Abstract: A retractable trolling motor system for a boat includes a cavity within a hull of the boat that has a bow end and a stern end. A trolling motor assembly is included and has a trolling motor and propeller and is configured to fit within the cavity when not in use and to extend outwardly from the cavity when in use. A cowling is attached to a bottom portion of the trolling motor assembly and the cowling is shaped to seal the cavity when the trolling motor assembly is in a retracted position. The cowling has at least one water-diverting protrusion on an edge that is positioned closest to the stern end. The retractable trolling motor system includes a mechanism for extending and retracting the trolling motor assembly to and from the cavity.

Abstract: The retractable bow thruster and trolling motor is a system designed for permanent installation into a boat hull. When not in use, the thruster retracts fully into the boat hull, with a plate or cowling sealing against a recess within the boat hull. This seal prevents water intrusion and avoids physical damage to the bow thruster from waterborne debris or shallow water conditions. When needed, the thruster extends outward from the bottom of the boat hull and is rotatable to provide thrust in any direction. In combination with an optional electronic control systems, the bow thruster will increase the maneuverability of the boat for docking or undocking, as well as maintaining position in the water.

Abstract: The retractable bow thruster and trolling motor is a system designed for permanent installation into a boat hull. When not in use, the thruster retracts fully into the boat hull, with a plate or cowling sealing against a recess within the boat hull. This seal prevents water intrusion and avoids physical damage to the bow thruster from waterborne debris or shallow water conditions. When needed, the thruster extends outward from the bottom of the boat hull and is rotatable to provide thrust in any direction. In combination with an optional electronic control systems, the bow thruster will increase the maneuverability of the boat for docking or undocking, as well as maintaining position in the water.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides isolated replication defective non-integrating segmented viruses comprising a genome where at least one of the viral segments comprises a heterologous nucleotide sequence comprising a nucleotide segment that encodes an effector protein. Also provided are methods of using these viruses.