Marine Vessel

Abstract

A marine vessel is defined by multiple modular floatation modules, each of which is defined by a float captured in a frame. Plural floatation modules may be interconnected in a variety of configurations to vary the size and shape of the vessel. A deck is supported on the floatation modules and superstructures may be supported on the deck. The vessel is operable in a first on water mode in which the beam of the vessel is a first width, and in a second on land mode in which the beam is a second width that is narrower than the first width and preferably within the width allowable for towing on roadways. Wheels may be incorporated on the vessel in either the first or second modes or the vessel may be loaded onto a trailer. In one embodiment the vessel has wheels attached to the hull (either permanently or removably) and a trailer hitch assembly is located at the stern of the vessel so the vessel is towed stern-first when towed on land.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 079,456, filed Mar. 27, 2008, which is a nonprovisional application that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 995,627, filed Sep. 26, 2007.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates generally to marine vessels, and more particularly to a modularly designed vessel that incorporates interconnected individual floatation modules which provide floatation for the vessel and support a deck. The vessel may be loaded onto a trailer or adapted with wheels for towing behind a vehicle on a road.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There are innumerable designs and types of boats available. Boats that are of an appropriate size may be towed over the road on a trailer. The ability to trailer a boat offers many advantages and gives the boat owner many options for where they use the boat, where it is stored, etc. Indeed, one of the primary factors considere...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention comprises a marine vessel that has a hull constructed in a modular manner that allows for significant versatility in the width and length of the vessel. The structure of the hull also allows for a vessel that is very stable in the water, yet in some embodiments may be towed without special equipment or permits. The deck of the vessel may be configured to adapt many different kinds of superstructure, and in some embodiments may carry recreational vehicles such as trailers, campers and the like.

Problems solved by technology

But larger boats often cannot be towed on a trailer because the boat is either too large to meet highway towing requirements, or requires special trip permits.

Since they cannot be towed, larger boats are somewhat more limited than their smaller, towable counterparts.

As noted previously, larger vessels cannot be towed on trailers because (a) the vessels themselves are too large to be towed except by large trucks, and (b) the vessels are wider than allowable limits on highways and therefore require special permits for towing.

For many boat users, these limitations place restrictions on the size of vessel that is available.

However, the width limitations imposed by regulations (e.g., 8½ feet in width in many states) dictates the width of the boat.

This in turn directly affects the proportionate length of the boat, and more importantly, the stability of the vessel.

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