Abstract: A catamaran has a pair of spaced-apart pontoons, each having a forward tapered end and a rearward end. An underwing is affixed to the pontoons and spans therebetween. A platform is pivotally connected to the underwing forward end and/or rearward end and conforms to the pontoons at their forward tapered end or their rearward end, respectively. A power assembly is connected to the platform for lowering or raising the platform from a stowed position to a plurality of working positions—including positions below the waterline—of the catamaran and for raising or lowering the platform back to the stowed position. For protecting the craft from damage, the platform also can carry a deployable extending ramp formed from a pair of spaced-apart floating pontoons with a walkway extending between the floating pontoons. A novel fendering system for the craft also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fender, which is used as cushioning material mainly at the time of a ship being moored, and a management system thereof. A transponder is mounted in a fender 1 that is an object to be managed, and an ID code is read by the transponder in the fender 1 being accessed by terminals 2A through 2D provided in areas where are areas to be managed and each have one or more terminals. Historical information showing an installed place and an installed period of the fender 1 and individual update information including the ID code is transferred to a control system 4 through communication networks 6A through 6D. The control system 4 not only stores manufacturing information and historical information of all the fenders 1 that are objects to be managed, but also updates the historical information on the basis of the individual update information received from the terminal 2.

Abstract: An impact absorption device is provided having a generally cylindrically shaped impact absorption member formed of an extruded material. The exterior wall defines an interior volume and further includes a flanged portion that extends to at least one end of the absorption member. A bracket assembly is removably secured to the flanged portion of the mounting member for attaching the impact absorption device to a freestanding object such as a piling or docking post. Due to the design of the flange of the absorption member, a plurality of members may be coupled together using an appropriately designed bracket for accommodating the cover of pilings of docking posts of various lengths.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection and finish structure of the border of a boat hull with simplified assembly, of the type comprising a profile being extended in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of fixing means for fixing the profile to the hull, distributed along said profile. The fixing means of the structure comprise at least a fast clutch with a tenon and mortise joint wherein a tenon element, fixed to the profile, and a mortise element, intended for being fixed to the hull, have respective tenons and mortise being mutually engaged in a longitudinally sliding way.

Abstract: A marine bumper for releasable connection to dock structure includes an elongated bumper cushion of compression resistant foam material, an inner cover of water impermeable, plastic sheeting and an outer cover of woven plastic sheet material. Passageways extending through the elongated bumper cushion accommodate securement straps, the securement straps passing through openings in the inner and outer covers.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed, comprising a body formed by a hull and a deck covering the hull from above, the body having a joint portion joining the hull and the deck joined to each other at peripheries thereof, the body being configured to accommodate an engine configured to drive a propulsion system of the watercraft, and a side bumper mounted to the joint portion at a side portion of the body, wherein the side bumper includes a base portion mounted to the joint portion to extend along the joint portion in a longitudinal direction of the watercraft, and a protruding portion configured to extend along the base portion in the longitudinal direction and to protrude downward from a lower surface of the base portion to be spaced apart from a side wall of the hull.

Abstract: A camel and ship separator support system uses a pontoon having length and width dimensions being commensurate with that of a standard ISO shipping container. A plurality of recesses span the height dimension of the pontoon with pairs of the recesses located at opposing portions of the pontoon with respect to the width dimension thereof. H-shaped leg assemblies are coupled to the pontoon at the pontoon's recesses. Each leg assembly extends beyond the height dimension of the pontoon while remaining within the length and width dimensions of the pontoon. A support assembly is fitted between and coupled to adjacent leg assemblies. Fenders can be coupled to the leg assemblies to thereby form a camel or ship separator.

Abstract: An adjustable system is provided for remotely varying the vertical position of a plurality of boat fenders. The fenders are tied to elongated ropes which are threaded through pulley bars mounted on the guard rail of the boat. The end portion of the ropes are located at the rear side portion of the boat such that the ropes may be conveniently pulled or release to adjust the vertical position of the fenders simultaneously.

Abstract: There is disclosed a structure for fastening a shipboard-protecting fender comprising: a plurality of reinforcing rib layers securely provided on the inner and outer faces of a shipboard; a fixed base horizontally fastened on the reinforcing rib layers of the shipboard by means of a plurality of bolts, an accommodating space being formed at the outside of the fixed base; a core layer, one end of which is accommodated in the accommodating space of the fixed base; a bump-preventing layer covering the outer surface of the core layer and the fixed base; a pair of fixed plates supported at the outside of the two ends of the bump-preventing layer; and a plurality of bolts vertically passing through the fixed plates, the bump-preventing layer, the fixed base, and the core layer for fastening them, in which the bump-preventing layer is made from polyurethane (P. U.) material, while the core layer is made from the close cell of ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (E. V.

Abstract: A protective fender for a personal water craft utilizes a V-shaped resilient body that utilizes a pair of hooks to engage the flange on opposite sides of the water craft. An adjustable strap connects the two hooks and allows for positioning of the hooks and tightening of the entire structure so that the body is securely fastened to the water craft.

Abstract: A protective fender is provided for use on a pontoon boat having at least an upper support member and a lower support member. The fender includes an elongated body formed from protective material. A first fastening structure is connected to the body, engageable with the lower support member and moveable between a plurality of positions along a length of the body. A second fastening structure is connected to the body, engageable with the upper support member and adjustable to vary the position of the second fastening structure relative to the body.

Abstract: A fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion connected to a resilient leaf spring portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.

Abstract: The floating aluminum box to protect dockworkers is an aluminum cube with each side being approximately eighteen inches long. The floating aluminum box is watertight and made of one-quarter inch thick aluminum plate and of welded construction. The floating aluminum box has a front, back, two sides, a top, and a bottom. The floating aluminum box has an internal support structure having two concentric aluminum pipes and a plurality of bracing plates that extend from the pipes to the sides of the cube. The floating aluminum box is also equipped with a handle and eye brackets.

Abstract: A mooring pad for watercraft that provides a protective shoreline pad to support and protect the hull of a watercraft. The mooring pad comprises a waterproof pad having a density greater than water. At least one flotation member is connected to the pad side edge.

Abstract: A protective bumper structure for the exterior surface of tugboats or towboats. The protective bumper includes a backing member for supporting the bumper to the boat, a resilient cushion layer supported on the backing member and a protective face supported on the resilient cushion. The protective face is formed of a durable low friction material and is provided in the form of plural segments, such as spaced elongated strips extending along the length of the resilient cushion. The protective face provides an engagement surface for engaging a cooperating surface on a barge.

Abstract: The marine bumper comprises a body including two oppositely extending wings which are centrally engaged to a base in a manner to be rotatable relative thereto, such that the wings may be horizontally or vertically oriented. Also, the bumper is adapted for engagement to a cleat of a boat by an extension arm, if such mounting, rather than dock mounting, is desired.

Abstract: A composite rub rail includes an elongated base strip and an elongated center member which fits engagingly into the base strip. The base strip is made of a flexible plastic or elastomeric material, and has a shallow recessed groove formed centrally therein. The center member may be formed from a material which is more rigid than the material of the base strip. The center member includes a cover strip dimensioned to fit in the shallow recessed groove of the base strip. The cover strip may be made of stainless steel. The center member includes at least one fastener attached to and extending away from an inner surface of the cover strip, for operatively engaging the base strip, and for use in attaching the center member in fixed relation to the base strip. A method of attaching a rub rail to a boat is also described.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pontoon boat fender that is convenient to use, easy to install and easy to secure in place. The top end of the fender defines a channel that is sized to receive the top of the fence that surrounds the perimeter of the pontoon boat. A stretchable cord is coupled to the lower end of the fender body and to a suction device that is capable of coupling to the float tube of the boat. The fender body extends at least the length of the fence and is shaped so that when it is mounted to the top of the fence the fender does not rest against the remaining portion of the fence, the floor or the rub rail. With this shape, the fender is able to absorb impacts without transferring a significant amount of destructive energy to the pontoon boat components. Moreover, in one embodiment, the fender body includes a number of generally vertical channels that assist in absorbing any impact.

Abstract: Boat fender covers for use with a fender of essentially any shape and size adapted to substantially cover a fender and being so configured to receive, and remain in position around, the fender. The cover, when in place and covering the fender, does not interfere with the proper operation of the fender. Apertures are provided in the cover to allow a rope to be used, as intended, in conjunction with the fender for tying to a boat. In addition, the shape of the cover allows for good accommodation of the fender. The structure and composition of the cover provide good durability, ease of use including simple removal for washing, and characteristics which reduce abrasion to the outer side surface of a boat, including gel coatings thereon.

Abstract: A substantially U-shaped front bumper as seen in a plan view is mounted on a gunnel at a front end of the watercraft so as to partially cover the gunnel. The front bumper has a base portion attached to the gunnel, and an extending portion extending upwardly from the base portion so as to partially cover a streamlined surface of a deck. The base portion is provided with right and left concave portions extending in the lateral direction of the body. The extending portion is provided with a concave portion extending from one end to the other end in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A unitary fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion and a resilient leaf spring portion integrally formed of one-piece construction with the mounting portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the fender is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.

Abstract: An article or buoy board for mooring a buoy to a dock post when a boat is being moored at a dock that includes an elongated board with slotted end portions and having a front surface and a back surface. Straps are affixed to the front surface of the board for positioning the back surface of the board against the dock post. A stretchable cord such as a bungee cord passes through the slotted end portions of the board for attaching a buoy to the front surface of the board for contact with the boat side. The back surface of the board is provided with a lengthwise groove for receiving the stretchable cord and the back surface of the board is further provided with a shock-absorbing pad such as rubber for holding the stretchable cord in place within the groove and for minimizing shock as the boat is moored. The stretchable cord has ends with hooks and the buoy has ends with eyes so that the buoy is attached against the board by passing the cord hooks through the buoy eyes.

Abstract: A method of preventing a marine vessel from colliding with a piling is disclosed. An apparatus is attached to a piling to prevent a marine vessel from colliding with the piling. The apparatus may be comprised of a body portion and one or more straps, which may be used to attach the body portion to the piling. The body portion may be comprised of a substantially flat portion and a protruding portion, which protrudes from the substantially flat portion. The body portion may be comprised of one or more slots through which one or more straps can be inserted to attach the body portion to a piling.

Abstract: A rub rail including a base portion with a longitudinally extending recess or groove, into which an insert is received. A plurality of spaced-apart orifices along the bottom surface of the recess enable the base portion to be attached to the hull with threaded fasteners. The insert, which is made of polyvinyl chloride plastic, snaps into the groove, covering the heads of the fasteners, and is held in place by the edges of the groove. An outer curved face of the insert includes a strip of Type 316 stainless steel that is crosshead extruded with the plastic portion of the insert. The stainless steel strip is bright and shiny and provides a decorative appearance to the rub rail. The plastic portion of the insert seals around the longitudinally extending edges of the stainless steel strip, preventing water from intruding behind the strip, which might eventually cause corrosion.

Abstract: Flexible brackets or “wings” molded from marine grade, UV resistant PVC allow attachment of inflatable boat fenders to any piling or dock structure regardless of shape or size. Adjustable straps are used to encompass the fender and fasten it to the “wings” allowing use of any size fender from six to twelve inches in diameter. A short section of line is used to secure the fenders, when used vertically, to an eye screw fastened to the piling or structure in a location above the fenders where the line can pass through the central opening in the fenders and tie in a large knot at the bottom of the fenders.

Abstract: To enhance the joint strength between the hull and the deck of a water craft and reduce the number of steps needed for joining the hull and the deck, a water craft body is constructed by joining the hull and the deck together at their peripheral regions, applying a protector strip of extruded material to the joint between the hull and the deck peripherally of the water craft body and installing fasteners, such as self-tapping screws or rivets, through the protector strip and through the peripheral regions of the hull and deck for integrating the protector strip and the peripheral regions of the hull and the deck. Formed in the outer surface of the protector strip is a positioning groove that facilitates locating the positions of fasteners about the peripheral joint between the hull and the deck of the water craft.

Abstract: An attachable vertical bow plate set a distance ahead of the existing bow, preferably extending above and below the water surface, helps to reduce drag associated with a vessel. The plate's lower edge is preferably set at a depth corresponding to the depth where the existing bow begins to have its cut away.

Abstract: An inflatable watercraft support device for supporting a watercraft is provided. The support device comprises a first support bladder having a first end and a second end and a second support bladder having a first end and a second end. A connecting mechanism connects the first end of the first support bladder to the first end of the second support bladder.

Abstract: A boat fender deployment device having a motor for deploying a fender along side of a boat at a desired height for engaging a dock or other object by operation of a motor and for retracting the fender into a housing for storage when not in use. The housings may be attached to the boat or internally molded into the hull of the boat. The fender deployment is controlled by a switch for supplying power to drive a motor in the forward or reverse directions for deployment and positioning of fenders without the aid of crewmembers. A number of fenders attached to the boat, each individually controlled, provide the captain with a safe and reliable means for deploying and retracting fenders for the safe operation of a boat. The fenders deployed to the proper height protect a boat from damage when alongside a dock or other object.

Abstract: The fender shaped specifically for pontoon boats, so that it may be readily attached to the pontoon boat decking and/or suspended from the pontoon boat rail. The pontoon boat fender is uniquely shaped to abut the decking and engage the pontoon to protect the decking and pontoon from damaging contact with a dock or another boat.

Abstract: A boat fender with a recessed line holder to permit an individual to adjust the positioning of the boat fender to a desired length. The recessed line holder is flush with the outer surface of the boat fender to create a smooth outer surface. The recessed line holder has a bridge under which a rope is inserted through a passage. The rope may then be tied off or secured to another fender.

Abstract: A removable winch may be used in combination with any embodiment of the boat landing apparatus. The removable winch may be attached directly to the boat landing apparatus or may be retained adjacent the boat landing apparatus. The removable winch includes a removable winch assembly and a retention tube. The retention tube is inserted into the ground, if not attached to the boat landing apparatus. However, the retention tube is preferably inserted into the ground, if attached to the boat landing apparatus. The removable winch assembly includes a retention projection and a winch. The retention projection is sized to be received by the retention tube.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pontoon boat fender that is convenient to use, easy to install and easy to secure in place. The top end of the fender defines a channel that is sized to receive the top of the fence that surrounds the perimeter of the pontoon boat. A stretchable cord is coupled to the lower end of the fender body and to a suction device that is capable of coupling to the float tube of the boat. The fender body extends at least the length of the fence and is shaped so that when it is mounted to the top of the fence the fender does not rest against the remaining portion of the fence, the floor or the rub rail. With this shape, the fender is able to absorb impacts without transferring a significant amount of destructive energy to the pontoon boat components. Moreover, in one embodiment, the fender body includes a number of generally vertical channels that assist in absorbing any impact.

Abstract: A fender (1) has a fastening end (2) and a shock-absorbing end (3) and, arranged therebetween, at least one deformation portion (4). The deformation portion (4) is made of an elastically deformable material, especially elastomeric material, and is arranged to fold during deformation of the fender (1), so that surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other. The deformation portion (4) has on at least one surface projections (5) and recesses (6) of such a shape and location that they can engage with each other in a comblike manner when said surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other during deformation of the fender (1).

Abstract: A fairlead and cam cleat assembly for a sailing vessel is provided, in which the fairlead at the entrance of the cam cleat is of inverted U-shape, alwing a line passing through the cam cleat to be bent at severe angles relative to center line or normal entrance of the line into the cam cleat.

Abstract: A lock and dam system for a waterway includes a dam extending across the waterway, a channel having a first entry-exit opening on a first side of the dam and a second entry-exit opening on a second side of the dam. The channel includes a lock. The system further includes a fascia proximate first entry-exit opening in the channel, and a fender system to protect the fascia from impact. The fender system includes a plurality of resilient flexible support element, a first panel supported by a first one of the plurality of support elements in front of the fascia and a second panel supported by a second one of the plurality of support elements in front of the fascia. The first and second panels overlap in a first direction parallel to the fascia and a second direction perpendicular to the fascia. In one exemplary embodiment, the first panel has a first shoulder and the second panel has a first step facing and overlapping the first shoulder.

Abstract: A snap assembly has a strap and a shank traversing the strap and provided with male and female snaps facing in opposite directions and engaging the strap therebetween.

Abstract: A dock fender, particularly for attachment to the outer face of a dock piling for cushioning vessels attached to the dock. The fender is of extruded construction, having laterally extending flanges which are conformable to the surface of the pilings. The fender is attached to the piling by lag screws applied to the flanges. Special washers, of rectangular configuration, are provided to underlie the heads of the lag screws. The washers are formed with anti-rotation means such that, after initial proper alignment of the washers with the fender flanges, the washers will retain such orientation during rotational tightening of the lag screws. In one form, the anti-rotation means comprises bent corners of individual washers. In another form, the washers are of a length to engage more than one lag screw.

Abstract: A unitary fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion and a resilient leaf spring portion integrally formed of one-piece construction with the mounting portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the fender is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.

Abstract: A fender having a compact spring shape for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, includes a mounting portion connected to a resilient leaf spring portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized admit a tool for installing or removing the fender.

Abstract: A fender protective structure having an inner layer of resilient plastic/elastomer alloy having a delayed elastic response, having voids to reduce weight and allow the inner layer to expand upon impact. A relatively hard top layer is also provided.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for illuminating of objects or equipment including, for example, vehicles, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper to help provide a level of protection to the objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse.

Abstract: A third embodiment of the boat landing apparatus includes a pair of roller assemblies, a pair of cross members and a set of four retention brackets. A first embodiment of the retention bracket is a surface pivot bracket. A second embodiment of the retention bracket is a pivot support bracket. A third embodiment of the retention bracket is a cross bracket. A support post may be mounted to a bottom of a cross member with an angle bracket. Two roller assemblies may be connected in series with an in-line connector bracket. A fourth embodiment of the boat landing apparatus includes a plurality of roller axles and a pair of retention members. A fifth embodiment of the boat landing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of bracket support members, a plurality of pivot roller brackets, and a pair of lengthwise rail members.

Abstract: A self inflating fender for marine use having a flexible, air tight cover that surrounds and closely conforms to the external shape of an uncompressed open cell foam core. An air valve allows the fender to retain either an uncompressed state to act as a fender or a compressed state for easy storage. The fender self inflates from the compressed state when the air valve is opened and the open cell foam core is allowed to expand back to its original shape. End flaps integral with the cover have grommetted holes for attaching the fender. An alternative is surrounding the open cell foam core with a bladder which contains an air valve. The bladder is then surrounded by a fending cover that closely conforms to the open cell foam core uncompressed shape. The fending cover has stitched ends incorporating loops for attachment and an access hole for the air valve.

Abstract: A convertible marine fender includes a half-cylinder shaped first body having a inner surface, a half-cylinder shaped second body having a inner surface, and a hinge pivotably connecting the first and second bodies. The first body is pivotable lengthwise between a first position wherein the inner surfaces of the bodies are facing each other so that the first and second bodies cooperate to form a cylindrical-shape and a second position wherein the inner surfaces of the bodies are facing in the same direction and generally coplanar so that the first and second bodies form a half-cylinder-shape. A connecting strap preferably extends circumferentially around the first and second bodies and releasably secures the first and second bodies together when the first body is in the first position. The hinge is preferably a planar member formed of a flexible material.

Abstract: A reversible boat bumper for attachment to dock poles to allow accommodation for a high water position and a low water position. The bumper has an elongated bumper support plate and attached to it a bumper cushion. A pair of spaced apart releasable gripping dock brackets are attached to the side of the support plate opposite the bumper cushion, with a bracket being positioned adjacent one end and another approximately at mid-point along the elongated support plate.

Abstract: An aluminum boat hull is disclosed having an integrally molded bumper formed on the sidewalls that is securely attached and protected. The bumper is made of a first and second layer of foam covered with an outer protective layer. Formed on the outside surface of the hull sidewalls are a plurality of chambers formed between upper and lower longitudinal frame members and a plurality of intermediate frame members attached between the longitudinal frame members. Perpendicularly aligned and attached to the outside edge of each intermediate frame member is an anchor plate. Also formed on the inside surfaces of the upper and lower longitudinal frame members are upper and lower stiffeners. During manufacturing, closed-cell first foam is poured into the chambers to cover. An optional layer of fiberglass is placed over the outer surface of the first foam layer and allowed to cure. A closed-cell, second foam layer is then created over the fiberglass layer. A hardening layer is then painted over the second foam layer.

Abstract: A hanger for attaching an end of a line into a cleat having an opening, the hanger having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the thickness and width are such that they may pass through the opening defined by the cleat and the length is greater than that of the opening, and a receiver formed on a hanger for securing the end of the line to the hanger, whereby upon passing the hanger lengthwise through the opening, the hanger is rotated to bring the length to bear on the walls of the opening preventing the hanger from passing back through the opening.

Abstract: A composite fender panel for protecting a harbor structure includes a resilient body member having a front surface and a rear mounting surface spaced by a panel thickness from a main portion of the front surface.