David S Raber

US Patent:

49404334, Jul 10, 1990

Filed:

May 30, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/358593

Inventors:

David M. Raber - Indianapolis IN

International Classification:

B63H 2122

US Classification:

440 1

Abstract:

A control for a high performance watercraft that will automatically cut engine power and stabilize pitch attitude when the watercraft is airborne. This device maintains a manually trimmed pitch attitude when fully airborne. A gyroscope senses the boat's attitude and, when airborne, causes an airfoil or airfoils to correct a nose high or low attitude so that when the craft re-enters the water, it is at the proper, safe attitude. When back in the water, the engines return to the throttle position selected and the airfoil or airfoils return to the previously manually trimmed position. When in the water, the airfoil or airfoils can be manually trimmed so as to fine tune the craft for both water and wind conditions. It is this tuned position that the gyroscope seeks to attain while airborne.