Abstract: A tiller-based watercraft steering system is responsive to tiller release to lock a watercraft's steered element in the last commanded position upon tiller release. The system is locked by closing a valve assembly to prevent flow to opposed chamber of a hydraulic lock coupled to the steered element. The tiller preferably comprises an actuator portion which is movable relative to the remainder of the tiller. The actuator portion may, for example, be a grip on an articulating outer end portion of a tiller arm. The valve assembly may be connected to the hydraulic lock to form a combined module. It may be actuated by a mechanical link such as one or more cables leading from the actuator portion of the tiller to the valve assembly. The system may be used as either a manual or a power-assisted steering system.

Abstract: In an outboard motor control system, equipped with two outboard motors and actuators for steering, changing shift position and regulating engine speed, two navigation units responsive to operations of the operator for producing outputs indicative of actuator operation commands, two ECUs that control the operation of the actuators based on the outputs from the navigation units, an output forwarding ECU which forwards the outputs of one of the navigation units to the ECUs, and two switchover buttons for changing the outputs to be forwarded. Therefore, only the set of outputs for the one navigation unit selected by the operator is sent to the ECUs. In other words, in the case where multiple navigation units are provided, use of the navigation units is limited to a desired one thereof, so that the outboard motors can be stably controlled even when the control inputs to the individual navigation units are different.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mooring line of a floating vessel comprises a trunnion block which is pivotally supported on the vessel and a stopper block to which the mooring line is releasably secured. One of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a convex surface and the other of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a concave surface. In operation, the convex surface engages the concave surface to thereby pivotally support the stopper block on the trunnion block.

Abstract: A system for improving the performance of a powered boat that includes both methods and apparatuses that provide a powered boat ways to stabilize, control, and optimize the powered boat's performance when the powered boat is in powered motion. The system provides capabilities of enhancing the powered boat's performance by responding to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects upon the powered boat when the powered boat is in motion. Some embodiments of the system are capable of altering its way of responding to aerodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion, other embodiments are capable of altering the powered boat's response to hydrodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion, and still other embodiments are capable of altering the powered boat's response to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion.

Abstract: In an outboard motor mounted on a stern of a boat, comprising a power source and a driven unit including a drive shaft connected to the power source and a propeller connected to the drive shaft through a gear mechanism, wherein the power source is detachably connected to the driven unit through an interlock unit, i.e., the outboard motor can be separated into a power unit housing the power source and the driven unit. Owing to this configuration, it becomes possible to provide the outboard motor that is improved in transportability or portability, can be easily mounted on a boat, and minimizes the amount of space required for storage.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle (1, FIG. 1) has retractable road wheels (2, 2?, FIG. 1). This may allow planing. During marine travel, at least one wheel may droop below the water line. This increases drag, particularly when cornering. Suspension height sensor 22 may be arranged to detect a threshold beyond which the wheel should not be allowed to droop over water, unless mode change is in progress. When this threshold is passed, pump 18 co-operates with controller 15 to pump fluid into lower chamber 7? of actuator 5 to retract the wheel. Switchable valves 9, 19, 21, and 23 are provided to allow adjustment of fluid chamber volumes. Gas filled accumulators 11 may be provided where a hydraulic suspension is used. Numeral 42 represents an adjustable trim tab. FIG. 4 shows an alternative fluid system layout, with valves 19, 19?, and 110 to allow fluid to be returned to tank 18?.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (1), in the form of an inflatable boat (2) has a self propelled and steerable retractable undercarriage system, enabling the vehicle to enter and exit the water under its own power. The swing of the wheels and their supporting struts (3) & (4) occurs external to the hull of the vehicle. A steerable nose leg (3) is raised or lowered by an actuator situated inside the boat. Stowage is accomplished within the lines of an inflatable craft by the incorporation of fibreglass fairings (5) & (6) sized to match the main inflated tubes (7). Power is provided to the back wheels (4) via an internal drive train within the legs (4). All terrain balloon type tires are used to enable the boat to travel over a variety shoreline terrain. A steering system engages with the front wheel when the wheel is in its extended position. Motive power is provided by a separate aircooled motor.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle wheel suspension includes upper and lower linkages, a road suspension device and a retraction device for moving the wheel between a protracted position for road use, and a retracted position for marine use. Suspension device can be operatively disconnected from the wheel and/or the linkages to allow for retraction and protraction. Retraction device may also be disconnected for road use. The disconnection mechanisms may comprise a ball and track mechanism, interlocking splines, interlocking teeth, or a pneumatic clutch. Also provided is a combination of splines for a suspension lever arm, and a pneumatic clutch for retraction arm. Suspension device may be connected to upper linkage. Coil, torsion bar, or hydropneumatic springs may be used.

Abstract: An easy to use, inexpensive jack plate stop device for insertion into the guide slot of a jack plate to immobilize an outboard motor in raised position is disclosed. An outboard motor is fully raised using the jack plate by way of a hydraulic cylinder; the jack plate stop device is then inserted into the open portion of the guide slot so as to rest on the guide bolt at the bottom of the guide slot. The motor component of the jack plate is lowered slightly in order to fully engage the stop device in the guide slot, thus preventing the motor from dropping further if hydraulic pressure is released. The device may include a handle for ease of insertion and removal from the guide slot. The device may be made of any rigid material having a load-bearing capacity adequate to support the weight of an outboard motor.

Abstract: An outboard motor having an air suction device comprising a main part having an engine, a top cover mounted on a top portion of the main part, the top cover being composed of a main cover having an air space surrounding an outer surface of the engine and of an auxiliary cover which is provided on the main cover so as to cover the main cover and to form an air suction room therein, an opening provided on the main cover so as to communicate between the air space in the main cover and the air suction room in the auxiliary cover, an air suction port provided on the auxiliary cover so as to communicate the air suction room in the auxiliary cover to atmosphere, and a water proof sheet mounted in the auxiliary cover in order to cover the opening.

Abstract: A boat hull having sealed rigid chambers and a perimeter inflatable portion positioned and attached laterally outward thereof. The perimeter inflatable portions provide redundant buoyancy and allow loads acting upon the hull to be shifted laterally without compromising stability of the boat.

Abstract: A tilt helm for use with a boat having a dashboard and a steering system includes a first housing adapted to be mounted in a fixed position with respect to the dashboard and a second housing having a plurality of teeth. The second housing is selectively pivotable with respect to the first housing. A tilt lock is used to hold the second housing in a selected position.

Abstract: A floating vessel 11 for producing hydrocarbons comprises one or more containers 12 having a chamber 13 formed therein, a structural frame 15 for interconnecting the one or more containers 12, a power system 16 for producing, storing, and distributing power, and a hydrocarbon processor 27.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a trolling motor comprising an inventive flexible gripping isolator sleeve positionable around the trolling motor column and a retainer which receives and retains the gripping isolator sleeve in a manner effective for holding the trolling motor column in an operating position. The gripping isolator sleeve is formed and configured in a manner effective for flexing sufficiently to allow the trolling motor to deflect in any direction when impacted and for then automatically returning the trolling motor to its operating position.

Abstract: A bowsprit or davit assembly is for raising and lowering, and for firmly securing, an anchor. The assembly includes an elongate frame member, of a substantial U-shape in cross-section, adapted to be mounted on a surface (deck of a vessel). The, frame member includes respective front and rear U-shaped sections (2) and (1). The front section (2) includes respective first and second rotatable members (10) and (15) for receiving and guiding a rope or cable, the rotatable members (15) being displaced from one another in both the vertical and horizontal directions. An elongate member (20) extends between opposed wall members of the front section (2), at or in the vicinity of the uppermost free edges thereof. Opposed flaps (7) extend laterally normal of the outermost free end of opposed wall members of the front section (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for compactly stacking a sail having a tack, clew and head, the sail being mounted to batten or sail cars above a boom when the sail is stowed, furled or fully lowered. More specifically, most of the cars are compacted or stacked by diverting cars onto several lower tracks, such that the height of the stacked cars is approximately halved. Cars adjacent the boom and tack of the sail may be slidably mounted on at least two of the lower tracks, and carrying the sail between the at least two of the lower tracks. If more than two lower storage tracks are used, the height reduction of the stacked cars can be greater.

Abstract: A vertical translation mechanism for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable vessel having independently movably side hulls and a center hull is disclosed. The vertical translation mechanism includes a hydraulic-force actuator and a nonmetallic bearing. The hydraulic force actuator comprises a rod that is disposed within a hydraulic cylinder. Responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the rod is extended or retracted therefrom. Movement of the rod controls the vertical translation of the center hull and its rotational attitude relative to the side hulls.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus and systems for raising and lowering watercraft such as personal watercraft, jet skis, inflatables from transoms on boats, from bulkheads and from docks, and for raising and lowering other types of vessels. A single actuator such as a fluid operated cylinder and single piston can raise and lower a cradle that supports the personal watercraft. An crank bracket can be fixably attached to a crank shaft, and an arm which supports the cradle can be fixably attached to the crank shaft. The arm can be extendable to different lengths. The cradle can include a self-leveling carriage that uses rollers to roll on a curved surface of the cradle allowing the supported watercraft to remain in a substantially level position thereon. An adjustable swivel mount can also be used to lock the cradle to the arm in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: An actuator of a marine propulsion transmission is attached to a movable clutch member through the use of a coupler which comprises a generally spherical member formed as a portion of the actuator and a chuck device formed as part of the clutch member. The generally spherical member, or alternatively shaped component, is received by the chuck device and retained therein. The components are configured to allow relative rotation between the actuator and the clutch member while causing them to move axially in synchrony with each other.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing one or a pair of article holders to a land or sea craft to facilitate the carrying of articles on the craft; the mounting bracket comprising a non-circular body with opposing flat surfaces and threaded holes extending centrally through the body; a V-notch at one end of the body extending into one flat face and holes through the body at opposite sides of the V-notch and a threaded bore in the end of the body remote from the V-notch; the threaded bores being adapted to reserve a shank of an article holder; and a channel member to fit co-operably over the non-circular body and to hold a pair of spaced apart article holders, while being secured to the body member by a bolt threaded into the body member.