Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices adapted to enhance propulsion (i.e., propulsion enhancing devices) of watercraft such as, for example, personal watercraft and the like. To this end, a propulsion enhancing device in accordance with the disclosures made herein may be attached to or integral with (e.g., formed unitarily with a housing thereof) a propulsion unit of a watercraft. The propulsion unit generates a stream of water that provides for propulsion of the watercraft. A propulsion enhancing device in accordance with the disclosures made herein includes internal structures that enhance velocity and/or volumetric attributes of a stream of water generated by the propulsion unit by transforming non rotational flow at the inlet of the propulsion enhancing device to rotational flow at the outlet of the propulsion enhancing device.

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

Abstract: A marine vessel maneuvering system includes a propulsion device, a steering device, a forward/reverse drive switch, a steering wheel, a forward drive operator, a reverse drive operator, and a controller. The forward drive operator and the reverse drive operator are respectively located on one and the other sides of a pivot axis of the steering wheel, and are pivotable together with the steering wheel. The controller performs a forward drive propulsion control and a reverse drive propulsion control to set the propulsive force direction and control a magnitude of the propulsive force according to the operation of the forward drive operator and the reverse drive operator. The controller enables the forward drive propulsion control in a forward drive operation valid range. The controller enables the reverse drive propulsion control in a reverse drive operation valid range.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing coverings and related support structures are provided. In various embodiments, methods and systems of the disclosure are suitable for and well adapted for use with small watercraft such as rafts. Methods and systems of the present disclosure provide a means for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of shadings and coverings as well as convenient storage.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a deck, a hull supporting the deck, and a barrier structure. The barrier structure includes: a frame connected to at least one of the deck and the hull and at least partially surrounding a portion of the deck; and a pliable sheet wall connected to the frame. The frame includes an upper portion including a rail for grabbing by a user's hand; and a lower portion connected to the at least one of the deck and the hull. The lower portion and the upper portion are connected to one another. The pliable sheet wall is stretched across at least a portion of the frame so as to extend between the upper and lower portions of the frame. A barrier structure is also contemplated.

Abstract: Boat hunting blind for use on hunting boat for water-based waterfowl hunting including blind side panel and blind top panel. Blind side panel includes front panel, end panel mounted to front panel and rear panel mounted to end panel. Front panel and rear panel include legs having blind collapsing mechanism having spring mounted to corner bracket connecting the front panel, end panel and rear panel for allowing legs to collapse and stand in collapsed position and upright position. Blind top panel includes front top panel and rear top panel pivotally mounted to center brackets mounted to end panel. Boat hunting blind includes skirt suspended from blind side panel enveloping the blind side panel for camouflaging hunter, and blind top mounted over blind top panel for concealing hunter from above. Front top panel or rear top panel including blind top is thrown back providing open top for hunter to shoot waterfowl.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to permit the accurate reproduction of a wake behind a wakeboat. The onboard wake control system receives data from a draft measuring system. Incorporation of the data from the draft measuring system permits accurate reproduction of a wake behind the wakeboat after a change in an onboard variable such as the number, weight or position of passengers, the weight or position of cargo and the position of trim tabs or amount/location of ballast.

Abstract: A boat wind and spray protection device which includes at least one panel joined to a coupler-hinge-actuator that is capable of being fixed in relation to a boat. For center console boats, a set of two panels, located on either side of the console of the boat, are designed to open from a position generally parallel and adjacent to the console sides, to an angle and distance sufficient to provide improved passenger protection from wind and spray. The panels may be powered electronically by control buttons that operate electronic actuators, that in turn power the movement of the panels between generally closed to generally open positions, as well as intermediate positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for underwater exploration using a submerged device towed by a surface vessel, the submerged device being connected to the vessel by a towing line and including equipment supplied by the electricity, characterized in that the submerged device includes at least one device for the local production of electrical energy, the device being an electric hydrogenerator and in that the towing line has no electrical supply cable connecting the vessel to the submerged device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a monocoque body for an unmanned underwater vehicle (“UUV”) comprising a nose portion, a tail portion, a body interior surface, a body exterior surface. The monocoque body can be a one-piece structural shell made of fiber reinforced polymer. The UUV may further include transverse structural members.

Abstract: A method of controlling attitude of a marine vessel includes identifying a natural roll frequency of the marine vessel, measuring a roll motion of the marine vessel with an attitude sensor, and then determining that the roll motion exceeds the threshold roll where no corresponding steering input is present. The method further includes determining a counteracting drive movement for at least one propulsion device based on the measured roll motion and the natural roll frequency of the marine vessel. A steering actuator is then controlled to move the at least one propulsion device to effectuate the counteracting drive movement so as to counteract an environmentally-induced roll motion of the marine vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable watercraft barrier in one example having an inflatable perimeter tube. Also disclosed is a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and the water in which the watercraft barrier and watercraft float. In one example, a portion of the perimeter tube forms a gate portion which is at least partially selectively deflated so as to be denser than water, and therefore rotates about a gate pivot such that the watercraft may enter the watercraft barrier through the gate portion. Also disclosed is a water pump in fluid communication with the watercraft barrier so as to evacuate water from between the watercraft barrier and the watercraft.

Abstract: A combination radar arch and bimini top includes a radar arch securable on a boat deck over a boat cabin and a bimini top assembly secured to the radar arch. The bimini top assembly includes at least one bimini top base secured on the radar arch, a bimini arm pivotally connected to the bimini top base, and a spring-loaded roller assembly secured to the radar arch and including a canopy connected between the radar arch and the bimini arm. The bimini top base has a drive mechanism coupled with the bimini arm that is configured to displace the bimini arm between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A marine muffler capable of handling both marine engine exhaust gas and marine engine cooling water includes a double wall baffle partitioning the muffler interior so as to function as a cooling water conduit. The cooling water conduit includes an inlet disposed external to the main muffler housing and an outlet configured and disposed so as to discharge the engine cooling water into the exhaust duct connected to the muffler outlet. The muffler is thus able to convey the engine cooling water through the muffler housing within a dedicated conduit while maintaining the cooling water separate from the exhaust gas. A muffler that is adapted to handle both the exhaust and cooling water flowing from a marine engine allows for the elimination of engine cooling water piping.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drive arrangement for propelling a boat, for example a kayak, having an electric drive motor with a shaft, a receiving device for receiving the shaft and a holder for holding the receiving device on the boat. In some embodiments, the receiving device is pivotable for pivoting the electric drive motor between an operating position and a tilt position relative to the holder. A switchable fixing device is provided for fixing the receiving device in the operating position. The fixing device has an overload protection for disconnecting the fixing in the operating position when a predetermined pivot force in the direction of the tilt position is exceeded.

Abstract: An underwater robot based on a variable-size auxiliary drive and a control method thereof includes a variable-size auxiliary drive module and a main control system. The variable-size auxiliary drive module includes a first variable-size silo, at least two first variable-size units and at least two first gasbags. The first variable-size silo has a first accommodating space with at least two first accommodating subspaces. Each of the first variable-size units includes a first micro push rod motor, a first push rod, a first push plate and a first gas guide tube. The first micro push rod motor, the first push rod and the first push plate are accommodated in the corresponding first accommodating subspace. The first push rod is fixed to the first push plate. one of the first gas guide tubes correspondingly communicates with one of the first accommodating subspaces and one of the first gasbags.

Abstract: A windshield cover and method for protecting a windshield of a towed vehicle, such as a boat, can be removably secured over the windshield when being pulled on a trailer. The cover matches the size and shape of the windshield and is flexible to conform to a curvature of the windshield. The cover has a soft, cushion layer and a waterproof and oil-resistant and non-absorbent material. The cover can have bifurcated panels with a partition corresponding to a passthrough of a boat windshield.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vessel includes: a hull 100 provided with a propellant 140; a deck 200 spaced apart from the hull 100; and a support 300 between the hull 100 and the deck 200, the support 300 configured to support 300 the deck 200 with respect to the hull 100, wherein the hull 100 is disposed below a water surface during operation, and the deck 200 is supported by the support 300 to be disposed above the water surface during operation.

Abstract: A trimaran which includes a self-righting structure positioned near the stern that substantially raises the center of buoyancy. The trimarans two peripheral hulls are shorter than the main hull and positioned near the one end to create an unstable inverted environment wherein when inverted the vessel rests primarily on the self-righting structure and an end of the main hull, substantially raising the center of gravity and creating an unstable configuration. This causes a pitch or roll about the vessel's longitudinal axis, which continues until the vessel has returned to its more stable upright position resting on three hulls.

Abstract: A Dust Mitigation System (“DMS”) is disclosed that includes a fabric-material having a front-surface and a back-surface; a plurality of conductive-fibers within the fabric-material; and a plurality of input-nodes approximately adjacent to the back-surface or the front-surface of the fabric-material. The plurality of conductive-fibers are approximately parallel in a first direction along the fabric-material and are approximately adjacent to the front-surface of the fabric-material and the plurality of input-nodes are in signal communication with the plurality of conductive-fibers and configured to receive an alternating-current (“AC”) voltage-signal from an input-signal-source.