Abstract: Disclosed adjustable seat systems that provide a self-contained height-adjustable seat system for sit-on-top kayaking that allows the seat to be adjusted into various height and angle positions, while maintaining independent adjustment to the fore/aft position of the seat in the kayak. Some of the adjustable seat systems include a seat upper that includes a seat bottom and a seat back; a seat base adapted to slidably engage a flat surface in the watercraft; and at least two pivot mechanisms coupling the seat upper to the seat base, wherein the at least two pivot mechanisms allow the seat upper to be raised and lowered relative to the seat base. Some of the adjustable seat systems further include a front seat axis, a rear seat axis, a front base axis, and a rear base axis, a front pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the front seat axis and the front base axis, and a rear pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the rear seat axis and the rear base axis.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fastening articles to an internal, or free form, surface of a rotomolded base. Inserts of various shapes and sizes may be incorporated/molded into a rotomolded base to provide a conventional primary attachment site on the exterior surface of the base. A portion of an insert that is molded into the base may project from the interior surface of the base. The projecting portion of the insert and the overlying rotomolded material may form a coupling element on the interior surface of the base, which may be used to attach an article to the interior surface.

Abstract: A paddle for use in watersports is provided with shaft halves and blades at the end of each shaft half with a selectable offset angle between the blades. A joint connecting the shaft halves may include an interlocking coupling that maintains the offset angle of the blades, and that may allow a change in the offset angle of the blades. A biasing member may hold the interlocking coupling in the use configuration. The shaft halves may be moved axially apart to change the offset angle of the blades. All mechanisms for switching the interlocking coupling between the use configuration and the selection configuration may be located within the shaft halves. A retaining clip may be coupled between the first and second shaft halves to allow the selection configuration while preventing disassembly of the first and second shaft halves. A disassembly control can be provided independently of the angle selection.

Abstract: A paddle for use in watersports is provided with shaft halves and blades at the end of each shaft half with a selectable offset angle between the blades. A joint connecting the shaft halves may include an interlocking coupling and a biasing member. The interlocking coupling maintains, in a use configuration, the offset angle of the blades, and allows, in a selection configuration, a change in the offset angle of the blades. The biasing member typically holds the interlocking coupling in the use configuration, and the shaft halves may be moved axially apart for the selection configuration. All mechanisms for switching the interlocking coupling between the use configuration and the selection configuration are normally located within the shaft halves. A retaining clip may be coupled between the first and second shaft halves to allow the selection configuration while preventing disassembly of the first and second shaft halves.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include convertible seats for watercraft, and more particularly to seat systems configured to provide both standard and elevated (also known as casting or sighting) seat options for recreational watercraft, such as kayaks and the like. In various embodiments, a recreational watercraft such as a kayak may include both a standard seat in the cockpit, and an elevated seat comprising a molded-in seat platform formed in the hull and/or deck of the watercraft. In various embodiments, the standard seat may be configured to be stowed at least partially under the elevated seat when the standard seat is not in use.

Abstract: Molds and methods for rotational molding are disclosed. The molds for rotationally molding may include an interior surface, an exterior surface, an opening, and a post. The interior surface may define a molding cavity. The interior surface may include a first portion and a second portion disposed opposite the first portion. The opening may extend from the first portion of the interior surface to the exterior surface. The post may extend from the second portion of the interior surface, through the molding cavity, through the opening, and to a distal region.

Abstract: An improved thermoplastic kayak or canoe including a thermoplastic hull having an opening and a coaming integral with the hull and bordering the opening and including an outer and inner walls, the inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall, and at least one support bridge extending between the inner wall to the outer wall of the coaming.

Abstract: A seat for a watercraft provides a separately adjustable thigh support and back support. The seat includes a pelvis support and a separately positionable thigh support pivotally mounted on the pelvis support. An adjustable back support includes a post pivotally mounted to the pelvis support and a backrest that moves vertically on the post. Means are provided for adjusting and setting the thigh support and back support at desired positions for optimal support and comfort. Preferably, a person can adjust the seat while fully seated in the seat.

Abstract: An improved paddle craft provides a boater with exterior controls to adjust items within the craft. The craft has a shell made of a substantially continuous surface to prevent the ingress of water and an adjustable item in the paddle craft affecting a boater's ergonomics, a cockpit and cockpit opening and at least one control opening within a boater's reach when the boater is sitting in the cockpit. A control for the adjustable item is mounted to the control opening, wherein the control has a manipulable handle at the control opening through a water resistant mount.