Abstract:
A multi-purpose boat has a two angle V hull with a rounded fore-aft profile and slightly convex deck. The hull has steeply angled edge portions and shallowly angled center portions. The edge portions are sufficiently sloped away from vertical to allow the boat to be lifted and not pushed by waves. The rounded fore-aft profile allows the boat to slide over waves, especially during a beach entry. The boat includes a keel having a horizontal base and separating downward from the hull at the fore and aft of the boat to resist yawing. The dry weight of the boat is about 25 pounds with a foam core with a resin coating and the keel is preferably hollow and includes ports to allow water to enter the keel to add about 25 pounds after entering the water. Approximately four inches of freeboard is provided separating riders from cold water and predators.

Description:
The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/141,222 filed Dec. 29, 2008, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/168,147 filed Apr. 9, 2009, and of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/646,935 filed Dec. 23, 2009, which applications are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to small boats and in particular to a small multi-function boat suitable for recreational use and water rescue. 
     Known small boats are constructed with a sitting compartment which may fill with water. Such known small boats also often lack stability in rough water, and in the event of rough swells, may fill and sink, or in very cold water, may fill subjecting passengers to hypothermia. Further, beach rescue often requires passing through waves and may prove to be problematic due to difficulty in handling the small boats and may result in injury. Known small boats are also heavy and not easily carried or deployed (e.g., thrown from the deck of a larger ship into the water) by a single person. 
     Other rescue devices are known, such as flat rescue boards. Unfortunately, such rescue boards have limited utility because they have very little freeboard and a victim carried by the board may be subject to both exposure to cold water, and to attack by marine life. Further, such rescue boards do not provide a stable platform for first aid, such as CPR and/or resuscitation. Therefore, known boats are limited when used in rescue operations. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing a multi-purpose boat which has a two angle V hull with a rounded fore-aft profile and slightly convex deck. The hull has steeply angled edge portions and shallowly angled center portions. The edge portions are sufficiently sloped away from vertical to allow the boat to be lifted and not pushed by waves. The rounded fore-aft profile allows the boat to slide over waves, especially during a beach entry. The boat includes a keel having a horizontal base and separating downward from the hull at the fore and aft of the boat to resist yawing. The dry weight of the boat is about 25 pounds with a foam core with a resin coating and the keel is preferably hollow and includes ports to allow water to enter the keel to add about 25 pounds after entering the water. Approximately four inches of freeboard is provided separating riders from cold water and predators. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-purpose boat having a unique banana shape providing safe stable use in rough water and large swells, and for entering the water from a beach through surf. The boat is able to ride large swells remaining upright, thereby keeping riders safe from cold water and predators until assistance arrives. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a foam filled and thereby unsinkable boat. The boat may be constructed having a foam core inside a layer of fiberglass or similar material with a resin coating. The resulting structure is free of seams thus reducing or eliminating weak points and is designed to withstand crashing waves or rocky coastlines with minimal damage. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a boat preferably weighing no more than 25 pounds dry. The boat may be stored on large boats or ships and thrown into the water by a single person if an evacuation becomes necessary. The boat may further be carried by a single person from a storage area along the beach to a water entry point. When the boat is first placed it the water, if the boat is lands upside down, it is easily flipped to being upright because of the light weight. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a boat having an outside edge and top surface free of sharp protrusion allowing evacuated riders to easily climb onto the boat. The boat has a shallow rounded bottom allowing one side or end the boat to dip into the water to further allow evacuated riders to easily climb onto the boat. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a banana shaped (or rounded convex) hull design which allows the boat to rise when rushed by water, thereby withstanding large swells. Such design allows the boat to sit deeper in the water so that the water resists excessive rolling, providing needed stability. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a grooved deck top. The grooves allow water to spill from the boat, keeping riders dry in rough swells. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a rescue boat having a low, flat design, sitting only one-quarter of its depth above water with no fins or other protrusions. The boat&#39;s design makes climbing aboard from the water easy, without risk of injury. As a rescue device, because of the lack of protrusions on the deck, the boat can be easily flipped once thrown in the water by grabbing the keel and pushing down on one edge to leverage the boat to the upright. The boat is further designed so that the weight of an individual standing at the end of the boat will push that end into the water, so that an injured rescue victim can be easily slid on to the boat. The boat&#39;s design also allows it be used for rescue in situations where an individual is trapped in broken ice. The boat&#39;s design keeps individuals safe from cold water (hypothermia) and predators without the necessity of life jackets until help arrives. The boat is further designed to serve as a stable rescue diving platform and provides a solid foundation for performing CPR. The boat&#39;s flat upper surface allows individuals to stand, making it easier to see and be seen by rescuers. The boat is light weight and provides low wind resistant allowing it to be easily transported on top of most cars, for example, to transport for rescue in flood conditions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-function boat. Multi-functionality is achieved by the boat&#39;s design features and accessories which allow it to be rapidly and easily adjusted for multiple uses, including paddling, surfing, working out, diving, motoring, sailing, and fishing. Accessories include attachable seats, sail, mast, tiller, motor mount, utility box and twelve foot long paddle. The boat may be paddled standing up, seated or lying down. Upright paddling provides an aerobic workout, improving balance and coordination. Increased stability provided by the boat&#39;s design enables the individual to stay aboard for longer periods in order to achieve greater enjoyment and superior health benefits. The boat is designed so that it can be used in oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, and public beaches. The boat is light weight and has low wind resistance allowing easy transportation on top of most cars to a recreational location. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a rescue boat to obtain strength and light weight. The method includes step of: covering the interiors of a mold top section and a mold bottom section with contact cement; laying fiberglass in the mold sections over the contact cement; applying resin to the fiberglass in keel portions of the mold interiors; laying a barrier over the keel portion to make a hollow keel; adding fiberglass over barrier; inserting plastic tubing sections into the mold top section to mold rope passages into the interior of the rescue boat; placing the mold top section onto the mold bottom section; pouring foam into mold; letting the foam expand, harden, and penetrate into the fiberglass; separating the mold sections; applying a coat of a flexible resin to the exposed fiberglass of the rescue boat. The barrier over the keel portion is preferably convex or half round to increase the empty volume of the keel. The keel is formed with at least one port, and preferably two vertically spaced apart ports to allow water to enter and exit the hollow keel. Using the method, the boat is constructed from only about two pounds of fiberglass, four pounds of resin, and 19 pounds of foam, providing about 15 pounds of weight savings over known methods which use much more resin. Further, the foam impregnated fiberglass is much more resistant to impacts which often crack brittle resin impregnated fiberglass. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a rescue boat including a vertical passage through the boat to a ballast volume in the keel. The keel includes passages allowing water to enter the keel when the boat is in the water. The vertical passage, combined with the rescue boat buoyancy, allow water collected on the deck to escape into the ballast volume to keep the deck dry. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a rescue boat including replaceable keels. The keels are removably attachable to the rescue boat allowing modifications for different uses. A shallow keel is preferred for general use, and a deep keep is preferred when greater roll stability is desired, for example, by divers climbing onto the rescue boat carrying heavy air tanks. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a rescue boat manufactured in a spin mold. Manufacturing in a spin mold provides a very light rescue boat allowing a user to easily place the rescue boat into the water. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a very light weight rescue boat having a thin shell. The thin shell reduces rigidity of the rescue boat and an air valve is attached or molded to the shell to allow filling with low pressure air to provide a increased rigidity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of a multi-function boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of the multi-function boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1C  is a front view of the multi-function boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  shows how one person can balance using the paddle to get a full body work-out. 
         FIG. 2B  shows use of the boat as a platform for three people for exercise and coordination. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of a paddle suitable for use with the multi-function boat. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the paddle suitable for use with the multi-function boat. 
         FIG. 4  shows the multi-function boat with utility box attached and being paddled by a single seated rider. 
         FIG. 5  shows the versatility of the multi-function boat with chairs and rowing holders for two riders. 
         FIG. 6  shows the multi-function boat in use with paddles and chairs for two riders. 
         FIG. 7  shows two riders paddling the multi-function boat by hand. 
         FIG. 8  shows use of the multi-function boat to administer CPR in an emergency situation. 
         FIG. 9  shows one rider paddling the multi-function boat by hand. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top view of the multi-function boat including recesses for attaching accessories. 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of the middle of the boat taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing. 
         FIG. 12  shows detail  12  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 12A  shows details  12  of  FIG. 11  with a large accessory attached to the boat. 
         FIG. 12B  shows details  12  of  FIG. 11  with a fishing pole attached to the boat. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective top view of the boat with a rider placing a utility box on the boat. 
         FIG. 14  shows a top perspective view of the boat with wheels attached for easy transporting. 
         FIG. 15  shows attachment of wheels using bungee cords and inserts inserted into accessory recesses in the boat. 
         FIG. 16  shows boat strapped to the top of a car. 
         FIG. 17  shows an accessory strap attached to the boat. 
         FIG. 18  shows motor mount and motor fitted to the boat. 
         FIG. 19  shows a chair and motor mount fitted to the boat. 
         FIG. 20  shows side view of motor mount, motor, chair and utility box inserted onto the boat. 
         FIG. 21A  shows a top view of an installed pontoon accessory which gives the boat stability. 
         FIG. 21B  shows a side view of the installed pontoon accessory which gives the boat stability. 
         FIG. 21C  shows a cross-sectional view of the installed pontoon accessory which gives the boat stability. 
         FIG. 22A  shows a top view of the boat rigged for sailing. 
         FIG. 22B  shows a side view of the boat rigged for sailing. 
         FIG. 22C  shows a cross-sectional view of the boat rigged for sailing. 
         FIG. 23  shows a cross-sectional view of the boat rigged for sailing. 
         FIG. 24  shows a goose neck connected to and working in conjunction with a mast and a boom. 
         FIG. 25  shows a top view of rudder and rope cleat. 
         FIG. 26  shows the improved cleat with rounded edges which greatly facilitates cleating and releasing the rope. 
         FIG. 27  shows a bottom view of cleat. 
         FIG. 28  shows an end view of the cleat. 
         FIG. 29  shows cross-sectional side view of cleat taken along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 30  shows a top view of the cleat. 
         FIG. 31  shows a top perspective view of the cleat at a 45 degree angle. 
         FIG. 32  shows a side view of a second embodiment of the boat comprising a rescue boat according to the present invention with a looping boarding rope around the edge of the deck. 
         FIG. 33  shows a top view of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows a front (or rear) view of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows a top perspective view of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  shows a side view of the rescue boat according to the present invention having bow and stern boarding ropes. 
         FIG. 37  shows a top view of the rescue boat according to the present invention having bow and stern boarding ropes. 
         FIG. 38  shows a front (or rear) view of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  shows a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the rescue boat according to the present invention taken along line  39 - 39  of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 40  shows a side view of a third embodiment of the rescue boat according to the present invention comprising a second rescue boat having the boarding rope moved inboard. 
         FIG. 41  shows a top view of the third rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  shows a bow or stern view of the third rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  shows a top perspective view of the third rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 44  shows a cross-sectional view of the third rescue boat according to the present invention taken along line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 45  shows a top view of a fourth embodiment of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 47  shows a bottom view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 48A  shows a bow view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat with a removable keel attached according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 48B  shows a bow view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat with the removable keel detached according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 49  shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat showing attachment points for the removable keel according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 50A  shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat with a first removable keel according to the present invention taken along line  50 A- 50 A of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 50B  shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the rescue boat with a first removable keel according to the present invention taken along line  50 B- 50 B of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 51A  shows a side view of a shallow removable keel according to the present invention separated from the rescue boat. 
         FIG. 51B  shows a bow view of the shallow removable keel according to the present invention separated from the rescue boat. 
         FIG. 52A  shows a side view of a deep removable keel according to the present invention separated from the rescue boat. 
         FIG. 52B  shows a side view of the deep removable keel according to the present invention separated from the rescue boat. 
         FIG. 53  shows an embodiment of the rescue boat according to the present invention with fins added. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
     A side view of a multi-function boat  10  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1A , a top view of the multi-function boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 1B , and a front view of the multi-function boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 1C . The boat  10  has a bow  10 ′, a stern  10 ″, a unique banana shaped hull  14 , a keel  15 , and a flat or slightly convex deck  12 . The shape of the hull  14  of the boat  10  provides stability in rough water and large swells. The boat  10  is constructed essentially of foam, fiberglass, and resin, and the fiberglass is volumetrically impregnated approximately ⅔ by the foam and approximately ⅓ by the resin to provide a strong and light weight boat. The boat  10  preferably weighs no more than about 25 pounds dry and can be stored on large boats or ships and used if an evacuation becomes necessary, and may, for example, be constructed primarily of foam for light weight or from a hollow foam core with a resin coating. Such light weight boat  10  is thereby virtually unsinkable and can withstand crashing waves or rocky coastlines with minimal damage. 
     The boat  10  has no fins or sharp objects projecting from the deck  12  which might cause injury and as a result, riders can easily climb onto the deck  12 . The shape of the hull  14  allows the boat  10  to ride large swells, thereby keeping riders safe from cold water and predators until assistance arrives. When the boat  10  tilts to one side, the rider  20  can simply shift his weight to the other side to level the boat  10  to keep the boat right. The deck  12  further preferably includes grooves  11  making the boat  10  more rigid and allowing water to channel off of the boat  10  quickly, keeping the deck  12  of the boat  10  dry to provide greater stability for a rider  20 . 
     The multifunction boat  10  provides a stable, safe floating platform. The boat  10  is preferably approximately twelve inches thick in the center, with approximately eight inches submerged in the water and approximately four inches freeboard above the water. Due to light weight construction, the boat  10  is able to carry up to 500 pounds for a variety of uses. The boat  10  is preferably approximately twelve feet long, approximately four feet wide and the keel  15  is preferably approximately two inches wide and approximately two inches below the hull  14  at the center of the boat  10 . The keel  15  provides stability and tends to keep the boat  10  running straight. The sides  13  of the hull  14  are preferably between 25 and 40 degrees from vertical. When water rushes toward one of the sides  13 , the side  13  is lifted (just as when the wind lifts a kite), and the water also pushes against the side  13  of the boat  10  which makes the opposite side  13  of the boat  10  rise up as well, so that the entire boat  10  rises at once. The unique banana shape of the boat  10  and is twelve inches high in the center (including two inches of keel height), and one inch in the bow and the stern, making the boat  10  capable of handling large swells, waves and storms. 
     A rider  20  paddling with a two handed paddle  22  is shown in  FIG. 2  while standing on deck  14  of the boat  10 . This is very different from any other water craft currently on the market. The rider  20  is shown putting the paddle  22  in the water. This enables him to stabilize himself, gaining balance from the surf, because the paddle  22  is approximately 12 feet long, depending on the height of the rider  20 . Standing provides the rider  20  with a better view. Similarly to a high wire performer, when the rider  20  paddles in a standing position, he is exercising his balance with the movement of the water. As the rider  20  paddles, he raises his arm on one side and then the other. This movement, executed while standing, enables the rider  20  to exercise his lungs at maximum capacity. With the movement of the boat, he is also exercising his legs. While paddling, he is twisting to the right and the left and dropping downward and stretching upward, thereby getting a total body work out. While standing with a 12 ft paddle  22 , the rider  20  is able to reach farther and execute longer strokes. 
     A more detailed side view of the two handed paddle  22  is shown in  FIG. 3A , and a more detailed top view of the two handed paddle  22  is shown in  FIG. 3B . The paddle  22  is preferably made of a tubular fiberglass or graphite handle  25 , to give sufficient strength and balance. Two spoons  24  at ends of the handle  25  are preferably approximately 10 to 12 inches long by approximately 6 inches wide, and are preferably smaller in comparison to other paddles to allow for long fast movements in paddling. 
     Three riders  20  are shown in  FIG. 2B  on the boat  10 . The three riders  20  are able to paddle together, making this sport a group or family exercise. 
     The rider  20  is shown sitting on a chair  26  on the multifunction boat  10  in  FIG. 4  with a utility box  28  attached providing additional uses of the boat  10 , for example, for fishing and diving. The utility box  28  provides storage and fishing rods  112  can be installed in the recesses  14  (see  FIG. 10 ). The rider  20  may further paddle the boat  10  from a seated position like a kayak. Unlike a kayak, however, the rider  20  is above the water and not as susceptible to being drenched by cold waves. The hull  14  design further provides stability to allow the rider  20  to stand up and use the utility box  28 . 
     The versatility of the boat  10  is further illustrated in  FIG. 5  showing the boat  10  used for rowing as a platform with two chairs  26  and two riders  20  are shown sitting on the chairs and paddling in  FIG. 6 . The riders  20  are also able to stand and paddle or sit on the chair  26  when he becomes tired. The rider  20  is further able to create his own customized attachments that best suit his needs. 
     Two riders  20  are shown kneeling on the boat  10  and paddling by hand in  FIG. 7 , the boat  10  is shown as a platform for administering CPR or emergency help to a drowning victim  20 ′ in  FIG. 8 , and one rider  20  is shown lying on his stomach on the boat  10  and paddling by hand in  FIG. 9 . The rider  20  is able to hand one end of the twelve foot long paddle  22  to the drowning victim and bring him toward the boat  10 . Further, the rounded shape of the hull  14  of the boat  10  allows the rider  20  to walk forward and sink the bow or the stern of the boat  10  making it easier to slide a victim from the water onto the boat  10 . Similarly, objects may be retrieved from the water using the paddle  22 . Due to the features described above, this invention is particularly useful for ocean, lake, flood, and ice rescue. 
     A top view of the boat  10  showing accessory recesses  16  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The deck of the boat  10  has grooves  11  for allowing water to run off the deck easier, and recesses  16  may be aligned with the grooves  11  for accessory inserts  16 . 
     A cross-sectional view of the boat  10  taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  is shown in  FIG. 11 , showing details of the recesses  16 . 
     The detail  12  of  FIG. 11  of the recess  16  is shown in  FIG. 12  and the detail  12  of  FIG. 11  showing an accessory inserts  18  inside the recess  16  is shown in  FIG. 12A  and with a fishing pole  112  inserted into the recess  16  in  FIG. 12B . The recesses  16  may thus be used to attach a variety of accessories having inserts  18  or, like a fishing pole  112 , having a handle or other feature, insertible into the recess  16 . 
     A top perspective view of the boat  10  and a rider  20  preparing to install an accessory  74  onto the boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     A top perspective view of the boat  10  with wheels  32  attached for easy transporting is shown in  FIG. 14  and attachment of wheels  32  using bungee cords  34  stretched on top of the boat  10  and inserts  18  inserted into accessory recesses  16  in the boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 15 . Using the accessory recesses  16  to attached the wheels  106  resists fore or aft slipping and provides a secure attachment of the wheels  32 . A handle  20  on the boat  10  is then used to move the boat  10  to or from the water. Once the wheels  32  are pulled off of the boat  10 , the boat is smooth and free of any external object that may cause injury. 
     The boat  10  is shown strapped to the top of a car  108  in  FIG. 16  for easy long distance transporting. The aerodynamic shape of the boat  10  facilitates such transporting on the top of a vehicle. 
     A side view of the boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 17  showing an accessory strap (e.g., a rope, strap, or bungee)  68  attached to the boat  10  and passing over the deck  12 . Hooks  70  at each end of the strap  68  hook over lips  64  on edges of the deck  12 . The strap  68  may include a Velcro® fastener or a short rope, attached to the strap  68  to hold the paddle  22  to the boat  10 . The strap  68  may thus restrain the paddle  22 , a utility box, a pontoon, a sailing saddle and other article to the boat  10 . 
     A cross-sectional view of the boat  10  with an outboard motor  80  attached to the boat  10  by a motor mount  78  is shown in  FIG. 18 , the motor mount  78  is shown fitted on the boat  10  without the motor  80  in  FIG. 19 , and a side view of the boat  10  with the motor  80  is shown in  FIG. 20 . The motor mount  78  includes inserts  18  inserted into the recesses  16  and the strap  68  hooked over the lip  64  to buckle firmly to the boat  10 . 
     A top view of pontoons  70  fitted on the boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 21A , a side view of the pontoon  70  fitted on the boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 21B , and a cross-sectional view of the pontoon  70  fitted on the boat  10  is shown in  FIG. 21C . Booms  72  reach across the deck  12  and are held in position by inserts  18  inserted into the recesses  16  in the deck  12 . Straps  68  connected to the lip  64  shown in  FIG. 17  are preferably used to further hold the boom  72  in place. The pontoons  70  provides more stability and the booms  72  may be laterally extendable if desired for greater stability. 
     A top view of the boat  10  rigged for sailing is shown in  FIG. 22A , a side view of the boat  10  rigged for sailing is shown in  FIG. 22B , and a cross-sectional view of the boat  10  rigged for sailing is shown in  FIG. 22C . The boat  10  is shown rigged for sailing and includes a mast  38 , boom  40 , sail  56 , rudder  48 , and tiller  50 . The boat  10  rigged for sailing further includes a sailing saddle  34  used for leverage while sailing demonstrating how the sailing saddle  34  resides on the deck  12  and includes inserts  18  inserted into the recesses  16  for holding the position of the saddle  34  on the deck  12 , and further may include straps having hooks engaging the lip  64  to stay secure on the deck  12 . The mast  38  is shown fitted into the boat  10  into one of the recesses  16  and the rudder  48  and tiller  50  may be fitted on the boat  10 , for example, with two plastic bolts and wing nuts. The rudder  48  is preferably hinges to lift when it touches the ground. The mast and rudder are removable from the boat  10 , leaving no fins or hooks or any sharp projections which may cause injury. 
     A side view of the boat  10  rigged for sailing is shown in  FIG. 23  and a detailed top view of the boom  40  is shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     A cleat  88  according to the present invention at the end of a rudder handle  54  is shown in  FIGS. 25-31 . The round shape of the cleat  88  is unique, making it easier to cleat a rope. All that is needed is to bend the rope around the cleat and it will pull it in firmly. With other cleats, the operator has to push in the ropes to cleat. When sailing, an individual has only two arms to maneuver and this invention makes it faster and easier for corners. 
     The boat  10  may be constructed of foam with a plastic coating. The boat preferably weighs approximately 25 pounds, and may be thrown off a larger boat or dock for rescue. A drowning person can easily climb onto the boat and stay safe from cold water and predators on a stable platform. Even a dog is able to climb on the boat. The boat may thus be modified for many purposes. 
     A preferred embodiment of the multifunction boat  10  is a rescue boat  10   a . The rescue boat  10   a  weighs approximately 25 pounds dry and is preferably approximately 8 feet in length. The rescue boat  10   a  is preferably constructed as one solid piece with no seams thus having no weak points. In addition, the rescue boat  10   a  is preferably constructed from a hollow foam core with an epoxy coating. The rescue boat  10   a  is designed so that it can withstand crashing waves or rocky coastlines with minimal damage. Because of its light weight, the rescue boat  10   a  may be stored on large boats or ships and used if an evacuation becomes necessary, and can be thrown into the water by one person. Evacuated passengers can easily climb onto the rescue boat  10   a  which has no fins or sharp objects which can cause injury. The rescue boat  10   a  is able to ride large swells, thereby keeping riders safe from cold water and sharks until assistance arrive. 
     A side view of the rescue boat  10   a  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 32 , a top view of the rescue boat  10   a  is shown in  FIG. 33 , a front (or rear) view of the rescue boat  10   a  is shown in  FIG. 34 , and a top perspective view of the rescue boat  10   a  is shown in  FIG. 35 . The rescue boat  10   a  includes a looping boarding rope  102  along each side, attached by passing through holes along the edge of the rescue boat  10   a . The boarding rope allows a swimmer to grasp and pull themself onto the rescue boat  10   a . The rescue boat  10   a  is sufficiently wide to resist turning over when a swimmer attempts to climb aboard. Additionally, the rescue boat  10   a  has a rounded hull bottom allowing the rescue boat  10   a  to roll somewhat, to make climbing aboard easier for a tired swimmer. The cooperation of the width and the rounded hull bottom provide significant benefits in a rescue scenario. 
     Preferably, the boarding rope  102  is stitched along each side, about 2 inches from the edge of the rescue boat  10   a . The boarding rope  102  is inserted through holes on each side of the rescue boat  10   a . The holes are lines with a plastic tube which is level with the top and bottom of the holes to prevent foam from pulling or tugging at the boarding rope  102 . Handles  108  are provided at the blunt bow and stern  109  of the rescue boat  10   a  for carrying or otherwise moving the rescue boat  10   a . The handles  108  are preferably attached through holes through the rescue boat  10   a  about 4 inches in from the bow and stern similar to the attachment of the boarding rope  102 . Oars (or paddles)  106  reside in oar recesses  116  (see  FIG. 39 ) and are held in place by straps  107 , which are preferably Velcro® material. The oars  106  are thus easily extracted for use in an emergency. The oars are preferably about 6 feet long and can be used like a canoe paddle or two oars may be connected together to form a twelve foot paddle. 
     A side view of the rescue boat  10   a  showing bow and stern boarding ropes  108  and the boarding rope  102  attached by hardware  112  is shown in  FIG. 36 , a top view of the rescue boat  10   a  having the boarding rope  102  attached by hardware  112  is shown in  FIG. 37 , a front (or rear) view of the rescue boat  10   a  having the boarding rope  102  attached by hardware  112  is shown in  FIG. 38 , and a cross-sectional view of the rescue boat  10   a  showing recesses for oars is shown in  FIG. 39 . The hardware  112  may be any hardware mounted to the rescue boat  10   a  to facilitate attaching the boarding rope  102  for example, a toggle bolt inserted into the rescue boat  10   a.    
     The deck  12  of the rescue boat  10   a  is preferably convex so that any water which passes over the rescue boat  10   a  water immediately runs off the rescue boat  10   a . The rescue boat  10   a  has a length L, bow and stern widths W 1 , overall width W 2 , bow and stern edge tapers A 1 , side edge tapers A 2 , hull slope A 3 , deck height H 1 , wall height H 2 , bottom height H 3 , and keel height H 4 . The bow and stern ends of the rescue boat  10   a  are blunt ends with a height H 5  to reduce or prevent both injury to a swimmer who might encounter the boat and to reduce or eliminate damage to the boat from hitting hard objects. The dimensions are preferably approximately: 
     L is between 6 and 10 feet and is preferably about 8 feet; 
     W 1  is between 1 and 3 feet and is preferably about 2 feet; 
     W 2  is between 3 and 6 feet and is preferably about 4.5 feet; 
     H 1  is between ¼ and 2 inches and is preferably about 1 inch; 
     H 2  is between 6 and 10 inches and is preferably about 8 inches; 
     H 3  is between 1 and 3 inches and is preferably about 2 inch; 
     H 4  is between 1 and 3 inches and is preferably about 2 inch; 
     H 5  is between 1 and 2 inches and is preferably about 1 inch; 
     A 1  is between 30 and 50 degree and is preferably about 40 degrees; 
     A 2  is between 25 and 40 degree and is preferably about 30 degrees; and 
     A 3  is between 5 and 15 degree. 
     Another embodiment of the rescue boat  10   a  is shown in  FIGS. 40-43 . The rescue boat  10   a  is similar to the rescue boat  10   a  but has a second boarding rope  110  moved inboard to allow easier grasping by an individual in the water, and more secure attachment to the boat  10   a . The boarding rope  110  is preferably secured to the rescue boat  10   a  by running the boarding rope  110  through tubes buried inside the rescue boat  10   a . The keel  15  of the rescue boat  10   a  has an approximately horizontal base  15   a  for most the length of the keel  15 , and separates vertically from the hull  14  at the bow and stern of the boat  10   a , providing fin like structures to add stability to the boat  10   a . The horizontal base  15   a  extends for 80 percent of the length of the rescue boat  10   a.    
     A cross-sectional view of the boat  10   a  taken along line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 41  is shown in  FIG. 44  showing a fiberglass exterior  120 , a foam filled interior  122 , and a hollow keel  15   b . Vertically spaced apart passages  121  allow water to flow into the hollow keel  15   a  when the boat is in the water for stability, and allow the water to drain from the hollow keel  15   a  when the boat  10   a  is removed from the water to provide light weight. Plugs  121   a  are provided to block the passages  121  to prevent water from entering the hollow keel, to retain water in the hollow keel, or to control the amount of water in the hollow keel. The passages  121  are preferably only at the rear of the boat  10   a.    
       FIG. 45  shows a top view of a fourth embodiment of the rescue boat  214  according to the present invention,  FIG. 46  shows a side view of the rescue boat  214 , and  FIG. 47  shows a bottom view of the rescue boat  214 . The rescue boat  214  includes a vertical passage  204  through the boat and connecting to a ballast volume  215   a  (see  FIG. 50A ) in the keel  215 . An air valves  201  allows a user to fill the rescue boat  214  with low pressure air to add rigidity to the rescue boat  214 . The deck  214   a  is slightly concave and water collected in the concave deck  214   a  is free to run through the rescue boat  214  into the ballast volume  215   a  (see  FIG. 50B ), and air trapped in the ballast volume  215   a  is free to escape through the vertical passage  204 . Concave indentations  212  along the bottom of the keel  215  include holes  212   a  allowing water to enter the ballast volume  215   a  when the rescue boat  214  is in the water. 
     Paddle inserts  202  allow the paddles  206  to be taken apart and attached to the boat for easy storage and transport and hook and loop fasteners  203  secure the paddles into the paddle inserts  202 . The paddles  206  may include a paddle sleeve  217  allowing tow paddles  206  to be connected to create a longer paddle. Threaded holes  205   a  are provided on the deck  241   a  to facilitate attachment of various accessories. Additional threaded holes  205   b  are provided on the bottom  214   a  of the rescue boat  214  for attachment of a removable hollow keel  215 . The threaded holes  205   a  and  205   b  may be formed by molding nuts, inserts, or the like into the rescue boat  214 , and preferably stainless steel nuts or inserts are used to form the threaded holes  205   b . The hollow keel  215  includes passages allowing 
       FIG. 48A  shows a bow view of the rescue boat  214  with the removable keel  215  attached and  FIG. 48B  shows a bow view of the rescue boat  214  with the removable keel  215  detached. 
       FIG. 49  shows a side view of the rescue boat  214  showing the threaded holes  205   b  for attaching the removable keel  215 . 
       FIG. 50A  shows a cross-sectional view of the rescue boat  214  with a first shallow removable keel  215   a  taken along line  50 A- 50 A of  FIG. 45 , and  FIG. 50B  shows a cross-sectional view of the rescue boat with a first removable keel according to the present invention taken along line  50 B- 50 B of  FIG. 45 . Bolts  210  pass through holes  211  in the hollow keel  215   a  and into the threaded holes  205   b  for retaining the keel  215   a.    
       FIG. 51A  shows a side view of the shallow removable keel  215   a  separated from the rescue boat  214  and  FIG. 51B  shows a bow view of the removable keel  215   a.    
       FIG. 52A  shows a side view of a deep removable keel  215   b  separated from the rescue boat  214  and  FIG. 52B  shows a side view of the deep removable keel  215   b . Such deep removable keel  215   b  provides advantages for swimmers and especially diver carrying heavy equipment by stabilizing the rescue boat  214 . A loop  213  and additional threaded holes  205   b  may be provided to attachment of an anchor or other equipment. 
       FIG. 53  shows an embodiment of the rescue boat  214  with fins  218  attached to the bottom of the keel  215  for additional stability. 
     One embodiment of the boat  10   a  is constructed using a novel method to provide a light weight and rugged boat. The method includes steps of: covering the interiors of a mold top section and a mold bottom section with contact cement; laying fiberglass in the mold sections over the contact cement; applying resin to the fiberglass in keel portions of the mold interiors; laying a barrier over the keel portion to make a hollow keel; adding fiberglass over barrier; inserting plastic tubing sections into the mold top section to mold rope passages into the interior of the rescue boat; placing the mold top section onto the mold bottom section; pouring foam into mold; letting the foam expand, harden, and penetrate into the fiberglass; separating the mold sections; and applying a coat of a flexible resin to the exposed fiberglass of the rescue boat. The barrier over the keel portion is preferably convex or half round to increase the empty volume of the keel. The keel is formed with at least one port, and preferably two vertically spaced apart ports to allow water to enter and exit the hollow keel. The step of covering the mold interiors with contact cement is preferably performed by spraying the contact cement onto the interior surfaces of the molds. The resin applied to the exterior is preferably a colored resin to color the exterior of the boat. While fiberglass is a preferred cloth molding material, the cloth used may also be graphite cloth, carbon fiber cloth, or any other suitable cloth. A boat constructed according to the present invention is very light and strong because the foam partially saturates the fiberglass reducing the amount of resin in the boat. The foam is preferably a close cell marine foam, referred to as a floatation foam, a two part pour foam, and Coast Guard approved, for example, 1117 foam made by Revchem Plastics in Bloomington, Calif. 
     Another embodiment of the rescue boat is constructed in a spin mold to provide minimize weight and no seams. The volume inside the rescue boat  214  is approximately four to five cubic feet. About two cubic feet (in solid form) of liquid state foam is poured into the formed rescue boat  214  and expands evenly to cover the bottom of the inside of the rescue boat  214  which provides buoyancy. It is not necessary to fill the rescue boat  214  completely with the foam for two reasons: 1) Additional foam adds unnecessary weight to the boat; and 2) If the rescue boat  214  is filled completely the foam, the deck  214   b  become warped and indented under the weight of a riders standing on the rescue boat  214 . 
     While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.