Patent ID: 6045420
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
In a marine vessel having a particular hull configuration including a transom and at least one engine driven surface piercing propeller positioned within a propeller tunnel formed integral with the hull of the vessel, an improvement comprising:an air induction system positioned contiguously within said propeller tunnel, said system being operative to control the timing and volume of air flow, as a function of water flow, throughout the engine's performance curve, and including a first flat uppermost surface, a second surface formed in angular relationship to said first surface and providing reverse thrust functionality, said second surface being inclined alone two angles, characterized as a first angle which inclines the surface toward the rear of the vessel and encourages propeller wash to continue past the point at which water detaches from the hull during high speed operation and a second angle which is skewed from a plane parallel to the vessel's transom for diverting the rearward propeller wash for enhanced reverse and side maneuvering, and a third angular wall surface in juxtaposition to the first surface and angularly disposed thereto to prevent the propeller from obtaining water during high speed operation, said third wall including a controlled air passageway having a particularly shaped opening to control passage of air as a function of water flow, said air passageway providing supplemental air to the front face of the propeller during both acceleration and high speed operation and further preventing the propeller from fouling with water during low speed operation, acceleration and rough sea conditions;wherein optimum engine torque and optimum engine rpm characteristics are maintained throughout the engine's performance curve.