Patent ID: 7575490

Claim:
A passive air induction system for a marine vessel having a hull, propeller and propeller tunnel, to reduce noise and vibration caused by cavitation, said system comprising: an air distribution channel member, said air distribution channel member having a plurality of exhaust orifices; said air distribution channel member being positioned about the periphery of said propeller tunnel and aft of the location of said propeller; said air distribution channel member generally constituting a wedge member, said wedge member being shaped and sized for secure and complementary installation about the external wall of said propeller tunnel; wherein said wedge member is generally curved and semicircular in shape and includes a bottom surface, a top surface, and a flange connected to and projecting at an angle upward from the top surface of said wedge member; wherein said exhaust orifices constitute a series of distribution slots perforating said flange; at least one air induction channel member; said air induction channel member having an air inlet and providing air flow to said distribution channel member; and said air distribution channel member providing air to propeller tunnel through said exhaust orifices.