds: Current Performance Indicator 310 would rise to 86%. Current Performance Indicator 310 would then be equal to Highest Available Potential Indicator 230, as expected since the entire available performance of the wakeboat is being realized.

As the above scenario illustrates, this embodiment of the present disclosure solves the problem of operator confusion and lack of information with respect to a wakeboat's 1) available potential and 2) present performance. Wakeboat operation and safety are thus dramatically enhanced.

But this embodiment's advantages do not stop with just maximizing performance. This embodiment also solves the problem of duplicating midrange performance levels, even under changing conditions.

Resuming with the family scenario of two adults and two children: Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 showed 62% (derived from 2000 optional ballast+300 fuel+475 passengers). At the start, with ballast empty, Current Performance Indicator 310 would indicate 17% (300+475=775 out of 4500 full scale). To realize the available potential of 62%, the ballast could be filled to add 2000 pounds and raise the mass to (2000+300+475=) 2775pounds. That figure is 62% of the full scale 4500 pounds, and (predictably) matches the 62% of Highest Available Potential Indicator 230.

Sometimes, as noted earlier, the goal is not always to maximize the size of the wake. Sometimes reduced performance is actually preferable, as for activities that benefit from a minimal wake such as waterskiing or tubing, or when beginners can benefit from a less extreme learning environment.

Starting at the 17% present performance level in the family scenario noted above, the operator could add a subset of total ballast capacity—say, 25% or 500 pounds—as a starting point for a beginner. Current Performance Indicator 310 would then move to 28% (500+300+475=1275out of 4500). A few tweaks later, as the wave or wake was “dialed in” to suit the preferences and advancements of the beginner, Current Performance Indicator 310 might report 45%. That 45% performance value could then be duplicated during future sessions, replicating the conditions that the beginning participant last experienced.

Even more striking is that suitable embodiments of the present disclosure enable that 45% to be duplicated with wildly different conditions. Consider the original example of nine adults, a very different mass/displacement situation from the family scenario. Without ballast, Current Performance Indicator 310 reported 42%. By adding a small amount of ballast, the operator can accurately duplicate the 45% performance level from the family scenario—with an entirely different passenger environment. Far less ballast is required, of course, due to the increased “human ballast” aboard the wakeboat. But without system 12, the operator remains stranded in today's situation: Blind experimentation that usually ends in failure, frustration, and embarrassment.

A further enhancement, provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure, is the ability of controller 100 to store the value represented by Current

Performance Indicator 310 in a configuration memory 105 and later recall it for automated or semi-automated duplication. While the operator may at times prefer to “dial in” the wakeboat's performance manually, it is often convenient to recall a previously stored configuration and let controller 100 adjust the various parameters of the wakeboat to restore that configuration. Considering the many variables involved including passenger count and weight, fuel load, and ballast amounts—and how those may all be different on different days, or even at different times of the same day—allowing controller 100 to restore a previous value represented by Current Performance Indicator 310 via selective manipulation of the associated wakeboat parameters can significantly reduce the workload on the wakeboat operator.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may store the value represented by Current Performance Indicator 310 in configuration memory 105 together with many other configurable aspects of the wakeboat's operation including but not limited to control surface parameters, and/or hull speed, Such memorized configurations may be identified by a configurable identifier which can be the name of the individual preferring those settings (“John”, “Mary”, etc.), the name of the activity for which those settings are intended (“wakesurfing”, “slalom”, etc.), or other mnemonics suitable to the specific application.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, system 12 can selectively add or remove ballast automatically to maintain a target performance level. For example, as one wakesports participant re-enters the wakeboat 10 and is replaced by another, controller 100 can compensate for the difference in their body masses. Other changes that affect vessel mass, such as fuel consumption or the addition or departure of passengers, can also be accommodated automatically.

A further advantage of various embodiments is the ability to determine that a given performance level is not achievable under present conditions. In the adult passenger scenario above, the lowest possible performance level (all nine adults aboard, no ballast) was 42%. If the operator knew of a desireable wave or wake that required, say, the 30% performance level, the operator would know immediately that a 30% performance level was unachievable given the present passenger loading. Instead of being condemned to today's process of duplicating ballast settings, control surface settings, and the like in a vain attempt to achieve the unachievable, various embodiments of the present disclosure reports the situation and the operator can make an informed decision (perhaps temporarily dropping off 1-2adult participants to reduce mass).

This advantage holds true at the top end of the operating envelope as well. If a desireable wave or wake requires a 85% performance level, suitable embodiments of the present disclosure make it clear to the operator that, in the family scenario above, an 85% performance level is not achievable (because Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 indicates 62%). Likewise, in the adult scenario with its 86% available performance, the operator would know that an 85% performance level is indeed within the available performance range.

Thus, various embodiments provide accurate measurement and duplication of waves and wakes at every performance level.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further display configuration, as realized by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Graph 200, Minimum Potential 210, Maximum Potential 220, and Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 from FIG. 3 are present, as is Current Performance Indicator 310 from FIG. 4.

As explained above, available potential indicator 230 reflects the maximum available performance given present conditions. However, the amount of transient mass (such as passengers, fuel, or equipment) may also impose a minimum available performance that is greater than Minimum Potential 210.

In the adult passenger examples above, the wakeboat's minimum operational mass is 4000 pounds as represented by Minimum Potential 210. When nine adults and 300 pounds of fuel are added, the minimum mass increases to (4000+300+1575=) 5875 pounds and Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 moves to 42% on graph 200.

As in the examples above, ballast and control surfaces and other features may be used to change the effective mass, but there may be no way to reduce the effective mass of the wakeboat below this 42% figure. In that case, the dynamic range for effective wakeboat mass will be limited not only by the value represented by Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 on the top end, but also by this minimum value imposed on the bottom end. In other words, the loading of the wakeboat may make it impossible to achieve a present performance level below the baseline value.

FIG. 5 illustrates how some embodiments of the present disclosure can display this information to the operator. Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410 reflects the lowest performance level attainable by the wakeboat given its present conditions.

In the above adult passenger example, Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410 would move to 42%. Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 would represent 86%. Current Performance Indicator 310 would start at the same 42% as Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410, then rise and fall as ballast and control surfaces and other features are adjusted. In some embodiments, the movement range of Current Performance Indicator 310 would be bounded by Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 and Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410, because those respectively indicate the maximum and minimum wakeboat mass available under present conditions.

By way of review, upon the addition of fuel, controller 100 would adjust Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410 upward just as Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 would be adjusted upward. Both levels, and thus both indicators, are affected by the maximum potential mass of the wakeboat. The addition of fuel increases the mass, and thus raises the highest available potential level (e.g. the highest potential can be greater than before the fuel was added) and also raises the lowest available potential level (e.g. the lowest potential cannot descend as low as before the fuel mass was added). This can be thought of as a “shift” in the available peformance range of the wakeboat.

Current Performance Indicator 310 also reflects the increased mass of the added fuel. If the wakeboat operator (or controller 100 if in an automated mode of operation) wishes to maintain the previous wake performance level (and thus move Current Performance Indicator 310 back to its previous value), an equivalent amount of mass must be removed to offset the mass of the fuel—perhaps using ballast system(s) 120 if ballast is present, or by adjustments to control surfaces 170 to offset the new mass when the hull is moving in water. Such an adjustment would allow the potential performance range to shift without affecting the present performance level.

This scenario highlights a distinction between the types of mass that can affect the performance of the wakeboat. Changes to “fixed” masses, such as the mass of the wakeboat itself and passengers and fuel and equipment, shift the range of wake performance that is available. Changes to “variable” masses, such as ballast system(s) 120 and the effects of control surface(s) 170, move the present performance level (and thus Current Performance Indicator 310) between the minimum available potential (indicated by Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410) and the maximum available potential (indicated by Highest Available Potential Indicator 230).

The nomenclature of “fixed” and “variable” masses is used herein solely to reflect their relative variability. Masses such as the number and constituency of passengers, the amount of fuel, etc. can be changed but are not as easily varied as other masses such as ballast amounts and control surfaces. Herein, “fixed” comprises less conveniently variable masses while “variable” comprises more easily altered masses (or easily altered characteristics which modify the effective mass of the wakeboat, such as control surfaces 170).

In some embodiments, controller 100 distinguishes changes to the different types of mass based on which sensor(s) were, or were not, affected. Continuing with the above examples, the addition of fuel would affect fuel fluid level sensor 195 but not sensors in ballast system(s) 120. In contrast, changes in ballast system(s) 120 would not affect fuel fluid level sensor 195. Change to passenger or equipment load would affect mass sensor(s) 180 and/or hull sensors 110 but not fuel fluid level sensor 195 nor sensors in ballast system(s) 120.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure thus quickly and clearly inform the operator of the performance characteristics of the wakeboat. With a glance, the operator can see 1) the wakeboat's complete range of performance; 2) the performance range available at this time; 3) the present performance level; and 4) what performance adjustments are possible given the present performance level and the boundaries established by the highest and lowest available performance indicators.

The graphical techniques shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are not the only graphical techniques by which various embodiments of the present disclosure can illustrate information. FIG. 6 shows another approach employed by some embodiments, using superimposed bargraphs.

In FIG. 6, the overall performance range delineated by minimum performance indicator 210 and maximum performance indicator 220 is shown as a bargraph. Superimposed is an available performance bargraph, delineated by Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 and Lowest Available Potential Indicator 410. Superimposed over both is a line representing Current Performance Indicator 310.

In operation, the available performance bargraph can lengthen and shorten, and move up and down, with respect to the overall performance bargraph. Likewise, Current Performance Indicator 310 can move within the present boundaries of the available performance bargraph.

The result is a concise representation of data, requiring just a quick glance by the operator to fully understand the present operating conditions of the wakeboat.

Other graphical representations are, of course, possible and various embodiments of the present disclosure can make them available as desired by the manufacturer and/or the operator. While FIGS. 3-6 show information in linear layouts, the same information can be conveyed in other manners.

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of wakeboat operator input and output systems including displays of potential and actual performance. The display of FIG. 7 is a touchscreen, in some embodiments, and includes indication (output) and control (input) of parameters such as hull pitch angle, hull roll angle, control surface settings, vessel velocity, and so forth. The center of this display includes Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 (labeled “POTENTIAL”) and Current Performance Indicator 310 (labeled “ACTUAL”). In some embodiments, operator adjustment of the present performance level can be effected via touching and dragging Current Performance Indicator 310 to the desired level. In other embodiments, the present performance level can be modified using the “+” and “−” arrows at the bottom of the touchscreen display. Some embodiments of the present disclosure enable the use of multiple operator input techniques so any combination of the above, or additional, approaches may be supported.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a wakeboat operator input and output system including displays of potential and actual performance. This display includes Maximum Potential 220 (labeled “MAX”) with a range of up to 1000. Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 is shown as having a present value of 400; in this embodiment the scale of numbers on the left of the bargraph changes, within the limit set by Maximum Potential 220, as the highest and lowest available potential varies. Current Performance Indicator 310 reflects a present performance level of 100; this value is also shown digitally at the top of the display together with the label “Wake Amplitude” to help some operators better understand the information being conveyed. In some embodiments, the up and down arrows (in this example at the top of the display) can be activated by the operator to increase or decrease the present performance level, which would then be indicated by a corresponding change in Current Performance Indicator 310 (and the digital representation).

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are just two examples of how some embodiments of the present disclosure can communicate information to an operator and accept input from an operator. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are not meant to be limiting or restrictive; a wide variety of input and output techniques are employed by various embodiments as suitable for the needs of each particular application.

Warning thresholds are included in some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, if the mass of the wakeboat reaches certain levels, controller 100 can alert the operator. Some embodiments allow, or even require, acknowledgement of such warnings by the operator to insure notification has occurred.

Some embodiments notify the operator of environmental conditions that affect the wake performance of the wakeboat. As just one example, water below the hull being too shallow can adversely affect the wake size that can be obtained irrespective of the mass of the wakeboat itself. In some embodiments, controller 100 can detect shallow water using a water depth hull sensor 110 and selectively notify the operator that performance will be affected until the wakeboat is moved to deeper water. Some embodiments may also adjust the various indicators herein described to reflect the impact of the shallow water upon the available and/or present performance of the wakeboat.

Different embodiments of the present disclosure can opt to use different names, or labels, for the elements of graph 200. Some embodiments omit alphanumeric “names” and use symbols instead. Some embodiments allow different languages or other symbology options, selected by the manufacturer and/or the operator. A variety of labeling choices are possible depending upon the specific application.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can communicate wakeboat performance information in a variety of ways. As just some examples, the information can be communicated via numeric displays representing percentages, pounds/kilograms or other units of measure, draft distances, or any other values suitable to the application. The information can be communicated via arrays of discrete indicators. Some embodiments use polychromatic indicators whose changing colors convey the data, or acoustic or tactile indications so the eyes of the operator need not be distracted.

Some embodiments incorporate the display of this information into other instruments or displays aboard the wakeboat, such as fixed or handheld screens or gauges that are also used for other purposes. Some embodiments also support the wireless transmission and/or reception of such information, as noted earlier herein.

Some embodiments take advantage of the measurement of wakeboat mass and apply it advantageously to various aspects of wakeboat operation. As just one example of the many ways this capability can be employed, the operation of control surface(s) 170 can be optimized based on the value represented by Current Performance Indicator 310 (which represents present wakeboat mass). Control surfaces are often used to assist an accelerating hull to transition from displacement mode to planing mode (often referred to as “getting on plane” or “planing out”). This transition is greatly affected by the wakeboat's mass; a more massive condition may require more extensive reposition of control surface(s) 170. In contrast, a more lightly loaded hull may require less assistance thus minimizing the time necessary for the temporary repositioning of control surface(s) 170.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate additional criteria about the wakeboat. For example, engine power may be incorporated into the display. There is a wide range of engine options available to wakeboat manufacturers and, thus, to their customers. While more powerful engines are generally more expensive, that additional power may also make it possible to operate the wakeboat with larger amounts of ballast. A given wakeboat hull may have a different maximum amount of acceptable ballast, and display its Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 differently, based upon the engine installed in a particular hull.

If a larger engine is installed in a particular hull, the manufacturer may also opt to increase the size of the ballast compartments (since the larger engine's increased power enables that particular wakeboat to handle the increased wakeboat mass). The result is a wakeboat with greater potential performance, due to the overall increase in mass, which is in turn enabled by the greater power available from the larger engine. Some embodiments of the present disclosure adjust the display of the Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 to reflect the increase in engine power and/or ballast compartment capacity.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure support the ability to adjust parameters, such as engine power and ballast compartment capacity, both at time of manufacture and at later times. For example, when a wakeboat's engine is replaced, sometimes a larger engine is installed in its place. Suitable embodiments of the present disclosure allow for information regarding the engine to be updated so controller 100 can incorporate such changes into its operation and the information that is displayed to the operator of the wakeboat.

This ability to accommodate post-manufacturing updates is not limited to engine power. It is common for wakeboat owners to increase ballast capacity by installing additional ballast compartments, or by installing larger ballast compartments in place of the original ballast compartments. Some embodiments of the present disclosure allow controller 100 to be informed of such changes, again so controller 100 can incorporate them into its operation and the information that is displayed to the operator of the wakeboat.

Some embodiments may alert the wakeboat operator to optional improvements based upon criteria such as engine power and ballast capacity. For example, if the installed engine can successfully operate the hull with more mass than the installed ballast compartments can accommodate, controller 100 may selectively inform the wakeboat operator of the advantages of upgrading the ballast capacity. This feature of some embodiments can be an advantage for both the operator (who may obtain greater performance from his wakeboat) and the manufacturer (who may enjoy additional revenue resulting from such an upgrade).

Some embodiments may alert the wakeboat operator to potential limitations of the wakeboat's present configuration. As noted earlier, excessive mass can pose outright safety hazards; but there may be amounts of mass that, while within the safety envelope of the hull in question, are still too much for the installed engine to properly accommodate. Some embodiments may thus adjust their Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 to reflect the maximum amount of ballast supported by the presently installed engine. Some embodiments may also selectively alert the operator to this adjustment, so the operator knows that it is the engine that is limiting the operational mass.

Since engine size, ballast capacity, and other criteria are so central to the performance of a wakeboat, some embodiments of the present invention include a selection feature that allows possible buyers the ability to select various options and have controller 100 display their effects on the potential of a wakeboat so configured. Wakeboats are an expensive purchase, and thus it is common to evaluate them with an on-water demonstration, generally accompanied by a representative of a wakeboat dealer. The representative can assist a possible buyer by selecting combinations of options, with controller 100 adjusting the Highest Available Potential Indicator 230 as various options are selected, deselected, and combined.

This feature of some embodiments can be a powerful sales tool. It can be financially impractical for a wakeboat dealer to have demonstration wakeboats on hand with every possible configuration of options. But after spending a short time in a single demonstration wakeboat, and becoming familiar with its performance as indicated by Highest Available Potential Indicator 230, a possible buyer can then visualize the changes in performance that would result with the addition or deletion of various options.

For example, having become familiar with the performance of a demonstration wakeboat, a possible buyer could be shown the increase in performance that would be available with a configuration incorporating an engine upgrade. Conversely, a more budget minded buyer could be shown the performance reduction that would result from dropping to a less expensive, less powerful engine.

Extending the earlier ballast capacity examples, a budget minded buyer could also be shown the performance that would be available with a smaller, “starter” ballast package that would reduce their initial purchase price—but also be shown the future performance of that same wakeboat with a ballast upgrade that could be added later when the buyer's finances make that possible. Some marine engines offer a performance package that can be retrofitted to existing engines, and this too can be viewed and considered by possible buyers as part of their purchase decision. Such “future proofing” of so large an investment can be a significant enticement to favor one brand of wakeboat over others, and engender goodwill and positive public relations for the manufacturer.

The aforementioned features of some embodiments can help a possible buyer to make an informed choice. Likewise, the dealer and manufacturer can increase sales of options and upgrades at the time of initial sale and/or afterward. The mental awareness that their wakeboat still has untapped potential, as selectively displayed by the some embodiments of the present disclosure during demonstrations and/or during normal operation after purchase, encourages brand loyalty and repeat purchases on the part of the wakeboat owner and operator.

In compliance with the patent statutes, the subject matter disclosed herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. However, the scope of protection sought is to be limited only by the following claims, given their broadest possible interpretations. Such claims are not to be limited by the specific features shown and described above, as the description above only discloses example embodiments.

Claims

1. A wakeboat that creates a wake, the performance level of the wake varying depending upon the mass of the wakeboat, the wakeboat comprising: a hull;an engine supported by the hull;a controller supported by the hull;a processor coupled to the controller;a memory coupled to the processor;a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat, the controller being coupled to the sensor and being configured to receive data from the sensor, the controller being configured to derive the present mass of the wakeboat from said sensor data, the controller being configured to determine the present wake performance level of the wakeboat based on the present mass of the wakeboat; anda display coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to use the display to indicate the present wake performance level of the wakeboat.

2. The wakeboat of claim 1 wherein the wakeboat further comprises a ballast system supported by the hull, the ballast system being configured to selectively change the mass of the wakeboat.

3. The wakeboat of claim 2 wherein the wakeboat further comprises a hydrodynamic control surface, the hydrodynamic control surface selectively changing the effect of the mass of the wakeboat on the wake performance level while the hull is in motion in water, the controller including the effect of the hydrodynamic control surface in the determination of the present wake performance level of the wakeboat.

4. The wakeboat of claim 3 wherein the controller selectively stores in the memory a stored wake performance level, the controller selectively retrieving the stored wake performance level from the memory and configuring at least one of the engine, the ballast system, and the hydrodynamic control surface.

5. The wakeboat of claim 3 further comprising a safety value in the controller, wherein the controller selectively configures at least one of the engine, the ballast system, and the hydrodynamic control surface to prevent the wakeboat from exceeding the safety value.

6. The wakeboat of claim 1 wherein the sensor is a draft sensor configured to measure the depth of the hull of the wakeboat when the wakeboat is in water.

7. The wakeboat of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to determine the minimum available potential mass of the wakeboat and the maximum available potential mass of the wakeboat, the controller further configured to use the display to indicate said potentials.

8. The wakeboat of claim 7 wherein the controller can selectively indicate, using the display, the effects on the maximum available potential and minimum available potential which would result from a change in the mass of the wakeboat.

9. A wakeboat configured to create a wake, the wake having a performance level varying depending upon the mass of the wakeboat, the wakeboat comprising: a hull;an engine supported by the hull;a controller supported by the hull;a processor coupled to the controller;a memory coupled to the processor;a ballast system supported by the hull, the ballast system being configured to selectively change the mass of the wakeboat;a hydrodynamic control surface, the hydrodynamic control surface selectively changing the effect of the mass of the wakeboat on the wake performance level while the hull is in motion in water;a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat, the controller being coupled to the sensor and being configured to receive data from the sensor, the controller being configured to derive the present mass of the wakeboat from said sensor data, the controller being configured to determine the present wake performance level of the wakeboat based on the present mass of the wakeboat and the effect of the hydrodynamic control surface on the present mass of the wakeboat; anda display coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to use the display to indicate the present wake performance level of the wakeboat.

10. The wakeboat of claim 9 wherein the ballast system comprises a ballast tank that is selectively fillable with water, using the controller, to adjust the mass of the ballast tank, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine the maximum potential mass of the wakeboat based on, at least in part, the present mass of the wakeboat and the mass of the ballast tank if full, the controller further configured to use the display to indicate said maximum potential mass.

11. A method of indicating a wake performance level of a wakeboat that creates a wake, the wake performance level varying depending upon the mass of the wakeboat, the wakeboat having a hull and an engine supported by the hull, the method comprising: providing a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat;providing a display configured to indicate a wake performance level of the wakeboat;deriving mass of the wakeboat, using the sensor;determining the wake performance level of the wakeboat based on the mass of the wakeboat; andindicating the wake performance level of the wakeboat, using the display.

12. The method of claim 11 and further comprising providing a ballast system supported by the hull, the ballast system being configured to selectively change the mass, and to therefore affect the wake performance level, of the wakeboat.

13. The method of claim 11 and further comprising providing a hydrodynamic control surface, the hydrodynamic control surface being configured to selectively change the effect of the mass of the wakeboat on the wake performance level when the hull is in motion in water, and the method further comprising including the effect of the hydrodynamic control surface in the determination of the wake performance level of the wakeboat.

14. The method of claim 13 and further comprising providing a memory configured to store a wake performance level, the method further comprising using the stored wake performance level to control at least one of the engine, the ballast system, and the hydrodynamic control surface to recreate the wake performance level.

15. The method of claim 13 and further comprising storing a maximum safe performance level value, the method further comprising configuring at least one of the engine, the ballast system, and the hydrodynamic control surface to prevent the wakeboat from exceeding the maximum safe performance level value.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the sensor is a draft sensor configured to measure the depth of the hull of the wakeboat in water when the wakeboat is in water.

17. The method of claim 11 and further comprising determining the minimum available potential mass of the wakeboat and the maximum available potential mass of the wakeboat, the method further comprising indicating the minimum available potential mass and indicating maximum available potential mass using the display.

18. The method of claim 17 and further comprising selectively indicating, using the display, the effects on the maximum available potential and minimum available potential which would result from a change in the mass of the wakeboat.

19. The method of claim 11 and further comprising providing a ballast tank that is adjustably fillable with water, the wakeboat having a mass, and the ballast tank having a mass, the method further comprising determining a maximum potential wake of the wakeboat based on, at least in part, the mass of the wakeboat, and the mass of the ballast tank if the ballast tank was full.

20. The method of claim 19 and further comprising providing a fuel tank that is selectively fillable with a variable amount of fuel, the ballast tank having a mass, the method further comprising determining the maximum potential wake of the wakeboat based on, at least in part, the mass of the wakeboat, the potential mass of the ballast tank if the ballast tank was full, and the actual mass of the fuel tank.