Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: A sonar imaging system for a watercraft is disclosed. The sonar imaging system comprises a transducer coupled to the watercraft and having at least one side scanning element and at least one bottom scanning element, an electronic control head unit coupled to the transducer and configured to display sonar images. The downward acoustic elements may be circular and the side scan acoustic elements may be rectangular. A software filter may be provided to remove noise generated by a spark plug or other operation of a motor for the watercraft.

Abstract: A seating system for use in a watercraft is disclosed. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for the user, and a back rest coupled to the seat pan. The seating system further comprises a first adjustment mechanism configured to provide for and aft adjustment of the seating position, a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft, and a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.

Abstract: A quick release connector is provided for underwater diving equipment such as a weighting system for buoyancy control. The quick release connector includes a first connector portion which may be mounted to the apparel unit and a second connector portion which may be mounted to one or more weights. The second connector portion interfaces with the first connector portion includes a pivotable lock that can be actuated against a spring to decouple the two connector portions and allow for manual release of the weights.

Abstract: A that receives impact energy from its environment during use is disclosed. The watercraft comprising a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, and an apparatus that provides structural support to the hull and the deck. The apparatus comprises a member disposed along an interior surface of the hull and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the hull, and a first support coupled to the member and the deck. The apparatus is configured to return at least a portion of the energy to the environment. An apparatus to provide structural support for a watercraft having a hull and a deck and configured to receive impact energy from its environment during use is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a member coupled to the hull and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the hull, a front support coupled to the deck and the member, and a rear support coupled to the deck and the member.

Abstract: A swim fin and a method providing thrust from a kick by a swimmer are disclosed. The swim fin includes a swim fin for use by a swimmer comprising a foot pocket adapted to receive a foot of the swimmer; a blade extending from the foot pocket; a biasing system configured to allow the blade to bend within a narrow range of angles of attack under a wide range of loads. The method comprises providing a swim fin comprising a foot pocket, a blade, and one or more non-linear ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the blade. The method also comprises bending the blade relative to the foot pocket about an axis and controlling the bending of the blade by providing varying resistance by the non-linear ribs.

Abstract: A swim fin and a method providing thrust from a kick by a swimmer are disclosed. The swim fin includes a swim fin for use by a swimmer comprising a foot pocket adapted to receive a foot of the swimmer; a blade extending from the foot pocket; a biasing system configured to allow the blade to bend within a narrow range of angles of attack under a wide range of loads. The method comprises providing a swim fin comprising a foot pocket, a blade, and one or more non-linear ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the blade. The method also comprises bending the blade relative to the foot pocket about an axis and controlling the bending of the blade by providing varying resistance by the non-linear ribs.

Abstract: A trolling motor system includes a lower propulsion unit and a transducer assembly. The lower propulsion unit has an external cavity extending into the lower propulsion unit. The transducer assembly includes a sonar transducer and a mount coupled to the sonar transducer. The mount releasably secures the sonar transducer within the cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, the mount includes at least one fastener releasably coupling the mount to the lower propulsion unit. In one exemplary embodiment, the mount releasably secures the sonar transducer within the lower propulsion unit proximate a rear end of the lower propulsion unit.

Abstract: A snorkel including a mouthpiece, a tube and a sealing member is disclosed. The tube extends from the mouthpiece and includes a first end proximate the mouthpiece, a second end and at least one internal passageway having a port proximate the second end. The sealing member is slidably coupled to the tube proximate the second end and is sealed about the tube. The sealing member moves between a closed position in which the member occludes the port and an open position in which the port is open. The sealing member has an interior in communication with the at least one internal passageway when the sealing member is in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing member is sealed to the tube via a flexible membrane. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible membrane preferably includes a bellows.

Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system includes at least one cargo carrier for use with a vehicle having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and roof rack. The carrier includes a base adapted to be coupled to the roof rack and a cargo holder coupled to the base. In one exemplary embodiment, the base is pivotably coupled to the roof rack about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In one exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is coupled to the base by a first link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In another exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is also coupled to the base by a second link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system includes an apparel unit worn by a user and including a front panel, a pocket along the front panel having an interior, a weight pouch configured to hold at least one weight and removably received within the interior of the pocket, a first connector portion coupled to the weight pouch and a second connector portion released the couple to the first connector portion. The first and second connector portions form a mechanical lock actuatable between a connected state in which the lock connects a weight pouch to the apparel unit and a disconnected state in which a weight pouch may be removed from the weight pocket by a single manipulation step of the hand of the diver. In one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes an elastic band coupled between the apparel unit and the second connector.

Abstract: A foot brace system for use with a watercraft includes an elongated track, configured to be coupled to the watercraft, and a carriage. The track has the first one of a detent and a detent engaging surface. The carriage has a brace, which is slidably coupled to the track, and a retaining member that is carried by and pivotably coupled to the brace. The brace has a foot rest surface, and the retaining member has the second one of the detent and the detent engaging surface. The second one of the detent and the detent engaging surface pivots between a first position, in which the detent and the detent engaging surface are in engagement locking the carriage to the track, and a second position, in which the detent and the detent engaging surface are out of engagement allowing the carriage to be moved relative to the track.

Abstract: A snorkel including a mouthpiece, a tube and a sealing member is disclosed. The tube extends from the mouthpiece and includes a first end proximate the mouthpiece, a second end and at least one internal passageway having a port proximate the second end. The sealing member is slidably coupled to the tube proximate the second end and is sealed about the tube. The sealing member moves between a closed position in which the member occludes the port and an open position in which the port is open. The sealing member has an interior in communication with the at least one internal passageway when the sealing member is in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing member is sealed to the tube via a flexible membrane. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible membrane preferably includes a bellows.

Abstract: A trolling motor for a boat includes a motor tube, a steering control, a propulsion unit, a support assembly, and a coupling mechanism. The propulsion unit is coupled to a lower end of the motor tube. The support assembly is coupled to the motor tube and is configured to connect the trolling motor to the boat. The coupling mechanism is coupled to the support, the motor tube and the steering control and is configured to provide a non-uniform steering ratio between the steering control and the motor tube in response to angular displacement of the steering control.

Abstract: A tent with a retractable fly and a method for selectively adjusting the fly from inside the tent is disclosed. The tent includes a shell, a frame configured to support the shell, and a sheet adjustably coupled to the tent. The sheet may adjust between a substantially extended position and a substantially retracted position by a person inside of the tent. The method includes providing a cord having a first end attached to the fly and a second end disposed inside the tent, and actuating the position of the fly by adjusting the length of cord disposed inside the tent.

Abstract: A seating system for use in a watercraft is disclosed. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for the user, and a back rest coupled to the seat pan. The seating system further comprises a first adjustment mechanism configured to provide for and aft adjustment of the seating position, a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft, and a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.