Abstract: A buoy (10) carries a light (16) at the upper end of a mast (14). The lower end of the mast (14) is connected to a buoyant body (12) which is weighted to present a maximum diameter zone (20) slightly below the water level when the buoy (10) is at rest in the water. The body (12) tapers inwardly both above and below the maximum diameter zone 20. A towing bar assembly (18) is provided on one side of the buoy (10). It includes an upwardly and outwardly sloping guide bar (30) connected at its upper end to a tow bar (36). An eye (50) at an end of a control line (46) is slidably received on the guide bar (30). An initial tug on the control line (46) causes the eye (50) to slide upwardly along the guide bar (30) until it engages a bight (38) of the tow bar (36). The bight (38) is positioned radially outwardly from the maximum diameter zone (20). Then, when the control line (46) is pulled upon, it pulls the buoy (10) into the water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shallow water detector (10) for a boat (12) comprising a main housing (16) positionable on the boat (12), a source of electrical energy (102), a signal device (36, 38), and an actuating switch assembly (108). The actuating switch assembly includes a normally off, snap-action microswitch (110) enclosed in a housing and having a depressible operator (112) projecting therefrom which, when depressed, turns the microswitch (110) on. A switch actuator member (30) has an end portion (114) directed toward the depressible operator (112) and a guide means (116) which guides the actuator member (30) towards and away from the depressible operator (112). The actuator member (30) is biased by a spring means (120) toward and into depressing contact with the depressible operator (112). A line (28)is connected at one end to the actuator member (30) and at the other end to a weight (32).