Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies (22) each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links (14) of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member (34) pivoted for movement between a closed setting (FIG. 4) and an open setting (FIG. 5) and is of a load over center design. A single control mechanism (23) is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables (24,25). A primary release mechanism (26,67,68,61) is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism (28,75,72,57) is arranged to move the hook members (34) to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire, comprising a base shaped to float in open water, the base having an airtight pontoon portion at its periphery; and a floor defining an opening therethrough to accommodate a fire bowl to house the campfire; wherein the base assembly is constructed to counteract the weight of the campfire in use such that the base assembly floats in open water. The base assembly is preferably square in shape. The floor is preferably made of aluminum checker plate and TIG welded in a stitch pattern to the centre.

Abstract: A workboat comprises a floatable body having a bow and a stern, a mast having at least two rails mounted at the bow, a carriage that is movable longitudinally along the rails of the mast, and at least two forks extending outwardly from the carriage for lifting items in the water.

Abstract: An anchor includes a base member (10), having a leading end or toe (26), associated therewith, the base member (10) being formed from opposed, interconnected substantially triangular shaped flukes (20, 30), and a shank member (100) extending upwardly therefrom and attached thereto. The lateral and rear free edge of each fluke (20, 30) have extensions (22, 32 and 23, 33) associated therewith and depending angularly therefrom. All free edges of the anchor are other than blunt. The base member (10) includes one or more apertures, slots or discontinuing extending therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cutting (1) a small first orifice (1-1) in a wall (6) at the bottom of the sea and of opening/closing said first orifice, the method comprising anchoring a base (2) that includes a large second orifice (2-1) and a cutter device comprising: a said base, a deformable stopper (3) connected to said base and enabling said large second orifice to be opened or closed depending on the position of the stopper on the base, circular cutter means (4) secured to said base, and anchor means (5) secured to said base and suitable for anchoring said base reversibly on said wall (6). The present invention also provides a method of recovering a viscous fluid that is lighter than water, such as a polluting effluent, and that is contained in a tank of a sunken and/or damaged vessel resting on the sea bottom.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine, an exhaust passage, an idle exhaust passage, a contraction portion and an expansion chamber, a bypass passage, and a check valve. The bypass passage includes an upstream end connected to the idle exhaust passage at a downstream side relative to the contraction portion and the expansion chamber, and a downstream end connected to the idle exhaust passage at an upstream side relative to the contraction portion and the expansion chamber. The check valve is provided in the bypass passage. The check valve is arranged such that air flows only from the upstream end side to the downstream end side.

Abstract: A steering shaft is rotatably supported on a body by a housing, and a slide portion having a handlebar attachment portion at the top is attached to the steering shaft. The rotational movement of a handlebar around the central axis of the steering shaft is regulated by a rotation regulating mechanism, while the axial translation of the handlebar is allowed. The steering shaft is provided with a plurality of grooves. A lock mechanism provided in the slide portion inserts a locking bar into any one of the grooves to regulate the axial translation of the slide portion. Owing to the shape of a link portion and a cam groove constituting the lock mechanism, the locking bar is not pulled, out of the groove by operations other than a release operation using a release lever.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a support rod of a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. Also disclosed is a method of coupling a primary propulsion unit to an auxiliary propulsion unit with a cable.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a boat, which prevents fuel piping from becoming complicated, includes a vapor separator unit connected to a fuel tank that is mounted on a hull and holds fuel supplied to an engine section, a low-pressure pump arranged to discharge the fuel reserved in the fuel tank into the vapor separator unit, and a mounting hole for a valve, a fuel passage section, and a pipe section (relief path) that return the fuel discharged by the low-pressure pump to the suction opening section side of the low-pressure pump when a tank section is filled with a predetermined amount of fuel. The mounting hole for the valve, the fuel passage section, and the pipe section (relief path) are integral with the vapor separator unit.

Abstract: An outboard motor cooling water distribution system directs water from the water jacket of an engine through a container in which a conduit has a first inlet opening that is configured to cause a water stream to entrain debris from a region near a drain opening of the container and prevent the debris from building up in the vicinity of the drain opening. Debris which is heavier than the water is drawn upwardly through the first inlet opening of the conduit and conducted away from the container. Debris which is lighter than water is entrained in a second water flow and conducted through a second inlet opening of the conduit so that it can be drawn into the conduit and conducted away from the container. The creation of the first water flow maintains the area around the drain opening in a clean condition as a result of the velocity and direction of the water flow caused by the position and size of the first inlet opening of the conduit.

Abstract: A movable seat and backrest are coupled by a pivoted link system, allowing the seat to pivot from a raised stowed position to a lowered use position. A connecting link is coupled to one of the pivoted seat links, such that, as the seat is lowered, the connecting link raises the backrest. When the seat is raised to a stowed position, the connecting link lowers the backrest to a lowered position. When mounted in a vessel, the backrest forms part of the bolster system when the seat is stowed.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a boat includes a pair of anchor fixtures, each having a base and a tube carried by and extending across the base. A first of the anchor fixtures is mountable proximate the peripheral edge of the vessel with the tube oriented to extend in a generally horizontal direction. The other, second anchor fixture is mounted exteriorly to the transom of other surface of the hull such that the longitudinal axis of the tube extends generally vertically. The first anchor fixture accommodates an adjustable pole holder that has a stem for selectively engaging with the first anchor fixture to provide anchoring, transporting and stowed conditions. A sleeve is interconnected angularly to the stem for holding a first pole, which may be operated by adjusting the pole holder to engage the bottom of the body of water. A second pole is received by the tube of the second anchor fixture to likewise engage the bottom of the body of water such that the boat is anchored thereto.

Abstract: Specialized cable-concealing fittings and couplings suitable and a fitting system for use in forming cable runs comprising tubular framing and rails wherein the fittings, framing and rails can serve a as a conduit for cable. In particular, the cable concealing fittings are utilized in association with a cable from an electrical device such as a solar panel that is connected to an electrical system of a watercraft, such as sailboat or powerboat. The fittings and system utilizing the fittings serves both protective and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A detachable swim fin includes a foot pocket and a fin blade. The fin blade is movably connected to the foot pocket through a locking buckle mechanism. With the detachable design of the fin blade and the foot pocket, the present invention provides an amphibious function. When they are detached, the foot pocket is capable of protecting the foot when walking on land, like a beach shoe or a fishing shoe. When they are assembled, the present invention is used as a swim fin. When going out, the user could take apart the swim fin for carrying conveniently and flexibly. This provides a compact and light design.

Abstract: An improved tiller restraining device is provided for attachment to the underside of a boat's tiller to selectively control the position of the tiller and rudder. The device features a specialized mechanical clutch that grips or releases a control rope, which runs through the clutch and is secured across the cockpit. The device is operated with one hand by moving an integrated clutch lever upward to release the rope and allow free tiller movement, or downward to engage the rope and restrict tiller movement. Inside the device, a spring acts on the lever to pinch and bind the rope against the openings where the rope passes through the clutch housing. The spring and lever are aligned so they toggle, enabling the clutch to remain either engaged or disengaged with no additional controls.