Abstract: A movable centerboard for water craft capable of multiple settings having an upper position within the hull, a lower position at full depth below the hull and multiple settings therebetween such that the system is adapted to receive and operate the centerboard from above. The centerboard and centerboard well are adapted to operate in concert whereby, multiple board positions may be utilized. Introduced from above, the centerboard slides down to an upper position within the hull, from here it can either pivot up completely into the well or it can continue to slide diagonally to its maximum depth whereupon it can pivot to the vertical lower position. The selected positions of the centerboard are held in place by a control pressure wedging device from above, whereupon being struck from below will release allowing the board to pivot and transverse up into the well.

Abstract: A device to discourage theft of stern drives of power boat inboard-outboard propulsion units comprises a locking collar installed about the drive shaft at a location between the engine and the transom of the boat to prevent withdrawal of the drive shaft through the transom passage.

Abstract: A water ski handle system designed to partially absorb and evenly distribute forces generated on the handle component and tow line while skiing. The handle system includes a handle component with two L-shaped corner struts attached to its opposite, opened ends. Each corner strut includes a rigid bushing member which mechanically connects to an end on the handle component, and a perpendicularly aligned long leg member which projects in a forward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main tow line. A continuous, L-shaped inner passageway is formed inside each corner strut through which the end of the tow line passes to connect to the handle component. The corner radius of the inner passageway is relatively large so that point loading on the tow line is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor including an engine block assembly comprising an engine block, a crankshaft rotatably supported by the engine block and including an upper part above the engine block, a flywheel fixed on the upper part of the crankshaft, a recoil starter above the flywheel, a crankshaft timing gear fixed on the upper part of the crankshaft, a camshaft rotatably supported by the engine block and including an upper part above the engine block, a camshaft timing gear fixed to the upper part of the camshaft and located above the engine block, a timing belt extending between and around the crankshaft timing gear and the camshaft timing gear, and a one-piece cover mounted on the engine block and enclosing the flywheel, the recoil starter, the camshaft timing gear, and the timing belt, and a cowling enclosing the engine block assembly.

Abstract: A water ski adjustable fin block and fin are disclosed. The fin block employs a slidable wedge for clamping the fin in place within the fin block during use and allowing the fin to be unclamped just enough to allow adjustment of the fin. A screw arrangement is used to move the wedge. The adjusters allow the leading edge and trailing edge of the fin to be adjusted as to vertical relationship with the water ski. A third adjuster allows the fin to be move longitudinally toward the front or back of the ski. The adjusters provide captive treatment of the fin preventing the fin from excessive movement, or even falling out, while adjustment is performed. The present invention allows a water skier to easily adjust the fin using an allen key or the like.

Abstract: A hybrid high performance water vessel consists of two hulls: an upper hull with a pair of main fluid-lifting-plane means (called mainfoils thereafter), for providing hydrodynamic lifting force at high speed; and a torpedo shaped streamlined sub-hull disposed beneath the water line, for providing the majority of flotation. Along the water line is a knife-like slender hull called mainstrut that pierces through water surface to minimize the crucial wave-making resistance. The mainfoils are located close to one end section of the vessel, and the sub-hull is placed at the other end section of the vessel, so that the center of hydrodynamic lifting force of the mainfoils and the center of buoyancy of the water vessel is offset substantially along the longitudinal axis of the vessel system. It enables the water vessel of present invention to have a "Hull Inclination" capability that improves the performances of said water vessels.

Abstract: An extension case in which an oil pan is accommodated includes on its left and right side surfaces mount receiving recesses for receiving a pair of lower mounts, respectively, and further an oil drain recess on the right side surface to which a drain bolt is exposed for draining oil from the oil pan. The oil drain recess is formed upwardly of the right mount receiving recess with a partition wall interposed therebetween and these recesses are opened at the right side surface of the extension case. When the extension case is produced by casting with two die parts which are divided into left and right sides, the arrangement makes it possible to form both the recesses simultaneously with use of one of the die parts.

Abstract: An adjustable sissy bar device for a watercraft such as a jet ski, is provided. A mounting member is coupled to the jet ski about the stern and below the seat of the jet ski. A bar mount is coupled to the yoke. A bar is provided located extending along the stern of the jet ski upwards behind the seat. The bar moves between an upper position, where it forms a backrest behind the jet ski, and a lower position, where it allows a rider to more easily reboard the watercraft from the stern. Removable lock pins extend through the mounting member and the bar to secure the bar in a selected vertical position. Plural vertically arranged apertures in the bar permit the bar to be secured in a plurality of vertical positions.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bracket which clamps across both gunwales of a canoe and presents a standardized pad at each side of the hull to align precisely and mount rigidly a variety of accessories. These accessories include multi-hull catamaran coupling bars, portaging wheels, and any other equipment requiring a temporary but strong and secure means of attachment. The very large forces and moment loadings generated by such accessory equipment are borne directly by the bracket's strong tubular beam and then transmitted safely to the hull by distributing them through both gunwales as simple direct tension and compression forces. The standardized mounting pads provide a common basis for future development of many accessory devices that can enhance both the utility and enjoyment of canoes, while enabling such equipment to be shared and used interchangeably by any canoe equipped with a bracket according to the invention.

Abstract: A personal water craft having a flexible strap with cross members attached thereto which is adapted to be selectively removed from a storage area to provide the means for an operator to egress from an aquatic environment onto a seat member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a one piece drive shaft housing comprising a casting including an outer surface having an upper end surface, a lower end surface, and an endless side surface extending between the upper and lower end surfaces, an internal cavity extending between the upper and lower end surfaces and adapted to receive a drive shaft and a clutch operated linkage, an internal exhaust gas passage extending between the upper and lower end surfaces and located in spaced relation to the cavity, an internal coolant supply passage extending between the upper and lower end surfaces, an internal idle exhaust passage including a series of expansion chambers and extending between the upper end surface and the endless side surface, and an internal coolant drainage passage extending between the upper and lower end surfaces in heat exchanging relation to the exhaust gas passage.

Abstract: Apparatus to stop the slapping of halyards against a mast includes a ring or other halyard encircling member lightly engagable with the halyard. A cleat or other line securing member is affixed to a shroud located outboard of the mast and halyards. A pulley or other line entraining means is affixed to the halyard above the line securing member. A line is tied to the ring entrained outward through the pulley and downward to the cleat where it is tied. Light tension in the line is sufficient to prevent halyard slap as a result of interruption of the resonance of the halyard.

Abstract: A flipper energy source for generating electricity includes a flipper or having an opening for engaging a foot and a body portion extending therefrom. The body portion includes fluid displacing surfaces which are adapted to be moved through the fluid for creating a propelling force via the movement. Such movement causes stress to be created on the surfaces of the body portion. The device further includes a piezoelectric element for converting the stress into electric power. The electric power thus generated is conditioned for use in powering electrical device(s), such as, for example, lighting, communications devices, battery rechargers, photography equipment and sonar transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a dock to permit a person to take a dock in or out of the water including a pair of cylindrical flotation members, the cylindrical flotation members having sufficient buoyancy to support a water end of a dock with a person thereon, each of the cylindrical flotation members having extensions for positioning the flotation members laterally on opposite sides of a dock, the flotation members pivotable from a non-dock supporting position to a dock-supporting position, each of the cylindrical floatation members having sufficient diameter to enable the cylindrical flotation members to roll over land like a wheel.

Abstract: A hydrofoil for attachment to an outdrive or outboard motor supports a trolling plate projecting rearwardly from the hydrofoil when in a raised position. The trolling plate includes a pair of arms having a lockable member therebetween slidably engageable with a latch pivotally mounted on the hydrofoil. Downward trolling plate deployment may occur upon elevation of the latch by an operator control which permits the lockable member to travel lengthwise of an elongate opening in the latch and into one of multiple catches in communication with the elongate opening. A first pair of torsion springs urge the trolling plate to a deployed position. A second set of torsion springs urge the latch toward a position securing the lockable member against movement. Multiple trolling plate positions allow maneuvering of a boat with a deployed trolling plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a watercraft in spaced apart relation to a mooring facility, including but not limited to docks. The apparatus controls horizontal movement of the watercraft, but allows free vertical movement with the rise and fall of the water supporting the watercraft. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal beam that is attached to the dock in a generally vertical orientation and a channel member that is slidably carried by the beam. A first arm and a second arm are longitudinally joined by a flexible connector and the free end of the first arm is attached to the channel member. The apparatus further comprises a guide comprising a fender and a longitudinal element that extends therefrom. The free end of the longitudinal element is attached to the free end of the second arm and a clamp is adjustably attached to the element. The clamp has structure thereon for attaching the clamp to a water craft.

Abstract: A spar is provided comprising an inner layer of fiber, an outer layer of fiber, a hollow between the inner and outer layers of fiber with the inner fiber layer forming a surface of the hollow such that it is integral in one piece with the spar. The spar preferably includes a cut through the outer fiber layer into the hollow to form a groove for attaching a sail. The invention also provides a method of making spars including the steps of forming a first layer, pressing the layer inwardly along a line to form a groove, applying a second layer over the first, and combining the layers together except along the line. The method preferably also includes the step of cutting through the second layer along the line into the groove.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit is disclosed which has an exteriorly accessible clean-out capability. The unit has an impeller housing located outside of the transom of a marine craft in which the unit is installed, which impeller housing has a separable portion that permits access to the main passage including the impeller when separated. The design also permits insertion of a hose connected fitting for backflushing the cooling system of the power head of the unit.

Abstract: An improved water sports board having a low density high strength elongated core surrounded by a contoured exterior layer formed of soft resilient non-permeable material. The elongated core, substantially rectangular in plan shape and cross-section, tapering forward and aft, and constructed of low density light weight material covered by a high-strength composite skin, renders the board light and strong, and promotes controlled flexion, resilience, durability and maneuverability. The soft, resilient exterior layer forms the board's outer shape, promoting performance and rendering the board safe and comfortable to ride. Alternative embodiments in which the core contains of one or more cavities filled with gas, the pressure of which gas can be selectively varied before or during use, are also described.

Abstract: An outboard marine drive having a midsection between the upper power head and the lower gear case and having a removable midsection cowl assembly including first and second cowl sections. The midsection housing includes an oil sump in one embodiment and further includes an exhaust passage partially encircled by cooling water and partially encircled by engine oil for muffling engine exhaust noise. The midsection housing also has an oil drain arrangement providing complete and clean oil draining while the outboard drive is mounted on a boat and in the water wherein the operator can change oil without leaving the confines of the boat and entering the water.