Patent ID: 6044788
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A water sports system for improving aerial characteristics of a performance by a performer using a water sports implement, the system comprising:a vessel behind which the performer is to be towed, the vessel including a bow, a stern, opposing starboard and port sides between the bow and the stern, and an operator station located amidships between the opposing sides;a vertical support unit fitted to the vessel at a location proximate the operator station and positioned amidships, the vertical support unit having an upper portion at a height substantially above the level of the operator station and adapted for securing a tow rope thereto;a tow rope attached to the upper portion of the vertical support unit for towing the performer therefrom;first and second ballast tanks fitted onboard at opposing locations proximate the starboard and port sides, respectively, and extending toward the stern from only aft amidships; andextracting means in fluid communication with the body of water for forcing water into the first and second ballast tanks for weighting down the vessel and controlling a wake created by the vessel.