Abstract: The present disclosure provides hydraulic power sources for wakeboats are provided. The power sources can include: a wakeboat having a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine; and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The power sources may also include a load powered by the hydraulic motor. The present disclosure also provides methods for hydraulically powering a load from aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: comprising: mechanically driving a hydraulic pump with an engine of the wakeboat; using the hydraulic pump to power a hydraulic motor; and using the hydraulic motor to drive a load.

Abstract: Hydraulic manifold assemblies for wakeboats are provided. The assemblies can include: a chamber configured as a hydraulic fluid source; at least one conduit in selective fluid communication with the chamber; at least one valve operatively aligned with the at least one conduit; and processing circuitry operatively coupled to the at least one valve. Wakeboats are also provided that can include: an engine; a hydraulic pump powered by the engine; and a hydraulic manifold assembly in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump. Methods for distributing hydraulic fluid aboard a wakeboat are provided. The methods can include controlling at least one valve to provide hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to one or more hydraulic components.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast compartment fluid level sensing assemblies are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; a ballast compartment associated with the hull; a nonconductive sensor chamber in fluidic communication with the ballast compartment; and at least two conductive electrodes associated with the nonconductive sensor chamber, wherein at least one of the two conductive electrodes is electrically isolated from fluid within the nonconductive sensor chamber. Methods for sensing a fluid level within a ballast compartment aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include maintaining fluid communication between the ballast compartment and a nonconductive sensor chamber having fluid therein, and determining the electrical communication between at least two electrodes operatively associated with the sensor chamber while at least one of the electrodes is electrically isolated from the fluid within the sensor chamber.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems are provided that can include a first accelerometer operatively associated with the hull of the wakeboat to measure the acceleration of the hull along a first axis; a second accelerometer operatively associated with the hull of the wakeboat to measure the acceleration of the hull along a second axis, the first axis being non-parallel to the second axis; and processing circuitry calculating the rotation of the hull of the wakeboat about a third axis based on the acquired measurements. Wakeboat hull control methods are provided that can include using the processing circuitry to calculate the rotation of the hull of the wakeboat about a third axis based on the acquired measurements.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast pump systems and methods are provided to monitor the operational condition and parameters of wakeboat ballast components. Systems and methods for sensing and measurement are provided to detect parameters associated with wakeboat ballast pumps and compartments, including systems and methods that can economically retrofit into existing wakeboat ballast systems. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action based on various operational conditions and parameters to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast pumps.

Abstract: Hydraulic pump-accessory assemblies are provided for engines. The assemblies may include: an accessory pulley or gear configured to engage a drive belt or chain of an engine; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the pulley or gear to be driven by the engine. Engines are provided that can include: a crankshaft pulley or gear operably engaging a belt or chain to convey power to one or more accessories; an accessory pulley or gear operably engaged by the belt or chain; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the accessory pulley or gear to receive power from the belt or chain. Methods for modifying an engine are also provided. The methods can include operatively engaging a hydraulic motor to the pulley or gear of an accessory configured to be operably engaged with a belt or chain of the engine.

Abstract: Boat propulsion assemblies are provided that can include: a water pump operatively coupled to a first conduit in fluid communication with one portion of a hull of the boat; and a water source in fluid communication with the water pump. Methods for propelling a boat are also provided that can include using a water pump to express water outwardly from one portion of a hull and propelling the boat. Propulsion assemblies may also be configured with: a first conduit extending from a first portion of a hull of the boat to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and a first pump operatively aligned along the first conduit and configured to convey water between the first and second portions of the hull of the boat. Methods for propelling a boat can also include: intaking water at a first portion of the hull of the boat; conveying the water to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and expressing the water at the second portion of the hull to propel the boat.

Abstract: Boat propulsion assemblies are provided that can include: a water pump operatively coupled to a first conduit in fluid communication with one portion of a hull of the boat; and a water source in fluid communication with the water pump. Methods for propelling a boat are also provided that can include using a water pump to express water outwardly from one portion of a hull and propelling the boat. Propulsion assemblies may also be configured with: a first conduit extending from a first portion of a hull of the boat to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and a first pump operatively aligned along the first conduit and configured to convey water between the first and second portions of the hull of the boat. Methods for propelling a boat can also include: intaking water at a first portion of the hull of the boat; conveying the water to a second portion of the hull of the boat; and expressing the water at the second portion of the hull to propel the boat.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides hydraulic power sources for wakeboats are provided. The power sources can include: a wakeboat having a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine; and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The power sources may also include a load powered by the hydraulic motor. The present disclosure also provides methods for hydraulically powering a load from aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: comprising: mechanically driving a hydraulic pump with an engine of the wakeboat; using the hydraulic pump to power a hydraulic motor; and using the hydraulic motor to drive a load.

Abstract: Hydraulic pump-accessory assemblies are provided for engines. The assemblies may include: an accessory pulley or gear configured to engage a drive belt or chain of an engine; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the pulley or gear to be driven by the engine. Engines are provided that can include: a crankshaft pulley or gear operably engaging a belt or chain to convey power to one or more accessories; an accessory pulley or gear operably engaged by the belt or chain; and a hydraulic pump operatively engaging the accessory pulley or gear to receive power from the belt or chain. Methods for modifying an engine are also provided. The methods can include operatively engaging a hydraulic motor to the pulley or gear of an accessory configured to be operably engaged with a belt or chain of the engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment.

Abstract: Wakeboat propulsion apparatuses are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; an engine mounted to the hull; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump; and a propeller powered by the hydraulic motor. Methods for propelling a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: engaging a hydraulic pump from a drive of an engine operationally mounted to a hull of the wakeboat; driving a hydraulic motor with hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic pump; and operationally engaging a propeller using the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to permit the accurate reproduction of a wake behind a wakeboat. The onboard wake control system receives data from a draft measuring system. Incorporation of the data from the draft measuring system permits accurate reproduction of a wake behind the wakeboat after a change in an onboard variable such as the number, weight or position of passengers, the weight or position of cargo and the position of trim tabs or amount/location of ballast.

Abstract: Wakeboat propulsion apparatuses are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; an engine mounted to the hull; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump; and a propeller powered by the hydraulic motor. Methods for propelling a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: engaging a hydraulic pump from a drive of an engine operationally mounted to a hull of the wakeboat; driving a hydraulic motor with hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic pump; and operationally engaging a propeller using the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast compartment fluid level sensing assemblies are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; a ballast compartment associated with the hull; a nonconductive sensor chamber in fluidic communication with the ballast compartment; and at least one conductive electrode associated with the sensor chamber. Methods for sensing a fluid level within a ballast compartment aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include maintaining fluid communication between the ballast compartment and a sensor chamber; and determining the electrical communication of electrodes operatively associated with the sensor chamber.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast compartment fluid level sensing assemblies are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; a ballast compartment associated with the hull; a nonconductive sensor chamber in fluidic communication with the ballast compartment; and at least one conductive electrode associated with the sensor chamber. Methods for sensing a fluid level within a ballast compartment aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include maintaining fluid communication between the ballast compartment and a sensor chamber; and determining the electrical communication of electrodes operatively associated with the sensor chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast pump systems and methods are provided to monitor the operational condition and parameters of wakeboat ballast components. Systems and methods for sensing and measurement are provided to detect parameters associated with wakeboat ballast pumps and compartments, including systems and methods that can economically retrofit into existing wakeboat ballast systems. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action based on various operational conditions and parameters to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast pumps.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment.