Multihull fishing vessel and method of use

Abstract

The invention is directed to a fishing vessel and a method of menhaden fishing. The fishing vessel comprises catamaran or multi-hulled type boat or ship used as a purse boat. The fishing vessel is outfitted with a jet propulsion drive system and also has various equipment necessary for handling the purse seine, such as with an articulated crane necessary to manipulate the seine or fishing net and partially lift it out of the water, a purse winch, and a tom winch. The fishing vessel can be transported by a steamer boat and once in the fishing area is launched or it can be navigated to the fishing grounds. Once the fish are caught, the fish are unloaded from the seine or fishing net using a vacuum transfer device and stored in a refrigerated storage area on the steamer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to an improved boat design and method of fishing for menhaden fish and, more particularly, to an improved purse boat design and method of using the improved purse boat design to fish for menhaden or similar fish.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Traditional methods of menhaden fishing involve the use of purse boats that handle a purse seine, which is set around a school of menhaden. The purse boats are transported using steamers, which are directed to menhaden schools by spotters. The spotters can be in small airplanes or in the crow's nest of the steamer. For example, when a spotter in the crow's nest sights a menhaden school, the seine-setter uses a striker boat to follow the fish, indicate their position, and, finally, to support the corkline after the net is set. Once the steamer reaches the school, it blows its whistle twice to signal the fishermen to man the two purse boats, which are tied to its stern or carried on the steamer itself...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

To say the least, this is an extremely laborious task.

The range from the steamer that the monohull purse boat is able to fish is limited.

The monohull purse boat is typically less stable and more difficult to fish in rough weather, leading to unsafe working conditions for the crew.

Thus, the ability of the purse boats to operate efficiently and in unfavorable environmental conditions is an occasional requirement for successful fishing operations.

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