Glass bottom boat

US4548148A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• John Bloomfield · Bluffton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 25, 1983
• Grant date: Oct 22, 1985
• Expiry date: Jan 25, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B1/12
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A catamaran boat is provided including a pair of laterally spaced apart longitudinally extending displacement-type hollow hulls. Generally horizontal connecting deck structure extends between the hulls and includes a large plan area transparent generally horizontal viewing panel supported therefrom in an opening provided in the deck structure. The boat has a loaded operational water line which is spaced below the transparent panel and the hulls include buoyancy varying structure operative to selectively flood the hulls to reduce the buoyancy thereof and raise the water line to a level above the panel and to subsequently pump out the hulls to increase the buoyancy thereof and lower the water line to the aforementioned operational water line. The area immediately above the transparent panel is of water tight integrity when the water line is raised to a level above the viewing panel and the buoyancy varying structure includes below operational water line level intake ports and outlet nozzles functional to provide low speed propulsion and maneuvering of the boat.