Abstract: A flotation device comprises a flotation device body structured to float on a water body. The flotation device body is substantially flat, has a first surface configured to contact, and float on the water body and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface configured to allow a user to stand or sit thereon. A receptacle is coupled to the first surface and extends away therefrom. An opening is defined through the flotation device body to allow the user to access the receptacle from the second surface.

Abstract: An adjustable rigging system for a boat including a bracket adapted to connect to an outboard end portion of a stay mechanism for a boat, the bracket including a top hole and a bottom hole, wherein an axis is defined between a center of the top hole and a center of the bottom hole, a pin extending along the axis including two ends, each end removably connected to the bracket adjacent to one of the top and bottom holes, and wherein the location of at least one of the top and the bottom holes is adjustable to change a pitch of the axis and the pin.

Abstract: The present invention features a sportsman's fishing net apparatus having a shaft for thrusting the net into the moving current for the purpose of snaring a hooked fish. The net is framed upon a tubular ring-like member disposed on a distal end of the shaft. A flotation device keeps the upper part of the tubular member afloat in the water. The flotation device allows the net to maintain the same position with respect to the surface of the water, despite the induced wave motions. The shaft of the net apparatus is slidable within a collar. The collar is mountable upon trunnions attached to a bracket affixed to the side of the boat. The trunnions allow the shaft to rotate about the bracket affixed to the side of the boat, thus allowing movement with the wave motions. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the shaft is articulated in a mid-portion thereof, for the purpose of drawing the net out of the water without slidably withdrawing the net or detaching the shaft collar from its swivel mounting.

Abstract: A combination cleat and oarwell apparatus comprising a body portion having mutually perpendicular x, y, and z axes and including a pair or projections extending in opposite directions along the x axis to form a cleat, a first extending portion having therein a first bore extending along the y axis, a second extending portion having therein a second bore extending along the z axis, and a bottom surface parallel to the plane defined by the x and z axes and adapted to be attached alternatively to a generally horizontal surface of a boat hull and to a generally vertical surface of a boat hull, a first bushing in the first bore, and a second bushing in the second bore.

Abstract: The present system discloses an improved self-aligning quick release coupling system capable of releasably joining any two or more of a great variety of male/female mating items to be joined at the option of the user. This improved system includes a lock and key system that provides capability for the coupling system to be safely locked into the coupling mode or released from the coupling mode. The system includes a male connecting member having a securing end. The supporting structure, or housing, can be positioned in the side walls of a small boat and the securing end of the male connecting member connected to an oar on a securing rope. A ball member of the male connecting member is freely rotatable between the female mating members positioned in the housing so as to provide rowing and free riding, tying and lifting capabilities.

Abstract: An oarlock horn member is supported, at an appropriate tilt, above a base plate from a winch such as is commonly used on each side of the cockpit of a sailboat. The underside of the base plate has a locking type plug of the kind used to engage and lock in a winch handle for cranking the winch. When the winch is not in use for trimming sails, it can be converted into an oarlock pivot by locking in the present oarlock, to provide auxiliary propulsion for small cruising sailboats for use in calm weather or for maneuvering in harbors, either when the sailboat is not equipped with an engine, or when the engine is out of fuel, or otherwise out of service, or in sailboat races that permit rowing in order to enliven calm weather contests.

Abstract: A rowlock fitting for inflatable boats made as a unitary whole having a sole with a peripheral flange for adherence to the boat. Two upstanding, rigid, reinforcing ribs centrally located on a same side of the sole and integral therewith and made of a same material reinforce the central portion of the rowlock fitting and preclude transfer of twisting forces to the boat by the oars when in use. The ribs intersect substantially normal to each other. A rigid socket for an oarlock is disposed at a region of intersection of the ribs and is encircled by this region. The rigid ribs extend radially from the socket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oar lock seat device that combines a sliding oar lock unit with an adjustable seat-cooler box. This apparatus is comprised of two gunnel mounted sliding oar lock assemblies structurally connected by an adjustable seat-carriage assembly whose unique construction encompasses an insulated storage box upon which the occupant sits. This apparatus fits securely into inflatable rafts of various dimensions and will remain with the craft even in an inverted position.