Surf Tab
Patent Number: US 9550551 Grant Date: 2017-01-24 Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Overview
This patent describes a compact, adjustable wake‑modification system for recreational watercraft that uses a two-part surf tab assembly to shape stern wakes with precision. Filed December 22, 2015 and granted January 24, 2017, the claim set protects a control plate assembly coupled to a hydro‑thruster module via a separation hinge, an adjustable control‑rod, and actuator‑driven mounting hinges. Inventors based in Wichita Falls, Texas sought an arrangement that routes hull flow into a wedge‑shaped hydro‑thruster and diversion fins to expel water rearward and outward, producing a clean, bubble‑free wake while minimizing drag. The drafting emphasizes practical construction—welded aluminum plates, piano‑type hinges, an adjustable turnbuckle‑style rod for fine hydro‑thruster angle control, and electrically driven linear actuators for in‑ride tuning and stowability. The prosecution highlights how coordinated positioning of separation fins, setup fins, and diversion fins can create low‑pressure voids to lift and flatten the stern, improving propulsive efficiency and enabling repeatable wakes for watersports.
Key Features
- Adjustable control rod (turnbuckle style) for precise hydro‑thruster angle
- Separation hinge and piano‑type mounting hinge for dual articulation
- Wedge hydro‑thruster with diversion fins directing flow outward
- Electric linear actuators for remote adjustment and stowability
By combining mechanical simplicity with tuned hydrodynamics, this patented solution advances aftermarket wake control and offers clear benefits for small craft performance, rider experience, and fuel efficiency in the recreational marine market.
Invention Details
Abstract: A wake-modifying a surf tab that can be attached to a watercraft is disclosed. That surf tab includes a control plate assembly, a mounting hinge for attaching the control plate assembly to a watercraft, a hydro-thruster assembly, and a separation hinge attaching the control plate assembly to the hydro-thruster assembly. Also included is an actuator attached to the control plate assembly which connects the control plate assembly to the watercraft such that the actuator can control the angle between the control plate assembly and the watercraft. a length adjustable control rod assembly connects the control plate assembly to the hydro-thruster assembly. The control rod assembly adjusts the angle between the control plate assembly and the hydro-thruster assembly. In use, the length of the actuator and the length of the control rod assembly can change the flow of water from the hydro-thruster assembly to modify a wake created by a watercraft.
Summary of the Invention: Very few if any leisure activities are more enjoyable than boating. Recreational boating on a lake, the ocean, a river, a canal or any other waterways can be a very pleasant way to spend leisure time.
One (1) way to enhance the joy of boating even more is to add other activities to boating. From fishing to diving a boat can be used for many purposes. But one particularly enjoyable activity associated with various watercrafts is water skiing or water surfing. However, when performing some surfing maneuvers it can be useful to weigh down the side of the watercraft where the water skier is positioned. The additional weight modifies the boat wake which can protect the water skier as well as enabling them to perform acrobatics using the modified watercraft wake. In fact, the wake of a watercraft becomes a highly useful factor when water skiing.
Because of the usefulness of watercraft wakes various manufacturers have devised wake modifying devices which can be attached to the aft of a watercraft to provide modified wakes. These devices can eliminate the need to shift weight along the sides of the watercraft. While some of those devices are useful there has been seen a need to provide devices that enabling a water skier to ski on either side of the watercraft. Wake modifying devices that do exist tend to be large and bulky, generally do not provide a clean wake, and/or are inefficient in regards to watercraft fuel consumption.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a device that can modify watercraft wakes on both sides of a watercraft so as to provide a clean wake while not being unduly large or bulky and while providing improved fuel efficiency.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to recreational watercrafts. More particularly, it is directed to wake-modifying surf tabs that can be mounted on a recreational or other watercraft to enhance water skiing.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Fluid Systems | Sports And Recreation | Wichita Falls, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney