Patent ID: 6302751
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: B63B,B63H,F01L,F01N,F02B

Abstract:
A small planing watercraft, comprising:a hull extending longitudinally in fore and aft directions configured for planing above a predetermined watercraft speed;a propulsion unit carried by the hull;a high RPM-high output reciprocating piston engine located in an enclosed engine compartment in the hull and drivingly connected to the propulsion unit;said engine including an air intake system including an air intake opening;said engine also including at least one intake valve that opens and closes in timed relationship with engine rotation during engine operation;an intake valve timing control device located adjacent one end of the engine longitudinally spaced from said intake opening and configured and arranged to advance the closure of the intake valve relative to engine rotation when the watercraft is operating below a predetermined speed to thereby boost lower RPM output of the engine; andan outside air intake duct having an exit opening located in the engine compartment longitudinally spaced towards a side of the intake valve timing control device that is opposite the side thereof toward which the engine intake opening is located, whereby intake air is caused to flow over the valve timing control device enroute to the engine air intake opening during engine operation.