Catamaran hull with angled chine extensions

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and apparatus to improve performance characteristics of catamaran hulls. A catamaran hull comprises two sponsons, each sponson having an inner chine, and at least one chine extension attached to the inner chine of at least one sponson. The chine extension extends into a tunnel between the two sponsons and is angled downward from a horizontal plane. This system and apparatus provide a solution that generates lift by increasing the surface area of the chine and allows the catamaran to lean into turns rather than outward. Overall, it offers improved stability, reduced drag, and enhanced maneuverability for catamaran boats, particularly at higher speeds and during turning maneuvers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A catamaran hull, comprising:
 two sponsons, each sponson having an inner chine; and   at least one chine extension of a given length and a given width attached to the inner chine of at least one sponson, wherein the at least one chine extension extends into a tunnel between the two sponsons and is angled downward from a horizontal plane.   
     
     
         2 . The catamaran hull of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one chine extension comprises a forward inner chine extension. 
     
     
         3 . The catamaran hull of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one chine extension comprises a mid inner chine extension, and an aft inner chine extension. 
     
     
         4 . The catamaran hull of  claim 1 , wherein the mid inner chine extension is angled downward from the horizontal plane. 
     
     
         5 . The catamaran hull of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one chine extension is made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and plastic. 
     
     
         6 . A method of improving performance characteristics of a catamaran, comprising:
 providing a catamaran hull having two sponsons, each sponson having an inner chine; and   attaching at least one chine extension of a given length and given width to the inner chine of at least one sponson, wherein the at least one chine extension extends into a tunnel between the two sponsons and is angled downward from a horizontal plane.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein attaching the at least one chine extension comprises attaching a forward inner chine extension, a mid inner chine extension, and an aft inner chine extension to the inner chine of at least one sponson. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising selecting the at least one chine extension from a material consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and plastic. 
     
     
         9 . A system for enhancing catamaran performance, comprising:
 a catamaran hull having two sponsons, each sponson having an inner chine; and   a plurality of chine extensions attached to the inner chine of each sponson, wherein each chine extension extends into a tunnel between the two sponsons and is angled downward from a horizontal plane, and wherein the plurality of chine extensions includes a forward inner chine, a mid inner chine extension, and an aft inner chine extension.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the mid inner chine extension is angled downward from the horizontal plane. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein each chine extension is made of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and plastic.