Abstract: A remote activated boat drain valve to drain the boat's bilge quickly from inside the boat without getting wet. The remote controlled boat drain valve also allows for the operator to drain the bilge quickly and easily while the boat is moving rapidly. The drain valve can also be used for a live well.

Abstract: A drip control marine fitting for passage of liquid through an opening in the hull of a marine vessel has a hollow tube extending through an opening through the hull, a flange attached to the tube and an opening through the flange to allow flow of fluid out of the vessel. The flange has a first surface abutting the outer surface of the hull and a second surface facing away from the outer surface of the hull. The first surface of the flange has a smaller surface area than the second surface of said flange. A diagonal surface interconnects the first and second surfaces, the lower part of the diagonal surface extending outwardly and downwardly from the first surface to the second surface to inhibit flow of liquid from the passage to the outer surface of the hull.

Abstract: A RIB, rigid-hull inflatable boat (22) includes an inflatable tube (24) having a general U-shape with a forward end (26) at the bight of the U and trailing sides (28 and 30) extending rearwardly therefrom along the legs of the U. A unitary rotationally molded hull (32) is nested within the tube and has right and left sides (34 and 36) extending along inner surfaces of the tube, and a transom extending between the right and left sides. The hull is detachably secured to the underside of the tube by a mechanical locking device (132) permitting simple detachment and reattachment of the tube to the hull. A recessed channel (188) is provided in a concave surface of the hull engaging the tube and extending around the perimeter of the hull and forming a gutter for draining water aft from the interface between the hull and the tube.

Abstract: A boat plug to seal the hole in a boat's transom is disclosed. The plug provides a flexible rubber stopper having an axial channel that is inserted into the transom hole. A plug bolt and a plug nut are threadedly engaged inside the rubber stopper. A spring rod, attached to the plug bolt, may be rotated by hand to turn the plug bolt on the plug nut's threads. Clockwise rotation shortens the length of the rubber stopper, expanding its diameter to make a water-tight seal. Counterclockwise rotation causes the rubber stopper to relax, allowing it to be easily inserted or removed from the transom hole. The flexibility of the spring rod allows the user to apply torque while keeping his hand a safe distance from the hull of the boat, thereby avoiding scraped knuckles.

Abstract: An automatic valve is attached to the lower edge of the transom of a boat. The valve is a short tubular device that is aligned with a hole in the transom and mounted on the transom in a substantially horizontal plane, in a watertight manner. The inner end of the device may follow the slope of the transom. However, a cap, hinged at its top, covers and seals the outer end of the device, and the bottom of the outer end projects out beyond the top to provide enough slope for the cap to be held by gravity against the outer end. This closes the valve against water pressure from the outside, but allows bilge water to flow out when there is no external pressure. The valve may be, normally, under water, but can drain the bilge when the hull is out of water, or moving quickly enough through the water to clear the transom.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the absence of a drain plug in a boat drain when the boat is in a launch condition includes an electrically activated alarm connected in series with an electrical power source and a control circuit for connecting and disconnecting the alarm to the power source. The control circuit is contained in a housing mounted proximate the boat drain on an exterior portion of the boat and includes a normally open switch closable by immersion of the contacts in water and normally closed switch operable in response to an actuator mounted on the drain plug so that, when the drain plug is properly seated in the boat drain, the actuator will throw the switch to an open condition. Thus, if the drain plug is not properly seated in the drain when the boat is launched into the water, the control circuit will be completed by immersion of the first switch in the water and the alarm will be activated.

Abstract: A boat has enclosed flotation within a closed bilge or floor of the boat, which is internally raised so that the interior floor of the vessel is slightly above the normal operating water line level of the vessel. The boat has bilge drain valves of a size considerably increased over the one or two square inch drains typified in the prior art. The size of these drain valves is such that, when opened, they represent a significant portion of the transom area being opened to the sea. Spring closure or manual actuation of the valve prevents the ready passage of water into the interior of the boat during heavy waves, especially during following seas which might tend to trigger a flapper operated drain valve. In combination this provides a boat that, if swamped will, even when fully loaded, have sufficient buoyancy to raise itself so that no portion of the bilge is below the water line and with the oversized valves open will have sufficient flow rate that it will rise faster than it can be reswamped.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the absence of a drain plug in a boat drain when the boat is in a launch condition includes an electrically activated alarm connected in series with an electrical power source and a control circuit for connecting and disconnecting the alarm to the power source. The control circuit is contained in a housing mounted proximate the boat drain on an exterior portion of the boat and includes a normally open switch closable by immersion of contacts in water and operable in response to an actuator mounted on the drain plug so that, when the drain plug is properly seated in the boat drain, the switch will be in an open condition. Thus, if the drain plug is not properly seated in the drain when the boat is launched into the water, the control circuit will be completed by immersion of the contacts in the water and the alarm will be activated.

Abstract: The transom-mounted valve includes a valve sleeve disposed in the drain port of a boat transom and carrying a valve stem for axial movement. The valve stem includes a valve head movable with the stem between valve-open and valve-closed positions. A cap is releasably secured on the inboard end of the sleeve and mounts an actuating cable guide and anchor, as well as a cam pivotally carried by the cap and attachable to the movable portion of the actuating cable. The cam engages the valve stem. Upon rotation of the cam by linear movement of the actuator cable, the stem is moved against the bias of the spring from the valve-closed to the valve-open position with the spring bias closing the valve when the cam is moved to the valve-closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plug detector mechanism mounted adjacent an interior surface of a drain plug aperture directed through a transom of a boat. The detecting means includes a spring-biased switch positionable from an extended position in the absence of a plug to a retracted position in the presence of a plug directed through the transom. The switch is cooperative with an audible member to effect alarm in the absence of the plug.

Abstract: The remotely operated linear actuated valve includes a sleeve open at one end with radial ports about the sleeve. A valve seat is disposed between the open end and the ports. A valve member is slidable axially in the sleeve. Slots are formed through the sleeve and valve member to receive a guide for a cam, the valve member carrying a cam follower. By linearly displacing the cam in a direction normal to the axial direction, the valve member is moved between valve closed and valve open positions. A cap is releasably secured on the sleeve whereby ready and quick disassembly and reassembly of the valve elements may be effected.

Abstract: A marine engine oil drainage device and combination are provided for gravitating oil from the oil pan of an inboard marine engine. The discharge device includes a tubular casing which is snugly disposed within the drainage port in the stern of the vessel. The casing is hollow and has an exterior and an interior. The walls of the casing have drainage openings for allowing water in the bottom of the vessel to drain into the casing and out of the vessel via the drainage port. Within the casing is a short nipple affixed to the casing wall opposite the discharge port. The nipple is in fluid communication with an oil drain conduit which runs from the oil pan and connects with the exterior of the casing. In one embodiment, an internal valve is disposed within the casing which can be actuated by a special tool which is thrust into the discharge end of the casing.

Abstract: A drain plug, which has a hollow cylindrical body, an expander assembly within the body and a manually manipulatable handle, is fabricated of a material such that the drain plug floats. The handle is connected to the expander assembly and when the handle is moved in a cam or rotational movement, the expander assembly is moved axially within the body. This axial movement expands the body of the drain plug such that the drain plug closes the drain opening and contracts the body of the drain plug for ease of removal from the drain opening. The expander assembly seals the end of the body and is secured within the body so it does not move when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A fluid flow tube (9) is provided which extends from the lower portion of the engine oil pan (7) to a point on the boat transom (2) below the pan. The upper end portion of the tube is connected through a control valve (10) which communicates with the pan interior. The lower or discharge tube end portion is connected through a fitting (11) extending through the transom. A removable plug (17) is associated with the fitting and, when removed, permits oil to drain out through the transom and into an oil collection receptacle when the control valve is open.

Abstract: A plastic paddle is pivotally connected to the operating arm of a microswitch. The paddle is positioned in front of a boat's drain opening. The paddle can be swivelled to one side to allow removal of the boat's drain plug. When the plug is removed and the paddle lies in front of the drain opening, if the boat is launched without replacing the drain plug, the inrushing water will move the paddle so as to close the microswitch and actuate an alarm. Enough of the drain hole is left uncovered by the paddle to allow water to drain out of the boat.

Abstract: Apertures in the floor of an inflatable boat are provided to render it self-bailing. They are formed by grommets penetrating the permanently-attached, continuous and integral floor which extends from one lateral buoyancy tube to the other, preferably in a thickened region thereof comprising a flange attachment to the tubes. They are overhung by the buoyancy tubes, when the floor is generally horizontal. An area in the central region of the floor is raised above the waterline of the boat.

Abstract: A quick drain device for an inboard boat engine, especially an engine of the type having a water jacket to which a plurality of drain cocks are connected through which the engine coolant must be drained after each use of the engine. The quick drain device is in the form of a barrel having a plurality of lateral tube radiating therefrom. An expandable stopper is received within the barrel and covers the ends of the tubes and thereby prevents flow therethrough. The other ends of the lateral tubes are connected to the drain cocks or drain plugs located on the engine block. Removal to the expandable stopper simultaneously drains all of the drain plugs.

Abstract: A system for discharging water from a crank chamber of a two-cycle engine of a compression-type crank chamber including a water discharge passageway for connecting a bottom portion of the crank chamber with an outside area, a first valve and a second valve mounted in the water discharge passageway, and an operating member for manually opening and closing the second valve. The second valve is located downstream of the first valve and the first valve is adapted to be brought to an open position by a positive pressure in the crank chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus insertable into a ship deck drain for draining water from such drain includes a conduit having an outlet end and threaded inlet end, substantially tubular inflatable sleeve surrounding a portion of the conduit insertable into the drain, and a pair of collars for supporting opposite ends of the sleeve. One of the collars is threaded onto the threaded end portion of the conduit, while the other collar is attached to an intermediate portion of the sleeve portion. In various embodiments of the apparatus the sleeve takes different forms. In one embodiment, the sleeve is an enclosed, double-walled tubular bladder. The sleeve is inflated for radial expansion via a valve and valve stem in fluid communication with an airtight chamber formed by the sleeve. In one embodiment, the valve stem extends axially within the bore of the conduit, exiting the outlet end of the conduit and terminating at the valve.

Abstract: A Marine Jet Propulsion System for use as an inboard engine for boats is herein described. An engine or motor means is attached in a driving relationship to a pump and thrust output apparatus. Heat generated by and rejected by the engine or motor is passed into the pump base for dissipation into the outputted jet thrust stream. Air and/or exhaust gas from the engine is ejected around the jet output stream to reduce against-the-hull turbulence and jet stream or thrust energy losses. Streamlining hull closures for the jet pump intake and output ports are provided to reduce system hull drag when not in use and to limit marine organism growth inside the pump.

Abstract: A small craft plug detector indicates whether a drain plug of a small boat or craft is installed. In a first embodiment a hollow cylindrical housing has upper and lower ends with central openings therethrough. An indicating plunger disposed within the housing has a rod which extends upwardly through the hole in the upper end of the housing and a lower end which extends downwardly through the opening in the lower end of the housing. A spring biases the plunger in an upward direction. Electrical contacts are provided so that an electrical connection may be made to activate a lamp, alarm, or the like when the plunger is moved downwardly. A second embodiment utilizes the electrical contacts of the first embodiment, but has no central opening in the upper end of the housing, and the plunger has no rod portion extending therethrough. A third embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment, but does not include the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for surface mounting of marine instruments and the like through a constant diameter opening in a marine vessel surface and the like; including a cylindrical mount housing having a tapered annular end; an adapter member having a central frusto-conical opening; an enlarged diameter inwardly tapered end; and an opposite end having a reduced diameter flat annular surface and an outwardly tapered annular surface joining the extremity of the inwardly tapered end.

Abstract: The outboard motor includes a powerhead shroud defining an engine compartment for an internal combustion engine and a vent and drain assembly for ventilating the engine compartment to the atmosphere and for draining liquids, such as water, from the engine compartment. The vent and drain assembly includes a valve member movably disposed in an aperture at a low point in the bottom wall of the powerhead shroud opening the engine compartment to the atmosphere. The valve member includes a domed portion which extends through the aperture and defines a cavity for entrapped air and an annular sealing flange which is located exteriorly of the shroud bottom wall. The valve member is held by gravity in an open position wherein the sealing flange is displaced outwardly from the shroud bottom wall for ventilation and draining and is moved to a closed position wherein the sealing flange is in sealing engagement with the shroud bottom wall in response to a rise in the water level above the shroud bottom wall.

Abstract: A device and method for its use for storage of a boat plug when it has been removed from the drain hole in the bottom of a boat in such a way as to remind the boat user to replace the boat plug in the drain hole before launching the boat, and to remove the boat plug from the drain hole to permit drainage of the boat when the boat is out of water. A boat plug storage receptacle may be attached to the boat, and a reminder flag may be attached to the receptacle by installation of the boat plug in the receptacle. A flexible connecting member is used to connect the reminder flag to a portion of apparatus such as a boat trailer used to support the boat while it is out of water, preferably connecting the flag to a portion of the supporting apparatus which must be disconnected from the boat before the boat can be launched or otherwise removed from the supporting apparatus. Removal of the connecting member from the boat requires loosening of the boat plug from the storage receptacle.

Abstract: A semi-automatic boiler plug assembly having a mounting plate with a central hole aligned with a bailer hole on a boat transom is described. Attached to the mounting plate is a cylinder and piston therein made of a resilient material which seats in the central hole of the mounting plate in a closed position. Two arms extending to either side of the piston, and through slots on opposite sides of the cylinder, guide the piston in its travel back and forward in the cylinder. Immediately behind the piston is a spring to bias the piston forward in the cylinder toward the closed position. On the outside of the cylinder are two hinge plates attached to the piston by guide arms and by hinge pins that pass through a hole in the hinge plates and into the piston guide arms. Formed onto the outboard side of the hinge plates are hollow chambers which form floats.

Abstract: Boat bailing apparatus for removing water from the interior of a boat comprising: a tubular housing adapted for attachment to the transom of the boat providing a passage through which fluid may pass from the interior of the boat to the exterior thereof; an annular seat near one end of the housing; and a ball closure carried within the housing for movement between a position engaging the seat, preventing fluid flow through the passage, and positions not engaging the seat, permitting fluid flow. A cage assembly may be provided within the housing to confine the ball closure for limited axial movement in the housing passage.

Abstract: This adapter consists primarily of a main body with an insert, which connects to the deck fitting of a boat, so as to enable a constant flow of water to be supplied, by a garden hose, to the boat's holding tanks, when the boat is at dock-side. The adapter includes a screw cap, so as to enable the tanks to be filled by bucket, or other methods when desired, and it further includes an inspection window, and a strainer.

Abstract: A semi-automatic bailer plug assembly for attachment to the transom of a boat having a bail hole therein for receiving the bailer plug assembly is described. The bailer plug is normally spring biased into a closed position to plug the bail hole until it is manually retracted by a plunger disposed in opposition to the spring. When the plunger is pulled back and the boat transom is out of the water, a pair of stop members engage the plug and hold the plug in an open position permitting the boat to be drained of water. The stop members are coupled to a pair of float members. When the transom of the boat is placed in the water a buoyant force acting against the floats releases the spring biased plunger from engagement with the stop members and permits the bailer plug to automatically close the bail hole in the boat transom.

Abstract: A boat plug apparatus is described comprising a boat having a circular drain hole at the exterior of the transom, and a ball which is pivotally attached to the transom exterior on both sides of the drain hole. The ball is positioned to be partially contained within the drain hole when acted upon by gravity. When the drain hole is not otherwise sealed, the exterior water pressure forces the ball into the hole and causes the ball to sealingly close the hole, preventing the water from entering the boat. When the boat is moving or is raised out of the water, the ball is free to swing away from the drain hole and water within the boat escapes through the drain hole.