| 摘要 |
An improved performance marine surface vessel with a recess in its underside that is pressurized with gas to form a supporting gas cushion that carries a substantial portion of vessel weight. The gas cushion is restrained by catamaran-like sidehulls, a movable seal forward, and substantially rigid aft seal. The recess is shaped on its upper surface to provide good ride qualities in rough seas and maximum stability in roll. In some instances a center hull and/or a skeg-like device are utilized to separate portions of the recess. The sidehulls can include secondary lifting surfaces on both sides to aid in operation with the pressurized gas supply not operating. The forward movable seal is best made in several elements that are individually removable through an opening in the front deck. The seal elements are formed at their top portion by a substantially rigid cap that also attaches the seal to the hull. The seal attachment apparatus allows staggering of seals, fore and aft, which improves entry into waves and provides an attractive pointed bow appearance. The pressurized gas supply into the recess can include exhaust gas from engines with the engines being protected when they are not operating by an exhaust valve. The gas supply to the forward movable seal and recess is controllable in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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