Patent ID: 6612256
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A combined boat and distressed boat flotation apparatus comprising:a boat including a boat hull having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of containers positioned to substantially surround the boat hull when inflated with a gas responsive to the boat hull being in a distressed condition so that the boat is prevented from sinking by the inflated plurality of flotation containers, the distressed condition being defined by liquid water passing through the outer surface of the boat hull into contact with the inner surface of the boat hull when the boat is positioned in a body of water; a plurality of spaced-apart moisture sensors each embedded in the boat hull to sense the distressed condition; and a distressed condition controller positioned in communication with the plurality of moisture sensors and the plurality of flotation containers to control the inflation of the plurality of flotation containers responsive to at least one of the plurality of moisture sensors sensing the distressed condition.