Abstract: A small watercraft launch comprises a watercraft receiving area defined by a bottom member and side walls. At least one of the side walls defines a port to enable access to the watercraft receiving area (and to a watercraft positioned in the therein). A plurality of aligned notches extending downwardly from the top surface of the side walls on opposite sides of the port which are sized to receive an oar/paddle shaft to allow a boater to pull the small watercraft forward along the small watercraft launch. Lastly, the small watercraft launch has a connecting portion at a bottom of the outer surface of at least one of the launch side walls configured to connect the small watercraft launch to a dock member.

Abstract: A small watercraft launch comprises a watercraft receiving area defined by a bottom and side walls which in combination define a cradle. Opposed launch side walls extend upwardly from the cradle side walls. At least one of the side walls defines a port to enable access to the cradle (and to a watercraft positioned in the cradle). A plurality of aligned notches extending downwardly from the top surface of the side walls on opposite sides of the port which are sized to receive an oar/paddle shaft to allow a boater to pull the small watercraft forward along the small watercraft launch. Lastly, the small watercraft launch has a connecting portion at a bottom of the outer surface of at least one of the launch side walls configured to connect the small watercraft launch to a dock member.

Abstract: A boat entry assistance system for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with guide rails on either side of a boat positioning unit, such as a boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel his watercraft into the unit. The system includes a specially designed bench system which assists disabled persons with entering and exiting such small watercraft.

Abstract: A drive-on watercraft (10) has removable/replaceable bunks (50, 80). The bunks are configured to define two rails (64,66; 94a,b). In one embodiment, one rail (64) is higher than the other rail (66). This bunk with rails of different heights can be positioned on the body of the lift with either rail facing inwardly, such that the lift can be configured to receive watercraft of different sizes. In a second embodiment, the bunk (80) has a ramp (84) positioned to extend rearwardly from the back of the lift body when the bunk is mounted to the lift body. The bunk ramp (84) provides a sacrificial point of first contact for of a watercraft with the lift and provides for a softer ride for the watercraft onto the lift.

Abstract: A connector for a assembling members of a floating dock system comprises at least one post and a brace extending from the post. The post is shaped generally complimentarily to the shape of the socket, and comprises a generally convex midsection connected between a pair of generally falcate end portions. The post and brace define a flat, generally horizontal top surface to the connector. The dock system also includes a supplemental floatation system having a hollow floatation member body defining a chamber. The body includes a water port positioned to place the body interior in communication with water. An air port positioned vertically above the water port is placed in communication with a pump. A valve can be positioned between the chamber and the pump to selectively place the chamber in communication with the pump or to place the chamber in communication with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft. The boatlift can be provided with a bench system which enables disabled persons to more easily enter and exit from small watercraft supported by the boatlift.

Abstract: A dock connector for the connection of dock members with receiving sockets includes a pair of end members configured to be received in respective receiving sockets of the dock member. Each end member has a pliable expansion member at a bottom thereof adapted for movement between a contracted/relaxed position and an expanded position. The end members are connected by a brace. A wedge is operatively mounted to the end member for axial translational motion relative to the end member. The wedge operates as an actuator to move the expansion member from its relaxed position to its expanded position.

Abstract: A drive-on watercraft (10) has removable/replaceable bunks (50, 80). The bunks are configured to define two rails (64,66; 94a,b). In one embodiment, one rail (64) is higher than the other rail (66). This bunk with rails of different heights can be positioned on the body of the lift with either rail facing inwardly, such that the lift can be configured to receive watercraft of different sizes. In a second embodiment, the bunk (80) has a ramp (84) positioned to extend rearwardly from the back of the lift body when the bunk is mounted to the lift body. The bunk ramp (84) provides a sacrificial point of first contact for of a watercraft with the lift and provides for a softer ride for the watercraft onto the lift.

Abstract: A connector for a assembling members of a floating dock system comprises at least one post and a brace extending from the post. The post is shaped generally complimentarily to the shape of the socket, and comprises a generally convex midsection connected between a pair of generally falcate end portions. The post and brace define a flat, generally horizontal top surface to the connector. The dock system also includes a supplemental floatation system having a hollow floatation member body defining a chamber. The body includes a water port positioned to place the body interior in communication with water. An air port positioned vertically above the water port is placed in communication with a pump. A valve can be positioned between the chamber and the pump to selectively place the chamber in communication with the pump or to place the chamber in communication with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft.

Abstract: A floating watercraft port system is provided which allows for a designer to develop a port assembly of a desired configuration. The system comprises an entry member, an extension member and a bulkhead. The entry member comprises a cradle having an entrance section; and the extension member has a cradle which extends the full length of the extension member and is open at opposite ends of the extension member. Bulkheads are positioned on the entry and/or extension members at desired positions to delineate the forward ends of watercraft receiving cradles.

Abstract: A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft. The boatlift can be provided with a bench system which enables disabled persons to more easily enter and exit from small watercraft supported by the boatlift.

Abstract: A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft.

Abstract: A roller for a floating watercraft port or lift is generally circular in radial cross-section and defines a diameter which decreasing from an axial center of the rollers to opposite ends of the rollers; such that the rollers are variable diameter rollers. In a variation, the rollers include circumferential grooves through which watercraft chines can glide. The rollers are received in roller sockets in the watercraft port or lift. The rollers rotate about an axle in the socket, and the sockets includes axle receiving channels which receive the roller axles. The roller axles and roller socket axle channels are sized and shaped such that the roller axles can be snap fitted into the axle channel to allow for removal of the roller from the socket.

Abstract: A floating watercraft port system is provided which allows for a designer to develop a port assembly of a desired configuration. The system comprises an entry member, an extension member and a bulkhead. The entry member comprises a cradle having an entrance section; and the extension member has a cradle which extends the full length of the extension member and is open at opposite ends of the extension member. Bulkheads are positioned on the entry and/or extension members at desired positions to delineate the forward ends of watercraft receiving cradles.

Abstract: A method of assembling a dock is provided. The method includes positioning a first dock module adjacent a second dock module wherein each dock module includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of sidewalls extending therebetween. Each top surface includes at least one channel extending between opposed sidewalls, each bottom surface includes at least one pocket therein, and each sidewall includes at least one coupling slot extending from the top surface. A first coupling slot of the first dock module is substantially aligned with a first coupling slot of the second dock module. The method also includes inserting a first coupler into the first coupling slot of the first dock module and into the first coupling slot of the second dock module such that the dock modules are secured to one another.

Abstract: A floating drive-on watercraft dock comprises a one-piece molded body defining a watercraft receiving area. The watercraft receiving area includes roller assemblies on the bottom of the watercraft receiving area and glide assemblies on the sides of the watercraft receiving area. The roller and glide assemblies can be easily removed and replaced for servicing of the watercraft dock. An extension unit is provided which can be connected to the watercraft dock body. The extension unit includes an extension body and a tongue extending from the extension body. The tongue is sized and shaped to have a bottom surface complementary to the entrance to the watercraft receiving area of the watercraft dock body. The extension unit also includes a watercraft receiving area, which, when the extension unit is connected to the watercraft dock, increases the length of the watercraft receiving area.