Abstract: A plastic roller furling apparatus includes an elongated member or furling element and a pair of longitudinally extending parallel wires encased therein. The wires of twisted stainless steel are extruded or molded into the member. The member also defines a central opening or passageway which extends therethrough. This passageway is dimensioned or sized to fit loosely around a stay in which the apparatus is installed. The furling element also includes one and preferably two grooved luff foils which are formed in and extended along the length of the plastic member. Split bearing means are also provided at or near the base of the plastic member and a furling drum or jib sail spool is provided for rotating the plastic member about a stay to furl the sail. The plastic member also includes first and second longitudinally extending segments which extend along the length of and divide the plastic member into two pieces.

Abstract: A plastic roller furling apparatus includes an elongated member or furling element and a pair of longitudinally extending parallel wires encased therein. The member also defines a central opening or passageway which extends therethrough. This passageway is dimensioned or sized to fit loosely around a stay in which the apparatus is installed. The furling element also includes one and preferably two grooved luff foils which are formed in and extend along the length of the plastic member. Split bearing elements are provided at or near the base of the plastic member and a furling drum or jib sail spool is provided for rotating the plastic member about a stay to furl the sail. The plastic member also includes first and second longitudinally extending segments which extend along the length of and divide the plastic member into two pieces. The segments each include integral fasteners for fastening the two segments together along their length.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel having an outer wall with an opening therein includes a shaped lens element, a pair of concentric plastic rings and a resilient gasket between the lens element and one of the rings. The plastic ring on the outside of the vessel is adjacent to the gasket and includes a pair of hinged brackets and a plurality of mounting members. A hinge assembly connects the plastic ring and lens element and allows the lens to be rotated inwardly to an open position and back to a closed position in which it is pressed against a gasket. One or more dogs are rotatably mounted on the mounting members for holding the lens element in a closed position. The second plastic ring is constructed and arranged to clamp the first ring within the opening and against the wall of the vessel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a decorative metal ring covers the exterior surface of the port assembly.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate portion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A hatch assembly includes a first frame member having a generally J-shaped cross-section with a longitudinal extending or upright position and a generally parallel lip portion which is separated from the longitudinal portion by a horizontal section or riser. The assembly also includes a second frame member rotatably fixed to the first frame member. The second frame member includes a pair of elastomer seals fixed thereto so that a first of the seals engages the longitudinal portion of the J-shaped frame while the second seal engages the lip. The second frame member also includes a vent or small opening between the seals and a cavity for receiving any airborne water which passes through the vent. This vent is also constructed and arranged to drain air our of the cabin. In addition, the hatch assembly includes a hidden counterweight.

Abstract: A removable light controlling blind assembly for a marine vessel or the like includes two generally circular superimposed panels. Each of those panels has a plurality of translucent horizontal strips printed thereon and a plurality of alternating light transmitting strips separating the translucent strips. The two panels are movable in a linear direction to bring the strips into registration with one another. A flexible gasket is also provided and includes a groove for positioning the blind assembly in a port or hatch in the vessel.