Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A catamaran kayak is disclosed which comprises a plurality of hulls (10, 12) which are joined together and laterally spaced by elongated connectors (B). Flexible couplings (C) are formed on the hulls which receive the ends of elongated connectors (B) and provide for flexibility between the hulls and the elongated connectors in three degrees of freedom. The flexible couplings include flexible bosses (30) which are formed on the kayak hulls and which receive the ends of the elongated connectors. Journals (36) are carried in the flexible bosses and flexible bushings (38) may be carried between the elongated connectors and the journal to control the amount of flexibility provided. This enables flexibility of each flexible coupling (C) to be controlled, if desired, in accordance with the style, weight, and other characteristics of the individual boaters, as well as tailoring the catamaran kayak for the type of water conditions in which it is used. In addition, the flex characteristics of the coupling between the kayaks, and hence the performance of the kayak, may be controlled by the thickness of the hull and the geometry of the hull in the area which the flexible bosses (30) are formed. Preferably, the hulls are molded from a flexible polymeric material and flexible bosses (30) are formed as one piece with the hull.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim