The present invention relates to a surface effect craft comprising a
supporting deck structure having two pontoons mounted thereto in
catamaran like fashion. A propulsion mechanism is mounted to a rear
portion of the deck structure. A lift control member is disposed under
the deck structure between the two pontoons. The lift control member is
pivotally movable mounted to the front portion of the deck structure. A
lift adjust mechanism pivotally moves the lift control member between a
first position with the rear end of the lift control member being in
close proximity to the surface and a second position with the rear end of
the lift control member being in close proximity to the deck structure.
Employment of the lift control member enables the craft to achieve
surface effect at low speed and, furthermore, allows control of the
aerodynamic lift in a wide range from maximum lift to negative lift. This
substantially widens the range of surface conditions and speed the craft
is operable, such as uneven ground, choppy water surfaces, snow, and ice.