Patent Publication Number: US-11661148-B2

Title: Multiple chine pontoon boat

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/668,948, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 11,192,610, filed Oct. 30, 2019 and granted on Dec. 7, 2021, titled Multiple Chine Pontoon Boat, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to the structure of a pontoon boat and, in particular, to pontoon boat having a multi-chine configuration. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Boating has become an increasingly popular form of recreation, leisure and platform for water sports. One type of boat, namely, pontoon boats, which have two or more longitudinally extending floatation devices with buoyancy sufficient to float itself and the deck, seats, and other boat equipment supported thereon, have also seen a rise in popularity. Pontoon boats provide an economical way to provide a large deck area accommodating many passengers as well as a smooth ride. It is also desirable to have a pontoon boat handle in a manner similar to a hulled boat. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a pontoon boat is disclosed. The pontoon boat comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending pontoons, a deck supported atop the plurality of pontoons, and a plurality of foils coupled to the plurality of pontoons. The plurality of pontoons including a first pontoon, a second pontoon, and a third pontoon. The second pontoon is positioned intermediate the first and third pontoons. The plurality of foils includes a first foil coupled to the first pontoon and a second foil coupled to the second pontoon. At least a portion of the first foil is positioned vertically below an entirety of the second foil. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a pontoon boat is disclosed. The pontoon boat comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending pontoons, a deck supported atop the plurality of pontoons, and a plurality of foils coupled to the plurality of pontoons. The plurality of pontoons includes first and second outer pontoons and a middle pontoon positioned intermediate the first and second outer pontoons. The plurality of foils includes a first foil coupled to the first outer pontoon and a second foil coupled to the middle pontoon. At least a portion of the first foil is positioned vertically below an entirety of the second foil. The first foil extends longitudinally along the first outer pontoon for a first length, and the second foil extends longitudinally along the middle pontoon for a second length. The second length is longer than the first length. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pontoon boat having a deck supported by three pontoons; 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of a deck frame supported atop the three pontoons; 
         FIG.  3    is a front end view of the deck and deck frame supported atop the three pontoons with the multi-chine configuration of present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a partial, front end perspective view of the multi-chine structure of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a partial, bottom perspective view of the multi-chine structure of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial, rear end perspective view of the multi-chine structure of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom perspective view of the pontoon boat of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a front end view of another embodiment of a pontoon boat having a multi-chine configuration; 
         FIG.  9    is a front end view of a further embodiment of a pontoon boat having a multi-chine configuration; 
         FIG.  10    is a front end view of another embodiment of a pontoon boat having a multi-chine configuration. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention, which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , one embodiment of a pontoon boat in accordance with the subject invention is shown generally indicated as  10 . Pontoon boat  10  includes a plurality of pontoons, illustratively an outer pair of pontoons  12 ,  14  and a middle pontoon  16 . In embodiments, additional pontoons may be provided. Pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  are longitudinally extending buoyant members upon which pontoon boat  10  floats and rides in a body of water. Pontoon boat  10  also includes a deck  20  mounted above pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  and extending in a generally horizontal plane. Deck  20  is supported by the plurality of pontoons. Pontoon boat  10  also includes a railing  22  extending around deck  20 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, railing  22  encircles an inner portion of deck  20  and extends from approximately a front or bow end  24  of deck  20  to approximately a rear or stern end  26  of deck  20 . In embodiments, railing  22  may be spaced rearward of front end  24  of deck  20  to provide a forward deck portion without a railing. In embodiments, railing  22  may be spaced forward of rear end  26  of deck  20  to provide a rearward deck portion without a railing. 
     Pontoon boat  10  also includes a power source  28 , illustratively an outboard engine, operably coupled to pontoon  16  proximate rear end  26  of deck  20 . An exemplary outboard engine includes, for example, the 425 horsepower XTO Offshore outboard produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., 1270 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144. In other embodiments, power source  28  may comprise an inboard/outboard drive or a multi-engine configuration. 
     Deck  20  includes a rearward seating area  30  and a forward seating area  32 . Forward seating area  32  includes a plurality of seats  34  for passengers of pontoon boat  10 . Similarly, rearward seating area  30  may include a plurality of seats in which occupants may be seated while riding on pontoon boat  10 . Rearward seating area  30  also includes an operator area  36  having at least one actuatable operator input for operating power source  28  and pontoon boat  10 . Pontoon boat  10  also includes a collapsible canopy  38  pivotally coupled to railing  22 . Canopy  38  is pivotable between a stored configuration (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a deployed configuration in which canopy  38  covers at least a portion of rearward seating area  30  and forward seating area  32 . In embodiments, canopy  38  may comprise an upper frame fixedly coupled to railing  22 . In other embodiments, canopy  38  may comprise a hard-shell cover or superstructure for deck  20 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  2   , deck  20  (see  FIG.  1   ) is supported by a framework  40 , which is connected to pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  using a plurality of brackets. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of brackets support framework  40  above a top surface of pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16 . Framework  40  includes a forward perimeter rail  42  positioned at bow end  24  of deck  20  and a plurality of transverse cross members  44 , illustratively cross members  44   a - o , arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of pontoon boat  10 . Cross members  44  extend from a right or starboard side  46  of pontoon boat  10  to a left or port side  48  of pontoon boat  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, cross members  44  are spaced apart from one another and are distributed along a longitudinal length of deck  20  of pontoon boat  10 . It is contemplated, however, that cross members  44  may be grouped and arranged as the design of deck  20  requires. In embodiments, framework  40  may include more or fewer than cross members  44   a - o.    
     Framework  40  also includes a split rearward perimeter rail  50 , illustratively a starboard side rearward perimeter rail  50   a  and a port side rearward perimeter rail  50   b , proximate stern end  26  of deck  20  of pontoon boat  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, rearward perimeter rails  50   a ,  50   b  are positioned longitudinally rearward of an end of pontoons  12 ,  14 . Accordingly, starboard side rearward perimeter rail  50   a  is supported by a plurality of support members  52 , illustratively  52   a - c , coupled to cross member  44   o , and port side rearward perimeter rail  50   b  is supported by a plurality of support members  52 , illustratively,  52   d - f , coupled to cross member  44   o . Positioned laterally intermediate rearward perimeter rails  50   a ,  50   b  is a power source support structure  54  coupled to middle pontoon  16  and configured to support power source  28 . 
     Framework  40  also includes a starboard side perimeter rail  56  positioned on starboard side  46  of pontoon boat  10  and extending from the forward perimeter rail  42  to starboard side rearward perimeter rail  50   a . Framework  40  also includes a port side perimeter rail  58  positioned on port side  48  of pontoon boat  10  and extending from forward perimeter rail  42  to starboard side rearward perimeter rail  50   b . In the exemplary embodiment shown, deck  20  further includes a platform  60  (see  FIG.  3   ) supported atop framework  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  are shown in more detail. In the exemplary embodiment shown, middle pontoon  16  is arranged along longitudinal axis A (see  FIG.  2   ) of pontoon boat  10  and outer pontoons  12 ,  14  and arranged laterally outward of middle pontoon  16 . More specifically, outer pontoon  12  is positioned adjacent starboard side  46  of deck  20  of pontoon boat  10  and outer pontoon  14  is positioned adjacent port side  48  of deck  20  of pontoon boat  10 . Outer pontoons  12 ,  14  are illustratively cylindrically shaped pontoons, and middle pontoon  16  is illustratively an elliptically shaped pontoon. More specifically, outer pontoons  12 ,  14  have a cylindrically shaped transverse cross-section, and middle pontoon  16  has an elliptically shaped transverse cross-section. As shown in  FIGS.  1    and  4 , pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  also include a longitudinally curved nose cone proximate bow end  14  of deck  20 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, a vertically lowest point of each of the outer surfaces of pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  are co-planar, as indicated by plane P in  FIG.  3   . Plane P is tangential to the vertically lowest point of each of the outer surfaces of pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, plane P is horizontal. 
     Pontoon boat  10  illustratively includes a plurality of chines configured to provide pontoon boat  10  with the handling characteristics of a hulled boat. More specifically, middle pontoon  16  includes a plurality of strakes or foils  62 , illustratively a starboard foil  62   a  and a port foil  62   b , coupled to an outer surface  15   b  (envelope  15   b ) of pontoon  16 . Foils  62   a ,  62   b  are positioned on outer surface  15   b  of pontoon  16  adjacent the respective one of pontoons  12 ,  14 . More specifically, foil  62   a  is positioned on the outer surface of pontoon  16  adjacent outer pontoon  12 , and foil  62   b  is positioned on the outer surface of pontoon  16  adjacent outer pontoon  14 . Foils  62  extend laterally outward from the outer surface of pontoon  16  to a distal end point. In the exemplary embodiment shown, foils  62  comprise an upswept chine. Accordingly, foils  62  have a generally triangular cross-section and extend further laterally outward than vertically downward from the outer surface of pontoon  16 . It is contemplated, however, that foils  62  may comprise a differently shaped chine than shown. For example, foil  62  may comprise a reverse chine or a stepped chine. As illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , a forward end and a rear end of each of foils  62  are blunt and closed-off. It is contemplated, however, that either the forward end or the rear end of foils  62  may be open or comprise a hydrodynamic shape. In addition, the cross-section of each of foils  62  is generally constant as it extends from the forward end to a rear end. It is contemplated, however, that the cross-section of foils  62  may increase or decrease. For example, the cross-section of foils  62  may decrease such that foils  62  fade into the outer surface of pontoon  16  at either of the forward or rear end. 
     Each of outer pontoons  12 ,  14  also include a strake or foil  64 , illustratively foils  64   a ,  64   b , coupled to an outer surface  15   a  (envelope  15   a ) and an outer surface  15   c  (envelope  15   c ) of a respective one of pontoons  12 ,  14 . More specifically, foil  64   a  is positioned on outer surface  15   a  of pontoon  12  adjacent middle pontoon  16 . Similarly, foil  64   b  is positioned on outer surface  15   c  of pontoon  14  adjacent middle pontoon  16 . Accordingly, foils  64  are positioned on the laterally inward sides of the respective one of pontoons  12 ,  14  and extend laterally inward to a distal end point. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  3   , pontoon  12  comprises a center plane  74   a , pontoon  14  comprises a center plane  74   b , and pontoon  16  comprises a center plane  74   c . Foil  64   a  is positioned on the outer surface of pontoon  12  such that an apex  65   a  of the foil  64   a  is on one side of the center plane  74   a . Similarly, foil  64   b  is positioned on the outer surface of pontoon  14  such that an apex  65   b  of the foil  64   b  is on one side of the center plane  74   b . Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  3   , foil  64   a  is positioned on outer surface  15   a  of pontoon  12  such that the entirety of the foil  64   a  is on one side of the center plane  74   a . Similarly, foil  64   b  is positioned on outer surface  15   c  of pontoon  14  such that the entirety of the foil  64   b  is on one side of the center plane  74   b . In the exemplary embodiment shown, foils  64  comprise a negative foil, or an extreme reverse chine oriented laterally inward. Accordingly, foils  64  have a generally triangular cross-section and extend further vertically downward than laterally outward from the outer surface of the respective one of outer pontoons  12 ,  14 . It is contemplated, however, that foils  64  may comprise a differently shaped chine than shown. As illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , a forward end and a rear end of each of foils  64  are blunt and closed-off. It is contemplated, however, that either the forward end or the rear end of foils  64  may be open or comprise an hydrodynamic shape. In addition, the cross-section of each of foils  64  is generally constant as it extends from the forward end to a rear end. It is contemplated, however, that the cross-section of foils  64  may increase or decrease. For example, the cross-section of foils  64  may decrease such that foils  64  fade into the outer surface of the respective one of pontoons  12 ,  14  at either of the forward or rear end. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  3   , the lowest vertical extent or point of foils  64  of the respective one of outer pontoons  12 ,  14  are positioned vertically lower than an entirety of foils  62  of middle pontoon  16 . More specifically, the distal end point of foil  64   a , which is the vertically lowest point of foil  64   a  of outer pontoon  12 , is positioned vertically lower than foil  62   a  of middle pontoon  16 , as indicated by a gap  66   a  in  FIG.  3   . Similarly, the distal end point of foil  64   b , which is the vertically lower point of foil  64   b  of outer pontoon  14 , is positioned vertically lower than foil  62   b  of middle pontoon  16 , as indicated by a gap  66   b  in  FIG.  3   . In the embodiment shown, gaps  66   a ,  66   b  are identical and comprise a distance of 2 inches to 3 inches. Illustratively, gaps  66   a ,  66   b  comprise a distance of approximately 2.48 inches. It is contemplated, however, that gaps  66   a ,  66   b  may be different from one another and that gaps  66   a ,  66   b  may comprise a distance greater or smaller than shown so long as the distance is nonzero. Illustratively, the distal end points of foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ,  14  are co-planar with plane P, and foils  62  of middle pontoon  16  are spaced apart from and vertically above plane P. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2 ,  6 , and  7   , foils  64  extend longitudinally along their respective one of outer pontoons  12 ,  14  for a length L 1 . Conversely, foils  62  extend longitudinally along middle pontoon  16  for a length L 2 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, length L 2  is longitudinally longer than length L 1 . Accordingly, foils  62  of middle pontoon  16  extend longitudinally further than foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ,  14 . Illustratively, length L 1  is approximately half of the length of length L 2 , and length L 2  extends from proximate bow end  24  of deck  20  to stern end  26  of deck  20 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the start of foils  62 ,  62  are set back from bow end  24  of deck  20  as each of pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  includes a curved nose cone. It is contemplated, however, that lengths L 1 , L 2  may be longer or shorter than shown. 
     Foils  62 ,  64  are configured and positioned on the outer surface of the respective one of pontoons  12 ,  14 ,  16  to improve the handling characteristics of pontoon boat  10 . More specifically, foils  62 ,  64  are configured to provide handling characteristics (e.g., banking and planing characteristics) similar to a hulled boat. Foils  62 ,  64  also increase the stability of pontoon boat  10 , especially when a heavy or powerful power source  28  is used and passengers seat themselves in forward seating area  32 . In addition, foils  62 ,  64  cooperate to provide a three-point planning surface for pontoon boat  10  during operation thereof. More specifically, foils  64  provide lift for bow end  24  of pontoon boat  10 , and foils  62  providing a stabilizing surface for stern end  26  of pontoon boat  10 . Accordingly, foils  64  of pontoons  12 ,  14  in combination with foils  62  of pontoon  16  provide the “three” points of the planing surface for pontoon boat  10 . In addition, foils  62 ,  64  assist with the high-speed performance of pontoon boat  10 . For example, foils  64  provide a stabilizing surface which permit pontoon boat  10  to bank into a turn while the configuration of foils  62  slide sideways over the water. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  8   , another exemplary pontoon boat  10 ′ having a multi-chine configuration is shown. Because pontoon boat  10 ′ is similar to pontoon boat  10 , reference characters in pontoon boat  10 ′ correspond to the same or similar reference characters in pontoon boat  10 . Illustratively, pontoon boat  10 ′ includes outer pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′ and a middle pontoon  16 ′ positioned laterally intermediate outer pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′,  16 ′ comprises an elliptically shaped pontoon. A vertically lowest point of each of the outer surfaces of pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′,  16 ′ are co-planar, as indicated by plane P in  FIG.  8   . Middle pontoon  16 ′ includes a plurality of foils  62 , illustratively foils  62   a ,  62   b , and each of outer pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′ includes a foil  64 , illustratively foils  64   a ,  64   b . A distal end point of foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′ is co-planar with plane P and extends vertically lower than the entirety of foils  62   a ,  62   b  of middle pontoon  16 ′. As described above in connection with pontoon  10 , foils  62  of middle pontoon  16 ′ extend longitudinally further than foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ′,  14 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , another exemplary pontoon boat  10 ″ having a multi-chine configuration is shown. Because pontoon boat  10 ″ is similar to pontoon boat  10 , reference characters in pontoon boat  10 ″ correspond to the same or similar reference characters in pontoon boat  10 . Illustratively, pontoon boat  10 ″ includes outer pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″ and a middle pontoon  16 ″ positioned laterally intermediate outer pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″,  16 ″ comprises a cylindrically shaped pontoon. A vertically lowest point of each of the outer surfaces of pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″,  16 ″ are co-planar, as indicated by plane P in  FIG.  9   . Middle pontoon  16 ″ includes a plurality of foils  62 , illustratively foils  62   a ,  62   b , and each of outer pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″ includes a foil  64 , illustratively foils  64   a ,  64   b . A distal end point of foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″ is co-planar with plane P and extends vertically lower than an entirety of foils  62   a ,  62   b  of middle pontoon  16 ″. As described above in connection with pontoon  10 , foils  62  of middle pontoon  16 ″ extend longitudinally further than foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ″,  14 ″. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  10   , another exemplary pontoon boat  10 ′″ having a multi-chine configuration is shown. Because pontoon boat  10 ′″ is similar to pontoon boat  10 , reference characters in pontoon boat  10 ′″ correspond to the same or similar reference characters in pontoon boat  10 . Illustratively, pontoon boat  10 ′″ includes outer pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″ and a middle pontoon  16 ′″ positioned laterally intermediate outer pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″. In the exemplary embodiment shown, middle pontoon  16 ″ comprises a cylindrically shaped pontoon and each of outer pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″ comprises a U-shaped hull. It is contemplated that middle pontoon  16 ′″ may also comprise a cylindrically shaped pontoon. A vertically lowest point of each of the outer surfaces of pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″,  16 ′″ are co-planar, as indicated by plane P in  FIG.  10   . Middle pontoon  16 ′″ includes a plurality of foils  62 , illustratively foils  62   a ,  62   b , and each of outer pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″ includes a foil  64 , illustratively foils  64   a ,  64   b . A distal end point of foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″ is co-planar with plane P and extends vertically lower than an entirety of foils  62   a ,  62   b  of middle pontoon  16 ′″. As described above in connection with pontoon  10 , foils  62  of middle pontoon  16 ′″ extend longitudinally further than foils  64  of outer pontoons  12 ′″,  14 ′″. 
     In one example, a pontoon boat  10  is provided. Pontoon boat  10  includes a plurality of pontoons. The plurality of pontoons including a first pontoon  12  having a first vertical center plane  74   a , a second pontoon  16  having a second vertical center plane  74   c , and a third pontoon  14  having a third vertical center plane  74   b . The second pontoon  16  positioned intermediate the first and third pontoons  12 ,  14 . The plurality of pontoons extending longitudinally. Pontoon boat  10  further includes a deck  20  supported atop the plurality of pontoons. Pontoon boat  10  further includes a plurality of foils coupled to the plurality of pontoons. The plurality of foils including a first foil  64   a  extending into a space between the first vertical center plane  74   a  of the first pontoon  12  and the second vertical center plane  74   c  of the second pontoon  16  and a second foil  62   a  extending into the space between the first vertical center plane  74   a  of the first pontoon  12  and the second vertical center plane  74   c  of the second pontoon  16 . A distal end of the first foil  64   a  positioned vertically below an entirety of the second foil  62   a  and the distal end of the first foil  64   a  is positioned between the first vertical center plane  74   a  of the first pontoon  12  and the second vertical center plane  74   c  of the second pontoon  16 . 
     In another example, a pontoon boat  10  is provided. Pontoon boat  10  includes plurality of pontoons. The plurality of pontoons including first and second outer pontoons  12  and  14  and a middle pontoon  16  positioned intermediate the first and second outer pontoons  12  and  14 . The plurality of pontoons extending longitudinally. Pontoon boat  10  further includes a deck  20  supported atop the plurality of pontoons and a plurality of foils coupled to the plurality of pontoons. The plurality of foils including a first foil  64   a  coupled to a first one of the plurality of pontoons and a second foil  62   a  coupled to a second one of the plurality of pontoons, at least a portion of the first foil  64   a  positioned vertically below an entirety of the second foil  62   a . The first foil  64   a  extends longitudinally along the first one of the plurality of pontoons (illustratively pontoon  12 ) for a first length and the second foil  62   a  extends longitudinally along the second one of the plurality of pontoons (illustratively pontoon  16 ) for a second length, the first length is approximately half the second length. The first outer pontoon  12  has a first vertical center plane  74   a  and the second outer pontoon  14  has a second vertical center plane  74   b . The first foil  64   a  and the second foil  62   a  both being positioned completely between the first vertical center plane  74   a  of the first outer pontoon  12  and the second vertical center plane  74   b  of the second outer plane  14 . 
     In another example, a pontoon boat  10  is provided. Pontoon boat  10  includes a plurality of pontoons, the plurality of pontoons including an outer starboard pontoon  12  having a first envelope  15   a , an outer port pontoon  14  having a second envelope  15   c , and an intermediate pontoon  16  having a third envelope  15   b  and being positioned intermediate the outer starboard pontoon  12  and the outer port pontoon  14 . A first vertically lowest point of a first one of the first envelope  15   a  of the outer starboard pontoon  12 , the second envelope  15   c  of the outer port pontoon  14 , and the third envelope  15   b  of the intermediate pontoon  16  is horizontally aligned with a second vertically lowest point of a second one of the first envelope  15   a  of the outer starboard pontoon  12 , the second envelope  15   c  of the outer port pontoon  14 , and the third envelope  15   b  of the intermediate pontoon  16  at a first horizontal plane (P). The plurality of pontoons extending longitudinally. Pontoon boat  10  further includes a deck  20  supported atop the plurality of pontoons and a plurality of foils coupled to the plurality of pontoons. A distal end (one of apex  65   a  and apex  65   b ) of a first foil (one of foil  64   a  and foil  64   b ) of the plurality of foils is aligned with the first horizontal plane (P). The first foil extending from a third one of the first envelope  15   a  of the outer starboard pontoon  12 , the second envelope  15   c  of the outer port pontoon  14 , and the third envelope  15   b  of the intermediate pontoon  16 , the third one being different from the first one and the second one. 
     While the invention has been taught with specific reference to these embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered, therefore, in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, the scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the description.