Patent ID: 6024042
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A RIB defined as a rigid-hull inflatable boat, comprising an inflatable tube having a general U-shape with a forward end at the bight of the U and trailing sides extending rearwardly therefrom along the legs of the U, a molded plastic hull nested within said tube and attached thereto, said hull having right and left sides extending along said tube, a transom extending between said right and left sides, a drain extending through said transom, said hull having a lower surface and an upwardly facing deck spanning between said right and left sides, said deck having a recessed channel forming a gutter channeling water to said drain, wherein:said hull lower surface is V-shape in lateral cross-section;said drain is aligned with the lower apex of the V at the bottom of said transom;and comprising three said recessed channels extending longitudinally fore to aft along said deck:a first longitudinal channel formed by a first pair of sidewalls extending between said deck and said lower surface at the lower apex of the V;a second longitudinal channel spaced rightwardly of said first channel and formed by a second pair of sidewalls extending between said deck and said lower surface;a third longitudinal channel spaced leftwardly of said first channel and formed by a third pair of sidewalls extending between said deck and said lower surface;and wherein said deck further comprises:a fourth recessed channel adjacent said transom and extending laterally from the aft end of said second channel to the aft end of said first channel, said second and fourth channels forming a gutter channeling water longitudinally rearwardly along said second channel then laterally through said fourth channel to said drain;a fifth recessed channel adjacent said transom and extending laterally from the aft end of said third channel to the aft end of said first channel, said third and fifth channels forming a gutter channeling water longitudinally rearwardly along said third channel then laterally through said fifth channel to said drain.