Patent Publication Number: US-10780958-B2

Title: Open/non-closed, buoyant hull collar assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/047,947, filed Jul. 27, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to boat hulls and in particular some embodiments relate to rigid buoyant boat hulls with open/non-closed, buoyant collar assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Boat hulls may include a collar assembly located in the outward uppermost portion of the boat hull. This flotation may be filled with air, foam, or combination thereof. The location of this buoyant material provides increased stability particularly in the advent water intrusion or a swamped state. Hence, it is ideal to achieve level floatation in these adverse conditions. 
     In general, the air and/or the foam are sealed in the collar assembly. For instance, the collar assembly may be comprised of a collar structure that defines a closed volume in which the air or the foam is disposed. Traditional rigid tubular collar assemblies have several drawbacks. For instance, these types of air-filled assemblies maintain a closed volume. In the advent of a puncture or water intrusion, the closed volume will increase in displacement and therefore suffer from a decrease in stability and performance. To offset these negative characteristics rigid tubular collar assemblies may implement chambers or expanding foam to mitigate water intrusion. The chambers add additional weight and manufacturing challenges and only partially mitigate the problem of increased displacement and decreased stability and performance. The expansion foam is sprayed or injected into the closed volume(s) and expands to fill or substantially fill the closed volume. 
     However, when the expansion foam is exposed to water, the expansion foam may absorb at least a portion of the water. Absorption of the water increases the weight of the collar assemblies and negatively affects the buoyancy, performance, and stability of the boat hull. Once the expanding foam absorbs water, it must be replaced. 
     Similarly, tubular non-rigid collar assemblies, such as utilized on Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS), have several drawbacks. The non-rigid tubular collar assemblies rely on an outer protective membrane to provide a closed volume. The closed volume may be air-filled or filled with non-expanding foam. The outer protective membrane is prone to puncture, which may result in the loss of the buoyant properties, decreased performance, etc. Furthermore, the outer protective membrane is also prone to environmental (such as ultraviolet) damage and must be periodically replaced at significant cost. Lastly, the non-rigid tubular collar assemblies have no structural properties. Accordingly, the non-rigid tubular collar assemblies are often subject to damage, and increase hull resistance, with dynamic loading and maneuvering operations. 
     The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. 
     SUMMARY 
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to boat hulls and in particular some embodiments relate to boat hulls with open/non-closed buoyant hull collar assemblies. 
     An aspect of an embodiment includes an open/non-closed hull collar assembly. The open/non-closed hull collar assembly may be shaped to increase the encapsulated volume of a hull. The hull collar assembly may include a hull collar structure, and a foam module, a panel, and a deck lip. The hull collar structure may be comprised of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The hull collar assembly may include a gunwale, an outboard boundary, and an inboard boundary. The hull collar structure may define or include a foam cavity that receives the foam module. The outboard boundary may extend in an outward lateral direction from a lower hull portion. The outboard boundary may extend in a longitudinal direction from the lower hull portion such that at least a portion of the hull collar structure is at least partially included in a freeboard portion of a boat hull. In detail, the outboard boundary may include a first longitudinal element, a first angled element, a first lateral element, a second longitudinal element, and a second lateral element. The first longitudinal element may be connected to the gunwale at a first end. The first angled element may extend from a second end of the first longitudinal element. The first lateral element may extend in an outboard direction from the lower hull portion. The second longitudinal element may be connected to the first lateral element and extending in the longitudinal direction from the first lateral element. The second lateral element may extend in the outboard direction from the second longitudinal element and connects to the first angled element. The lip structure may include a lateral portion and a longitudinal portion. The panel may be sized to extend from the longitudinal portion of the lip structure towards the deck in the longitudinal direction to at least partially close the hull collar structure relative to the inner hull volume. The inboard boundary may extend from the gunwale a portion of a distance to the deck such that the hull collar structure is at least partially open or non-closed to an inner hull volume. The inboard boundary may include a first longitudinal element that connects to the gunwale at a first end. The inboard boundary may include a lip structure at a free end that is opposite the first end. The foam module may include a recess that is configured to at least partially receive the lip structure such that the foam module is substantially retained relative to the hull collar structure. The lip structure may include multiple parts such as a lateral portion and a longitudinal portion. The panel is sized relative to one or more features of the open/non-closed hull collar assembly. For instance, the panel may be sized to extend from the longitudinal portion of the lip structure towards the deck in the longitudinal direction to at least partially close the hull collar structure relative to the inner hull volume. The foam module may be comprised of a non-expansive, closed cell foam. The foam module may be shaped for disposition within the hull collar structure. The foam module may only fill a portion of the hull collar structure. The foam module may be pre-formed to correspond to at least a portion of the foam cavity. The foam module may be comprised of a polyethylene foam. The panel may be comprised of a ballistic material. The panel may be sized to extend from the inboard boundary to the deck in the longitudinal direction and to at least partially close the hull collar structure relative to the inner hull volume. The panel may be sized in the longitudinal direction to cover a first distance that is greater than a second distance between the longitudinal portion of the lip structure and the deck lip. The deck lip may be coupled to at least a part of a perimeter of the deck. The deck lip may protrude in the longitudinal direction towards the inboard boundary. The deck lip may be configured to direct water towards an aft portion of a hull. The deck lip may reduce or substantially prevent introduction of the water into a foam cavity defined by the hull collar structure from the deck. The deck lip and a longitudinal portion of the lip structure may be positioned at substantially a same distance outboard from a keel. The foam cavity that may substantially correspond to the shape of the foam module. The foam cavity may include a lower volume and an upper volume. The upper volume of the foam cavity may include a greater lateral dimension than the lower volume such that an outboard portion of the upper volume is disposed farther outboard than the lower volume. The upper volume may include an uppermost portion that may be positioned immediately below the gunwale. The uppermost portion may include an inward portion that may be disposed inboard of an innermost dimension of the lower volume. The lower volume may include a portion that may be configured to be at least partially below a dynamic draft line of the boat. The upper volume may be configured to be above the draft line. 
     Another aspect of an embodiment includes a boat hull. The boat hull may include a lower hull portion, a deck, a foam module, an open/non-closed hull collar assembly, a panel, and a deck lip. The lower hull portion may include an outer surface that may be configured for contact with water when the boat hull is in water. The deck may be coupled to the lower hull portion via a plurality of ribs. The foam module is comprised of a non-expansive, closed cell foam. The open/non-closed hull collar assembly may increase the encapsulated volume. The hull collar assembly may define a foam cavity that substantially corresponds to at least a part of the foam module. The foam cavity may include a lower volume and an upper volume. The upper volume of the foam cavity may include a greater lateral dimension than the lower volume such that an outboard portion of the upper volume is disposed farther outboard than the lower volume. The upper volume may include an uppermost portion that is positioned immediately below the gunwale. The uppermost portion may include an inward portion that may be disposed inboard of an innermost dimension of the lower volume. The lower volume may include a portion that is configured to be at least partially below a dynamic draft line of the boat. The upper volume may be configured to be above the draft line. The open/non-closed hull collar assembly may include a gunwale, an outboard boundary, and an inboard boundary. The outboard boundary may extend in an outward lateral direction from the lower hull portion and may extend in a longitudinal direction from the lower hull portion such that at least a portion of the hull collar structure may be included in a freeboard portion of the boat hull. In detail, the outboard boundary may include a first longitudinal element, a first angled element, a first lateral element, a second longitudinal element, or a second lateral element. The first longitudinal element may be connected to the gunwale at a first end. The first angled element may extend from a second end of the first longitudinal element. The first lateral element may extend in an outboard direction from the lower hull portion. The second longitudinal element may be connected to the first lateral element and extending in the longitudinal direction from the first lateral element. The second lateral element may extend in the outboard direction from the second longitudinal element and connect to the first angled element. The lip structure may include a lateral portion and a longitudinal portion. The panel may be sized to extend from the longitudinal portion of the lip structure towards the deck in the longitudinal direction to at least partially close the hull collar structure relative to the inner hull volume. The inboard boundary may extend from the gunwale a portion of a distance to the deck such that the hull collar structure is at least partially open or non-closed to an inner hull volume. The inboard boundary may include a first longitudinal element that connects to the gunwale at a first end and a lip structure at a free end that is opposite the first end. The foam module may include a recess that may be configured to at least partially receive the lip structure such that the foam module is substantially retained relative to the hull collar structure. The panel may be sized to extend from the inboard boundary to the deck in the longitudinal direction and to at least partially close the hull collar structure relative to the inner hull volume. The panel may be sized in the longitudinal direction to cover a first distance that is greater than a second distance between the longitudinal portion of the lip structure and the deck lip. The foam module may be configured such that the boat hull substantially complies with level floatation requirements. The boat hull may include a centerline length that is fewer than about 65 feet. The deck lip may be positioned along at least a perimeter of the deck. The deck lip may protrude in the longitudinal direction towards the inboard boundary. The deck lip may be configured to direct water towards an aft portion of a hull. The deck lip may substantially prevent introduction of the water into a foam cavity defined by the hull collar structure from the deck. The deck lip and a longitudinal portion of the lip structure may be positioned at substantially a same distance outboard from a keel. 
     The object and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an example boat hull that may implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is another view of the boat hull of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is another view of the boat hull of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  is another view of the boat hull of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1E  is another view of the boat hull of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1F  is another view of the boat hull of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example collar assembly that may be implemented in the boat hull of  FIGS. 1A-1F ; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates another view of the collar assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of the collar assembly of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an planar view of the collar assembly of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an example hull collar structure that may be included in the collar assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3C ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example foam module that may be implemented in the collar assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3C ; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the hull collar structure that may be implemented in the collar assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3C ; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional views of an example embodiment of the foam module  500  that may be implemented in the collar assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3C ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of the deck lip that may be implemented in the boat hull of  FIGS. 1A-1F ; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example collar assembly configuration that may be implemented in the boat hull of  FIGS. 1A-1F , 
     
    
    
     all in accordance with at least one embodiment described above. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to boat hulls and in particular, some embodiments relate to boat hulls with open/non-closed hull collar assemblies. Conventional boat hulls may include a collar assembly at a top portion of a boat hull. These collar assemblies generally include closed or sealed volumes that are filled with expansion foam and/or air. Construction and maintenance of the closed volumes may be resource intensive. For instance, the construction of the closed volume may include a welded seam that must be airtight. Moreover, damage to the collar assemblies may result in introduction of water to the foam or the closed volume that may create negative buoyancy. 
     Accordingly, some embodiments disclosed in the present application include an open/non-closed hull collar assembly. The collar assembly may be shaped to increase encapsulated volume of a hull relative to similar boats with closed collar assemblies. The hull collar assembly may include a hull collar structure and a foam module. The foam module is comprised of a non-expansive, closed cell foam. Consequently, exposure of the foam module to water does not affect or minimally affects its weight or buoyancy. The hull collar structure may be constructed of aluminum or another suitable material and may comprise a gunwale, an outboard boundary, and an inboard boundary. The hull collar structure defines a foam cavity in which the foam module is disposed. The hull collar structure is sized and dimensioned such that it is open or non-closed to the encapsulated volume of a boat hull. For instance, the inboard boundary extends from the gunwale a portion of a distance to a deck such that the hull collar structure is at least partially open or non-closed. The foam module is shaped for disposition within the hull collar structure. A panel may be placed along the open boundary of the hull collar structure in some embodiments. The panel may be comprised of a ballistic material, which may be projectile resistant or another suitable material. The panel may enable a particular function of the collar assembly such as police or military implementations. 
     The open construction or non-closed construction may provide multiple improvements over closed collar assemblies. For instance, the open construction or non-closed construction may simplify construction of the collar assembly. For example, the open/non-closed hull collar assembly may not include a water/air tight seam and/or may not be hermetically sealed at least during a portion of the life of the boat hull  100 , which may reduce resources involved in construction. Additionally, the open construction or non-closed construction may reduce the amount of material used in the construction or enable reallocation of such material to external portions of the collar assembly compared to closed collar assemblies. This and other embodiments are described with reference to the Figures. In the Figures, components and features with like numbers indicate similar function and structure unless described otherwise. 
       FIGS. 1A-1F  depict an example boat hull  100  that may implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1A  is a side view of the boat hull  100 .  FIG. 1B  is a rear view of the boat hull  100 .  FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the boat hull  100 .  FIG. 1D  is a front view of the boat hull  100 .  FIG. 1E  is a bottom view of the boat hull  100 .  FIG. 1F  is a top view of the boat hull  100 . The boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F  and discussed throughout the present disclose is depicted without a transom. Omission of the transom is not enables depiction of internal portions of the boat hull  100 . One with skill in the art may understand with the benefit of this disclosure that a transom can be fit to the boat hull  100 . 
     The boat hull  100  may be implemented in a military boat, police boat, a recreational boat, or another boat. In some embodiments, some dimensions and/or materials may vary between implementations. For instance, in embodiments in which the boat hull  100  is configured for a military implementation, a panel (described below) may be larger and constructed of a ballistic material. In other embodiments in which the boat hull  100  is configured for a recreational use, the panel may be constructed of fiberglass, thermoformed plastic, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the panel may be omitted or may include a smaller panel compared to those describe in the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the panel may be molded for a specific purpose or implementation. For example, the boat hull  100  may be constructed for a recreational purpose. In these and other embodiments, the panel may be constructed similar to a door panel in an automobile. For instance, the panel may enable goods or equipment to be stored in a cavity formed in the panel. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the panel may be formed using a vacuum forming process. 
     The boat hull  100  may include a bow  114 , a stern  116 , and an open/non-closed hull collar assembly (hereinafter, “collar assembly”)  200  that extends along sides or at least portions of the sides of the boat hull  100  that extend between the bow  114  and the stern  116 . For example, in the depicted embodiment, the collar assembly  200  may be along each of the sides of the boat hull  100 . Additionally, the collar assembly  200  is included in an upper portion  118  of the boat hull  100  near or including a gunwale  302 . 
     The collar assembly  200  may be shaped to increase an encapsulated volume  102  ( FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1F ) of the boat hull  100  relative to other collar assemblies of other boat hulls. For instance, the collar assembly  200  may include a shape and a configuration in which the collar assembly  200  is positioned in an outboard portion of the boat hull  100 . With reference to  FIG. 1B, 1D-1F , the term “outboard” corresponds to a direction away from a centerline  104  of the boat hull  100 . The centerline  104  may be positioned at a center of a lateral dimension of the boat hull  100 , which corresponds to the x-direction of  FIG. 1B . The centerline  104  may correspond to a centerline of a beam in some embodiments. Conversely, the term “inboard” may correspond to a direction towards the centerline  104  of the boat hull  100 . In  FIG. 1B , outboard is represented by arrow  108  and inboard is represented by arrow  110 . A similar convention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1D-1F . 
     The encapsulated volume  102  accordingly includes a volume that is defined between a deck  106  and the collar assembly  200 . In the depicted embodiment, the encapsulated volume  102  is open at the top. In other embodiments, the encapsulated volume  102  or a portion thereof may be closed on a top to create a cabin. 
     The collar assembly  200  may be open, non-closed, or partially open to the encapsulated volume  102 . For instance, the collar assembly  200  may in be comprised of a hull collar structure  300 . The hull collar structure  300  may include the gunwale  302 , an outboard boundary  304 , and an inboard boundary  306 . The inboard boundary  306  may not extend an entire distance to the deck  106 . Accordingly, the hull collar structure  300  is closed along the gunwale  302  and the outboard boundary  304 , and is open between the inboard boundary  306  and the deck  106 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1B , the hull collar structure  300  may include a panel  331 . The panel  331  may be fit or selectively attached to the hull collar structure  300 . The panel  331  may accordingly close or partially close the collar assembly  200  to the encapsulated volume  102 . 
     Additionally, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1B , the inboard boundary  306  may be a separate structure that may be coupled to the gunwale  302  at a joint  349 . For instance, the inboard boundary  306  may be an independent structure that is welded or otherwise coupled to the gunwale  302 . In other embodiments, the inboard boundary  306  may be integrally formed or attached to the gunwale  302 . 
     The deck  106  may be connected to a lower hull portion  202  by one or more vertical supports  204 . The lower hull portion  202  may be configured to be placed in the water when the boat hull  100  is operating. The collar assembly  200  may be connected to the lower hull portion  202 . For instance, the collar assembly  200  may be implemented at the outboard edge of the lower hull portion  202 . 
     In the embodiments depicted in the present disclosure, the panel  331  may rest on an inboard surface of the deck lip  700 . Accordingly, the panel  331  may accordingly extend a part or portion of the distance between the inboard boundary  306  to the deck  106 . In other embodiments, the deck lip  700  may extend towards the lower hull portion  202  at the outboard edge of the deck  106 . In these and other embodiments, the panel  331  may extend below the deck  106 . Accordingly, the outboard edge of the deck  106  may be positioned some distance from a lowermost end of the panel  331 . 
     The collar assembly  200  may define a foam cavity  310 . For instance, the gunwale  302 , the outboard boundary  304 , and the inboard boundary  306  may define boundaries of the foam cavity  310 . A foam module  500  may be deposed in the foam cavity  310  or at least in a portion of the foam cavity  310 . The foam module  500  may be comprised of a non-expansive, closed cell foam. Accordingly, the foam module  500  may not increase in weight or may not significantly increase in weight when exposed to water. 
     In addition, the foam module  500  may have a density that is less than water. Consequently, the foam module  500  may increase buoyancy of the boat hull  100 . The collar assembly  200  and/or the foam module  500  may be configured such that the boat hull  100  substantially complies with or exceeds level floatation requirements. Some examples of the level floatation requirements may be found in NSCV Subsection C6B, AS1799.1, ISO 12217-3, and ABYC H-8, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally or alternatively, the foam module  500  may be sized to provide basic floatation or greater per 33 C.F.R. § 183.105 (2018). Further, the foam module  500  may be sized and placed to provide sufficient buoyancy to pass the stability and flotation tests prescribe in 33 C.F.R. §§ 183.225(a), 183.230(a), and 183.235(a) (2018). These sections of the C.F.R. are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , the boat hull  100  may include a centerline length  112 . The centerline length  112  may be determined along the centerline  104  and/or along a beam of the boat hull  100 . In some embodiments, the centerline length  112  may be less than about 65 feet. At about 65 feet, the level flotation requirements may not be as important as in boat hulls  100  that have centerline lengths  112  that are less than about 65 feet. For instance, some embodiments include boat hulls with a centerline length  112  of less than about 50 feet, less than about 40 feet, or another suitable dimension. 
     In some embodiments, the boat hull  100  may be implemented in or be used to construct a rigid buoyant boat. In rigid buoyant boats, the boat hull  100  may be manufactured from a solid material, which may include polyethylene, aluminum alloy, or aluminum. The rigid buoyant boats may implement the foam module  500 . The rigid buoyant boats may be constructed such that the rigid buoyant boats are buoyant even when the boat hull  100  is flooded. The rigid buoyant boats may be more robust than similar boats that implement fabrics or flexible plastics for the hull. 
     The boat hull  100  in  FIGS. 1A-1F  depict a structure that is substantially a monohull structure. In other embodiments, the boat hull  100  may be a multihull structure. For instance, the boat hull  100  may include two, three, or another suitable number of hull structures. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the boat hull  100  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, the boat hull  100  may be implemented in a boat or ship, which may include other components and systems such as an engine, seats, etc. Additionally, the boat hull  100  may implement the collar assembly  200  along only a portion of the sides. Additionally, the boat hull  100  may implement an example of the collar assembly  200  at a top portion of the boat hull  100 , at a bottom portion of the boat hull  100 , etc. the collar assembly  200  may be implemented with one or more additional buoyancy systems. Moreover, the separation of various components in the embodiments described herein is not meant to indicate that the separation occurs in all embodiments. For example, the collar assembly  200  is shown as being separate from the deck  106  and the lower hull portion  202 . In other embodiments, the collar assembly  200  may be formed of a single piece of material with the lower hull portion  202  and/or the deck  106 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a portion of an example embodiment of the collar assembly  200  introduced in  FIGS. 1A-1F . In  FIG. 2 , a perspective, sectional view of the collar assembly  200  is depicted. The collar assembly  200  of  FIG. 2  may be implemented in the boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F  or another suitable boat hull. 
     The collar assembly  200  is configured to increase or determine buoyancy of a boat hull such as the boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . Additionally, the collar assembly  200  may determine, at least partially, buoyancy and performance characteristics of the boat hull. For example, the collar assembly  200  may be connected to or may otherwise extend from an outermost edge  206  of the lower hull portion  202 . The collar assembly  200  may generally extend in a longitudinal direction (which may correspond to the y-direction of  FIG. 2 ) from the gunwale  302  to the outermost edge  206  of the lower hull portion  202 . In some embodiments, a portion of the collar assembly  200  may extend in a negative y-direction relative to the outermost edge  206 . Accordingly, the foam cavity  310  defined by the collar assembly  200  includes a volume that is not wholly concentrated at the gunwale  302 . Instead, the foam cavity  310  includes a portion that is bordered by the gunwale  302  and that extends longitudinally a part or a majority of a distance to the lower hull portion  202 . The shape of the foam cavity  310  distributes the volume along a relatively large longitudinal portion of the side of the boat hull  100  when compared to conventional boat hulls. 
     The collar assembly  200  may further extend in an outboard direction from the outermost edge  206  of the lower hull portion  202  and/or a plane that is substantially parallel to the YZ plane inclusive of the outermost edge  206 . Accordingly, the foam cavity  310  defined by the collar assembly  200  includes a volume that is substantially outboard of the lower hull portion  202 . Moreover, the buoyant material (e.g., the foam module  500 ) is distributed outboard of the lower hull portion  202  and increases in volume as a distance from the lower hull portion  202  increases. 
     In the depicted embodiment, an uppermost portion of the collar assembly  200  may have an enlarged volume  209 . The enlarged volume  209  may have an enlarged width  213  over a particular portion  215  of the height. The enlarged width  213  may include a part of the foam cavity  310  that extends inboard of the plane that includes the outermost edge  206 . The enlarged volume  209  may accordingly overhang into the encapsulated volume  102 . 
     The hull collar structure  300  of the collar assembly  200  may extend along at least a portion of a perimeter of the boat hull. In some embodiments, the collar assembly  200  extends along an entire perimeter of the boat hull. In other embodiments, the collar assembly  200  may include different dimensions at particular portions of the perimeter. In some embodiments, the hull collar structure  300  may be welded or otherwise coupled to the lower hull portion at the outermost edge  206 . In other embodiments, the collar structure  300  may be made of a single piece of material with the lower hull portion  202 . In some embodiments the collar structure  300  may be comprised of multiple components welded together. For example, in these and other embodiments, chines  575  and  577  (described with reference to  FIG. 3C ) may be comprised of an extrusion that is welded to a first lateral element  409  and a first angled element  407  (described with reference to  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate an example embodiment of the collar assembly  200 , which may be implemented in boat hulls such as the boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . In  FIG. 3A , the collar assembly  200  is depicted in an assembled configuration.  FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the collar assembly  200 .  FIG. 3C  is a planar view of the collar assembly  200 . In  FIGS. 3A-3C , there is a portion of the collar assembly  200  shown. The collar assembly  200  may extend around all or a portion of the boat hull. 
     The collar assembly  200  includes the hull collar structure  300 , the foam module  500 , and the panel  331 . In the assembled configuration, the foam module  500  is disposed in the foam cavity  310 . Additionally, the panel  331  may be placed against or adjacent to the foam module  500 . The panel  331  may be placed against the foam module  500  such that an upper portion  361  of the panel  331  overlaps a portion of the inboard boundary  306  of the hull collar structure  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , the foam module  500  may include an upper foam portion  502  and a lower foam portion  506 . To assemble the collar assembly  200 , the upper foam portion  502  may be disposed in the hull collar structure  300 . The upper foam portion  502  may be received in an upper part  333  of the hull collar structure  300 . For example, the upper foam portion  502  may be introduced into the upper part  333 . The inboard boundary  306  may be placed against an inboard surface  371  of the upper foam portion  502 . After the inboard boundary  306  is in place, the inboard boundary  306  may be welded to the gunwale  302 . With the upper foam portion  502  positioned between the inboard boundary  306  and the upper part  333 , the hull collar structure  300  may retain the upper foam portion  502 . The hull collar structure  300  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may include a lip structure  337 . The lip structure  337  is configured to be received in a recess  510 . When received in the recess  510 , the lip structure  337  may retain the upper foam portion  502 . Alternatively, the inboard boundary  306  may be welded or otherwise coupled to the gunwale  302 . The upper foam portion  502  may be rotated into the upper part  333  and retained therein. 
     After the upper foam portion  502  is disposed in the hull collar structure  300 , the lower foam portion  506  may be disposed in a lower part  335  of the hull collar structure  300 . The lower foam portion  506  may be placed in the lower part  335  such that an upper surface of the lower foam portion  506  may contact a lower surface of the upper foam portion  502 . In some embodiments, the lower foam portion  506  may be adhered or glued to the upper foam portion  502 . 
     The panel  331  may then be placed against the foam module  500 . The panel  331  is sized to extend from the inboard boundary  306  to a deck (e.g.,  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1F ) in the longitudinal direction, which may be parallel to the y-direction of  FIGS. 3A-3C . The panel  331  at least partially closes the hull collar structure  300  relative to an inner hull volume such as the encapsulated volume  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . 
     In some embodiments, the lip structure  337  of the inboard boundary  306  may include a longitudinal portion  347 . With reference to  FIGS. 2-3C , the panel  331  may be sized to extend from the longitudinal portion  347  of the lip structure  337  towards the deck  106  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-direction). As introduced above in  FIG. 2 , the deck lip  700  may extend in towards the lip structure  337 . A longitudinal dimension  343  of the panel  331  may be greater than a distance  345  between the lip structure  337  and the deck lip  700 . Accordingly, the panel  331  at least partially closes the hull collar structure  300  relative to the encapsulated volume  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3C , the hull collar structure  300  may include a first chine  577  and a second chine  575 . The first chine  577  may be inboard of the second chine  575 . The first chine  577  may extend in an outboard direction from the lower hull portion  202  as well as in a longitudinal direction (negative or positive y-direction). The second chine  575  may increase a planing surface during heavily laden operation and may increase in buoyant volume when engaged as the vessel lists. During lighter operation and at higher planing speeds the second chine  575  is out of the water and therefore does not increase the resistance. 
     A first chine angle  567  may be defined from a portion of the hull collar structure  300  making up the first chine  577  (e.g.,  409  described below) to a first substantially horizontal datum, which may be parallel to the x-axis in  FIG. 3C . In some embodiments, the first chine angle  567  may be in a range of about −10 degrees to about 10 degrees and may be about −5 degrees in the depicted embodiment. A first chine width  559  (e.g., a width of  409 ) may be defined between the lower hull portion  202  to a longitudinal element (e.g.,  411  described below). In some embodiments (e.g., with a centerline length  112  in a range of about 16 to about 65 feet), the first chine width  559  may be between about 2 and about 18 inches and may be about 6 inches in the depicted embodiment. The first chine width  559  may vary in accordance with its particular position on the boat hull  100  and in accordance with the vessel size and relative length to beam ratio. 
     A second chine angle  565  may be defined from a portion of the hull collar structure  300  (e.g.,  413  described below) making up the second chine  575  to a second substantially horizontal datum, which may be parallel to the x-axis in  FIG. 3C . In some embodiments, the second chine angle  565  may be in a range of about −10 degrees and about 50 degrees and may be about 20 degrees in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3C . A second chine width  561  (e.g., a width of  413 ) may be defined between the longitudinal element coupled to the first chine  577  to a second angled element (e.g.,  407  described below). In some embodiments (e.g., with a centerline length  112  in a range of about 16 to about 65 feet), the second chine width  561  (e.g., length of  413 ) may be between about 1 and about 10 inches. The second chine width  561  may vary in accordance with its particular position on the boat hull  100  and in accordance with the vessel size and relative length to beam ratio. 
     A third hull angle  563  may be defined between a third substantially horizontal datum that may be parallel to the x-axis and the second angled element (e.g.,  407 ). In some embodiments, the third hull angle  563  may be in a range of about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees and may be about 75 degrees in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3C . The hull collar structure  300  is structural and integrated into hull of vessel, which enables a large bottom surface, or planning area for deceased planing resistance with respect to overall beam when compared to other buoyant apparatuses. 
     In some embodiments, the gunwale  302  or a portion thereof may be positioned inboard of at least a portion of the first chine  577 . In particular, an outboard edge of the first chine  577  may be positioned in a plane represented by a chine line  573 . The chine line  573  extends in  FIG. 3C  to the gunwale  302 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , the gunwale  302  extends inboard of the chine line  573 . Accordingly, a portion of the foam cavity  310  and foam module  500  is inboard of the first chine  577 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3C , the foam cavity  310  of the hull collar structure  300  may be configured to increase an outboard volume relative to conventional boat hulls. For instance, some conventional vessel hull may be manufactured from planar materials (e.g., aluminum, plywood, steel, etc.). Most of these vessels hulls are bound by a developable surface on an outboard boundary. A developable surface is a surface that is formed from a flat sheet material without stretching (e.g., having no permanent deformation or bending). Mathematically the developable surface may be defined as having zero or substantially zero Gaussian curvature. A developable surface may be represented by a linear or near linear line that extends from the outward most portion of a chine to the outward most portion of the gunwale. These sides are generally angled outward from the chine to the outward most portion of the gunwale in a range of about 0 degrees (e.g., vertical) to about 23 degrees (angled outboard). 
       FIG. 3C  includes a first line  551  that is representative of a conceptual plane of a developable surface that may be implemented in conventional boat hull. The first line  551  extends from the outermost edge of the first chine  577  to the outboard edge of the gunwale  302 . The first line  551  may be at an angle  571  from the chine line  573 . In some embodiments, the angle  571  may be about 13 degrees. The first line  551  may conceptually separate an expanded volume  553  from an upper inboard volume  555  and a lower inboard volume  557 . The expanded volume  553  may be defined at least partially of the hull collar structure  300 . For example, the embodiment of  FIG. 3C  utilizes the hull collar structure  300  that may be manufactured from planar material, but is non-developable, particularly when viewed as a singular component from the outboard chine to the gunwale  302 . Outboard extension of the hull collar structure  300  beyond that of a developable surface (represented by the first line  551 ) in the expanded volume  553  between the outboard portion of the innermost primary chine and the outboard portion of the gunwale  302  to displace a greater volume of water as the boat lists than a conventional boat without the expanded volume  553 . 
     The expanded volume  553  may increase the volume of the foam cavity  310 . For example, in the depicted embodiment of  FIG. 3C , the expanded volume  553  may include a cross-sectional area of about 88.1 square inches, the upper inboard volume  555  may be about 157.5 square inches, and the lower inboard volume  557  may be about 72.6 square inches. Accordingly, the inclusion of the expanded volume  553  may increase the volume of the  310  by about 39% (((157.5+72.6+88.1)/(157.5+72.6))−1). The larger volume may increase stability and may increase a righting moment. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an example embodiment of the hull collar structure  300 . The hull collar structure  300  may be included in the boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . The hull collar structure  300  may define the foam cavity  310  that is configured to receive a foam module such as the foam module  500 . The hull collar structure  300  may include the gunwale  302 , the outboard boundary  304 , and the inboard boundary  306 . The hull collar structure  300  may be open or non-closed. For instance, the outboard boundary  304  may not connect with the inboard boundary  306 . The hull collar structure  300  may have a generally open C-shaped structure. As introduced above, the hull collar structure  300  may be open or non-closed to an encapsulated volume (e.g., the encapsulated volume  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1F ) or some portion thereof. 
     The gunwale  302  may be positioned at an uppermost (e.g., having a highest y-dimension) portion of the hull collar structure  300 . The gunwale  302  may extend between the outboard boundary  304  and the inboard boundary  306 . The gunwale  302  may be substantially planar, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In other embodiments, the gunwale  302  may be arced, either concaved or convex. 
     The outboard boundary  304  may be positioned outboard relative to the inboard boundary  306 . The outboard boundary  304  generally includes an outer structure of a boat hull and may extend around all or a portion of a boat hull. For instance, the outboard boundary  304  may extend in an outward lateral direction (e.g., the x-direction) from a lower hull portion such as the lower hull portion  202  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . In addition, the outboard boundary  304  may extend in a longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-direction of  FIG. 4 ) from the lower hull portion. Extension of the outboard boundary  304  in the longitudinal direction may enable at least a portion of the hull collar structure  300  to be in a freeboard portion of a boat hull and/or above a waterline. It may be understood that the freeboard portion and the waterline may differ depending on how a boat is loaded, the operating condition of the boat, the water conditions, and the like. Nevertheless, configuration of the outboard boundary  304  in at least some embodiments may enable at least a portion of the hull collar structure  300  to be maintained in a freeboard portion of a boat hull and/or above the waterline. 
     The outboard boundary  304  of  FIG. 4  includes a first longitudinal element  401 , a first angled element  407 , a first lateral element  409 , a second longitudinal element  411 , and a second lateral element  413 . The first longitudinal element  401  includes a first end  403  and a second end  405 . The first end  403  of the first longitudinal element  401  is connected to the gunwale  302 . The first longitudinal element  401  is substantially oriented in a plane that is parallel to the YZ plane of  FIG. 4 . 
     The first angled element  407  extends from the second end  405  of the first longitudinal element  401 . The first angled element  407  may be angled in an inboard direction. For example, the first angled element  407  may include a first end  415  that connects the second end  405  of the first longitudinal element  401 . The first angled element  407  may also include a second end  417  that connects to the second lateral element  413 . The second end  417  of the first angled element  407  may be positioned inboard of the first end  415  of the first angled element  407 . The second lateral element  413  may be connected to the first angled element  407 . The second lateral element  413  may extend substantially in the outboard direction from the second longitudinal element  411 . The second longitudinal element  411  may be connected to the first lateral element  409  and may extend substantially in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-direction of  FIG. 4 ) from the first lateral element  409  to the second lateral element  413 . The first lateral element  409  may be connected to the second longitudinal element  411  and may extend in the outboard direction from a lower hull portion such as the lower hull portion  202  described above. 
     The example outboard boundary  304  described above is not meant to be limiting. For instance, in other embodiments, the outboard boundary  304  may include a different arrangement and/or a different number of elements. For instance, the first angled element  407 , the second longitudinal element  411 , and the second lateral element  413  may be combined into a single element. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the elements ( 409 ,  411 ,  413 ,  407 , and  401 ) may be curved or arced. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the deck  106  may extend over a portion of the first lateral element  409 . The deck  106  may be separated from the first lateral element  409  by a deck height  451 . Additionally, the deck lip  700 , which may be connected to the deck  106 , may extend in the longitudinal direction towards the inboard boundary  306 . The inboard boundary  306  extends from the gunwale  302  a portion of a distance to the deck  106  or the deck lip  700 . Accordingly, the distance  345  is defined between the deck lip  700  and a free end  402  of the inboard boundary  306 . The hull collar structure  300  is at least partially open to an inner hull volume such as the encapsulated volume  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the inboard boundary  306  includes the longitudinal portion  347 . The longitudinal portion  347  connects to the gunwale  302  at a first end  349 . The first longitudinal portion  347  extends in substantially the y-direction of  FIG. 4 . The inboard boundary  306  includes the lip structure  337  at the free end  402  that is opposite the first end  349 . In the depicted embodiment, the lip structure  337  includes a lateral portion  351  and a longitudinal portion  347 . The lateral portion  351 , the longitudinal portion  347 , or portions thereof may be configured to retain a foam module such as the foam module  500 . For example, as described elsewhere in the present disclosure, the lateral portion  351  or portions thereof may be configured to be received in the recess  510 . When the lip structure  337  is received in the recess  510 , the foam module  500  is substantially retained relative to the hull collar structure  300 . 
     The hull collar structure  300  defines the foam cavity  310  that receives the foam module  500 . The foam cavity  310  includes a lower volume  353  and an upper volume  355 . The upper volume  355  includes an uppermost portion that is positioned immediately below the gunwale  302 . The lower volume  353  is the portion of the foam cavity  310  below the upper volume  355 . The upper volume  355  of the foam cavity  310  includes a greater lateral dimension  357  than a lateral dimension  359  of the lower volume  353 . Accordingly, the outboard portion of the upper volume  355  is disposed farther outboard and farther inboard than the lower volume  353 . 
     The hull collar structure  300  may be comprised of an aluminum or an aluminum alloy. For example, in these and other embodiments, the hull collar structure  300  may be formed through a series or set of bending processes. For instance, the hull collar structure  300  may be formed from a single sheet of aluminum or aluminum alloy that is substantially planar. The single sheet may then be bent to form the shape shown in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, the hull collar structure  300  may be made from two or more sheets of aluminum or aluminum alloy, which may be welded or otherwise coupled to one another. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example embodiment of the foam module  500 . The foam module  500  may be implemented in the boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . The foam module  500  may be comprised of one or more non-expansive, closed cell foams. The closed cell foams indicate that cells of the foam module are substantially enclosed by its walls. In closed cell foams, the cells may not be interconnected with one another. The closed cell foams may be formed by subjecting a rubber compound to a high-pressure gas or incorporating gas-forming materials into a compound. Some examples of closed cell foams may include neoprene, irradiated cross-linked polyethylene, chemically cross-linked polyethylene, Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA), conductive polyolefins, static-dissipative or fire-retardant polyolefins, PVC, EPDM, vinyl nitrile, and the like. The closed cell foam of the foam module  500  may be less dense than water. 
     Additionally, the closed cell foam may be liquid resistant and/or non-expansive. For example, when the closed cell foam(s) is exposed to water or another liquid, the water may not be absorbed in the foam module  500 . Additionally, the foam module  500  may not expand due to exposure to the water or due to exposure to ambient temperatures. In some embodiments, the foam module  500  may be comprised of a polyethylene foam. 
     The foam module  500  may be shaped for disposition within a hull collar structure such as the hull collar structure  300  described above. The foam module  500  may be a single piece of material or may be comprised of two or more pieces of material. For instance, in some embodiments, the foam module  500  may be configured for disposition within a hull collar structure that includes two or more volumes. In these and other embodiments, the foam module  500  may include an upper foam portion  502  and a lower foam portion  506 . The upper foam portion  502  may be formed or cut independently from the lower foam portion  506 . The upper foam portion  502  may be disposed in the hull collar structure  300 , followed by the lower foam portion  506  or vice versa. 
     The upper foam portion  502  of  FIG. 5  may include a first lateral dimension  504 , a second lateral dimension  508 , and the recess  510 . In the depicted embodiment, the first lateral dimension  504  and the second lateral dimension  508  may be substantially the same. In other embodiments, the first lateral dimension  504  may be greater than the second lateral dimension  508 . The upper foam portion  502  may include the first lateral dimension  504  over a first height  515  that corresponds to the position of the recess  510  and the second lateral dimension  508  over a second height  517 . The first lateral dimension  504  and the first height  515  may configured to be received in a wide portion of the hull collar structure  300 , which may be nearest a gunwale (e.g.,  302 ). A second part of the upper foam portion  502  that includes the second lateral dimension  508  and the second height  517  may be positioned between the first part and the lower foam portion  506 . 
     The recess  510  may be defined to receive a lip structure of a hull collar structure such as the hull collar structure  300 . The recess  510  may be defined at a transition between the first lateral dimension  504  and the second lateral dimension  508  or in another suitable location on the foam module  500 . The recess  510  may include an indent  511 , which includes a cutout or notch that is outboard relative to an internal surface  513  of the foam module  500 . In the depicted embodiment, the recess  510  is a relatively thin rectangular cutout. In other embodiments, the recess may be formed as a rounded feature, a hooked-shaped feature, a concave feature, or another suitable feature. 
     An upper portion of the hull collar structure  300  may accordingly extend over the first part of the upper foam portion  502 . When the upper portion of the hull collar structure  300  is positioned over the first part, the lip structure  337  or a portion thereof may be received in the recess  510  and the foam module  500  may be retained relative to the hull collar structure  300 . 
     The lower foam portion  506  of  FIG. 5  may include a third lateral dimensions  531  and a fourth lateral dimension  533 . The third lateral dimension  531  may be defined between an outer edge  523  and the internal surface  513 . The third lateral dimension  531  may vary from the second lateral dimension  508  to the fourth lateral dimension  533 . In the depicted embodiment, the third lateral dimension  531  may vary substantially linearly over two portions of the lower foam portion  506 . 
     The fourth lateral dimension  533  may be a dimension of a bottom part  521  of the lower foam portion  506 . The bottom part  521  may be below a waterline (dynamic and static) when a boat hull implementing the foam module  500  is in the water. The bottom part  521  may be a narrowest part of the foam module  500  and the foam module  500  may increase in thickness and may extend outboard from the internal surface  513  as the foam module  500  increases in height from the bottom part  521 . 
     In some embodiments, the lower foam portion  506  may include a cutout, which may be formed by removing material from the internal surface  513 . The cutout may be sized and configured to receive the deck lip  700  or another structure that may be introduced into the foam module  500 . For instance, the cutout may be configured such that an uppermost edge of the deck lip  700  may abut an upper edge of the cutout. A depth of the cutout may substantially correspond to a thickness of the deck lip  700  or another structure introduced or place against the foam module  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the foam module  500  may only fill a portion of the hull collar structure  300 . For instance, the foam module  500  may comprise only the upper foam portion  502  and may omit the lower foam portion  506 . Additionally or alternatively, a cavity (e.g., a rectangular or domed cavity) may be defined in the internal surface  513 . The cavity may be sized and configured to receive and store equipment. In these and other embodiments, the panel  331  may include a corresponding structure that fits into the cavity, which may allow storage in the cavity. 
     One or more of the dimensions (e.g.,  508 ,  504 ,  531 ,  533 , etc.) may be sized such that a boat hull (e.g.,  100 ) implementing the foam module  500  substantially complies with level floatation requirements. For example, to increase buoyancy of the boat hull, the first, second, third, or fourth lateral dimensions of the foam module  500  may be increased. Similarly, to increase buoyancy of the boat hull, a height  537  of the foam module  500  may be increased. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict cross-sectional views of an example embodiment of the hull collar structure  300  and an example embodiment of the foam module  500 , respectively. The hull collar structure  300  may include a shape that corresponds or substantially corresponds to a shape of the foam module  500 . For instance, the hull collar structure  300  includes a partial perimeter that extends from the free end  402  and a second end  604 . Within the partial perimeter, the foam cavity  310  is defined, which is described elsewhere in the present disclosure. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6A , a datum  611  may extend longitudinally from a corner  602  to the first lateral element  409 . The hull collar structure  300  includes a portion of the first lateral element  409  that is inboard of the datum  611 . The portion of the first lateral element  409  may be connected to or otherwise coupled to the lower hull portion (e.g.,  202 ). 
     In these and other embodiments, the shape of the foam module  500  substantially corresponds to the shape of the partial perimeter and the datum  611 . For instance, the lower foam portion  506  may be shaped with similar or identical angles and/or dimensions as the first lateral element  409 , the second longitudinal element  411 , the second lateral element  413 , and a portion of the first angled element  407 . Similarly, the upper foam portion  502  may include similar or identical angles and/or dimensions as another portion of the first angled element  407 , the longitudinal element, the gunwale  302 , and the inboard boundary  306 . 
     In some embodiments in which the foam module  500  includes a cutout and/or the recess  510  includes a concaved portion, the foam module  500  may include an inboard extended portion that extends a small amount (e.g., between about 0.125 inches and about 0.75 or another suitable amount) past the datum  611  in the inboard direction. The inboard-extended portion may at least partially define the recess  510  of the foam module  500 . The inboard-extended portion may be configured to abut a panel in some embodiment. In these and other embodiments, aside from the inboard-extended portion, the shape of the foam module  500  substantially corresponds to the shape of the partial perimeter and the datum  611 . 
     The depicted embodiment is not meant to be limiting as to the particular geometry of the foam module  500  or the hull collar structure  300 . For instance, the foam module  500  may only comprise the upper foam portion  502 . In these embodiments, the upper foam portion  502  may include a shape that corresponds to a portion of the hull collar structure  300 . Additionally, as described above, the hull collar structure  300  may include a different set of elements that have different lengths and sizes from those depicted. In these embodiments, the foam module  500  may include a shape that corresponds to the hull collar structure  300 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of the deck lip  700  that may be implemented in the boat hull  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1F . The deck lip  700  may include a portion of a deck such as the deck  106  or may include an independent component that is used with a deck such as the deck  106 . For instance, the deck lip  700  may be formed as an outboard portion (e.g., outer about 3% to about 10% or another suitable portion) of the deck  106  or may be formed independently and added to or otherwise coupled to the deck  106 . 
     The deck lip  700  may be configured to substantially prevent introduction of water into the foam cavity  310  defined by the hull collar structure  300  from the deck  106 . For example, during use of a boat implementing the deck lip  700 , water may enter the encapsulated volume such as the encapsulated volume  102  due to waves crashing on a side of the boat. The water may rest on a top surface  702  of the deck  106 . As the boat rocks (e.g., due to waves or rough seas), the water may move in substantially a lateral direction, which corresponds to the x direction of  FIG. 7 . A vertical portion  704  of the deck lip  700  may extend substantially in a longitudinal direction relative to the top surface  702 . In  FIG. 7 , the longitudinal direction may correspond to the y-direction. The vertical portion  704  may confine at least a portion of the water to the top surface  702  of the deck  106  and prevent or reduce an amount of the water that is introduced into the foam cavity  310 . 
     In general, in some embodiments, the deck  106  may be implemented in a boat that includes a self-baling deck configuration. In self-baling deck configurations, the water that accumulates on the top surface  702  of the deck  106  may be directed towards an aft portion of the boat where a bailing valve, a scupper, or another suitable bailing mechanism may be implemented. The bailing valve or the scupper may enable the water to be directed overboard. Accordingly, the deck lip  700  may be configured to prevent or reduce the introduction of the water to the foam cavity  310  prior to the water being directed to the bailing valve or the scupper. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the deck lip  700  may protrude in the longitudinal direction towards the inboard boundary  306 . In some embodiments, the vertical portion  704  may be coplanar or substantially coplanar with the inboard boundary  306 . For instance, deck lip  700  and the longitudinal portion  347  of the lip structure  337  are positioned at substantially a same distance outboard from a keel. Accordingly, the inboard boundary  306  and the vertical portion  704  may be oriented in a single plane that is substantially parallel to the YZ plane. In these and other embodiments, a panel such as the panel  331  may be configured to abut front surfaces  708  and  710  of the inboard boundary  306  and the vertical portion  704 , respectively. In particular, the panel (e.g.,  331 ) may be sized in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-direction) to cover a first distance  714  that is greater than a second distance  712  between the longitudinal portion  347  of the lip structure  337  and the deck lip  700 . The panel may accordingly seal or partially seal an open portion of the foam cavity  310 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, the second distance  712  may change. For instance, at least a portion of the vertical portion  704  may be angled or sloped. In other embodiments, the vertical portion  704  may not be sloped or may include another slope. In some of these other embodiments, the second distance  712  may be substantially constant. 
     In other embodiments, the deck lip  700  and the inboard boundary  306  may not be aligned. For instance, the deck lip  700  may be farther or closer to the keel than the inboard boundary  306 . Accordingly, the panel may have a non-planar configuration (e.g., bent or arced). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the deck lip  700  may extend along edges of the deck  106 . In some embodiments, the deck lip  700  may only be included along a portion of the edges of the deck  106 . In addition, in some embodiments, the vertical portion  704  may have different heights relative to the top surface  702  at different portions of the edges. For instance, near a forward portion of the deck  106 , the deck lip  700  may have a smaller height than at an aft portion of the deck  106 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example collar assembly configuration  800  that may be implemented with one or more of the embodiments described above. In the configuration  800 , the hull collar structure  300  and the panel  331  may be independent of one another. For instance, the boat hull  100  may be sold with the hull collar structure  300  without the panel  331  or with a first embodiment of the panel  331 . At a subsequent time, the panel  331  may be installed, changed, or upgraded. The panel  331  may be coupled to the hull collar structure  300  using fasteners, an epoxy, a sealant, or another suitable coupling material or system. Installation or modification of the panel  331  may enable a change or a modification to a function of the boat hull  100 . 
     In some examples, the configuration  800  may be implemented for law enforcement applications. In these and other examples, the boat hull  100  may be initially sold without the panel  331 . Later, the boat hull  100  may be upgraded to add the panel  331 . Additionally or alternatively, the boat hull  100  may be initially sold with a first embodiment of the panel  331 , which may be constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. At a later time, a second embodiment of the panel  331 , which may be constructed of a ballistic material, may be substituted for the first embodiment of the panel  331 . Similarly, the boat hull  100  may be initially sold with the second embodiment of the panel  331 , which is constructed of the ballistic material. Later, the first embodiment of the panel  331 , constructed of fiberglass etc., may be substituted for the second embodiment of the panel  331 . In these and other examples, the boat hull  100  may be repurposed for another function suitable for the particular panel that is installed in the boat hull  100 . 
     Moreover, in the configuration  800 , one or more of the panels  331  may vary at different portions of the boat hull  100 . For instance, in portions of the boat hull  100  that surround operators of the boat may be fitted with an embodiment of the panel  331  that are constructed of the ballistic material. Other portions of the boat hull  100 , which may be away from the operators, may be fitted with another embodiment of the panel  331  that are constructed of another material. Accordingly, the boat hull may be armored in a customized fashion. 
     Another potential benefit of the configuration  800  may include relatively easy removal of the panels  331 . The panels  331  may be removed from the boat hull  100  for repairs. For instance, if the boat hull  100  is dented, the panels  331  may be removed to provide access to an inner surface of the boat hull  100 . 
     Terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.). 
     Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. 
     In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. For example, the use of the term “and/or” is intended to be construed in this manner. 
     Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.