BOAT PROPULSION SYSTEM

摘要

A boat propulsion system includes a boat (52, 52', 152, 152') having an elongated hull (54, 54', 154, 154') with a water flow channel (56, 56A, 56B, 156A, 156B) formed in the bottom thereof, wherein a movable trim plate (68, 68A, 68B, 178A, 178B) is disposed within the water flow channel (56, 56A, 56B, 156A, 156B) for controlling a flow of water to a surface-piercing propeller (76, 76A, 76B, 176A, 176B) which is positioned aft of the water flow channel (56, 56A, 56B, 156A, 156B) and which is disposed within a propeller cavity (170, 170A, 170B) formed in the bottom of the hull (54, 54', 154, 154'). In a fully extended position, the trim plate (68, 68A, 68B, 178A, 178B) is flush with the hull of the boat, and in fully recessed position the trim plate (68, 68A, 68B, 178A, 178B) is completely recessed within the water flow channel (56, 56A, 56B, 156A, 156B). The trim plate (68, 68A, 68B, 178A, 178B) is variably movable between the recessed and fully extended positions to provide for perfomance advantages at various boat speeds.