Abstract: A trotline deployment apparatus for safely deploying a trotline from a watercraft, the trotline having a plurality of hooks each attached to the trotline via a trotter line and a swivel, comprising a trotline canister, and a support frame having an upper assembly and a base. The trotline canister has an interior space adapted to foldably store the trotline, an opening which allows the trotline to be pulled away from the interior space, and a guide slot which sequentially engages the swivels and prevents the trotline from becoming entangled. The trotline canister is detachably secured to the upper assembly via a retaining collar. A hook holder adapted to selectively enclose the hooks prevents unintentional contact with the hooks. The upper assembly further has one or more hook separator arms from which the hooks are suspended and separated to facilitate application of bait.

Abstract: An elongated member pulling device including a support surface and a reel assembly for rotatably carrying a take-up reel about a first axis for receiving an elongated member, the reel assembly rotatably carried by the support surface about a second axis. A guide device including a plurality of rollers defining a closed geometry for guiding the elongated member toward the reel assembly. In response to the elongated member being guidingly received through the guide device and rotatably collected by the take-up reel, the reel assembly being selectably oscillatingly rotatable about the second axis to permit even winding of the elongated member on the take-up reel.

Abstract: An adjustable shade system for a boat is disclosed. The shade system includes at least one canvas and at least one pole, for example, an outrigger pole. The at least one canvas is secured to the at least one pole using at least one attachment point. In addition, the shade system includes at least one pivoting connection. The pivoting connection is coupled to a mounting surface and to the first end of the at least one pole. The pivoting connection is adapted to selectively cause the at least one pole to rotate in at least one rotational direction relative to the mounting surface.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a wearable device used to determine whether motion data and heart rate data correspond to a fishing activity. The wearable device may include a heart rate sensor and a motion sensor. The wearable device may include a computer system with a processor and memory. The memory may have a plurality of executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor may receive motion data from the motion sensor, receive heart rate data from the heart rate sensor, and determine whether the received motion data and heart rate data corresponds to a fishing activity.

Abstract: The invention is a light housing with a switch that holds an LED light that shines directly on the depth meter of a standard downrigger. In the present embodiment the housing is molded plastic shaped to conform to the particular downrigger that it is to be deployed on. Other embodiments are manufactured to specific downriggers and are comprised of a light housing and switch housing. The invention shines the light directly on the depth meter for the deployment of the downrigger in low or no light conditions to allow the user to deploy the downrigger using both hands for deployment while providing a light source to shine on the depth meter allowing for precise depth positioning and avoiding damage or loss of equipment. This lighted depth meter allows the user to quickly deploy fishing equipment.

Abstract: A trolling assembly structured to protect at least a portion of a fishing line from water-borne debris while trolling in a body of water from a boat includes a first positioning assembly attached to the boat and being adjustable to facilitate positioning the portion of the fishing line in a first predetermined spaced relation to the boat, and a second positioning assembly interconnected to the first positioning assembly and being positionable to facilitate positioning the portion of the fishing line in a second predetermined spaced relation to the boat. The trolling assembly also includes a shield assembly, interconnected to the second positioning assembly, which is structured to releasably retain the portion of the fishing line below a surface of the body of water while trolling, and to protect at least the portion of the fishing line from water-borne debris while trolling.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology is directed to an outrigger assembly for a sport fishing boat. The outrigger assembly is provided with a base plate that mounts on the forward area of a T-top of the fishing boat. An outrigger pole containment assembly is in turn mechanically affixed to the base plate. A pair of telescoping outrigger poles is positioned within the outrigger pole containment assembly such that they are in a horizontally opposed configuration. Each pole is formed from a plurality of elongated tubular extensions, in a nested relationship, and is extensible outward to either the starboard or port side of the boat when being deployed. The outrigger assembly is provided with a plurality of manual or electrically operated reels for traversal of several fishing lines through line guiding means provided integral with the telescoping poles.

Abstract: A line management system for an outrigger structure is provided for guiding outrigger cords through cord passages to maintain an independent longitudinal displacement in order to prevent entanglement. The system includes a plurality of outrigger cords, cord management units, and retention devices. The plurality of cord management units are coupled to the outrigger structure and are longitudinally spaced one from the other along the outrigger structure. Each of the cord management units defines a plurality of transversely offset cord passages respectively guiding predetermined ones of outrigger cords to maintain an independent longitudinal displacement relative to the outrigger structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a line positioning device for use with fishing vessel outriggers. The positioning device employs a housing having a pulley, a resilient bushing positioned next to the pulley, and a lever arm that is strategically positioned to engage a halyard line against the resilient bushing. A halyard line placed through the device is partially wrapped around the pulley where the line can freely move. Locking of the line requires the partial rotation of the lever arm which includes a tip end that presses the line against the resilient bushing. The lever arm includes a detent for engagement of a biased ball for use in holding the lever arm in either a locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A twist grip drive handle outrigger device having a locking mechanism for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa.

Abstract: A twist grip drive handle outrigger device for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa.

Abstract: A telescopic outrigger for use with fishing vessels. The outrigger of the instant invention has multiple tubes that are circular in shape and each include a means for securing to an adjoining tube and locking in a position relative thereto. The circular shape allowing for ease of sealing the connecting components from the elements. An internal locking mechanism for positive interlocking of adjoining tubes can be accessed externally for ease of servicing. The extension of the adjoining tubes by the locking mechanism allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a deployment position and vice versa.

Abstract: An adjustable outrigger for use on a marine vessel for supporting and selectively positioning a fishing outrigger pole includes a rotatable driving device which is coupled to a ball screw mechanism a rotatable member of which is coupled to a piston and to a track pitched in a direction along an axis to concurrently rotate the outrigger pole about the axis and angulate the outrigger pole in a plane perpendicular to that axis.

Abstract: An improved automatic precision baiting apparatus for use with long line fishing gear, the apparatus having a baiter housing, a magazine, a hook rail extension, a hook orientation means, a baiting area, a bait moving means for moving bait to the baiting area, and a bait cutting means; where an unbaited fish hook is drawn off the magazine, over the hook rail extension, and into the hook orienting means of the apparatus where it is positioned in anticipation of being baited; and where an uncut piece of bait is fed into the baiting area of the apparatus by the bait moving means and cut by the bait cutting means to the appropriate size, then held in the baiting area of the apparatus until engaged by a hook.

Abstract: The two reel surf rod (FIG. A) is ideal for an anchor fishing technique that can be used on a dock, pier or jetty. The two reel surf rod (FIG. A) can be used in a normal fashion, if desired, with the removal of the retrieval reel (FIG. A3). The addition of a second reel seat (FIG. A4) to a regular surf rod improves and increases the function of a regular surf rod.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a selectively positionable brake for a towed fishing body. Additionally, a system is disclosed that includes a speed control for a planer board. The planer board is used for fishing by being towed through water. Moreover, a method is disclosed including positioning a brake attached to a towed fishing body.

Abstract: An adjustable outrigger for use on a marine vessel for supporting and selectively positioning a fishing outrigger pole includes a rotatable driving device which is coupled to a ball screw mechanism a rotatable member of which is coupled to a piston and to a track pitched in a direction along an axis to concurrently rotate the outrigger pole about the axis and angulate the outrigger pole in a plane perpendicular to that axis.

Abstract: A twist grip drive handle outrigger device for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa.

Abstract: A telescopic outrigger for use with fishing vessels. The outrigger of the instant invention has multiple tubes that are circular in shape and each include a means for securing to an adjoining tube and locking in a position relative thereto. The circular shape allowing for ease of sealing the connecting components from the elements. An internal locking mechanism for positive interlocking of adjoining tubes can be accessed externally for ease of servicing. The extension of the adjoining tubes by the locking mechanism allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a deployment position and vice versa.

Abstract: A remotely operable fish bait deploying system including a remote controller adapted to be carried by a user, a fishing rod spaced from the remote controller, and a toy vessel anchored to the fishing rod. A first primary line is anchored to the toy vessel and extends rearwardly therefrom. A second primary line is adjustably connected to the actuator interface and trails behind the toy vessel. The actuator interface automatically adjusts a longitudinal length of the second primary line based upon instructions received from the on-board controller. A plurality of flotation members are directly coupled to the second primary line respectively and remain spaced from the first primary line. A plurality of auxiliary lines are directly anchored to each of the flotation members and terminate underwater wherein each auxiliary line is provided with a hook attached to a distal end thereof for holding bait.

Abstract: An elastic fishing device for securing a fishing line directly to a support on or near the water's edge has an elongated elastic member adjustably mounted on a spool which has a winding portion. The elongated elastic member is a shock cord that can be stored on the spool when the device is not in use. Additionally, the device can be adjusted to fit various sized supports and to fish at selected depths.

Abstract: A teaser reel with an audible alarm and line guide provides awareness and protection while trolling for fish. The teaser reel alerts boat personnel that the dredge is being struck by fish and allows quick action to be taken to protect the dredge from damage or loss. The audible alarm consists of a cogwheel affixed to a teaser reel spool with a pivotable pawl positioned contiguous the cogwheel. As the spool turns the pawl strikes each cog in succession to emit a loud, shrill sound. A dredge line guide is also affixed to the teaser reel to prevent damage and injury to boat personnel from inadvertent unwinding of the dredge line into the boat.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus that utilizes a remote controlled boat to remotely deliver the hooked portion of a fishing line to the desired fishing area on the water is disclosed. The remote controlled boat includes a fishing line guide attached thereto. The fishing line guide includes a quick-release attachment portion to which a quick-release pad with fishing line is attached.

Abstract: An in-line sliding line release is disclosed for holding a sinker weight to a fishing line. The release apparatus is attachable to and moveable along a fishing line with the capability of being manually fixed to the line so as to provide any desirable spacing between the lure or bait and the sinker weight. The release apparatus includes a compression arm which locks into place under a variable release tension setting. When a pull or strike from the lure line overcomes the adjustable tension set on the release housing body, the compression arm rotates upward by ninety degrees releasing the hold on the line sliding down to the lure or preset in-line stop. In the circumstance that there is no pull from the lure line, the tension screw means may be overcome by pulling the cam line guide manually to release the compression arm which will allow the device to slide down the line as desired.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member for use in suspending a weight to a downrigger assembly for fishing. The member is formed of a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: An adjustable outrigger moves a trolling pole on a fishing vessel to an elevated, outboard position for trolling and inboard to a lowered position when not in use. The outrigger of a preferred embodiment is operated using an operating handle. Rotating the operating handle in one direction rotates a pole held by the outrigger from an inboard position to the outboard, deployed position. Simultaneously with the rotation in the horizontal plane, the pole is elevated in the vertical plane from a near horizontal position to a suitable trolling angle. The operating handle turns a shaft that communicates the rotation of the handle to an internal drive mechanism, which is housed in a drive mechanism housing. The rotational motion is converted to a linear, vertical action using a ball gear mechanism. A track provided by a bayonet coupler converts the linear vertical motion into a combined vertical and rotational motion.

Abstract: A device used to sink bait from a vessel during trolling fishing, includes a body formed by a vertical arm and a horizontal arm that are attached to the gunwale of the boat. Two pulleys are attached independently to the horizontal arm and can rotate independently of one another, each pulley being provided with a securing wire. One wire is used to secure a heavy body and the other wire is used to secure a small sheave joined to a clip which ensures that the bait remains attached to the fishing line while being lowered and raised to the desired depth. The small sheave is inserted onto the heavy body securing wire. The fishing line and bait are lowered by rotating the pulley joined to the small sheave and clip that holds the fishing line steady and, in this way, the corresponding wire is cast from the device.

Abstract: The invention involves a fishing device used for operatively connecting a first fishing line and a second fishing line from a first fishing rod and a second fishing rod, respectively, to a hook. The fishing device includes a spreader bar having a first connector at a first end, a second connector at a second end, and a third connector interposed between the first end and the second end. The first connector is shaped to connect with the first fishing line. The second connector is shaped to connect with the second fishing line. The third connector is shaped to operatively connect with the hook. The spreader bar is shaped to remain streamline when pulled through a body of water. The spreader bar thereby acts to inhibit the first fishing line from entangling with the second fishing line.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: A fishing device includes an elongated stake having a first end and an opposed second end, a ground engaging portion formed adjacent the first end thereof, a through aperture formed adjacent the opposed second end, and a planar surface portion terminating the second end and being disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stake. A ring is movably received within the aperture and a first swivel is secured to the ring. A fishing line has one end thereof being secured to the first swivel while a second swivel is secured to a distal end of the fishing line. Fishing implements are attached to one of the distal end of the fishing line, the second swivel and a combination thereof. The user simply casts the fishing line into the water and drives the stake in the ground for unattended fishing.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, combining a portable outrigger holder with a fishing rod holder; so that both can be moved to a plurality of positions in both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

Abstract: A downrigger release comprises a “scissors-like” release clip, which includes a release arm mounted to an arm holder and adapted to rotate between closed and open positions for carrying and releasing a fishing line, a bifurcated pincer clip, which includes a pair of beams that receive the arm holder, an axially extensible and retractible spring for connecting the pincer clip to a downrigger line, a retainer for retaining and triggering release of the release clip from the pincer clip, the retainer comprising a boss on one of the beams and a detent on the arm holder, release being effectuated by the action of a transverse force camming the boss outwardly from engagement with the detent, a positioner for positioning the release arm in the closed position, and a force adjuster for adjusting the amount of transverse force needed to trigger release of the pincer clip from the release clip.

Abstract: A trotline leader system for fishing including a trotline, with a plurality of clips, hangers, drop lines, and fishing hooks, each clip including a head portion, a neck and a base and each hanger includes a head, a shank and an eyelet. The head portion is connected to the neck which extends from the base which is adapted to receive the hanger head. The hanger head is connected to the shank which connects and seperates the eyelet from the head. The head portion includes a tab, a channel, a slot and an apeture, the tab extending from the head and forming the channel with the base, the channel leading to the slot which guides the trotline into the apeture. Each drop line is connected to and extends from the hanger eyelet to each fishing hook. In addition, the trotline may optionally include plastic beads or spherical weights to separate and secure each clip to the trotline.

Abstract: A multi-purpose support plate for use with a boating accessory assembly is disclosed including a first mounting end portion having a first strengthening rib, a center portion having a top layer and a bottom layer, and a second mounting end portion having a second strengthening rib. The first and second mounting end portions include a first or second thickened mounting area, respectively, from which the first or second strengthening rib extends to the top and bottom layers. The center portion of the support plate further includes a center bore. The center bore passes through the top layer and bottom layer to accommodate at least one boating accessory.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing an intermediate location of a baited fishing line to a weighted and fixed underwater line. The apparatus includes an interiorly hollowed and substantially rectangular elongated sleeve having first and second ends. An elongated slide exhibits axially and outwardly tapered side walls axially which are frictionally engageable within associated inner side walls of the sleeve proximate a first selected and open end of the sleeve, the intermediate location of the fishing line being pinchingly engaged between the slide and the sleeve interior. A further selected end of the sleeve engages the fixed underwater line. Upon a fish striking a baited and trailing end of the fishing line, a substantially linear applied force causes said slide to linearly eject outwardly from within said sleeve, releasing the fishing line therefrom.

Abstract: An adjustable arm assembly for use with an outrigger is disclosed that includes a rotating arm tube secured to a lower head, an upper pivoting head operatively engaged to the lower head and an operating barrel, and a crank assembly operatively engaged to the operating barrel and secured to the rotating arm tube. Additionally, the adjustable arm assembly further includes a threaded operating shaft in rotational engagement with the crank assembly, the threaded operating shaft engaging adjustment threads of the operating barrel, and a position indicator tube having a position indicator connected to the operating barrel.

Abstract: An outrigger assembly for a fishing vessel to extend fishing lines away from the vessel, including a telescopic boom having a plurality of aligned ‘D’ tubes of consecutively smaller diameters that can be individually locked in place when extended and having the smaller tubes telescopically mounted inside larger tubes for storage, first embodiment provides a manually operable locking mechanism using an external shift bullet to lock the tubes in place, and second embodiment combines the locking means of the first embodiment with a cam lever operated eyelet locking system, the eyelets provide support for a fishing rigging, both embodiments protect the locking mechanism from elements found in the environment.

Abstract: An adjustable swivel base assembly and track for swivel mounting fishing boat downrigger or planar board masts, including a planar mounting base plate, a pair of stationary riser supports on the base plate, and a planar bottom bearing plate stationarily supported on the upper ends of the supports. Vertically spaced planar bottom and top bearings are stationarily affixed to the bearing plate and a planar swivel top plate is supported on and sandwiched slidably between the bearings, and is adapted to carry and swivel the mast load. An indexable locking system selectively locks the swivel plate in any one of a plurality of angularly spaced positions. A track is mounted on a fishing boat and has side edge flanges with mutually facing in-turned lips that overlap opposite side edges of the base plate when slidably and releasably mounted in the track.

Abstract: A downrigger adaptor assembly includes a seat-mounting member having a helical spring disposed about a support post, engageable with a boat seat. The present invention further includes a mounting plate on which a downrigger base-mounting member is secured, and an elongated cable connected to the mounting plate and a stationary portion of a boat so that the assembly can be maintained within a predetermined path during operating conditions. Such a cable includes quick-release fastening members for allowing an operator to readily adjust the predetermined path as needed.

Abstract: An automatic outrigger securing assembly, for use on a fishing boat which has structural support members on the vessel. The securing assembly includes a coupler for releasably securing the outrigger in a fixed position, as well as a collar assembly for interfacing with the coupler. The coupler receives and locks the collar means in a select position, and also includes a release mechanism for the collar. When the outrigger is in a laydown or collapsed configuration, the securing assembly automatically receives and safely retains the outrigger in a desired position, and can also automatically release the outrigger.

Abstract: The instant invention proposes to utilize a multi-ply composite tubular structure of fibers and a polymer matrix to construct superior outriggers that do not require cable truss systems for support. By utilizing the aforementioned materials, the thickness and flex characteristics of the outrigger can be tailored and controlled. The combination of utilizing a non-circular cross section, an ellipse for example, allows the bending stiffness in the fore-aft and lateral planes to be tailored individually for optimum outrigger performance. The separate control of the bi-directional bending properties will allow a much higher control of fishing baits during trolling.

Abstract: A multi-purpose support plate for use with a boating accessory assembly is disclosed including a first mounting end portion having a first strengthening rib, a center portion having a top layer and a bottom layer, and a second mounting end portion having a second strengthening rib. The first and second mounting end portions include a first or second thickened mounting area, respectively, from which the first or second strengthening rib extends to the top and bottom layers. The center portion of the support plate further includes a center bore. The center bore passes through the top layer and bottom layer to accommodate at least one boating accessory.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: An adjustable arm assembly for use with an outrigger is disclosed that includes a rotating arm tube secured to a lower head, an upper pivoting head operatively engaged to the lower head and an operating barrel, and a crank assembly operatively engaged to the operating barrel and secured to the rotating arm tube. Additionally, the adjustable arm assembly further includes a threaded operating shaft in rotational engagement with the crank assembly, the threaded operating shaft engaging adjustment threads of the operating barrel, and a position indicator tube having a position indicator connected to the operating barrel.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: The instant invention proposes to utilize a multi-ply composite tubular structure of fibers and a polymer matrix to construct superior outriggers that do not require cable truss systems for support. By utilizing the aforementioned materials, the thickness and flex characteristics of the outrigger can be tailored and controlled. The combination of utilizing a non-circular cross section, an ellipse for example, allows the bending stiffness in the fore-aft and lateral planes to be tailored individually for optimum outrigger performance. The separate control of the bi-directional bending properties will allow a much higher control of fishing baits during trolling.

Abstract: A fishing system is described that is mounted to a boat. The fishing system has a housing, a mast supported in the housing, and a first actuator connected to and rotating the mast. The first actuator is mounted on the housing. A second actuator is connected to and pivots the housing. By turning on the second actuator, the mast can be raised or lowered, as needed.

Abstract: A downrigger including a downrigger line and weight supported from a motor powered reel associated with a fishing line and fishing rod with a releasable interconnection between the downrigger line and fishing line so that when the bait connected with the fishing line is taken by a fish, the fishing line will separate from the downrigger line to enable a fisherman to play and reel in the fish in a well known manner. The motor powered reel can pivot between an outboard fishing position, an idle position above a boat cover board or gunwale and an inboard position which enables the reel, motor and associated components of the downrigger to be attached to or removed from the boat. Power is supplied to the powered reel only when the downrigger is in the outboard fishing position. The powered downrigger unit includes a removable cover for the reel, motor and other drive components to prevent accidental contact with these components.

Abstract: A longline fishing system which is attached to a fishing boat for the purpose of lessening wear and ear on the fishing line has an improved reel and an auxiliary hauler. The reel is made from a plurality of arcuate sections forming a core. End plates are attached to each end of the core. The diameter of the core and the diameter of the end plates are related to prevent over stressing the line. The auxiliary hauler is placed between the stern and the reel to accept a portion of the hauling load.

Abstract: A fishing system is described that is mounted to a boat. The fishing system has a housing, a mast supported in the housing, and a first actuator connected to and rotating the mast. The first actuator is mounted on the housing. A second actuator is connected to and pivots the housing. By turning on the second actuator, the mast can be raised or lowered, as needed.