Abstract: A propulsion unit for a water-borne vessel has a drive transmission assembly comprising a drive shaft and a steering shaft which can be concentric with the drive shaft, a leg depending from the drive transmission assembly, for instance by way of a horizontal axis pivot connection so that the leg can be swung up, and a propeller housing supported on the lower end of the leg for rotary movement about the axis of the leg, for steering the vessel.

Abstract: A sailing harness adapted to be worn by a sailor and fastened to the sail assembly of a sailboard, for supporting the sailor during sailing and reducing fatigue. The harness includes a buttock-engaging member adapted to surround the sailor's buttocks, a coupling member connected to the buttock-engaging member at the front of the sailor, and adapted to be fastened to the sail assembly, and an elastic retaining member attached to the coupling member and adapted to be fastened to the upper torso of the sailor. The elastic retaining member keeps the coupling member close to the sailor's torso when no load is applied to the coupling member, and stretches to permit the coupling member to move away from the sailor's torso when load is applied during sailing. Substantially all of the load transmitted through the coupling member is therefore transferred to the sailor's hips.

Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore platform comprises an operating deck carried by four cylindrical columns supported by a pontoon structure comprising four-sided boxes formed into a square ring. Each pontoon box is subdivided into two compartments by a longitudinal centerline bulkhead, the compartments being further subdivided into tanks by transverse bulkheads. Tanks outside the centerline bulkheads are used for ballast water, and tanks inside the centerline bulkheads are used to store the oil produced.

Abstract: A position sensing unit for the outboard drive of a marine engine for providing an indication of the trim angle of the drive. The position sensing unit comprises a sensing device that is carried by the outboard drive outboard of the transom and an angle reading device that is positioned inboard of the transom. A connecting device transmits a position signal from the sensing device to the angle reading device so that the angle reading device may be positioned remotely from the outboard drive.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mooring a water-borne boat to a dock. The apparatus includes a pair of spring wires extending from the dock and over the water to brackets supporting a horizontal roller to be engaged by a boat-mounted latch.