Brunswick Corporation

Mark E Felker

Edwin B Hatch

John R Eilert

A RIB, rigid-hull inflatable boat (22) includes an inflatable tube (24) having a general U-shape with a forward end (26) at the bight of the U and trailing sides (28 and 30) extending rearwardly therefrom along the legs of the U. A unitary rotationally molded hull (32) is nested within the tube and has right and left sides (34 and 36) extending along inner surfaces of the tube, and a transom extending between the right and left sides. The hull is detachably secured to the underside of the tube by a mechanical locking device (132) permitting simple detachment and reattachment of the tube to the hull. A recessed channel (188) is provided in a concave surface of the hull engaging the tube and extending around the perimeter of the hull and forming a gutter for draining water aft from the interface between the hull and the tube. The inner sidewalls (208, 212) of the hull extend downwardly and are curved outwardly and below the tube and the respective concave surface to provide an undercut (210, 216 ) to provide a wider beam and increased floor space. A drain (98) extends through the transom and is provided by a pair of threaded members (102, 104) thread tightened to each other, and a one-way valve permitting drainage out of the boat and blocking reverse flow of water into the boat. A forward pocket-configured compartment (82) receives different types of fuel tanks in differing nested orientations. A bunge system (218, 220) holds the tube against the hull sides at the transom. The transom is strengthened by forward splash guards (40, 42) rearward extensions (44, 46), and anti-compression spacers (48, 50).

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Oshkosh, WI, United States of America

Mark E Felker