Abstract: In one example, a board includes a body having a single piece structure, the body including an upper surface that defines a deck, and a lower surface. The board also includes first and second retractable fins, where the first retractable fin is rotatably connected directly to the body at a first fixed location on the body such that the first retractable fin is rotatable about the first fixed location between an extended position and a retracted position, and the first retractable fin including an engagement portion that is engageable with a first portion of the body and with a second portion of the body. The first retractable fin assumes the extended position when the engagement portion is releasably retained by the first portion of the body, and the first retractable fin assumes the retracted position when the engagement portion is releasably retained by the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.

Abstract: A fin assembly for securing a fin to a water craft in a desired angular position relative to a longitudinally oriented axis of the water craft, i.e. the roll angle, is provided in the form of a fin mounting mechanism incorporated in the bottom surface of the water craft and a detachable fin. The attachment mechanism includes a fin mounting box with an elongated channel defined in part by a pair of spaced longitudinal extending side walls. A rotating bar is inserted within the elongated channel of the mounting box and two end caps are affixed to the fin mounting box to hold the rotating bar into the fin mounting box. The end caps when loosened allow the rotating bar to rotate freely and when tightened hold the rotating bar fixedly in place. In this way the detachable fin's roll angle can be easily and accurately selected, fixed and adjusted.

Abstract: A water ski adjustable fin block and fin are disclosed. The fin block employs a slidable wedge for clamping the fin in place within the fin block during use and allowing the fin to be unclamped just enough to allow adjustment of the fin. A screw arrangement is used to move the wedge. The adjusters allow the leading edge and trailing edge of the fin to be adjusted as to vertical relationship with the water ski. A third adjuster allows the fin to be move longitudinally toward the front or back of the ski. The adjusters provide captive treatment of the fin preventing the fin from excessive movement, or even falling out, while adjustment is performed. The present invention allows a water skier to easily adjust the fin using an allen key or the like.

Abstract: A windsurfer board is formed, towards the tail end thereof, with a slot in which a box is fitted. The box provides a mounting for a fin which is movable, while in use, relative to the board in such manner as to permit simultaneous adjustment of the inclination of the fin relative to the board and of the extent by which the fin projects downwardly beneath the board. The mounting for the fin includes a bracket pivotally connected to the box and to the fin.

Abstract: The lip-type seal for the inlet opening (2) for the dagger board housing and the dagger board (3) exhibits two supporting strips (5) countersunk into the board hull (4) on both sides of the inlet opening (2) as well as two mounting strips (7) with a sealing lip (8) for clamping onto the supporting strips (5), these mounting strips terminating with the profile (6) of the underwater hull and being fashioned as clamping strips. The mounting strip (7) is designed as an L-profile. Respectively one short, perpendicularly bent-away clamping leg (11, 12) is formed at the end edges of the long (9) and of the short leg (10) of the mounting strip (7). The sealing lip (8) adjoining the long leg (9) of the mounting strip (7) is formed, on its longitudinal side facing away from the mounting strip, into a rounded sealing edge (13) passing over into an elastic supporting leg (14) that is oriented obliquely upwardly, this supporting leg being attached to the end edge of the short leg (10) of the mounting strip (7).

Abstract: A multiple fin surfboard defines a generally elongated planar surfboard having a plurality of elongated slots defined therein. The slots are grouped close to each end of the surfboard and support a corresponding plurality of fins in a pivotal attachment. The fins each support transverse vanes which are acted upon by a water passage beneath the surfboard to alternatively retract the fins at one end of the surfboard and downwardly extend the fins at the opposite end of the surfboard.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism is provided for controlling external devices by means of coaxial actuating cables or other suitable linkages. The actuator includes an internal slide element movable to selected detent positions by means of a lever arm which pushes against the slide when raised. The slide is returned to its starting position by depressing the lever arm. Indicator openings are provided in the body of the actuator permitting visual inspection of the position of the slide to indicate the control setting selected. Use of the actuator to control and position retractable fins or skegs on a water board is also disclosed. The actuator is positioned on the upper surface of the water board just forward of and between the rider's knees and coaxial actuating cables link the actuator to retractable fins on the underside of the board. The actuator can be easily manipulated with one hand to retract or extend the fins quickly. The indicator feature indicates the fin setting selected.

Abstract: A water ski fin is carried by a housing mounted to the upper surface of the rear end of a ski with the fin extending downwardly through an elongated slot in the ski. The fin carries a transversely extending wing thereon and the combination is capable of being pivoted relative to the housing and ski to thereby change the angle of the wing. Movement is accomplished by a handle on one side of the housing which rotates a cam element which, in turn, engages an opening in the fin adjacent the top thereof. A locking device maintains the wing and fin in the desired position by preventing further movement of the cam element.

Abstract: A sailboat carries a pair of opposed keel sections which are angularly positionable about a common hinge axis, either as a keel unit or individually, by means of compressed air biased hydraulic actuators connected via shock absorbers to the keel sections. An additional hydraulic actuator, adjusts the angle of elevation of the hinge axis, enabling the keel unit or sections, when inclined, to provide hydrodynamic lift. The keel sections, which are hollow and contain radially flowable ballast, are configured, when oppositely horizontally positioned to receive the axles of removable wheels, enabling the boat to be self-trailered.

Abstract: An improvement in a steering assembly for navigating a boat, such as a sailboat, having a vertically movable centerboard and/or an adjustable backstay either or both of which are movable by a hydraulic means including a hydraulic pump whereby to raise or lower the centerboard and/or rake the mast attached to the backstay, the boat having a steering wheel connected to a hollow steering wheel shaft which shaft in turn is connected to a steering sprocket. The improvement resides in means for simultaneously either (a) raising or lowering the centerboard or (b) adjusting the tension on the backstay and steering which means comprises a hydraulic pump shaft connected to a hydraulic pump, said pump shaft disposed through the hollow steering wheel shaft, said shaft terminating at the steering wheel where it is connected to an actuating means.