Abstract: A buoyancy device (10) comprises an inflatable shell (12) of resiliently deformable moulded plastics material. The shell (12) has a tubular wall (14) having zones (20) in which the wall (14) is indented so that it is capable of easy deformation in the axial direction relative to cylindrical portions (22) of the wall (14) adjacent each side of the zones (20). At each indentation, the wall (14) comprises two substantially cresent-shaped portions which project inwardly from the cylindrical portions (22). The shell (12) has integrally moulded lugs (18) for assisting mounting of the device (10) on the curved side of a boat. The cresent-shaped portions of the wall (14) and the lugs (18) are located on opposite sides of the shell (12).

Abstract: A jam cleat for holding a rope under tension is disclosed. The cleat comprises two converging surfaces between which a roller is located. The rope is inserted between the roller and first of the converging surfaces. When the rope comes under tension friction between the rope and the roller causes the roller to roll along the second converging surface and thereby grip the rope with a wedging action. Devices are disclosed for forcing the roller to release the rope. One such, device is a lever which is optionally pivotably mounted on the cleat. In one example the cleat comprises a base and a body embodying the converging surfaces and the roller and slidably mounted on the base. The body can be moved along the base by the rope as it comes under tension and the base is provided with an abutment which is brought to bear on the roller during this movement and forces the roller to release the rope.