Abstract: A multihull sailing vessel comprising a plurality of floats having ganged pivotal positioning means incorporated within transverse interconnecting members so that the floats may be rotated around longitudinal axes for righting the vessel whenever it is capsized.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for controlling the relative course of travel between a barge and a push boat wherein the stern of the barge and the bow of the push boat are directly connected together by a connecting mechanism which permits relative freedom of movement of the boat and barge and the rudder angle of the push boat is controlled by the relative drift angle between the barge and boat occurring at the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: The sailing indicator assembly is constructed to space the tail from the sail and to maximize the force effect of a light wind to keep a wet tail from sticking to the sail. More particularly, the inner end of the tail is mounted to a spacer member, the inner end of which is connected to a base. The base is in the form of a wedge having an upwardly slanted surface in a downwind direction, driving the wind outwardly and angularly against the inner portion of the tail. The base is preferably at least as wide as the tail. The spacer member is constructed to collapse if anything engages it, such as when the sail is folded or rolled for storage. More particularly, the spacer member is elongated to provide the spacing function and is flexible to permit collapse thereof.

Abstract: A catamaran type vessel has two parallel hulls and a metal tubular framework linking the hulls. Rigid members extend longitudinally within the hulls and have extensions projecting from the upper surfaces of the hulls for coupling with the framework. This reduces hull stresses and allows lighter hulls. Expanded plastics foam may be used to hold the rigid members in the hulls. The hulls may be inclined inwardly to give an asymmetrical catamaran type configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus to control the depth in the water of a marine cable, such as a streamer of seismic geophones or hydrophones towed behind an exploration boat during seismic surveys of submerged formations, and maintain the cable at a desired depth. The apparatus includes structure to prevent damage from obstacles in the water and other imparing of performance. The apparatus includes other structure to improve performance characteristics in operation.

Abstract: Device for controlling the submersion depth of an element moving through a body of water comprising a pivotable wing having an upper and a lower wall articulated to each other at one end and interconnected at the other end through a deformable incurved wall, the wing housing spacing elements, between the upper and the lower wall, which are compressed or expanded in response to the hydrostatic pressure variation, resulting from a depth variation of the element, thereby producing a space variation between the two walls, and a system for converting said space variation to a rotation of the wing with respect to the submerged element, in a direction at which the movement of the element tends to an opposite variation of the hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A watercraft having at least a pair of steerable propellers thereon spaced longitudinally along the center of the watercraft from a center of lateral resistance on the watercraft. The steerable propellers are also spaced equidistant from the longitudinal center line and on opposite sides thereof. The propellers are rotatably supported in underwater housings supported for angular movement through 360.degree.. A control device is provided for varying the direction of applied thrust to the watercraft by systematically varying the axes of rotation of the propellers relative to each other, assuming the thrust force for each steerable propeller is of the same magnitude. The magnitude of thrust can be, if desired, varied to provide additional control variations for the watercraft.

Abstract: Boat bailing apparatus for removing water from the interior of a boat comprising: a tubular housing adapted for attachment to the transom of the boat providing a passage through which fluid may pass from the interior of the boat to the exterior thereof; an annular seat near one end of the housing; and a ball closure carried within the housing for movement between a position engaging the seat, preventing fluid flow through the passage, and positions not engaging the seat, permitting fluid flow. A cage assembly may be provided within the housing to confine the ball closure for limited axial movement in the housing passage.

Abstract: In the trailerable sailboat disclosed herein, the provision of water ballasting enables the use of a V-bottomed displacement hull shape with substantial deadrise yielding a low-wetted surface are in relation to effective displacement. The water ballasting is provided by sealed structural elements which form, with the hull shell, a ballast tank space which is essentially entirely below the design waterline of the hull shape so as to permit self-filling of the tank space with seawater.

Abstract: Method of generating rotary or turbine power within a deepsea environment, for drilling a hole in the seabed and dropping of a mooring pile in the hole so drilled. Rotary turbine power is developed by admitting water through a submerged turbine and into an evacuated sphere. The turbine drives an auger which engages and drills a hole in the seabed. An inorganic polymer may be supported in the evacuated sphere, so as to be reactant with admitted seawater for bleeding off of pure water and hydrogen gas at a surface location.

Abstract: A tensioner device which operates in conjunction with an oil production riser incorporates a gimbal device having two relatively movable elements. One of said elements is connectible to the riser and to one of the relatively movable members of at least one pair of tensioner cylinder and piston units and the other member is connectible to a platform supporting the tensioner device. Guiding members carried by the other element of the gimbal device are operative to guide the gimbal device in a direction axially of the riser.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a boat, for a rider, which is formed of lightweight material, and permits the rider to stand on the boat much like on a surf board and by rolling the boat about its longitudinal axis causing provided fins to flex and form propulsion apparatus for the boat.

Abstract: A tensioning device for an inflatable structure which includes a deck area to provide a floor for the inflatable structure, an outer inflatable member providing the main flotation for the deck, the outer inflatable member extending around the outer periphery of the deck, and an inner inflatable member which is integrally connected to the deck to provide additional buoyancy to the central area of the deck but primarily to increase the tensioning of the deck of the inflatable structure since a portion of the material of the deck comprises a portion of the walls of the inflatable chamber of the inner inflatable member and as such inflation of the toroidal inner inflatable member causes the lower wall section thereof which itself is a portion of the deck itself to assume a downwardly facing convex arcuate configuration which increases the tension on the deck between the inner and outer inflatable members, the device may alternatively include valves for controlling the buoyancy and tensioning as well as a canopy a

Abstract: This terminal comprises an upright buoyant structure connected to the water bottom through a flexible supply pipe. A flexible delivery pipe connected to the supply pipe is supported by a buoy on the water surface, this delivery pipe passing on return pulleys carried by the structure. At least one of these pulleys is moveable along the structure and associated with pull back apparatus for urging the delivery pipe towards a storage position on the buoyant structure.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for a crane vessel of the twin hull semi-submersible type having a working platform supported above sea level by columns on submersible hulls. Water ballast compartments above sea level on the corner columns are discharged selectively in order to stabilize the vessel during handling of heavy outboard loads by cranes. The water is discharged through controlled valves of special construction. This control is regulated in dependence of measured values of the moment of force applied on the vessel by the crane load, and effects the operation with the help of a computer.Lower water ballast compartments in the columns have an additional "passive" function and the water can be discharged therefrom by pressurized air or by pumping it into the upper ballast compartments.

Abstract: A bumper support member for motor vehicles which consists of glass-fiber-reinforced synthetic resinous material, is profiled approximately U-shaped and is additionally strengthened by giving the support member a wall thickness that is essentially matched over its length to a bending moment curve calculated from the critical load cases and by providing the support member with fastening elements that are formed-on and/or formed-in for mounting and support thereon of parts such as shock absorbers and towing eyes or hooks.

Abstract: A towable, swimmer-controlled, aquatic plane device includes an elongated wing element having sections symmetrical about a transverse center line and a fin element also having sections symmetrical about a transverse center line, the fin element being removably attached at its transverse center line to the wing element at its transverse center line with the fin element sections extending vertically above and below the wing element. Openings are provided in each fin element section adjacent its leading edge and adjacent the wing element for attaching a tow rope. Openings are provided in each fin element adjacent its trailing edge which form hand grip portions by which a swimmer can steer the device in any one or more of four directions, i.e., down for diving, up to plane on the surface of the water, or banking for turning left or right.

Abstract: A roller assembly adapted for securement to a cable on a sailboat, adjacent a spreader bar, to eliminate chafing or wear of a sail. A pair of identical halves comprise a free spinning roller mounted upon an axle which clamps on the cable and locates the assembly thereon. The axle is also comprised of a pair of mating halves. Mating fastener elements are provided to interlock the roller halves together about the rotary bearing surface of the axle when the clamping axle is secured to the cable.

Abstract: Provided is a trimming and stabilizing arrangement for motor-driven vessels of the type in which the engine of the vessel is placed in the stern thereof and comprises either an outboard engine or an inboard engine with an outboard drive, wherein the propeller driven by the engine is located beneath a holding device in the form of a fin, serving as a stabilizer, and wherein the steering of the vessel is effected by pivoting the propeller about a vertical axis. A plate is arranged to coact with the fin and extends over the propeller and beyond the propeller sternwardly of the vessel. The plate has a downwardly facing planar surface, the edges of which in the direction of movement of the vessel are curved downwardly. The holding device and plate comprise at least two parts, one of which co-acts with and embraces the motor leg of the engine immediately above the propeller, and the other part comprises a planar plate co-acting with the holding device via attachment apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mooring cinch useful in locking a mooring pennant onto a mooring cleat. The mooring cinch is constructed of a strong flexible plastic shaped material which is adapted to accept two strands of rope consisting of opposing sides of the eye of a mooring pennant in a central cavity. Upon tightening of a centrally disposed nut and bolt, the mooring cinch can be secured to the cleat in any easy and non-slipping manner.