Pontooned Watercraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to watercraft, and in particular to small watercraft used in fishing, hunting and similar recreation on lakes and streams. The watercraft has a displacement hull and a pontoon attached to the hull. The pontoon has an elongated float and an arm, integral with the float and radiating therefrom, for attachment to the hull. The hull has a substantially round bottom and a gunwale and the pontoon is attached directly to the hull, proximate the gunwale.

1 . A watercraft, comprising: 
 a) a displacement hull; and    b) a pontoon attached to the hull.    
   
   
       2 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pontoon comprises: 
 a) an elongated float; and    b) an arm, integral with the float and radiating therefrom, for attachment to the hull.    
   
   
       3 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein: 
 a) the hull has a substantially round bottom and a gunwale; and    b) the pontoon is attached directly to the hull, proximate the gunwale.    
   
   
       4 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the arm is buoyant.  
   
   
       5 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the bottom of the float is lower than the bottom of the hull, whereby the watercraft rests on the float when on land, the float raising the bottom of the hull above the land.  
   
   
       6 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the top of the arm defines a substantially flat platform substantially level with the gunwale, whereby the platform provides a step between the float and the gunwale for embarking on or debarking from the watercraft.  
   
   
       7 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the continuous surfaces of the pontoon resist snagging objects.  
   
   
       8 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the continuous surfaces of the pontoon resist snagging water plants.  
   
   
       9 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the continuous surfaces of the pontoon resist snagging sporting tackle.  
   
   
       10 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising second, third, and fourth pontoons.  
   
   
       11 . A watercraft as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the pontoons are disposed proximate the four corners of the hull so as not to obstruct the sides of the watercraft amidships.