Patent ID: 6116176
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B63B,Y02T

Abstract:
A drag-reduction system incorporated within an inwardly stepped underside of a boat hull for reducing a degree of frictional water forces exerted upon the boat hull during travel of the boat upon a body of water, said system comprising:a plurality of spaced apart rollers which are secured between brackets at a generally aft location of the boat hull associated with the inwardly stepped underside, said rollers extending in spaced apart fashion relative to one another, a longitudinal water flow across the boat hull being experienced during movement of the hull;an elongate and planar shaped belt, said belt having an established width and defining a continuous extending and closed loop which is mounted over said plurality of spaced apart rollers, a first linearly extending location of said continuous belt being recessed within the stepped underside of the hull, a second linearly extending location of said continuous belt being in contact with said longitudinal water flow; andmeans for causing said second linearly extending location of said belt to translate in a direction consistent with the longitudinal water flow acrossthe boat hull and at a belt speed equal to or lesser than a velocity of the longitudinal water flow.