Watercraft

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/640,831, filed Apr. 30, 2024 entitled “Pontoon Assembly and Watercraft Having Same”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/733,310, filed Dec. 12, 2024 entitled “Watercraft”, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The present technology relates to watercraft, specifically battery layouts for electric watercraft.

Watercraft with electric propulsion systems are becoming increasingly popular. These electric propulsion systems have motors, batteries and propulsion units.

Some conventional watercraft support these batteries on their deck. As decks are prone to flexing or twisting, for example when the watercraft overcome waves, batteries can be subjected to high strains. Other conventional watercraft support batteries within their hull members. This can complicate access to batteries once they are disposed within their hull members.

Thus, there is a desire for a technology that can accommodate for batteries, while limiting strains that they are subjected to when in use.

It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a watercraft that includes a deck, a pontoon assembly and a propulsion system. The pontoon assembly supports the deck, and includes a supporting structure, a center pontoon, a port pontoon and a starboard pontoon. The supporting structure is connected to the deck. The center pontoon is connected to the deck by the supporting structure. The port pontoon is connected to the deck, and is disposed to a left of the center pontoon. The starboard pontoon is connected to the deck, and is disposed to a right of the center pontoon. The propulsion system includes a battery, an electric motor and a propulsion unit. The battery is mounted on the supporting structure, is disposed vertically between a lower surface of the deck and an upper surface of the center pontoon. The electric motor is electrically connected to and powered by the battery, and is supported by at least one of the pontoon assembly or the deck. The propulsion unit is operatively connected to the electric motor.

In some embodiments, the deck has a first stiffness, and the center pontoon has a second stiffness, the second stiffness being higher than the first stiffness, and the second stiffness limiting deformation of the supporting structure.

In some embodiments, the supporting structure has a first height, the center pontoon has a second height, and the second height is smaller than the first height.

In some embodiments, the supporting structure includes a first vertical spacer extending from the lower surface of the deck to the upper surface of the center pontoon and a second vertical spacer laterally spaced from the first vertical spacer, and extending from the lower surface of the deck to the upper surface of the center pontoon.

In some embodiments, a majority of the battery is disposed laterally between the first vertical spacer and the second vertical spacer.

In some embodiments, the supporting structure further includes a first connecting member connected to the battery, and selectively connected to the first vertical spacer, and a second connecting member connected to the battery, and selectively connected to the second vertical spacer.

In some embodiments, the first vertical spacer defines a first side canal, the second vertical spacer defines a second side canal, the first connecting member is selectively slidingly received in the first side canal, and the second connecting member is selectively slidingly received in the second side canal.

In some embodiments, the supporting structure further includes a tray extending between the first connecting member and the second connecting member for holding at least one component of the propulsion system.

In some embodiments, the supporting structure further comprises at least one wall connected to and extending laterally between the first vertical spacer and the second vertical spacer.

In some embodiments, a cross-section of the center pontoon taken along a lateral plane has a maximum width and a maximum height, with the maximum width being greater than the maximum height.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the center pontoon has an upper side and a lower side, the upper side being flatter than the lower side.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the center pontoon defines a gibbous shape.

In some embodiments, a highest point of the center pontoon is positioned vertically lower than a highest point of the port pontoon and a highest point of the starboard pontoon.

In some embodiments, the highest point of the center pontoon is positioned vertically lower than a vertical midpoint of the port pontoon and a vertical midpoint of the starboard pontoon.

In some embodiments, a cross-section of the port pontoon taken along a lateral plane defines a circular shape, and a cross-section of the starboard pontoon taken along a lateral plane defines a circular shape.

In some embodiments, at least one of the center pontoon, the port pontoon or the starboard pontoon is tubular.

In some embodiments, at least one of the center pontoon, the port pontoon or the starboard pontoon is filled with closed-cell foam.

Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Unless indicated otherwise, the Figures are not drawn to scale.

A watercraftin accordance with one embodiment of the present technology is shown in. The following description relates to one example of a watercraft, notably a pontoon boat. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are other known types of watercraft incorporating different designs and that some aspects of the present technology would encompass these other watercraft.

For purposes of the description of the watercraft, terms related to spatial orientation when referring thereto and components in relation to the watercraft, such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “left”, “right”, “above” and “below”, are, unless indicated otherwise, as they would be understood by a driver of the watercraftsitting thereon in an upright driving position, with the watercraftbeing at rest on a body of water and generally level.

Referring to, the watercraft, henceforth referred to as boat, includes a deck, a pontoon assemblyand a propulsion system. The deckis disposed on, and supported by, the pontoon assembly. The propulsion systemis also supported by the pontoon assembly. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the propulsion systemmay be supported by the deckor by both the deckand the pontoon assembly.

The deckhas an upper surfacefor supporting occupants, as well as accessories and accommodations of the boat, and a lower surfacefor connecting with the pontoon assembly.

The boatincludes left and right front furniture units, left and right intermediate seats, and left and right rear furniture units, all of which are connected to the upper surfaceof the deck. The left and right front furniture unitseach include two seats. The left and right intermediate seatsare swivel seats. The left and right rear furniture unitseach include three seats. It is understood that the layout and/or configuration of the left and right front furniture units, the left and right intermediate seats, and the left and right rear furniture unitsmay vary. The boatfurther includes a command consolethat is disposed between the front right furniture unitand the right intermediate seat. It is contemplated that the deckcould include multiple levels and/or other seating or other accessories integrated therein.

The boatfurther includes a side structuresurrounding at least part of the deckand extending upwardly therefrom. In the present embodiment, the side structureis a barrier structure. It is contemplated that that in some embodiments, the side structurecould be gunnels of the boator another type of structure. The barrier structureis located along a periphery of the boat(as defined by the deck). As best seen in, the barrier structuregenerally covers the front, left and right sides of the deck. It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the barrier structurecould surround the deckcompletely.

The boathas, at a rear thereof, beyond the barrier structure, a rear platform. The rear platformprovides additional space at the rear of the boatwhich can facilitate access to the water.

Referring to, the pontoon assembly, which can sometimes be referred to as a hull, includes a center pontoon, a port pontoonthat is disposed on a left side of the center pontoon(i.e., on a port side of the boat) and a starboard pontoonthat is disposed on a right side of the center pontoon(i.e., on a starboard side of the boat). The pontoon assemblyalso includes a port lift memberthat is connected to the center and port pontoons,and a starboard lift memberthat is connected to the center and starboard pontoons,. It is contemplated that the pontoon assemblycan vary from one embodiment to another. For example, in some embodiments, the pontoon assemblycould only include two laterally spaced pontoons and a single lift member. The pontoon assemblywill be described in greater detail below.

Referring to, the propulsion systemincludes a battery, an electric motorand a propulsion unit. The electric motoris electrically connected to, and powered by, the battery. The electric motoris received in a housing, and forms part of an outboard motor. The propulsion unitis operatively connected to the electric motor, and is configured to propel the boatin response to the electric motorbeing actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, the propulsion unitis a propeller system. It is contemplated that other propulsion units, such as stern drives or jet propulsion assemblies may be used to propel the boat. A steering wheel(), which is disposed on the command console, is operatively connected to the outboard motorto steer the outboard motorin order to steer the boat. An acceleration lever(), which is also disposed on the command console, is operatively connected to the electric motorfor controlling operation thereof. The propulsion systemwill be described in greater detail below. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the propulsion systemmay include, instead of the batteryand the electric motor, an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank. It also contemplated that the batterycould be another type of energy storage device (e.g., hydrogen storage tank).

Referring to, the pontoon assembly, which includes the center pontoon, the port pontoon, the starboard pontoon, will now be described in greater detail. The pontoon assemblyis connected to the deck. More specifically, the center pontoonis connected to the deckvia a supporting structure, the port pontoonis connected to the deckvia two connecting members, and the starboard pontoonis connected to the deckvia two connecting members.

The port and starboard pontoons,are similar to one another (symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane of the boat).

The port pontoon, which is tubular, extends longitudinally so as to span a majority of a length of the deck. The port pontoonhas, at a front end thereof, a cone portion. It is contemplated that the cone portionmay be integral with a remaining of the port pontoon, or may be selectively connected thereto. The cone portionhas a hydrodynamic shape that can assist in reducing drag induced by the port pontoonduring movement of the boat, particularly in the forward direction. The cone portionis hollow, but may be filled with a material such as closed-cell foam. Rearward from the cone portion, the port pontoonotherwise has a cylindrical body, such that a cross-section of the port pontoontaken rearward from the cone portionalong a lateral plane defines a circle. It is contemplated that the cross-section of the port pontoonmay vary. The port pontoonis connected to the deckvia the two connecting members. The two connecting members, which extend along a length of the port pontoon, are connected to an upper side of the port pontoon, and are connected to the lower surfaceof the deck. It is contemplated that the port pontoonmay be connected to the deckdifferently, for example, by one single connecting member. The port pontoonfurther has port strakedisposed on laterally outer and lower sides thereof. The port strakeextends longitudinally, from a rear end of the port pontoonto a rear end of the cone portion. In some embodiments, the port strakemay be omitted and/or additional strakes may be provided.

The port pontoonis made of aluminum. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the port pontooncould be made of another type of metal. In some embodiments, only a portion of the port pontoonis made of metal. It is also contemplated that the port pontooncould be made of a non-metallic material such as fiberglass.

Likewise, the starboard pontoon, which is tubular, extends longitudinally so as to span a majority of a length of the deck. The port and starboard pontoons,have similar lengths. The starboard pontoonhas, at a front end thereof, a cone portion. It is contemplated that the cone portionmay be integral with a remaining of the starboard pontoon, or may be selectively connected thereto. The cone portionhas a hydrodynamic shape that can assist in reducing drag induced by the starboard pontoonduring movement of the boat, particularly in the forward direction. The cone portionis hollow, but may be filled with a material such as closed-cell foam. Rearward from the cone portion, the starboard pontoonotherwise has a cylindrical body, such that a cross-section of the starboard pontoontaken rearward from the cone portionalong a lateral plane defines a circle. It is contemplated that the cross-section of the starboard pontoonmay vary. The starboard pontoonis connected to the deckvia the two connecting members. The two connecting members, which extend along a length of the starboard pontoon, are connected to an upper side of the starboard pontoon, and are connected to the lower surfaceof the deck. It is contemplated that the starboard pontoonmay be connected to the deckdifferently, for example, by one single connecting member. The starboard pontoonfurther has starboard strakedisposed on laterally outer and lower sides thereof. The starboard strakeextends longitudinally, from a rear end of the starboard pontoonto a rear end of the cone portion. In some embodiments, the starboard strakemay be omitted and/or additional strakes may be provided.

The starboard pontoonis made of aluminum. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the starboard pontooncould be made of another type of metal. In some embodiments, only a portion of the starboard pontoonis made of metal. It is also contemplated that the starboard pontoonmay be made of a non-metallic material such as fiberglass.

Still referring to, the center pontoonis laterally centered along a width of the boat. The center pontoon, which is tubular, extends longitudinally so as to span a majority of a length of the deck. The center pontoonis longer than the port and starboard pontoons,. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the center, port and starboard pontoons,,may have similar lengths.

The center pontoonhas, at a front end thereof, a cone portion. It is contemplated that the cone portionmay be integral with a remaining of the center pontoon, or may be selectively connected thereto. The cone portionhas a hydrodynamic shape that can assist in reducing drag induced by the center pontoonduring movement of the boat, particularly in the forward direction. The cone portionis hollow, but may be filled with a material such as closed-cell foam. It is contemplated that a shape of the cone portionmay vary from one embodiment to another.

Rearward from the cone portion, the center pontoonis shaped such that a cross-section thereof taken along a lateral plane has an upper surfacethat is flatter than a lower surface. More specifically, the cross-section defines a gibbous shape. It is contemplated that the cross-section of the center pontoonmay vary. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the center pontoonmay be a semi-circle (i.e., the upper surfacemay be completely flat). It is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the center pontoonmay be an ellipsoid.

Referring to, the center pontoonis configured such that a height of the center pontoonvaries laterally, and a width of the center pontoon varies vertically. The center pontoonhas, at a lateral center thereof, a maximum height H. The maximum height Hextends from a lowest vertical point Cof the center pontoonto a highest vertical point Cof the center pontoon. The center pontoonfurther has, at the intersection between the upper and lower surfaces,, a maximum width W. The maximum width Wis greater than the maximum height H.

In some instances, the upper surfacebeing flatter than the lower surfacecan increase a rigidity of the center pontoon, which can assist in limiting how much the deckcan flex, as a stiffness of the center pontoonis greater than a stiffness of the deck. Additionally, as will be described below, the upper surfacebeing flatter than the lower surfaceassists in providing sufficient clearance between the upper surfacethereof and the lower surfaceof the deckfor receiving the batterytherebetween.

Referring to, on the upper surfacethereof, the center pontoonhas a plurality of reinforcing ribs. The reinforcing ribsare longitudinally spaced from one another, and extend laterally. Within the center pontoon, rearward from the cone portion, a plurality of internal wallsdelimit the internal space of the center pontoonin a plurality of distinct chambers. Each one of the internal wallsis longitudinally aligned with a respective one of the reinforcing ribs. In the present embodiment, the chambersare hollow. In other embodiments, the chambersmay be, at least partially, filled with a material such as closed-cell foam. The center pontoonhas, toward the rear end thereof, a lidfor providing access to the rearmost chamber. A bilge pumpis disposed in the rearmost chamber, and is configured to pump fluid out thereof. A mounting plateis connected to the read end of the center pontoonfor mounting the outboard motorto the center pontoon.

The center pontoonis made of aluminum. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the center pontooncould be made of another type of metal. In some embodiments, only a portion of the center pontoonis made of metal. It is also contemplated that the center pontoonmay be made of a non-metallic material such as fiberglass.

Referring to, the supporting structure, which connects the center pontoonto the deck, will now be described in greater detail. The supporting structureincludes a vertical spacerthat is disposed toward a left side of the center pontoon, a vertical spacerthat is disposed toward a right side of the center pontoon, a connecting memberthat is connected to a left side of the battery, a connecting memberthat is connected to a right side of the batteryand a trayextending between the connecting members,. It is contemplated that the configuration of the supporting structuremay vary from one embodiment to another. For example, in some embodiments, the supporting structuremay consist of one unitary vertical spacer. In other embodiments, the connecting members,may be omitted.

The vertical spacerhas vertical beams(only one vertical beamshown in), and a ribbed bodyconnected to the vertical beams. The vertical beamsare connected to the upper surfaceof the center pontoon, on the left side of the center pontoon. Each one of the vertical beamsis longitudinally aligned with a respective one of the reinforcing ribsof the center pontoon, and is disposed laterally outwardly therefrom. The ribbed bodyextends generally longitudinally, and has a tapered portiontoward a front thereof for accommodating the cone portion. The ribbed bodyhas, at a top thereof, a connecting flange. The connecting flangedefines connecting aperturesconfigured to receive fasteners therein, by which the ribbed bodycan be connected to the lower surfaceof the deck. In some embodiments, the ribbed bodymay be configured such that a bottom edge thereof is flush with the upper surfaceof the center pontoon. The ribbed body, by way of its ribbed configuration, defines side canalson either lateral side thereof. The ribbed bodyis connected to the vertical beamsby having connecting portions of the vertical beamsreceived in the side canals.