Hull Assembly for a Personal Watercraft

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/357,191, filed Jun. 30, 2022, entitled “Hull Assembly for a Personal Watercraft”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present invention relates to personal watercraft, and in particular to a hull assembly thereof.

A hull of a watercraft such as that of a personal watercraft (PWC) supports the watercraft in the water and is formed to have a particular shape which imparts to the watercraft certain handling characteristics. Sponsons are also sometimes connected to the hull to modify the handling characteristics of the watercraft, namely the manner in which the watercraft turns and the amount of lift provided to the watercraft. In some cases, trim tabs are also provided at the rear of the watercraft to provide an extension to the length of the hull, thereby reducing the rise of a bow of the hull and providing additional lift at the rear of the hull.

Certain manoeuvres are often difficult to perform with a conventional PWC, particularly for a less experienced rider. For instance, drifting with a conventional PWC, which involves laterally sliding the PWC during a turn, usually requires the operator to lean the PWC on a side of the hull while turning to cause a reduction of water flowing into an inlet of a jet propulsion system disposed underneath the hull, thereby decreasing traction between the water and the hull. However, this may be difficult to achieve for a rider with a lower body mass and/or less experience. In addition, maintaining control of the orientation of the PWC while drifting can further complicate the manoeuvre for the inexperienced rider. Moreover, features that are sometimes provided on a conventional PWC such as trim tabs can not only fail to facilitate manoeuvres such as drifting but may even make them harder to perform.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a personal watercraft that addresses at least in part some of these defects.

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

According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a personal watercraft comprising: a deck; a hull supporting the deck, the hull having a bow and a stern opposite the bow; and a left flow attachment feature and a right flow attachment feature connected to an underside of the hull near the stern, the left and right flow attachment features being disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerplane of the personal watercraft, the left and right flow attachment features being laterally spaced from the longitudinal centerplane, for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features: the flow attachment feature comprises a flow surface facing downwardly, the flow surface having a front end and a rear end, the flow surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front end to the rear end; the flow surface is curved in a longitudinal direction of the watercraft such that, in response to water flowing along the flow surface as the personal watercraft moves forwardly on the water, the stern is pulled downwards relative to the bow.

In some embodiments, the flow surface is curved in a lateral direction of the watercraft.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features: in a cross-section of the watercraft taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerplane and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has a radius of curvature; a length of the flow surface is measured between the front and rear ends; and a ratio of the length of the flow surface over the radius of curvature of the flow surface is between 0.3 and 0.7.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features: the radius of curvature is a first radius of curvature; the plane is a first plane; the flow surface is curved in a lateral direction of the watercraft; the flow surface extends upwardly and laterally outwardly from an inner lateral end to an outer lateral end of the flow surface, a width of the flow surface being measured between the inner and outer lateral ends; and in a cross-section of the watercraft taken along a second plane normal to the longitudinal centerplane, extending vertically and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has a second radius of curvature; a ratio of the width of the flow surface over the second radius of curvature of the flow surface is between 0.8 and 1.2.

In some embodiments, the left and right flow attachment features are distinct from the hull and are fastened to the hull.

In some embodiments, the hull has left and right downward-facing surfaces near the stern; and the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature are fastened to the left and right downward-facing surfaces respectively.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature, the flow surface thereof defines at least one opening for inserting a fastener through the flow attachment feature to secure the flow attachment feature to the hull.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature: in a cross-section of the watercraft taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerplane and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has a radius of curvature that is greater than 40 mm.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature: in a cross-section of the watercraft taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerplane and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has an arc length that is less than 45°.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature, the rear end of the flow surface is disposed forward of a transom of the stern or is longitudinally aligned with the transom of the stern.

In some embodiments, the watercraft further comprises a left sponson and a right sponson disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerplane; and for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features, at least a majority of the flow surface of the flow attachment feature is disposed vertically lower than the left and right sponsons.

In some embodiments, each sponson of the left and right sponsons is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position; and for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features, at least a majority of the flow surface of the flow attachment feature is disposed vertically lower than the left and right sponsons in the lowered positions thereof.

In some embodiments, the hull has a left corner surface and a right corner surface, the left corner surface being disposed adjacent to and forwardly of the left flow attachment feature, the right corner surface being disposed adjacent to and forwardly of the right flow attachment feature; the front end of the left flow attachment feature is disposed vertically higher than a lower end of the left corner surface such that a left step is defined between the left corner surface and the front end of the left flow attachment feature; and the front end of the right flow attachment feature is disposed vertically higher than a lower end of the right corner surface such that a right step is defined between the right corner surface and the front end of the right flow attachment feature.

According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a hull assembly for a personal watercraft, comprising: a hull having a bow and a stern opposite the bow; a left flow attachment feature and a right flow attachment feature connected to an underside of the hull near the stern, the left and right flow attachment features being disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerplane of the hull, the left and right flow attachment features being laterally spaced from the longitudinal centerplane, for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features: the flow attachment feature comprises a flow surface facing downwardly, the flow surface having a front end and a rear end, the flow surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front end to the rear end; and the flow surface is curved in a longitudinal direction of the hull such that, in response to water flowing along the flow surface as the personal watercraft moves forwardly on the water, the stern is pulled downwards relative to the bow.

In some embodiments, the flow surface is curved in a lateral direction of the hull.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features: in a cross-section of the hull taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerplane and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has a radius of curvature; a length of the flow surface is measured between the front and rear ends; and a ratio of the length of the flow surface over the radius of curvature of the flow surface is between 0.3 and 0.7.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features: the radius of curvature is a first radius of curvature; the plane is a first plane; the flow surface is curved in a lateral direction of the watercraft; the flow surface extends upwardly and laterally outwardly from an inner lateral end to an outer lateral end of the flow surface, a width of the flow surface being measured between the inner and outer lateral ends; and in a cross-section of the hull taken along a second plane normal to the longitudinal centerplane, extending vertically and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has a second radius of curvature; a ratio of the width of the flow surface over the second radius of curvature of the flow surface is between 0.8 and 1.2.

In some embodiments, the left and right flow attachment features are distinct from the hull and are fastened to the hull.

In some embodiments, the hull has left and right downward-facing surfaces near the stern; and the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature are fastened to the left and right downward-facing surfaces respectively.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature, the flow surface thereof defines at least one opening for inserting a fastener through the flow attachment feature to secure the flow attachment feature to the hull.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature: in a cross-section of the hull assembly taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerplane and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has a radius of curvature that is greater than 40 mm.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature: in a cross-section of the hull assembly taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerplane and traversing the flow attachment feature, the flow surface has an arc length that is less than 45°.

In some embodiments, for each flow attachment feature of the left flow attachment feature and the right flow attachment feature, the rear end of the flow surface is disposed forward of a transom of the stern or is longitudinally aligned with the transom of the stern.

In some embodiments, the hull assembly further comprises a left sponson and a right sponson disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerplane; and for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features, at least a majority of the flow surface of the flow attachment feature is disposed vertically lower than the left and right sponsons.

In some embodiments, each sponson of the left and right sponsons is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position; and for each flow attachment feature of the left and right flow attachment features, at least a majority of the flow surface of the flow attachment feature is disposed vertically lower than the left and right sponsons in the lowered positions thereof.

In some embodiments, the hull has a left corner surface and a right corner surface, the left corner surface being disposed adjacent to and forwardly of the left flow attachment feature, the right corner surface being disposed adjacent to and forwardly of the right flow attachment feature; the front end of the left flow attachment feature is disposed vertically higher than a lower end of the left corner surface such that a left step is defined between the left corner surface and the front end of the left flow attachment feature; and the front end of the right flow attachment feature is disposed vertically higher than a lower end of the right corner surface such that a right step is defined between the right corner surface and the front end of the right flow attachment feature.

For purposes of this application, the terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly, rearward, left and right, are as they would normally be understood by an operator of a vehicle sitting thereon in a normal driving position.

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

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

shows a watercraftprovided with a pair of flow attachment features(only one of which is shown in) in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology. In this embodiment, the watercraftis a personal watercraft (PWC). As will be described in detail further below, the flow attachment featuresaffect the behaviour of the watercraft, namely during turning thereof.

The watercraftwill now be generally described with reference to. The watercrafthas a hulland a decksupported by the hull. The hullbuoyantly supports the watercraftin the water. The deckis designed to accommodate one or multiple riders. The hulland the deckare joined together at a seamthat joins the parts in a sealing relationship. A bumpergenerally covers the seam, which helps to prevent damage to the outer surface of the watercraftwhen the watercraftis docked, for example.

The hullhas a bowand a sternopposite the bow, as well as a laterally centered keel. The hullalso has strakesand chines,on each lateral side thereof. A strakeis a protruding portion of the hull. The chines,are the vertices formed where two surfaces of the hullmeet. The combination of strakesand chines,provide the watercraftwith some of its riding and handling characteristics.

In this embodiment, the hullhas a lower chineand an upper chineon each lateral side of the hull(i.e., left lower and upper chines,and right lower and upper chines,). Left and right upwardly-extending surfaces(one of which is shown in) extend upwardly from the left and right upper chinesrespectively towards an upper endof the hull. It is contemplated that the lower chinescould be omitted in other embodiments.

In this embodiment, since the watercraftis a PWC, the hullhas a width W (shown in) of 110 cm (43 inches) and a length L (shown in) of 325 cm (128 inches). Throughout this application, widths are measured with respect to a transverse direction of the hullextending from port side to starboard side, and lengths are measured with respect to a longitudinal direction of the hull, i.e., extending between the bowand the stern. It is contemplated that the hullcould have a width W comprised between 101 and 127 cm (40 and 50 inches), and a length L comprised between 228 and 330 cm (90 and 130 inches). However, other widths and lengths are also contemplated.

The deckhas a centrally positioned straddle-type seatpositioned on top of a pedestalto accommodate multiple riders in a straddling position. The seatincludes a front seat portionand a rear, raised seat portion. The seatis preferably made as a cushioned or padded unit, or as interfitting units. The front and rear seat portions,are removably attached to the pedestal. The seat portions,can be individually tilted or removed completely. Seat portioncovers a motor access opening defined by a top portion of the pedestalto provide access to a motor(shown schematically in). Seat portioncovers a removable storage bin(shown schematically in).

The watercrafthas a pair of generally upwardly extending walls located on either side of the watercraftknown as gunwales or gunnels. The gunnelshelp to prevent the entry of water in footrestsof the watercraft, provide lateral support for the riders' feet, and also provide buoyancy when turning the watercraft, since the personal watercraftrolls slightly when turning. Towards the rear of the watercraft, the gunnelsextend inwardly to act as heel rests(). A passenger riding the watercraftfacing towards the rear, to spot a water-skier for example, may place his or her heels on the heel rests, thereby providing a more stable riding position. Heel rests could also be formed separately from the gunnels.

Located on both sides of the watercraft, between the pedestaland the gunnels, are the left and right footrestswhich are disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerplane() of the watercraftthat bisects a width thereof. The footrestsare designed to accommodate the riders' feet in various riding positions. The footrestsare covered by carpeting made of a rubber-type material, for example, to provide additional comfort and traction for the feet of the riders.

A reboarding platformis provided at the rear of the watercrafton the deckto allow the rider or a passenger to easily reboard the watercraftfrom the water. Nonslip mats or some other suitable covering may cover the reboarding platform. A retractable ladder (not shown) may be affixed to a transomof the sternto facilitate boarding the watercraftfrom the water onto the reboarding platform.

As seen in, the watercraftis provided with a hoodlocated forwardly of the seatand a helm assembly. A hinge (not shown) is attached between a forward portion of the hoodand the deckto allow the hoodto move to an open position to provide access to a front storage bin. A latch (not shown) located at a rearward portion of the hoodlocks the hoodinto a closed position. When in the closed position, the hoodprevents water from entering the front storage bin. Rearview mirrors() are positioned on either side of the hoodto allow the rider to see behind the watercraft. A hook() is located at the bowof the watercraft(). The hookis used to attach the watercraftto a dock when the watercraftis not in use or to attach to a winch when loading the watercrafton a trailer, for instance.

As best seen in, the helm assemblyis positioned forwardly of the seat. The helm assemblyhas a central helm portion, that is padded, and a pair of steering handles, also referred to as a handlebar. One of the steering handlesis provided with a throttle operator, which allows the rider to control the motor, and therefore the speed of the watercraft. The throttle operatoris a finger-actuated throttle lever. However, it is contemplated that the throttle operatorcould take other forms, such as a thumb-actuated throttle lever or a twist grip. The throttle operatoris movable between an idle position and multiple actuated positions. In this embodiment, the throttle operatoris biased towards the idle position, such that, should the driver of the watercraftlet go of the throttle operator, it will move to the idle position. The other of the steering handlesis provided with a reverse gate operatorused by the driver to actuate a reverse gate (not shown) of the watercraft. The reverse gate operatoris a finger-actuated lever. However, it is contemplated that the reverse gate operatorcould be a thumb-actuated lever or a twist grip.

The helm assemblyis provided with a key receiving post (not shown) located near a center of the central helm portion. The key receiving post is adapted to receive a key that starts the watercraft. It should be noted that the key receiving post may be placed in any suitable location on the watercraft.

As shown in, a display area or clusteris located forwardly of the helm assembly. The display clustercan be of any conventional display type, including a liquid crystal display (LCD), dials or LED (light emitting diodes). The central helm portionhas various buttons, which could alternatively be in the form of levers or switches, that allow the driver to modify the display data or mode (speed, engine rpm, time, etc.) on the display clusteror to change a condition of the watercraft, such as trim (the pitch of the watercraft).

With reference to, the motoris supported by the hulland is enclosed within a motor compartmentdefined between the hulland the deck. The motoris configured for driving a jet propulsion system(also commonly referred to as a “jet pump drive”) which propels the watercraft. The motor compartmentaccommodates the motor, as well as a muffler, gas tank, electrical system (battery, electronic control unit, etc.), air box, storage bins,, and other elements required or desirable in the watercraft. In this embodiment, the motoris an internal combustion engineand will thus be referred to as the engine. However, it is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the motormay be any other suitable type of motor such as an electric motor. As will be understood, in such an embodiment, certain components would be added to or omitted from the watercraft(e.g., no muffler and gas tank, etc.).

As mentioned above, the watercraftis propelled by the jet propulsion systemwhich pressurizes water to create thrust. To that end, the jet propulsion systemhas a duct() in which water is pressurized and which is defined by various components of the jet propulsion system, including an intake ramp, an impeller housing (not shown), and a steering nozzleof the jet propulsion system. A driveshaftis connected between the engineand an impeller (not shown) of the jet propulsion system. A bellow assembly (not shown) is mounted to the driveshaftand provides a seal between the ductand the hullsuch as to prevent entry of water into the hull.