Movable ballast in a sailing vessel
US7513205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2041/003
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An external adjustable ballast system for keeled sailboats comprising a weight that is designed for low hydrodynamic drag, mounted through a beam to a shaft running down the leading edge of the fin keel. Turning the shaft moves the weight to optimize hull trim, both fore/aft and athwartships, for a particular point of sail. If the weight and beam are shaped as a lifting body and mounted to the shaft such that it pivots as it rotates to optimize angle of attack, the dynamic balancing component can allow for a lighter weight. Ballast weight and beam can be raised or lowered to optimize performance for expected wind conditions. The leading edge of the fin keel is a rotatable non spherical shaft. When rotated, the shaft creates an asymmetric cross section which improves hydrodynamic efficiency of the keel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.