Patent Description:
Generally, a personal watercraft (PWC) is a small recreational watercraft that is designed to be ridden like a motorcycle or scooter on water. It is typically powered by a jet propulsion system that uses a powerful water pump to shoot a high-pressure jet of water out of the back of the watercraft, propelling it forward. A personal watercraft is popular for use in a variety of water-based activities such as water sports, recreational riding, and racing. They are commonly used in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas around the world.

Owning a personal watercraft (PWC) can be a fun and exciting way to enjoy the water, but the cost of buying, maintaining, and transporting one can be challenging for many. PWCs require regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them in good working condition. This can be time-consuming and expensive, and may include tasks such as winterization, engine maintenance, and hull cleaning. PWCs can also have a negative impact on the environment as they can contribute to water pollution through oil and fuel leaks. Further, PWCs are typically stored on trailers when not in use, which can be bulky and difficult to store. They also require a vehicle with a hitch and sufficient towing capacity to transport them to and from the water.

<CIT> shows a boating system comprising a first floating nautical assembly provided with an interface for removable watertight assembly to a watercraft, wherein the watercraft forms a first navigable floating boat propelled by the personal watercraft propulsion system.

There is a need for ways to enjoy owning and maintaining a PWC that is less costly to buy, to maintain, and to store.

There is a need for ways to enjoy using a PWC where transporting it is easier than transporting personal watercraft currently available in the market.

There is a need for ways to enjoy a PWC with less negative impact on the environment.

The current disclosure provides a method of converting a jet board into a personal watercraft (PWC). The method includes first providing an add-on module that is capable of being detachably attached to the jet board.

In one aspect combinable with the general implementation, the add-on module itself is not motorized and it does not have a way to propel itself in water.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the detachably attaching step includes placing the add-on module over a front end or at least a front half of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the detachably attaching step includes sliding the add-on module over a front end or at least a front half of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the detachably attaching step includes inserting a front end or at least a front half of the jet board into a corresponding structure underneath the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the method includes providing at least one handlebar coupled to the hull of the add-on module so a rider in a riding position may hold on to the add-on module by holding the handlebar.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, providing a coupler to the add-on module, and using the coupler to secure the jet board to the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the coupler can be a tether, a strap, a line, a rope, an elastic band.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the method includes providing a hook or a catcher at a distal end of the coupler.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the method can include attaching the hook or the catcher to a corresponding protrusion (e.g., a handle) found at rear portion of the jet board in order to keep the jet board from detaching from the add-on module. This attachment can bias the jet board towards the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the coupler can be a movable clamping ram, and wherein the detachably attaching and securing step can include using the clamping ram to abut the jet board against a portion of the add-on module to keep it from detaching from the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the method may include using a tool to adjust the movable clamping ram.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the clamping ram may apply direct pressure to the lateral sides of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the clamping ram may apply direct pressure to the underside of the jet board to press the jet board against the bottom of the add-on module.

In still another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the securing step can include wrapping a strap over the underside of the jet board and tying the jet board to the underside of the add-on module in order to keep it from detaching from the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the securing step can include securing the coupler over the rear end of the jet board to keep it from detaching from the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the coupler can include a fastener, such as a screw, a toggle latch, a cam lock, or any other suitable hardware so a user may fasten the fastener to a corresponding part of the jet board to keep it from detaching from the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, further providing a receiving channel as part of the hull, either under the hull or within the hull, such that a user may fit a portion of the jet board snugly between at least two inner walls of the receiving channel.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the receiving channel can have a shape that corresponds with an outer contour of at least a front end of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the receiving channel can be disposed on an underside of the hull so that the jet board can slidingly receive therein and the bottom side of the front end of the jet board is still visible and not covered by the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the receiving channel can be disposed in an interior of the hull of the add-on module to slidably receive the jet board therein.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the add-on module is detachably attached to the jet board by inserting at least the front end of the jet board into an opening disposed at the rear end of the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the add-on module is detachably attached only to the front end of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the add-on module is detachably attached only to the front end and to two rear side handles of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the add-on module does not have a source of propulsion and the PWC is driven forward by the electric propulsion system of the jet board.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, when the jet board has a handheld controller (whether it is remotely controlled or via an attached wire) that allows a user of the jet board to control an output of its electric propulsion system, the method can further include attaching the handheld controller of the jet board to the handlebar of the add-on module, thereby allowing a user to adjust the output of the PWC while holding on to the handlebar of the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, providing a seat to the add-on module thereby allowing a user to sit on the resulting PWC. Also, providing the seat to be pivotably attached to the hull so that the user may gain access to the battery of the jet board when the jet board is secured to the add-on module.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the add-on module has no electrically-powered parts.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.

It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the embodiment in any manner.

The following call-out list of elements in the drawing can be a useful guide when referencing the elements of the drawing figures:.

The different aspects of the various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments as defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

As used herein, the term "personal watercraft" or "PWC" refers to a type of recreational watercraft that is designed for one to three people to ride on. It is commonly known by brand names such as Jet Ski™, WaveRunner™, and Sea-Doo™. It is typically ridden like a scooter if a seat is offered. It may also be without a seat and the rider would ride it standing up.

As used herein, the term "jet board" refers to a jet-powered board or electric board both of which can be in the form of a surfboard (see <NUM> of <FIG> illustrating surfboards of various sizes), a standup paddle board (see <NUM> of <FIG>), an electric boogie board (see <NUM> of <FIG>), and a hydrofoil board (see <NUM> of <FIG>) which generally has a board size and shape similar to the a boogie board (<NUM>). A jet board is a watercraft that allows the rider to surf on the water without the need for waves. It is typically powered by one or two electric motors or a jet engine, which propels the board forward through the water. If the board has a hydrofoil, it is sometimes called an e-foil.

The inventors have discovered a quick and easy way to convert a jet board into a personal watercraft (PWC).

<FIG> generally depicts the basic structure of an add-on module <NUM> in accordance with the disclosure.

The add-on module <NUM> can have a relatively light overall weight, with relatively simple construction. It can have a hull <NUM>, a bow <NUM>, a stern <NUM>, a left transom extension <NUM>, a right transom extension <NUM>, a handle grip <NUM>, a handlebar <NUM>, and a stem <NUM>.

The contemplated hull <NUM> can be made of suitable materials to withstand the stresses of traveling over the water, including waves, wind, and impacts from floating debris. It can be a material that is able to withstand exposure to moisture, sun, and other elements without deteriorating or corroding over time. The contemplated material can include lightweight material which can improve the PWC's speed and efficiency. This material is contemplated to have a stiffness to help the hull to maintain its shape and resist deformation while underway. Such materials include natural and synthetic polymers, various metals and metal alloys, naturally occurring materials, textile fibers, and all reasonable combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the contemplated hull <NUM> can be made of plastic by injection molding, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the contemplated hull <NUM> can be made of high-density foam, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the contemplated hull <NUM> can be made of wood, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other contemplated material may include steel, aluminum, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), and polyethylene, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The bow <NUM> can resemble the bow of a typical PWC by having the appropriate curvature consideration that can affect performance and safety. The shape of the bow can affect how easily the PWC can turn and change direction. A more curved bow can allow for sharper turns, while a flatter bow may be more difficult to maneuver.

Another key factor for an appropriate curvature consideration is to improve handling in waves. A PWC with a more curved bow can help to absorb and deflect waves, reducing the impact felt by the rider. This can improve the ride quality and reduce the risk of injury or discomfort.

Above the hull <NUM> there can be a pair of handlebars <NUM>. The pair of handlebars <NUM> are joined together towards the console <NUM> by a stem <NUM>. The console <NUM> may contain instruments to display mechanical or digital gauges or provide information or entertainment. In some embodiments, this console <NUM> does not have any instruments and gauges and can simply be a hollow structure where the stem <NUM> is attached.

Stem <NUM> can or cannot be rotatable relative to the console <NUM>. In one embodiment, a rider may turn the handlebar left and right, and such turning can be made possible by having rotatable stem <NUM> that is rotatably fixed to the console <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the rider may not turn the handlebar left and right. The stem <NUM> can be fixedly attached to the console <NUM> and not rotatable relatively to the console <NUM>. In this embodiment, the rider hangs on to the handlebar <NUM> to help keep himself or herself stabilized.

At the terminal ends of the handlebars <NUM> there can be hand grips <NUM>.

During riding over water, the hull <NUM> has a width such that the waterline is expected to reach both the bottom of the port side wing <NUM> and the bottom of the starboard side wing <NUM> as will be discussed in more detail in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the contemplated add-on module <NUM> can have a seat <NUM> behind the console <NUM>. In other embodiments, no seat is provided, and a rider may stand behind the console <NUM>, holding the handlebars <NUM>. In such embodiments, the handlebars <NUM> would be higher thereby making it easier for a standing rider to hang on to.

There can be a footwell <NUM> on the port side and a footwell on the starboard side of the add-on module, allowing the rider to rest his or her feet. The footwell <NUM> is contemplated to simply be a receiving structure of no mechanical moving parts.

In most embodiments, the add-on module <NUM> has no electric-driven moving parts, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the add-on module does not have any fuel-power or electric-powered propulsion system, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Contemplated add-on module <NUM> can have a left transom extension <NUM> and a right transom extension <NUM> at the stern <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM>. These transom extensions <NUM>, <NUM> can make added surface contacts with the top side of a jet board (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) for stabilization. In most embodiments, the bottom sides of these transom extensions <NUM>, <NUM> make no contact with the water and they are not part of the hull <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the hull <NUM>, the port side wing <NUM>, the starboard side wing <NUM>, the console <NUM>, the left transom extension <NUM>, the right transom extension, can all be a single integral piece manufactured by injection molding. For example, it can be a hollow plastic housing having all these parts.

In another embodiment, the entire add-on module <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except the stem <NUM>, the handlebar <NUM>, and the hand grips <NUM>, can be manufactured by injection molding, and it contains no more than two pieces of moving parts assembled together.

In still yet another embodiment, the entire add-on module <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except the stem <NUM>, the handlebar <NUM>, and the hand grips <NUM>, can be manufactured by injection molding, and it contains no more than three pieces of moving parts assembled together.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows a rear view of the add-on module <NUM>. Here in the rear view the port side wing <NUM> and the starboard side wing <NUM> are each shown to have a protruding part <NUM> disposed at the bottom of the port side wing <NUM> and the starboard side wing <NUM>. In most embodiments, the protruding parts <NUM> form part of the bottom of the hull <NUM>.

On both the portside and the starboard side, both protruding part <NUM> come sloping down toward the center longitudinal line of the add-on module <NUM> and abruptly ends such that the two protruding parts <NUM> do not meet in the mid-center line of the add-on module <NUM>. The protruding part <NUM> abruptly ends and sharply cuts back upwards thereby forming a groove <NUM>. The groove <NUM> can come in various shapes. In one embodiment, the shape of the groove <NUM> corresponds closely with the size and model of the jet board the add-on module <NUM> is designed to fit over.

In between the groove <NUM> on the port side and the groove <NUM> on the starboard side there is an empty space generally under the seat <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM>. This empty space is a docking area <NUM> where a jet board <NUM> can be inserted into and docked.

In one embodiment, the grooves <NUM> alone are sufficient to capture the jet board <NUM> can keep it from falling off from the add-on module <NUM>. That is, when a jet board <NUM> is docked into the docking area <NUM>, the grooves <NUM> can keep the front end of the jet board <NUM> from any vertical movement. Any such vertical movement is undesired because during operation, an impact from a wave can easily dislodge the jet board <NUM> form the add-on module unless there is some means to restrict such relative vertical movement between the jet board <NUM> and the add-on module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, there can be additional securing means on the add-on module <NUM> to make engaging contacts with the jet board to secure the jet board <NUM> in place. There additional securing means can include, but not limited to, a clamp (not shown), a toggle latch (not shown), a screw (not shown), a strap (not shown), a line (not shown).

In <FIG>, the docking area <NUM> has an open bottom. In other words, the bottom of the docking area is exposed to open water. In other embodiments such as the one shown in <FIG>, there can be a bottom <NUM> to the docketing area <NUM>. The bottom <NUM> effectively creates a pocket to receive a jet board <NUM> therein. The bottom <NUM> can prevent the jet board <NUM> from any vertical movement and therefore more securely keeps the jet board <NUM> in place.

In other embodiments where there is a bottom <NUM> to the docking area <NUM>, there may not necessarily need any grooves <NUM> because the bottom <NUM> itself can sufficiently capture the jet board <NUM> in place. This embodiment would effectively allow many shapes and sizes of jet board <NUM> to be inserted and received within the docking area <NUM>.

Although the bottom <NUM> of the docking area <NUM> shown in <FIG> is flat, the bottom can simply be part of the bottom of the hull <NUM> that curves down towards a center longitudinal line and forms a center spine similar to the bottom of the hull in a typical PWC.

As discussed above, the grooves <NUM> essentially forms a receiving channel that is either part of the hull <NUM> structure, or the receiving channel and be a separate structure coupled to the hull <NUM>. Either way, the rider would fit a portion of the jet board <NUM> snugly between at least two inner walls (e.g., the grooves <NUM>) of the receiving channel.

To convert a jet board <NUM> into a personal watercraft (PWC), a rider would place the add-on module <NUM> over the front end of the jet board <NUM>. This method step corresponds with the embodiment of add-on module <NUM> shown in <FIG>. After the add-on module <NUM> is generally placed over the front end of the jet board <NUM>, the rider would then slide the front end of the jet board <NUM> into place by making sure an engaging contact is made between the sides of the jet board and the grooves <NUM>.

Alternatively for the embodiment in <FIG>, a rider would insert the front end of the jet board <NUM> into an opening at the rear end of the add-on module <NUM> so that at least a front end of the jet board <NUM> is enveloped within the docketing area <NUM>. This structure resembles a pocket. In this way, a portion of the jet board <NUM> is sandwiched between the bottom <NUM> of the docking area <NUM> and the seat <NUM>.

At this point, a front end of the jet board <NUM> is in engaging contact with the add-on module <NUM>. In some embodiments, this engaging contact is limited to merely a top side of the jet board <NUM> contacting the add-on module <NUM> (not shown). In other embodiments, this engaging contact further includes the lateral sides of the jet board <NUM> (i.e., embodiment of <FIG>). In still yet other embodiments, this engaging contact further includes the bottom side of the front of the jet board <NUM> (not shown).

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the add-on module <NUM> partially enveloping the front end of the jet board <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the battery access cover <NUM> of the jet board <NUM> appears to be just a little more than halfway covered over by the tail end of the add-on module <NUM>. This is to say that, looking from top down and looking at the center longitudinal line of the jet board <NUM>, this particular jet board <NUM> in <FIG> is about <NUM> to <NUM>% covered by the add-on module. Notice this percentage coverage does not take into consideration how far back the add-on module's two transom extensions <NUM>, <NUM> reach back beyond the tail end of the seat <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, various jet boards and their sizes and lengths relative to each other are shown. The lines of arrows <NUM> next to each jet board are a representation of contemplated coverages of the add-on module over the jet board. As illustrated in the first top arrow, in some embodiments, the contemplated add-on module <NUM> has a tail end length that covers over at least the first <NUM>% of the top side of the jet board. As illustrated in the first two top arrows, in some embodiments, the contemplated add-on module <NUM> has a tail end length that covers over at least the first <NUM>% of the top side of the jet board. As illustrated in the first three top arrows, in some embodiments, the contemplated add-on module <NUM> has a tail end length that covers over at least the first <NUM>% of the top side of the jet board. As illustrated by all four arrows in a line, in some embodiments, the contemplated add-on module <NUM> has a tail end length that covers over the entire <NUM>% of the top side of the jet board. A larger coverage may need a longer add-on module <NUM>, which may be a two- or three-passenger model having a longer seat bench.

It should be noted that when the contemplated jet board <NUM> is a hydrofoil board <NUM> similar to that shown in <FIG>, the resulting PWC is not expected to levitate above water as a hydrofoil board <NUM> typically would. The propulsion system of hydrofoil board <NUM>, however, is still expected to provide sufficient propulsion to the resulting PWC.

<FIG> shows a prior art jet board <NUM> having handles <NUM> that came preinstalled by its manufacturer. This same jet board <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the bottom view of the embodiments of <FIG> where the jet board <NUM> has its front end slidingly engaged with the grooves <NUM> and the bottom of the front end of the jet board <NUM> is exposed during operation. In this view, the electronic propulsion system that came with a typical jet board <NUM> is shown.

Next, the rider would additionally secure the jet board <NUM> to the add-on module <NUM> using a coupler <NUM>. An exemplary coupler <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. Here, a coupler <NUM> can be a tether such as an elastic band <NUM> with one end fixed to the hull <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM> using a fastener <NUM>, and its other end can have a hook <NUM>. This elastic band <NUM> can be permanently fixed to the hull <NUM> by the fastener <NUM>. Alternatively, this elastic band <NUM> can be detachably attached to the hull <NUM> by fastener <NUM>. The rider would manually stretch the elastic band <NUM> and pull the hook <NUM> towards the handle <NUM> of the jet board <NUM>. In <FIG>, the elastic band <NUM> is stretched and the hook <NUM> is connected to the handle <NUM> thereby applying a pulling action to pull the jet board <NUM> towards the add-on module <NUM> thereby forming a PWC <NUM>.

<FIG> provide a close-up view of an exemplary elastic band <NUM> and hook <NUM> combination. In <FIG>, elastic band <NUM> can have holes <NUM> for receiving fasteners <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> drives through the holes <NUM> to secure the elastic band <NUM> to the transom extensions <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is contemplated that some jet boards <NUM> may not have a set of handles <NUM> that came pre-installed by the manufacturer. One of ordinary skill in the art would see the possibility of installing after-market handles onto such jet boards <NUM> so that the hook <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM> can attach to it.

Instead of handles, there can be other types of hardware or structure on the jet board <NUM> so that a hook <NUM> or similar hardware of the add-on module <NUM> can attach to it. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an elastic band <NUM>' can be fastened to the hull <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM> on one end by fastener <NUM>, and its other end can have a catcher <NUM>' having a keyhole shaped opening. The keyhole opening can fit over a button <NUM>' that can generally have a mushroom head shape. This button <NUM>'s can be installed on the top side of the jet board <NUM>, wherever appropriate so that the elastic band <NUM>' can stretch sufficiently for the catcher <NUM>' to couple onto the button <NUM>'. In <FIG>, the jet board <NUM> is ready to be inserted into the rear end of the add-on module <NUM>. At this point the elastic band <NUM>' is not stretched and the catcher <NUM>' is not attached to any part of the jet board <NUM>. At the rear top side of the jet board <NUM> there are two buttons <NUM>' disposed, ready for engagement with the catcher <NUM>'. One of ordinary skill in the art would see the possibility of a rider installing after-market buttons onto a jet board <NUM> that does not have any buttons to begin with.

Referring now to <FIG>, the rider has completed inserting a portion of the jet board <NUM> into the add-on module <NUM> therefore forming a PWC <NUM>. Here, more than half of the top side of the jet board <NUM> is covered by the add-on module <NUM>. About half of the battery access cover <NUM> of the jet board <NUM> is still exposed from a top view.

As discussed above, whether the coupler <NUM> is a hook <NUM> or a catcher <NUM>', the rider attaches the coupler <NUM> to a corresponding protrusion disposed at a rear portion of the jet board in order to keep the jet board <NUM> from detaching from the add-on module <NUM>. This protrusion can be a handle <NUM> or a button <NUM>' as discussed above.

Besides using an elastic band <NUM>, <NUM>', it is also contemplated for the rider to clamp the jet board <NUM> to the add-on module <NUM> by using a movable clamping ram (not shown). The rider can use the clamping ram to abut the jet board against a portion of the add-on module <NUM>. When using a clamping ram, the clamping ram applies direct pressure to the lateral side of the jet board. In other words, there can be a clamping ram on the left groove <NUM> and one on the right groove <NUM>. The two clamping ramps (not shown) move toward each other to grab onto the sides of the jet board <NUM> when the jet board <NUM> is received in the docking area <NUM>.

By doing so, the rider uses the clamping rams to apply direct pressure to the two sides of the jet board <NUM> thereby holding the jet board <NUM> in place.

In another embodiment, there can be a clamping ram (not shown) that grabs the jet board <NUM> from the underside of the jet board <NUM> and pulls it upwards toward the add-on module <NUM> thereby holding it in place.

In another embodiment, a rider can use a strap (not shown), which may or may not be part of the add-on module <NUM> and wraps the strap over the underside of the jet board <NUM> and tie the jet board <NUM> to the add-on module <NUM>. In this way, the jet board <NUM> is kept from detaching from the add-on module. In another embodiment, the rider uses the strap the same way, and the add-on module <NUM> may not even need to have groove <NUM> as discussed above. In other ways, the add-on module <NUM> is simply strapped onto the top of a jet board <NUM> and that would be sufficient to create a PWC <NUM>.

In some particular embodiments, the add-on module <NUM> is detachably attached only to the front end of the jet board <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, the add-on module <NUM> is detachably attached only to the top side of the jet board <NUM>.

In still other embodiments contemplated, the add-on module <NUM> does not have a source of propulsion and PWC <NUM> is driven forward by the electric propulsion system of the jet board <NUM>.

In still other embodiments contemplated, the hull <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM> does not have a rudder or any steering mechanism.

In still other embodiments contemplated, the hull <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM> does not have a rudder or any steering mechanism when the add-on module <NUM> is by itself in water. In such embodiments, the only way to steer the add-on module is to attach it to a jet board <NUM> and influence direction of the waterflow as the water exits from the jet board's propulsion system.

In still other embodiments contemplated, the only source of propulsion for the PWC <NUM> to drive forward by using the electric propulsion system of the jet board <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment contemplated, the add-on module <NUM> can have its own source of propulsion. For example, it can have one or more electric propulsion systems (similar to those found on jet boards <NUM>) attached to or embedded within such that the add-on module <NUM> can now fit over an ordinary non-motorized board (e.g., surfboard, SUP board, boogie board) to create a PWC <NUM>.

Jet boards <NUM> known in the market come with a handheld controller <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This handheld controller <NUM> is known to be either wired or wireless. In the contemplated method of converting a jet board <NUM> into a PWC <NUM>, a rider can attach the handheld controller (whether it is wire or wireless) to the handlebar <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM> (see <FIG>) so that when a rider is riding the resulting PWC <NUM>, the rider can control an output of the jet board <NUM> at the handlebar <NUM> of the add-on module <NUM>. In this way, the add-on module <NUM> itself does not need to come with any electronics or controlling equipment. The add-on module <NUM> can simply use the handheld controller <NUM> of the jet board <NUM> to control the speed of the resulting PWC <NUM>.

Optionally, the rider can access the battery of the jet board <NUM> when the jet board <NUM> is attached to the add-on module <NUM>. This can be done by providing a seat <NUM> that is pivotably attached to the hull <NUM> (see <FIG>), thereby allowing user access to the top side of the jet board when the jet board is secured to the add-on module. The seat <NUM> can pivot on either a left or a right side. Alternatively, the seat can pivot on the front side. When replacing a battery in the resulting PWC <NUM>, the rider would not need to detach the jet board <NUM> from the add-on module <NUM>. Instead, the rider would pivot open the seat <NUM> to access the battery access cover <NUM> under it.

It should be understood that while the majority of this disclosure is about combining a non-motorized add-on module <NUM> with a motorized jet board <NUM> to create a PWC, it would be noted that other combinations are also possible. For example, a non-motorized add-on module <NUM> is contemplated to combine with a non-motorized board (e.g., surfboard, boogie board, SUP board) to create a non-motorized watercraft that may be towed by another watercraft. In another alternative, the add-on module <NUM> can be motorized (not shown). For example, one or more electric motors may be attached to the add-on module thereby propelling the add-on module <NUM> forward. While one may think that such motorized add-on module <NUM> would be sufficient to travel over water on its own without being attached to a surfboard, the preferred embodiments require that the motorized add-on module <NUM> be attached to one. This would improve the stability of travel and allow the rider to convert his regular surfboard with a rather short and easily transportable motorized add-on module.

In the above disclosed methods and embodiments, a rider may easily store a jet board <NUM> and an add-on module <NUM> separately at home thereby making it easy to put them away when not in use. The space it takes to store these two parts together is still much smaller than the space it takes to store a regular PWC. A regular PWC is typically placed on top of a trailer and the entire trailer is parked on a driveway or stored in a garage. This is not to mention the added expense of having to buy a trailer. In comparison, the contemplated add-on module <NUM> can lay on the floor or be placed in a box or a closet because it is much smaller and lighter.

In terms of transporting them, a rider can easier transport an add-on module <NUM> inside of a passenger car or a sports utility vehicle without the need to install a hitch to a truck and then attached a trailer to the truck.

While operations and/or method steps may be described above in a particular sequence, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order described or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations and/or method steps be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claim 1:
A method of converting a jet board into a personal watercraft, said method comprising:
providing an add-on module (<NUM>);
detachably attaching and securing the jet board (<NUM>) to the add-on module (<NUM>);
wherein the jet board has a lateral side;
wherein the jet board has an underside;
wherein the jet board has a top side;
wherein the jet board has a front end and a rear end; and
wherein the jet board has an electric propulsion system;
wherein the add-on module (<NUM>) has a hull (<NUM>);
providing at least one handlebar (<NUM>) coupled to the hull (<NUM>);
wherein the add-on module (<NUM>) has a front end and a rear end; and
wherein the jet board (<NUM>) may be any of an electric surfboard, an electric boogie board, an electric standup paddle (SUP) board, or a hydro-foil board.