Abstract: A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor, the user input assembly having an input device housing defining a top surface that is configured to receive a user's foot thereon, wherein the top surface defines a left edge and right edge, a support plate, wherein the input device housing is pivotably mounted to the support plate, and a switch that is selectively secured to the input device housing in one of a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is proximate the left edge of the input device housing, the second position is proximate the right edge of the input device housing, and the switch is movable between an open position and closed position so that the power is supplied to the propulsion motor.

Abstract: A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor, the user input assembly having an input device housing defining a top surface that is configured to receive a user's foot thereon, wherein the top surface defines a left edge and right edge, a support plate, wherein the input device housing is pivotably mounted to the support plate, and a switch that is selectively secured to the input device housing in one of a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is proximate the left edge of the input device housing, the second position is proximate the right edge of the input device housing, and the switch is movable between an open position and closed position so that the power is supplied to the propulsion motor.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods associated with a variable rate of turn trolling motor are provided. An example system includes a trolling motor assembly having a propulsion motor and a steering actuator, a navigation control device having a user input assembly and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a rate of turn based on user activity detected by the user input assembly and generate a steering input signal. The steering input signal may be an electrical signal indicating a rate of turn. The processor may be further configured to direct the steering actuator, via the steering input signal, to rotate the propulsion motor at a desired rate of turn based on the rate of turn indicated in the steering input signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine vessel, which in one example comprises a substantially continuous deck. Also disclosed is an example with a plurality of parallel longitudinally aligned channels extending from the forward deck to the aft deck. The vessel having a vessel cabin resting on and longitudinally movable upon the deck. The vessel cabin in one example having a plurality of rolling wheels attached thereto; wherein the rolling wheels roll upon the deck and allow longitudinal movement of the vessel cabin between the aft region and the forward region. A drive unit (motor) may be provided. The drive unit optionally mounted to the cabin and in one example having a drive wheel mounted to the drive unit and configured to rotate the drive wheel. The drive wheel(s) contacting the deck such that rotation of the drive wheel repositions the cabin between the aft region and the forward region.

Abstract: A bracket for a foot control switch of a trolling motor includes a mounting assembly configured to be removably connected to a substantially cylindrical pedestal of a boat seat, and a switch platform assembly removably connected to the mounting assembly, the switch platform assembly being configured for removable attachment of the foot control switch.

Abstract: The free standing boat accessory telescopic pedestal device has a trapezoidal reinforced base with a pair of upwardly disposed spaced apart ears. A cylinder is downwardly and pivotally affixed to the ears and has a wing-nutted bolt disposed through the cylinder upwardly within the ears. Removal of the wing-nutted bolt allows the cylinder to pivot from an upward position to a position coplanar with the base. A larger tube is affixed upwardly to the cylinder. A smaller tube is slidably and rotatably disposed within the larger tube and is positioned therein via a twist lock. A platform is perpendicularly affixed atop the smaller tube and accepts accessories such as a GPS, a depth finder, a camera, a telescope, and the like.

Abstract: A pedal control is applied to a trolling motor shaft to allow the driver of a boat to control the direction of the trolling motor from nearly any location within the boat to which the trolling motor is attached, the pedal control having a mechanical adjustable length extension rod between an adjustable height arm on the pedal and a bracket mounted to the trolling motor shaft with a universal joint applied at each end of the extension rod, allowing placement at a variety of distances and a variety of angles from the pedal on the floor of the boat to the trolling motor. A cut-off switch is optionally applied to the pivotal footplate on the pedal to turn the trolling motor on or off or remain at a constant speed.

Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member and a positioning structure. The foot-rudder control member pivotally coupled to the base. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member is supported on the foot-rudder control member. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The positioning structure is operatively coupled between the base and the foot-rudder control member. The positioning structure includes a contact member and a setting member. The contact member is movably provided to one of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The contact member is biased into contact with the other of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The setting member is adjustably arranged to change an urging force on the contact member.

Abstract: A rudder system for a kayak includes a rudder configured for pivotal attachment to the kayak and a propeller housed in and extending from the rudder. A battery is in electrical communication with the propeller to selectively power the propeller. The kayak system includes an input in electrical communication with the propeller to operatively actuate the propeller, the input being accessible from inside the kayak. A sensor is operatively coupled to the kayak to determine a relative speed thereof. A processor is in data communication with the sensor and propeller, the processor including programming to determine a necessary propeller speed. The processor is in data communication with the input so as to establish the desired relative speed of the kayak. The propeller includes at least two blades and the propeller motor is housed in the rudder.

Abstract: A rudder control assembly used in a boat comprises a control unit having a left control plate and a right control plate; a control unit having a left connecting unit and a right connecting unit; a front end of the control unit being connected to the left control plate and the right control plate; a rudder unit installed at a tail end of the boat; the rudder unit including a right shaft; a rudder body; a left extension plate, a right extension plate, a driving plate and a rudder; The right shaft is connected to the boat body and rotatable axially. A lower end of the right shaft is connected to the driving plate. The driving plate is connected to the left connecting unit and the right connecting unit. The left connecting unit and the right connecting unit are hard rods.

Abstract: A rudder control assembly used in a boat comprises a control unit having a left control plate and a right control plate; a control unit having a left connecting unit and a right connecting unit; a front end of the control unit being connected to the left control plate and the right control plate; a rudder unit installed at a tail end of the boat; the rudder unit including a right shaft; a rudder body; a left extension plate, a right extension plate, a driving plate and a rudder; The right shaft is connected to the boat body and rotatable axially. A lower end of the right shaft is connected to the driving plate. The driving plate is connected to the left connecting unit and the right connecting unit. The left connecting unit and the right connecting unit are hard rods.

Abstract: A rudder pedal assembly exhibits sufficient ergonomic feel for a pilot, and is relatively small in overall size. The rudder pedal assembly includes a plurality of rails disposed non-parallel to each other within a common plane, and a rudder pedal. The rudder pedal is movably coupled to the plurality of rails and is configured to receive an input force in at least a first direction and a second direction. The rudder pedal is further configured, in response to the input force, to move along a path constrained by the plurality of rails in at least the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and within the common plane.

Abstract: A dual propulsion steering and control system for a watercraft which utilizes simple movement of an operator's feet to independently vary thrust from a pair of propulsion units, each mounted on opposite sides of the centerline of a watercraft. By varying the amount and direction of thrust on each side, the watercraft may be steered in a multitude of directions, propelled at varying speeds, and turned completely around in a short distance.

Abstract: An improved windsurfing catamaran type vessel. The illustrated vessel has an improved steering mechanism that includes a relatively stiff but bendable plastic rod that is directly received within one or more guiding passageways or grooves formed in the plastic hull of the vessel. The plastic-to-plastic interface between rod and groove provides relatively low friction interengagement as the rod moves. The groove is open to ambient water, which will further reduce the friction. The rod has stiffness/flexibility characteristics that allow it to turn around relatively large radii while still being able to span relatively short distances without significant bending. A manual operative control member is pivotally mounted on the hull and connected to the rod in a manner which multiplies the force applied by the use; this provides the magnitude of force needed to move the rod with minimum exertion by the user.

Abstract: A kayak user braces his or her feet against footrests that project inward from the sides of the kayak. The positions of the footrests can be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights, and the footrests can be pivoted to control the position of the rudder of the kayak.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft by a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The elongate strut is preferably formed with a V-shape wherein the length from the front edge to the back edge of the strut is greater along an upper portion for enhanced structural integrity.

Abstract: A kit is provided permitting a retrofit conversion of an existing trolling motor to foot pedal operation.

Abstract: A convertible control system for a kayak having a first and second unit. The first unit comprises a guide mounted with each side of the hull forward of the seat. A mounting bar is carried by each guide with each mounting bar carrying a plate and a shaft adjacent one end and in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. A locking member is associated with each guide for releasably locking each mounting bar in a selected position along the longitudinal axis of to the guide. The second unit comprises a rudder connected with the stern, a rudder pedal pivotally mounted with each guide by way of the shaft in a position normally spaced from the associated plate. A cable extends between each rudder pedal and the rudder, whereby movement of the rudder pedals results in a corresponding movement of the rudder.

Abstract: A removably attachable device for achieving hand control of a foot control pedal for an electric trolling motor includes a mounting plate attachable to a side surface of the pedal, and a securing tube attached to the mounting plate. A telescopically adjustable tubular stanchion is held upright by the securing tube, and contains a hand grip at its uppermost extremity. An on/off electrical switch is located adjacent the hand grip. Electrical conductor wires extend from the on/off switch and through the stanchion, and join with an on/off electrical switch component of the control pedal.

Abstract: A convertible control system for a kayak having a first and second unit. The first unit comprises a guide mounted with each side of the hull forward of the seat. A mounting bar is carried by each guide with each mounting bar carrying a plate and a shaft adjacent one end and in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. A locking member is associated with each guide for releasably locking each mounting bar in a selected position along the longitudinal axis of to the guide. The second unit comprises a rudder connected with the stern, a rudder pedal pivotally mounted with each guide by way of the shaft in a position normally spaced from the associated plate. A cable extends between each rudder pedal and the rudder, whereby movement of the rudder pedals results in a corresponding movement of the rudder.

Abstract: An idle stop for a certain type of motor boat throttles. The throttles involved have a pedal pivotally mounted on a base, an eccentric carried by the base and actuated by the pedal and a receptor mount connected to a side wall of the base. The idle stop includes a tab extending out from the pedal, the tab having a threaded aperture through which an adjustable bolt extends. A fixed edge on a side of the base provides a surface for the bolt to come into contact with, and thus limit rearward movement of the pedal.

Abstract: A foot throttle for boats wherein an eccentric is rotated by operation of a foot pedal and wherein the eccentric is biased directly against an adjustable limiter thus eliminating imprecise positioning of the throttle caused by loose tolerances in the pedal mechanism which actuates the eccentric.

Abstract: A foot throttle for boats wherein an eccentric is rotated by operation of a foot pedal and wherein the eccentric is biased directly against an adjustable limiter thus eliminating imprecise positioning of the throttle caused by loose tolerances in the pedal mechanism which actuates the eccentric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canoe that is propelled by a motor. The motor having a shaft and a propeller contained within a hydrodynamically designed housing. The housing further having an inlet and an outlet whereby when the propeller rotates producing thrust, water enters the inlet and is thrust outwardly from the outlet.

Abstract: A rudder assembly for self-propelled water craft, and particularly for a touring kayak. A rudder member is positioned within a notch of the rear of the keel of the craft, the exterior contour of this rudder member is made to augment the contour of the rest of the kayak hull to minimize changing the pattern of water flow around the craft. The rudder member is moved using an upstanding shaft attached to a disk within a recess in the rear of the craft, this disk being provided with starboard and port cables that extend to the cockpit of the craft. Axial movement of the cables is achieved using left and right foot pedals attached to slides within fixed channels. Provision is made for the adjustment of length of the cables, and for releasably locking one or both against axial movement.

Abstract: A boat stabilizing rudder system is disclosed. A rudder is formed of planar sheet material positionable in a vertical orientation. A vertically positioned support rod has a lower end, an upper end and an elongated central extent therebetween. The lower end is formed with plates adapted to be coupled to the rudder. The upper end is mounted on a driven gear adapted for rotation about a vertical axis. A bracket has an aperture adapted to receive the intermediate upper extent of the rod beneath the gear for rotation of the rod with the rudder therebeneath about a vertical axis. Also included is a drive box with a motor, a driven shaft, and a drive gear in driving contact with the driven gear. The bracket also has an aperture therethrough with a first pivot pin constituting a hinge. A pivot box has horizontally disposed second apertures therethrough with a second pivot pin positioned through the second apertures. A positioning rod has an exterior end with an outboard aperture receiving the first pivot pin.

Abstract: A kayak having a kayak-style hull with one or more cockpits, and an inboard power device that accelerates water and directs it out a steerable stern nozzle. In the embodiment described, an internal combustion engine drives a water impeller that receives water from an intake communicating with a body of water on which the kayak is located. The stern nozzle laterally redirects the accelerated water from the impeller over an angular range centered on a long axis of the hull. The operator controls the angle of the stern nozzle by means of a foot pedal accessible to an operator in the cockpit. The kayak also has a foot pedal for controlling a throttle of the engine.

Abstract: A pull-pull foot control device for controlling the angular position of a trolling motor mounted for pivotal movement on a boat. The device including a base plate mounted in a spaced relation to the trolling motor, a pedal pivotally mounted on the base plate with a pulley mounted on the base plate rearwardly of the foot pedal, a first cable having one end connected to the foot pedal and the other end connected to the trolling motor, and a second cable having one end connected to the foot pedal and the other end connected to the other side of the trolling motor, the second cable being wrapped around the pulley so that pivotal motion of the foot pedal in one direction will pull the trolling motor in one direction and pivotal motion in the other direction will pull the motor in the other direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbo kick board. The turbo kick board includes, a base, propellers attached to the base to make the base stop and go, and a rudder attached to the base to make the base turn right and left.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rowing boat (1) provided with at least one bench seat (2) displaceable in lengthwise direction of the boat and a footrest (4) placed opposite the bench seat (2), which footrest (4) is pivotable about a lying shaft (5) arranged in transverse direction in the boat (1) and has clamping means (6) for fastening footwear (7) thereto. The pivot shaft (5) can be arranged adjustably in the boat (1). The clamping means (6) can take the form of a toe-clip or of a rotating dish binding.

Abstract: A wind-powered boat has a pair of spaced apart, fixed hull sections and a castering front hull between the side hull sections. A turret section is supported for rotation on the boat and has a foot-powered winch on which a load line and a pair of control lines of a maneuverable parafoil are wound. Hand-manipulated control reins engage the control lines for maneuvering the parafoil. A foot-operated steering mechanism controls movement of the rudder to steer the boat. A collapsing ring is slideable over the parafoil for collapsing and supporting the parafoil when retrieved. A launching ring releasably supports the parafoil until it is launched.

Abstract: A foot operated steering mechanism (12) for conventional trolling motors (10) is provided which can be readily retrofitted to the motor (10) without interfering with normal manual control and steering of the motor (10). The steering mechanism (12) includes a pivotal plate (52) mounted proximal to the steering shaft (22) of the motor (10), along with a flexible, strap-like connector (72) secured to the plate (52) and shaft (22). A foot operated actuator (16) is connected via a cable (106) to plate (52), so that selective shifting of the actuator (16) effects corresponding pivoting of the shaft (22).

Abstract: A servo controlled trolling motor steering system provides improved speed and steering control. The system includes apparatus for mounting the motor on a boat for rotation about an axis to effect steering of the boat. A foot pedal includes a base and a foot pad pivotally mounted to the base, the foot pad being pivotal by a user to command a desired steering direction. A membrane potentiometer senses rotational position of the motor to develop an electrical signal representative of the rotational position, the signal comprising a steering feedback signal. A second membrane potentiometer senses pivotal position of the foot pad relative to the base to develop an electrical signal representative of the pivotal position, the signal comprising a steering command signal.

Abstract: A foot pedal to boat deck fastening system comprises a bracket mountable to a boat deck and a two-piece fastener. Each fastener piece has releasable, self-fastening connector elements on one face which fasten the two pieces when the pieces are pressed together and which release the two pieces when the two pieces are pulled apart, and a self-adhesive on an opposite surface for securing one piece to the bracket and the other piece to the foot pedal so that the foot pedal can be fastened to the boat deck by fastening the two pieces together.

Abstract: A propulsion and steering system for dual motors mounted to a boat, especially of the trolling type, which incorporates a pair of foot pedals which are electrically connected between a battery and the motors and which are operable to independently control the direction of thrust and speed of the motors so that the motors are used to both propel and steer the boat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an emergency tiller mechanism for an outboard motor movable about a steering axis by a tiller steering arm attached thereto. The emergency tiller mechanism comprises a durable, flexible flat pad having backing of non-slip material, which firmly cushions a plate to a side or a top surface of the motor housing, and a compressible rubbery top. The plate and pad are secured to the motor housing by a pair of strong, durable non-slip straps tightened around the motor and plate. A hollow support socket is secured to the outer surface of the plate into which the tiller steering arm is secured. The tiller arm extends horizontally within the cockpit of the boat.

Abstract: A boat-mounted pedal-driven paddle system for maneuvering a lightweight fishing boat. When employed for movement, a paddle is vertically oriented with its blade parallel to the keel of the boat and removably mounted upon the transom by a manually adjustable C-clamp. A pair of cooperating foot pedals are permanently, pivotally mounted upon a crossbar which transverses the width of the boat and is connected between the boat sides. The foot pedals are operatively linked to the paddle system via a pair of flexible cables guided upon a multiplicity of cooperative pulleys and connected to the pedals via a pivotal cable guide donut. Paddle movement involves three basic motions. First, the paddle is rotatable a limited degree about its longitudinal axis, and the position to which it axially rotates determines blade operative pitch during propulsion.

Abstract: A sailboard including hull, mast and rigged sail assembly and a foot operated rudder pivotally and rotatably mounted to the stern of the hull, with the rudder being adjustable longitudinally to the different heights of sailboard users while maintaining the same or desired craft displacement of the sailboard regardless of the body and/or leg lengths of any user.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for use in conjunction with a crane/boom in which an ject is held fast to a foam cushion within the system. A hook that forms part of the system grasps a sling holding the object and secures the object against the foam cushion. The object can be aligned by being rotated or tilted while held fast to the cushion. The object is prevented from swinging and swaying, thereby greatly reducing danger.

Abstract: A sailboard arrangement includes a board having a tail end and a forward end and a deck face and a bottom face. A steering arrangement including a foot control member pivotally mounted to the board. It has a foot engagement formation above the deck face of the board; pivotation means provided at the tail end of the board; mounting means for mounting a rudder to the pivotation means; and connection means for connecting the foot control member to the pivotation means. By operating the foot control member the angular position of the rudder relative to the board can be varied.

Abstract: A permanent magnet direct-current gearhead motor is supported by a base member so that its output gear motion is transmitted to a splined steering shaft which descends and is attached to the electric trolling motor itself. The transmission of motion between the gearhead motor and the spline gear on the upper end of the steering shaft may utilize a larger intermediate gear so that limit switches can be installed thereon to limit the range of rotation of the gears, and thus of the trolling motor itself. The direction of the gearhead motor rotation is dependent on the polarity of the direct current applied; the desired polarity being established through by button-type switches connected through a double throw, double pole direct current relay which is housed on the base member, adjacent to the gearhead motor. The button switches may be positioned at a multiple number of different locations within the boat, wherever desired.

Abstract: A foot operated powered steering control for an outboard motor used in a boat comprising a bidirectional motor which drives a winch carrying a pair of steering cables in opposite winding directions. The steering cables are connected to the outboard motor of the boat in such a manner that as the bidirectional motor operates in a forward rotational direction, one of the cables will be wound around the winch as the other cable unwinds, thereby causing the motor to turn toward one side of the boat, and as the bidirectional motor operates in the reverse rotational direction the other cable will be wound around the winch as the first cable is unwound, thereby causing the motor to turn towards the opposite side of the boat.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a boat having a seat assembly to support a pilot provides an outboard motor which is directionally controlled by extension and retraction of a control cable with the control mechanism having a pedal which is generally planar on its upper surface receptive of the pilot's foot. A bracket mounts the pedal at a location below the seat assembly so that the user occupying the seat can position one of his feet on the pedal. A pair of switch surfaces are disposed on opposite sides of the pedal, each surface extending above the pedal surface so that lateral movement of the user's foot when positioned on the pedal can contact one of the switch surfaces. A switch associated with each switch surface can then be activated for directionally moving the outboard motor into different positions responsive to pressure applied to one or other of the switch surfaces applied by the edge of the user's foot.

Abstract: A rudder-steerable water ski is provided including a pivotable shoe rotatable by the user to correspondingly move a ski rudder through a transmission mechanism. A V-shaped rudder may be used with at least one blade of the rudder remaining in the water when the ski is angled with respect to the surface of the water. According to the method of the present invention, the conventional water ski may be modified to provide the rudder-steerable capability of the invention.

Abstract: An electric trolling motor is journalled by a rotatable shaft into the hull and deck of a fishing boat and a foot control disk on the shaft is positioned on the deck for control of the steering of the boat by a fisherman with both hands employed with a fishing pole. The motor control assembly is simply a motor housing with a shaft extending therefrom for rotatably mounting through the hull of a fishing boat and a disc on the shaft for mounting at deck level for foot control of the shaft rotation by a fisherman in his regular fishing position.

Abstract: This application relates to a roller base for supporting the foot pedal used to control the operation of a trolling motor, and it includes a pair of spaced foot pedal base plate supporting brackets. The supporting brackets are slidably mounted on an elongated rod for sliding movement along the length thereof. Each of the brackets is apertured to facilitate the securement of the foot pedal base plate thereto. The rod carries, at one of its ends, structure by which the rod can be swivelly or pivotally attached to a vertically extending member secured to the boat carrying the trolling motor to be controlled by the foot pedal. The opposite end of the elongated rod carries a stop element which prevents movement of the outermost of the supporting brackets out of engagement with the end of the rod.

Abstract: A steering arm for outboard motors comprising an elongate arm body member having a pair of vertical side web portions extending substantially the full length of the body member and a central horizontal web portion; the body member has a clamping means integrally formed at one end thereof and inludes a thickened boss having a semi-circular cutout formed in the free end thereof; a cooperating clamp member has a semi-circular cutout complementary to the cut-out in the body member so that cut-outs substantially surround a motor support shaft, and means are provided for securing the clamp member to the body member; the vertical side webs are angled downwardly in their vertical plane at the other end of the arm body member, and an opening is provided in the central horizontal web portion adjacent the downwardly angled side web portions and together with reinforcing means traversing the opening and integral with the central horizontal web form a foot support; and a vertical reinforcing web connecting said boss and s

Abstract: A mount for an electric trolling motor foot control unit having base member, a pedal pivotal about a horizontal axis and motor control switches, the mount comprising a base plate secured to the underside of the base member, a connection at one end of the base plate for pivotally securing the base plate to the floor of a boat for pivotal movement of the base plate and the control unit upon the floor of the boat, the connection including a pivot bushing, whereby the user of the electric trolling motor may move the control unit around on the floor of a boat along a predetermined path without removing the control unit from its attachment to the boat.

Abstract: A portable outboard motor foot control device of the pull-pull cable type characterized by a cable house adjacent to the control pedal which, in highly embodiments, contains a pulley system for each of two cables and a pulley-bearing lever arm to move the cables. The lever arm is moved on a pivot shaft turned by the pedal to impart movement to the cables, providing considerable ease of operation. Some preferred embodiments include a pedal having a foot-contact surface well spaced from the pivot axis of the pedal, preferably above the axis.

Abstract: A portable outboard motor foot control device having adjustable cables characterized by a cable house which is adjacent to the foot pedal and from which the cable or cables extend, and a guide through which the cable or cables extend as they exit the cable house, the guide being adjustable to firmly set the direction at which the cable or cables exit the cable house. Preferred embodiments include a drum frictionally held between opposed upright plates forming part of the cable house. Changes in the rotational orientation of the drum change the angle of passageways in the drum through which the cables pass.