| 摘要 |
A channeled air planing apparatus improves low speed performance of boats without adversely affecting high speed performance. The apparatus includes structural elements for channeling air to a transverse step adjacent a running surface. Air channeled to the transverse step eliminates low pressure at the step caused by flow of water past the step, which in turn enhances low speed performance by lowering the bow of the boat and reducing drag on wetted propulsion equipment and other aft boat structure. In a preferred embodiment, the channeled air planing foil includes a lower hydrofoil member attached to a setback area of the boat by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls aft and above the boat's running surface. When the boat is at rest, a channel defined by the lower hydrofoil element and sidewalls contains water. As the boat moves forwardly through the water during takeoff, water is evacuated from the channel and replaced with air which ventilates the transverse step. The lower hydrofoil element also functions to provide lift to the stern, which further reduces drag and enhances the boat's ability to reach plane. In another embodiment, air channels are formed in a setback area of the boat to channel air forwardly to the transverse step during takeoff. Once planing speed is achieved, the channel air planing apparatus is completely out of the water and does not adversely affect high speed performance.
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