Patent ID: 9688356
Date: 2017-06-27
CPC Classifications: B60V,B63B,B64C,Y02T

Claim:
1. A watercraft for three-stage operation, in a first stage the watercraft riding in the water as a boat, in a second stage the watercraft riding on the surface of the water, and in a third stage the watercraft being in contact with the water while also traveling in ground effect above the water, the watercraft comprising: a hydro-wing being formed by a combined hull and pair of wings, the combined hull and pair of wings having a bottom surface constructed and arranged to contact the water during the first stage, and a top surface opposite the bottom surface constructed and arranged to support a cockpit, and wherein a continuous ground effect surface is formed by the bottom surface of the combined hull and the pair of wings to maintain the watercraft in ground effect during the third stage wherein the hydro-wing is spaced a distance above the water; at least a single hydrofoil supported by the hydro-wing and constructed and arranged to contact the water in stage two; a pair of outboard hydro-floats supported on the bottom surface of the hydro-wing on a port and a starboard side thereof; a pair of air rudders supported by the hydro-wing constructed and arranged to effectuate turning during the second stage of operation and the third stage of operation; at least one water rudder supported by the hull constructed and arranged to effectuate turning when the rudder is in the water; and an articulating trim arm operatively connected to an elevator control supported by the hydro-wing, the articulating trim arm remaining in contact with the water during the third stage of operation when the hydro-wing is traveling spaced above the water.