Abstract: A vessel for towing another vessel comprises a hull, a tow cable coupled to the hull, a hook having a first leg fixed to a free end of the cable, a second leg including a free end and a hook bottom. The first and second legs form an opening for receiving a rope located at the vessel and launched from another vessel. The first and second legs extend in a main plane. A rope positioning system positions a rope and a hook support for the hook with respect to each other such that the rope extends in transverse direction of the main plane at the opening of the hook when the hook is linked to the hook support. A rope pressing system presses the rope the hook towards the hook bottom when the hook is linked to the hook support, creating a clamping force between the legs and the rope.

Abstract: Provided are stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and methods for exercising using a stand up paddleboard (SUP). The described SUPs optionally expand the fitness experience of a paddleboard to other fitness activities, including Yoga, Pilates, strength training, Boot Camp, and personal training tailored to the unique needs of the participant.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring winch is provided. The mooring winch includes a winding drum, an AC motor configured to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit connected to the AC motor, and a control unit configured to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is configured to set a reference value of rotational speed of the AC motor to a predetermined value, drive the AC motor in one direction for a predetermined time interval, define a first value of a torque of the AC motor, drive the AC motor in an opposite direction for the predetermined interval, define a second value of the torque of the AC motor, and compute a torque estimate using the first and second values of the torque.

Abstract: A pylon for a tow rope for water skiing and the like includes a bushing rotatably mounted on the upper end of the pylon for reducing friction between the tow rope and the pylon. The bushing includes a cylindrical central portion and radially enlarged upper and lower ends for maintaining the tow rope on the central portion. A rod on the upper end of the pylon extends through an opening in the bushing, and a cap is threadedly attached to the rod for retaining the bushing on the rod.

Abstract: Two pairs of water skis are provided. A ski tow line has one end which is removably connectable to a main tow line and two connecting lines at the other end which are removably connectable to one pair of water skis. A sleeve is slideably located around the two connecting lines for movement toward or away from said one pair of water skis for adjustment of the allowable distance between the two skis of said one pair of skis. A training ski handle is provided with a tow line connected to the training ski handle and being removably connectable to the main tow line. An elongated ski handle is provided for use by the instructor and student. A tow line is connected to the elongated handle and is removably connectable to the main tow line.

Abstract: A method of adding propulsive force to an ice breaker in the process of breaking ice in a frozen sea by utilizing the strong tractive force of a winch, in which a pile is first inserted in the ice, and then, a cable connected with the pile is wound up by the winch according to the advance of the ship, whereby to save fuel, and shorten the ice breaking time.

Abstract: An elastic tension member comprises a jacket surrounding a core, the latter comprising a non-stretchable line in working relation with at least one elastic member. The line may comprise a cord, the terminal portions of the elastic member being fastened to the cord at spaced mounting joints. Tension forces applied to the elastic member are transferred to the non-stretchable line as soon as a predetermined maximum tension load value has been reached. This characteristic contributes to rendering the elastic tension member suited for towing purposes, or as a start-cord for surf boards, or as a tieing device for tieing up goods.

Abstract: A marine loading/unloading system for barges, etc. including a floating transfer vessel of catamaran configuration into and through which strings and tiers of barges and large single barges, empty and loaded with liquid or solid bulk product, are moved and positioned for loading and unloading. The barges are moved and controlled externally by means of moorings on endless cables running to anchor barges situated at appropriate locations upstream and downstream of the transfer vessel; and controlled internally by wheel systems positioned on the internal vertical hulls which alternatively (FIGS. 7A vs. 7B) control the movement of the barges during vertical and horizontal, lateral or longitudinal movements. The bulk product, solid or liquid, is loaded and unloaded through hopper and tank systems in the horizontal, upper bridging hull or structure, from and into vessels or ships, and from and into pipelines and other vessels through processing equipment located in the transfer vessel.

Abstract: A watersled towed behind a moving boat is steerable from side to side by a rider pulling on or releasing the handle on a single control rope which is attached to a tow rope. The handle is held at various positions by two cleats connected to a raised section of the top deck of the sled between the rider's legs to facilitate proper operation of the sled. The tow rope is attached to the rear of the sled by being passed through an opening in the hull and knotted. The tow rope is held in proximity to the bottom of the sled by passing the rope through a plastic slide configured to travel within a groove extending the width of the sled. The groove is shaped in an arc having a center at the tow rope attachment point and has end closures to prevent the slide from leaving the groove. The control rope is held forward of the tow rope attachment point by a knot in the tow rope.

Abstract: A large floating mass (10) such as an off-shore structure or an iceberg is towed using two sea anchors (20 & 30) alternately. The motive power for towing is derived from winch means (15 & 16) on the large floating mass or on a barge immediately in front of it. The cable by which the towing force is transmitted runs from one of the sea anchors to the other so that it is payed out to one while the other is being winched towards the mass. The sea anchors are arranged to offer little resistance to forward movement through the water, but to offer a large resistance to backward movement, thereby offering a purchase from which towing is effected. The advantage of using two sea anchors is that with an alternating succession of towing operations it is possible to keep a substantially continuous tractive effort acting on the mass.

Abstract: A traction arrangement for use by a sail surfer or water skier who is pulled along by holding onto a bar-shaped member connected to pulling apparatus, has two pulling elements which are arranged to be worn by a user and each having a leading end, and two connecting elements for detachably connecting the pulling elements to the bar-shaped member. Each of the connecting elements is provided at the leading end of a respective one of the pulling elements and is flexible so as to be deformable about the bar-shaped member by a pressure of the user's hands to thereby engage the bar-shaped member in frictional connection with the latter. In the event of a fall or when the user wishes to disengage the bar-shaped member, cessation of pressure by the user's hands suffices to terminate the frictional connection. The connecting elements may be formed by inner portions of gloves which are connected to the pulling elements.