U.S. patent application number 16/141949 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for pontoon boat.
The applicant listed for this patent is BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC. Invention is credited to William Fenech, Mark Neibert.
Application Number | 20200094919 16/141949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69779024 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200094919 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fenech; William ; et
al. |
March 26, 2020 |
PONTOON BOAT
Abstract
A pontoon boat includes port and starboard pontoons and cross
members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber may be installed
at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A
cross member may be embodied as a double-webbed beam having first
and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed
between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon may include a
two-stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second
surface inclined from the first surface.
Inventors: |
Fenech; William; (Elkhart,
IN) ; Neibert; Mark; (Millersburg, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BARLETTA BOAT COMPANY, LLC |
Bristol |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69779024 |
Appl. No.: |
16/141949 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 2001/123 20130101;
B63B 2003/145 20130101; B63B 1/121 20130101; B63B 1/125 20130101;
B63B 3/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63B 1/12 20060101
B63B001/12; B63B 3/32 20060101 B63B003/32 |
Claims
1. A pontoon boat comprising: a first pontoon having a first
longitudinal axis; a second pontoon having a second longitudinal
axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis; a plurality of cross
members, each of the plurality of cross members connected to the
first pontoon and to the second pontoon at a plurality of points of
connection; and a plurality of shock absorbing members, a
respective one of the plurality of shock absorbing members disposed
between the respective cross member and the respective one of the
first pontoon and the second pontoon at each of the plurality of
points of connection.
2. The pontoon boat of claim 1 further comprising a first plurality
of risers connected to the first pontoon and a second plurality of
risers connected to the second pontoon, the plurality of points of
connection comprising the first plurality of risers and the second
plurality of risers.
3. The pontoon boat of claim 1, each of the plurality of shock
absorbing members comprising a member made of a flexible and
resilient material.
4. The pontoon boat of claim 3, the flexible and resilient material
comprising rubber, neoprene, sanoprene or nitrile.
5. The pontoon boat of claim 3, each of the first and second
pluralities of risers comprising a platform, and each of the shock
absorbing members having an area that is substantially the entirety
of a projection of the platform of the riser onto the corresponding
cross member.
6-20. (canceled)
21. The pontoon boat of claim 5, wherein each of the shock
absorbing members is thin with respect to its area.
22. A pontoon boat comprising: a first pontoon having a first
longitudinal axis; a second pontoon having a second longitudinal
axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis; a plurality of cross
members, each of the plurality of cross members connected to the
first pontoon at a respective first point of connection and to the
second pontoon at a respective second point of connection; and a
plurality of shock absorbing members, respective ones of the
plurality of shock absorbing members disposed between respective
ones of the plurality of cross members and the first pontoon at
respective ones of the first points of connection and between
respective ones of the plurality of cross members and the second
pontoon at respective ones of the second points of connection.
23. The pontoon boat of claim 22 further comprising a first
plurality of risers connected to the first pontoon and a second
plurality of risers connected to the second pontoon, each of the
first points of connection and second points of connection
comprising respective ones of the first plurality of risers and the
second plurality of risers.
24. The pontoon boat of claim 23, each of the plurality of shock
absorbing members comprising a member made of a flexible and
resilient material.
25. The pontoon boat of claim 24, the flexible and resilient
material comprising rubber, neoprene, sanoprene or nitrile.
26. The pontoon boat of claim 24, each of the first and second
pluralities of risers comprising a platform, and each of the shock
absorbing members having an area that is substantially the entirety
of a projection of the platform onto the corresponding cross
member.
27. The pontoon boat of claim 22, each of the plurality of shock
absorbing members comprising a member made of a flexible and
resilient material.
28. The pontoon boat of claim 27, each of the plurality of the
plurality of cross members further connected to the first pontoon
at a respective third point of connection, and respective ones of
the plurality of shock absorbing members disposed between
respective ones of the plurality of cross members and the first
pontoon at respective ones of the third points of connection.
29. The pontoon boat of claim 28, each of the plurality of cross
members further connected to the second pontoon at a respective
fourth point of connection, and respective ones of the plurality of
shock absorbing members disposed between respective ones of the
plurality of cross members and the second pontoon at respective
ones of the fourth points of connection.
30. A pontoon boat comprising: a first pontoon having a first
longitudinal axis; a second pontoon having a second longitudinal
axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis; a plurality of cross
members, each of the plurality of cross members connected to the
first pontoon at a respective first point of connection, to the
second pontoon at a respective second point of connection, to the
first pontoon at a respective third point of connection, and to the
second pontoon at a respective fourth point of connection; and a
plurality of shock absorbing members, respective ones of the
plurality of shock absorbing members disposed between respective
ones of the plurality of cross members and the first pontoon at
respective ones of the first points of connection and between
respective ones of the plurality of cross members and the second
pontoon at respective ones of the second points of connection.
31. The pontoon boat of claim 30, each of the plurality of shock
absorbing members comprising a member made of a flexible and
resilient material.
32. The pontoon boat of claim 31 further comprising a first
plurality of risers connecting respective ones of the plurality of
cross members to the first pontoon at respective ones of the first
points of connection, a second plurality of risers connecting
respective ones of the plurality of cross members to the second
pontoon at respective ones of the second points of connection, a
third plurality of risers connecting respective ones of the
plurality of cross members to the first pontoon at respective ones
of the third points of connection, and a fourth plurality of riser
connecting respective ones of the plurality of cross members to the
second pontoon at respective ones of the fourth points of
connection.
33. The pontoon boat of claim 32, each of the first, second, third,
and fourth pluralities of risers comprising a respective platform,
and each of the shock absorbing members having an area that is
substantially the entirety of a projection of the platform onto the
corresponding cross member.
34. The pontoon boat of claim 33 wherein each of the shock
absorbing members is thin with respect to its area.
35. The pontoon boat of claim 34 wherein at least one of the first
points of connection comprises a bolted connection.
36. The pontoon boat of claim 35 wherein the bolted connection
comprises a bolt extending through the first pontoon and the
respective one of the first plurality of risers and the respective
one of the plurality of shock absorbing members.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] Pontoon boats are known in the art. A conventional pontoon
boat typically includes two or three pontoons interconnected by a
plurality of cross members, deck boards connected to the upper side
of the cross members, and railings, furniture and an operator's
station disposed upon the deck boards.
[0002] Conventional pontoon boats tend to flex torsionally and to
corner flat with respect to the surface of the water in which they
are used. Both of these characteristics can be disconcerting to
passengers thereon. Also, the ride of a conventional pontoon boat
can be harsh.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an illustrative
pontoon boat according to the present disclosure including
pontoons, lifting strakes, cross members, and a rear frame
thereof;
[0004] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0005] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the structure of FIG.
1;
[0007] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the structure of FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 6 is a starboard side elevation view of the structure
of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 6A is a detail view of a portion of the structure as
shown in FIG. 6;
[0010] FIG. 6B is a detail view of another portion of the structure
as shown in FIG. 6;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a port side view of the port pontoon of the
structure of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a starboard side view of the port pontoon of FIG.
6;
[0013] FIG. 9 is an end view of a first form of double-webbed cross
member according to the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 10 is an end view of a second form of double-webbed
cross member according to the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a side elevation detail view of deck boards
connected to the cross member of FIG. 10, in turn connected to a
pontoon through an intervening riser and shock absorber according
to the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 12 is an exploded detail perspective view of the
assembly of FIG. 12; and
[0017] FIG. 13 is an end view of a lifting strake according to the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The drawings show a portion of an illustrative pontoon boat
10 according to the present disclosure including pontoons, cross
members, and a rear frame thereof. More specifically, the boat 10
includes a first (or port) side pontoon 12, a second (or starboard)
side pontoon 14 and a third (or center) pontoon 16, each having a
plurality of risers 18 attached to upper portions thereof. The
first, second, and third pontoons 12, 14, 16 are interconnected by
a plurality of cross members 20n. The first, second, and third
pontoons 12, 14, 16 also are interconnected by a rear frame 21 and
by a forward frame 23 connected to corresponding ones of the risers
18. Each of the rear frame 21 and the forward frame 23 may include
one or more cross members similar to the cross members 20n.
[0019] Each of the risers 18 is embodied as a platform 181 having
first and second elongated legs 182, 183 extending therefrom. Each
of the first and second elongated legs 182, 183 terminates in an
elongated foot 184. Each of the feet 184 is attached to a
corresponding one of the pontoons 12, 14, 16, for example, by
welding, to a corresponding upper portion thereof. The several
risers 18 are attached to the first, second, and third pontoons 12,
14, 16 in like locations so that upper surfaces of the respective
platforms 181 cooperate to define a plane and so that the cross
members 20n may be connected to the platforms 181 perpendicular to
the pontoons and parallel to each other.
[0020] The cross members 20n are connected to the platforms 181 of
the corresponding risers 18, for example, using mechanical
fasteners, for examples, nuts and bolts, extending through
corresponding apertures in the platforms of the mounting plate and
flanges of the cross members, as will be discussed further below. A
shock absorber 22 is disposed between adjacent surfaces of the
platform 181 of each riser 18 and the corresponding cross member
20n, the rear frame 21, and the forward frame 23. The shock
absorbers 22 may be embodied as relatively thin members made of
rubber or another flexible and resilient material, for example,
neoprene, sanoprene or nitrile. For example, the shock absorbers 22
may be about 1/8''-1/2'' thick, or thinner or thicker.
[0021] In an embodiment, each shock absorber 22 has an area that is
substantially the entirety of the projection of the platform 181 of
the riser onto the cross member 20n or of the cross member onto the
platform, or a greater or lesser area. As such, the shock absorbers
22 provide flexible and resilient isolation and compliance between
the riser platforms 181 and the cross members 20n. In an
embodiment, a shock absorber 22 is provided at each and every point
of connection of the cross members 20n, the rear frame 21, and the
forward frame 23 to the risers 18 attached to each of the first,
second and third pontoons 12, 14, 16. In another embodiment, a
shock absorber 22 is provided at fewer than each and every point of
connection of the cross members 20n, the rear frame 21, and the
forward frame 23, to the risers 18 attached to each of the first,
second and third pontoons 12, 14, 16.
[0022] The various cross members 20n may take various forms. For
example, in the illustrative embodiment shown, certain ones of the
cross members 20n are embodied as C-channels 201. Certain other
ones of the cross members 20n are embodied as a first form of
double-webbed beam 202, as shown in FIG. 9. Certain further ones of
the cross members 20n are embodied as a second form of
double-webbed beam 203, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0023] Each of the cross members 20n embodied as a C-channel 201
may include a web 2011, a first flange 2013, and a second flange
2014.
[0024] As best shown in FIG. 9, each of the cross members 20n
embodied as a first form of double-webbed beam 202 includes a first
web 2021 having a first end and a second end, a second web 2022
having a first end and a second end, a first flange 2023 connecting
the first ends of the first and second webs, and a second flange
2024 connecting the second ends of the first and second webs. The
first and second webs 2021, 2022 are oriented at an angle .alpha.
with respect to the second flange. In an embodiment, the angle
.alpha. could be zero degrees. That is, the first and second webs
2021, 2022 could be parallel to each other.
[0025] In another embodiment, the angle .alpha. could be less than
zero degrees, such that the first ends of the first and second webs
2021, 2022 are closer to each other than are the second ends
thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the angle .alpha. may be
about 88 degrees, or between 87 degrees and 89 degrees, or between
about 86 degrees and about 90 degrees or between less than about 86
degrees and about 90 degrees. A double-webbed beam 202 thusly
configured may have greater torsional stiffness than an otherwise
similar beam having parallel webs.
[0026] The first and second webs 2021, 2022 of the double webbed
beam 202 are of substantially uniform thickness from the respective
ends thereof to the respective second ends thereof. The first and
second flanges 2023, 2024 are parallel to each other. Each of the
flanges 2023, 2024 is about the same width W, which width is
substantially greater than distance between respect ends of first
and second webs 2021, 2022. As such, the portion of each of the
first and second flanges 2023, 2024 outboard of the first and
second webs 2021, 2022 defines an area at least great enough to
receive a fastener therethrough in secure structural engagement, as
will be discussed further below.
[0027] The outwardly-facing surface of the first flange 2023
defines a plurality of elongated, longitudinally extending grooves.
One of the grooves 2025 is a center groove disposed along the
longitudinal centerline of the first flange. This center groove
2025 may be used during construction of the pontoon boat 10 as a
gauge of squareness or trueness of the cross members 20n with
respect to the first, second, and third pontoons 12, 14, 16 and/or
squareness or trueness of the cross members 20n with respect to
deck boards connected thereto.
[0028] Others of the grooves defined by the first flange 2023 are
outboard grooves 2026 disposed outboard of the respective first
ends of the first and second webs 2021, 2022. The outboard grooves
2026 may receive adhesive, caulk, or the like between the first
flanges and deck boards connected thereto.
[0029] The outwardly-facing surface of the second flange 2024
similarly defines a plurality of elongated outboard grooves 2026
disposed inboard or outboard or both inboard and outboard of the
respective first ends of the first and second webs 2021, 2022.
These outboard grooves 2026 may receive adhesive, caulk, or the
like between the second flanges 2024 and corresponding risers 18 or
intervening shock absorbers 22 connected thereto.
[0030] The second flange 2024 further defines an elongated T-shaped
slot 2027 configured to receive a head of a T-bolt 21 in sliding
engagement therein. The T-bolt 21 may be used to secure the cross
member 202 to a corresponding riser 18.
[0031] The second form of double-webbed cross member 203 is similar
to the first form of double-webbed cross member 202, and like
features thereof are identified in the drawings using like
reference numbers, incremented by ten. As best shown in FIG. 10,
the second form of double-webbed cross member 203 differs from the
first form of double-webbed cross member 202 in that the first and
second webs 2031, 2032 of the cross member 203 have a non-uniform
thickness from the first end thereof to the second end thereof.
More specifically, the first and second webs 2031, 2032 of the
cross member 203 have a first thickness T1 proximate the first ends
thereof and a second thickness T2 proximate the second ends
thereof, the second thickness T2 being substantially greater than
the first thickness T2 thereof. For example, the second thickness
T2 may be about 150% of the first thickness T1, or any thickness
between about 125% to about 175% of the first thickness T1, or any
thickness between about 105% of the first thickness and about 195%
of the first thickness T1. The respective thicknesses of the first
and second webs 2031, 2032 may vary continuously from proximate the
respective first ends thereof to proximate the respective second
ends thereof or through one or more steps. In embodiments wherein
the foregoing thicknesses vary in steps, the step changes in
thickness may be proximate the respective first ends of the webs
2031, 2032, proximate the respective second ends thereof, or at any
point intermediate the first and second ends thereof.
[0032] In an embodiment, the C-channel cross members 201 may be
used in locations wherein torsional and other stresses placed
thereon during normal operation of the pontoon boat 10 are expected
to be relatively low, for example, near the bow of the boat. The
first form of double-webbed cross members 202 may be used in
locations wherein torsional and other stresses are expected to be
relatively high, for example, near the stern of the boat and/or
underlying joints between adjacent deck boards, as will be
discussed further below. The second form of double-webbed cross
members 203 may be used in locations wherein torsional and other
stresses are expected to be relatively low and underlying joints
between adjacent deck boards. Use of either form of double-webbed
cross member 202, 203 at locations underlying joints between
adjacent deck boards may facilitate connection of the deck boards
to the cross members.
[0033] As suggested above, and with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12,
deck boards 38 overlie the cross members 20n and may be connected
thereto, for example, using self-tapping or other screws 40 driven
through the deck boards and into the first flanges 2013, 2023, 2033
of the underlying cross members 201, 202, 203. The first flanges
2013 of the C-channels 201 typically have sufficient area to
readily receive such a screw. The first flanges 2013 of the
C-channels 201, however, typically lack sufficient area to readily
receive screws fastening respective ends of abutting or adjacent
deck boards 38 thereto, with the screws driven in perpendicular to
the deck boards and flanges. As such, such screws would need to be
driven through the deck boards 38 and flange diagonally. Such an
operation is relatively difficult and time consuming, and it
requires relatively great precision compared to driving a screw
perpendicular to a deck board and underlying flange.
[0034] The respective first flanges 2023, 2033 of the first and
second forms of double-webbed cross members 202, 203 have
substantially greater surface area than the first flange 2013 of
the C-channel cross member 201. This feature enables driving screws
fastening respective ends of abutting or adjacent deck boards 38
thereto perpendicular to the deck boards and flanges, rather than
diagonally with respect thereto.
[0035] As shown, the cross members 202, 203 may be installed to the
risers 18 with the respective second flanges 2024, 2034 thereof
adjacent the risers 18 and the respective first flanges 2023, 2033
distant from the risers (and underlying the deck boards).
[0036] Each of the first, second, and third pontoons 12, 14, 16
defines a corresponding longitudinal axis A1 wherein the
corresponding axes A1 are substantially parallel to each other. The
respective front ends of the first, second, and third pontoons 12,
14, 16 may be, but need not be, substantially aligned.
[0037] The first pontoon 12 includes a first (or nose) portion 121,
a second (or center) portion 122, and a third (or rear) portion
123. The nose portion 121 tapers from a generally cylindrical
profile proximate an aft end thereof to a point proximate a
foremost and uppermost portion thereof. The center portion 122 has
a generally cylindrical profile from a front end thereof to an aft
end thereof. The rear portion 122 has a domed shape.
[0038] A first lifting strake 30 is attached to an outboard portion
of the first pontoon 12, nearer the horizontal center of the first
pontoon than to the bottom thereof. The first lifting strake
extends from proximate the foremost end of the center portion 122
thereof to proximate the aft end of the center portion thereof. As
best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first lifting strake 30 has a
generally triangular profile, for example, a right triangular
profile. The first lifting strake 30 defines a longitudinal axis A2
generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 of the first pontoon
12. In an embodiment, the axis A2 could be other than parallel to
the axis A1.
[0039] A second lifting strake 32 is attached to an inboard portion
of the first pontoon 12, near the bottom thereof. In other
embodiments, the second lifting strake 32 is attached to the
inboard portion of the first pontoon 12 at any desired location
between the bottom and the midpoint thereof or above the midpoint
thereof. The second lifting strake 32 extends from proximate the
foremost end of the center portion 122 thereof to proximate the aft
end of the center portion thereof. The second lifting strake 32 has
a complex profile generally defining a first triangular portion 321
and a second triangular portion 322 when viewed from either end
thereof.
[0040] As best shown in FIG. 13, the second lifting strake 32
includes a first flange 323, a second flange 324 connected to the
first flange, a third flange 325 connected to the second flange, a
fourth flange 326 connected to the third flange, and a fifth flange
327 connected to the second and third flanges where the second and
third flange are connected to each other. Each of the first,
fourth, and fifth flanges 323, 326, 327 terminates in a respective
elongated foot 328, 329, 330 at the respective free end
thereof.
[0041] Each of the feet 328, 329 is attached, for example, by
welding, to the surface of the first pontoon 12. With the second
lifting strake 32 thus attached to the first pontoon 12, the foot
330 abuts the surface of the first pontoon, thereby precluding the
second lifting strake 32 from collapsing against the first pontoon
12. In an embodiment, the foot 330 may be spaced a predetermined,
non-zero distance from the first pontoon 12 when the second lifting
strake 32 is attached to the first pontoon as described above,
thereby allowing some flexing of the second lifting strake with
respect to the first pontoon, but inhibiting collapse of the second
lifting strake with respect to the first pontoon.
[0042] The second lifting strake 32 defines a longitudinal axis A3
generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 of the first pontoon
12. In an embodiment, the axis A3 could deviate slightly from
parallel to the axis A1.
[0043] The first flange 323 defines a first plane P1 generally
parallel to the horizontal (or to a tangent defined by the
lowermost portion of the first pontoon 12) when the boat 10 is
upright and level. (For clarity, an analogous tangent T1 is shown
with respect to the third pontoon 16 in FIG. 4.) The second flange
325 defines a second plane P2 inclined upwardly from the first
plane P1 at an angle .beta.. The angle .beta. may be selected as
desired to achieve a particular handling characteristic of the
pontoon boat 10 during normal operation thereof. For example, with
the second flange 325 set at an angle .beta. of about zero degrees,
the pontoon boat 10 will tend to ride higher in the water and turn
more slowly in response to a given steering input than it would
with the second flange 325 set at a greater angle .beta.. As the
angle .beta. increases from zero degrees, the pontoon boat 10 will
tend to ride lower in the water and turn more quickly in response
to a given steering input than it would with the second flange 325
set at an angle .beta. nearer to zero degrees, all other factors
being equal.
[0044] As shown, the angle .beta. may be about seven degrees. In
other embodiments, the angle .beta. may be a lesser or greater
angle, for example, any angle between about six degrees and about
eight degrees, or between about four degrees and about ten degrees,
or between about zero degrees and about twelve three degrees, or
between about minus twenty degrees and about twenty degrees. As the
angle .beta. decreases from zero degrees, the second flange 325 may
act as a keel, moving water so that the pontoon boat 10 will tend
to turn more slowly in response to a given steering input than it
would with the second flange 325 set at an angle .beta. nearer to
zero degrees, all other factors being equal.
[0045] In an embodiment, the second lifting strake 32 does not
extend laterally beyond a tangent defined by the starboard-most
extent of the first pontoon 12. (For clarity, an analogous tangent
T2 is shown with respect to the port-most extent of the third
pontoon 16.) In another embodiment, the second lifting strake 32
may extend laterally beyond the foregoing tangent. In such an
embodiment, the portion of the second lifting strake 32 extend
laterally beyond the foregoing tangent may interfere with the
loading of the pontoon boat 10 onto a trailer.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 13, the surface area of the third flange
325 of the second lifting strake 32 may be vary substantially from
the surface area of the first flange 323 of the second lifting
strake. For example, the surface area of the third flange 325 of
the second lifting strake 32 may be about twice the surface area of
the first flange 323 of the second lifting strake. In other
embodiments, the surface area ratio of the surface area of the
third flange 325 to the surface area of the first flange 323 may be
selected as desired. For example, the foregoing surface area ratio
may be selected to be about one or lesser or greater than one.
Generally, the higher the foregoing surface area ratio, the lower
the pontoon boat 10 will ride in the water, and the more quickly
the pontoon boat will respond to a given steering input, all other
factors being equal. Conversely, the lower the foregoing surface
area ratio, the higher the pontoon boat 10 will ride in the water,
and the more slowly the pontoon boat will respond to a given
steering input, all other factors being equal.
[0047] A nose cone 331 is provided at the forward end of the second
lifting strake 32. The nose cone 331 has an aft end and a forward
end. The aft end has a cross section identical or substantially
similar to the profile of the forward end of the second lifting
strake 32. The cross section of the nose cone 331 tapers from the
foregoing profile at the aft end thereof to a point at the forward
end thereof.
[0048] The second lifting strake 32 and the adjacent outer surface
of the first pontoon 12 cooperate to define a first interior space
332A and a second interior space 332B. As best shown in FIG. 3, a
lower surface of the nose cone 331 defines a first port 333, and
another lower surface of the nose cone defines a second port 334.
Each of the first port 333 and the second port 334 is configured to
allow fluid communication between the respective interior space
332A, 332B and the environment about the first pontoon 12 and the
second lifting strake 32. Either or both of the first and second
ports 333, 334 may be provided with a threaded insert configured
for threaded engagement with a complementary plug or an end of a
hose. Such a plug (not shown) could be installed in the respective
port 333, 334 to inhibit flow of water through the first and second
interior spaces 332A, 332B during use of the boat 10. The plug
could be removed to facilitate draining of water that may have
accumulated within the first and second interior spaces 332A, 332B
when the boat 10 is removed from the water. The treaded insert may
further be configured to for threaded engagement with an end of a
garden hose that may be used to flush the first and second interior
spaces 332A, 332B, for example, to remove invasive species that may
have accumulated there during use of the boat 10.
[0049] As best shown in FIG. 4, an end cap 335 is attached to the
aft end of the second lifting strake 32. The end cap may define one
or more apertures 336 allowing fluid communication between the
interior spaces 332A, 332B and the environment about the first
pontoon 12 and the second lifting strake 32. The ports 333, 334 and
the apertures 336 in the end cap 335 cooperate to selectively drain
water that may otherwise accumulate in the interior spaces 332A,
332B.
[0050] The second pontoon 14 is equipped with third and fourth
lifting strakes 30', 32' analogous to the first and second lifting
strakes 30, 32 in an analogous, mirror image manner.
[0051] The third pontoon 16 is equipped with fifth and sixth
lifting strakes 34, 36 analogous to the second and fourth lifting
strakes second 32, 32'.
[0052] In an embodiment, the fifth and sixth lifting strakes 34, 36
could be omitted from the third pontoon 16. In another embodiment,
the second lifting strakes 32, 32' could be omitted from the first
and second pontoons 12, 14. In a further embodiment, the third
pontoon 16 could be omitted.
[0053] As shown, a motor pod 42 is attached the aft end of the
center pontoon 16. In embodiments not including a center pontoon
(not shown), a motor pan similar to the motor pod 42 may be
connected to a rear portion of the frame of the pontoon boat
10.
[0054] References to orientation (for example, upper, lower, front,
back, left, right, and the like) herein should be construed in a
relative, rather than absolute, sense, unless context clearly
dictates otherwise. The disclosure sets forth certain illustrative
embodiments of a pontoon boat. Not all features need be
incorporated into every embodiment, and features disclosed in
connection with a given embodiment may be incorporated into any
other embodiment to the greatest extent possible without departure
from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the
appended claims.
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