Collapsible boat

Abstract

A boat collapses to two planar thin layers of material which are preferably hinged across the middle to fold into a four-layer, conveniently transportable unit. The bottom layer has a fold at the prow but is otherwise unitary. The top layer consists of several pieces, namely, a major portion which extends from end to end and along the sides; four gunwale-forming panels hinged to the major portion longitudinally toward either end of the middle fold on either side; and two seat-forming panels hinged to the major portion transversely and each spaced toward either end. The prow of the top layer is formed with a fold similar to that in the bottom. When the boat is erected, the folds cause the prow to assume a conical shape. The gunwale-forming panels pivot downward and are latched causing the top major layer to be spaced above the bottom layer and causing the bottom to be convex. At front and rear, immediately beyond each seat-forming panel is a transverse, air-tight membrane sealed to the top major portion and to the bottom. As the boat is erected, these membranes form front and rear buoyancy chambers, there being valves in the top major portion to enable air to enter the chambers and be sealed therein. The stern consists of a flexible membrane which is about vertical when erected. An outboard motor support may be pivoted to the uppermost stern panel and is self-erecting.