Abstract: A motor securing device for watercraft such as inflatable boats and rafts and the like including generally downwardly open securing portion which may be defined by a pair of parallel walls and a connecting wall. A motor attachment portion projects generally upwardly from a rear portion of the securing section. A battery-securing shelf extends forwardly from the securing portion. Securing a motor to the upwardly projecting wall and a battery positioned on the supporting shelf provide a counterbalancing action. Retaining structures may be provided to resist undesired displacement of the battery or motor securing clamp.

Abstract: One or more vanes of a rigid or flexible material are attached to the underside of a liferaft or other towable marine craft. The vane or vanes are suspended from the craft at an angle of 90.degree. or less relative to the direction of towing.

Abstract: This inflatable boat comprising at least one hull consisting of at least first and second elements disposed side by side, inflatable separately, and one or a plurality of additional elements inflatable separately and adapted to support one or a plurality of relatively heavy members to be secured to the hull, in case the first inflatable element becomes inoperative. Preferably, the additional element is included in the volume of the first element and in the upper portion thereof, in the vicinity of the wall of the second element, so that when the first element becomes inoperative the second element can support the additional inflatable element and the heavy member is kept in a fixed position. This heavy member may consist for example of an outboard motor or a sail mast supporting structure.

Abstract: An inflatable catamaran comprises a central tubular longitudinal torsion beam carrying a mast and a set of four or five cross beams secured at their centers to the longitudinal torsion beam and at their outer ends to a pair of inflatable hulls. Each hull has an upper inflatable tube and a lower inflatable tube tightly held together by side walls.

Abstract: The miniboats introduced in my U.S. Pat. 4,090,270 were basically novel in configuration, method of construction, ease of boarding by a swimmer, flotation effectiveness relative to lightness and compactness when stowed, degree of hypothermia protection achieved, and security in wind and water far beyond the capabilities of comparable pneumatic craft of traditional design; but they were not well adapted for entry by persons desiring to board them without a wetting. The vessels disclosed herein have overcome that problem. They have structurally integrated decks with dry-access openings that provide twice the retained buoyancy, a barrier to wave influx over the gunwales, an inherent self-righting capability, unprecedented storm security, ride stability, and magnified hypothermia protection. Some have integral leg articulation and propulsion and/or vessel-integrated suspension system for retarding descent to water from high elevations, auxiliary propulsion provisions, etc.

Abstract: An inflatable boat has a pair of elongated inflatable side portions extending lengthwise of the boat, disposed within an envelope that can be opened and closed by longitudinally-extending openings on its outer side, to permit insertion and removal of inflatable chambers. The margins of the envelope openings are maintained closed by interfitting loops, each loop receiving a slotted pin with the head and tail of the pin projecting from opposite sides of the loop, so that the pins of the loops associated with one margin of the opening interfere with the heads and tails of the pins projecting from the loops associated with the other margin of the opening, thereby to hold the margins together. A rigid panel at the stern of the boat supports an outboard motor, and is detachably secured between the side members by special screw assemblies. At the prow of the boat, relatively vertically swingable panels provide a deck in one position and the support for a short ladder in another position.