Open Bow Boat With Removable Frame

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a vessel having an open region at the bow and optionally at the stern of the vessel. A removable covering such as a tarp is provided at the bow region to allow access through the open region when the tarp is removed. The hull tarp covers the bow region to improve stability and operation of the vessel when moving through water at significant speeds.

1 . An open bow boat to operate on the surface of a body of water, the boat comprising:
 a. port and starboard longitudinal hull pontoons;   b. a floor attached to and extending between the port and starboard hull pontoons;   c. a bow pontoon extending from the port hull pontoon to the starboard hull pontoon;   d. the bow pontoon longitudinally forward of and above the floor;   e. surfaces defining an open bow region bounded by the port and starboard hull pontoons, bow pontoon, and the floor;   f. a hull tarp exterior of the bow pontoon and releasably in contact with the bow pontoon so as to selectively cover the open bow region.   
     
     
         2 . The open bow boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a stern pontoon extending from the port hull pontoon to the starboard longitudinal hull pontoons; 
 b. the stern pontoon forward of and above the floor; and 
 c. surfaces defining an open stern region bounded by the port and starboard hull pontoons, bow pontoon, and the floor. 
 
     
     
         3 . The open bow boat as recited in  claim 1  wherein the floor comprises tapered tubes which are larger in a vertical dimension at an aft end than at a forward end. 
     
     
         4 . The open bow boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a frame removably attached to and extending between the port and starboard longitudinal hull pontoons. 
     
     
         5 . The open bow boat as recited in  claim 4  wherein the frame is modular comprising components selected from the list consisting of: a seat, transverse frame members, longitudinal frame members, control console, storage locker, and a rigid floor section. 
     
     
         6 . The open bow boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a plurality of straps having a first end attached to the hull tarp and a second end comprising a fastening mechanism; 
 b. a float which is lighter than water attached to each strap between the first end and the second end; and 
 c. wherein each float has sufficient positive buoyancy to maintain the fastening mechanism at or above the water's surface. 
 
     
     
         7 . The open bow boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a plurality of fastening points fixed to the boat; 
 b. a plurality of quick release fasteners removably attaching the bow section of the hull tarp to the bow portion of the boat.