Abstract: A switch for a bilge pump of a boat includes a pair of probes for providing a probe signal indicating the presence of fluid at the probes, a current sensor for providing a sensor signal indicating electric current of the pump; and a controller programmed to energize the pump when a threshold level of the probe signal indicates the presence of fluid and to de-energize the pump when a threshold level of the sensor signal indicates that the pump is not pumping fluid. The controller can also be programmed to dynamically change the threshold level of the probe signal based on a prior probe signal that indicates changing probe conditions.

Abstract: A depth guide system gives an operator of a watercraft carrier an alert that the carrier is at a proper water depth to launch or stow the watercraft. The system includes an activator device or sensor having a housing vertically adjustable along a length of a vertical member. The device activates and deactivates the alert based on water level within the housing. When water is absent from the housing, the device activates a first LED at the top of the vertical member. When water located within the housing is sufficient to electrically connect two contacts, the device deactivates the first LED and activates a second LED of a different color at the top of the vertical member and can also activate an audible alert. A proximity sensor can be included which warns of any obstructions around the perimeter of the watercraft carrier via a secondary audible alarm.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a bilge pump system having first and second bilge pumps each connected to a single hull outlet includes a valve body having a first inlet port for connection to the first bilge pump, a second inlet port for connection to the second bilge pump, and an outlet port for connection to the hull outlet. A first one-way valve operates at the first inlet port for allowing flow into the first inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the first inlet port from the second inlet port and/or the outlet port. A second one-way valve operates at the second inlet port for allowing flow into the second inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the second inlet port from the first inlet port and/or the outlet port. The valve assembly enables the second bilge pump to be connected to the single hull outlet and eliminates the need to cut an additional outlet opening in the hull.

Abstract: An illuminated spacer for supporting and illuminating an article holder such as a fishing rod holder or a cup holder includes a base having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, a peripheral outer surface connecting the upper and lower surfaces, and an inner surface connecting the upper and lower surfaces and forming a central opening extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The base also has a circumferentially extending groove encircling the central opening and located between the inner and outer surfaces. A waterproof and flexible light strip having a plurality of space-apart LED lights is located within the groove and extends substantially around the entire central opening. At least a portion of the base is light transmissive so that light produced by the LED lights is transmitted through the outer peripheral surface so that the article holder can be easily seen at night.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a bilge pump system having first and second bilge pumps each connected to a single hull outlet includes a valve body having a first inlet port for connection to the first bilge pump, a second inlet port for connection to the second bilge pump, and an outlet port for connection to the hull outlet. A first one-way valve operates at the first inlet port for allowing flow into the first inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the first inlet port from the second inlet port and/or the outlet port. A second one-way valve operates at the second inlet port for allowing flow into the second inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the second inlet port from the first inlet port and/or the outlet port. The valve assembly enables the second bilge pump to be connected to the single hull outlet and eliminates the need to cut an additional outlet opening in the hull.

Abstract: A depth guide system gives an operator of a watercraft carrier an alert that the carrier is at a proper water depth to launch or stow the watercraft. The system includes an activator device or sensor having a housing vertically adjustable along a length of a vertical member. The device activates and deactivates the alert based on water level within the housing. When water is absent from the housing, the device activates a first LED at the top of the vertical member. When water located within the housing is sufficient to electrically connect two contacts, the device deactivates the first LED and activates a second LED of a different color at the top of the vertical member and can also activate an audible alert. A proximity sensor can be included which warns of any obstructions around the perimeter of the watercraft carrier via a secondary audible alarm.

Abstract: A switch for a bilge pump of a boat includes a pair of probes for providing a probe signal indicating the presence of fluid at the probes, a current sensor for providing a sensor signal indicating electric current of the pump; and a controller programmed to energize the pump when a threshold level of the probe signal indicates the presence of fluid and to de-energize the pump when a threshold level of the sensor signal indicates that the pump is not pumping fluid. The controller can also be programmed to dynamically change the threshold level of the probe signal based on a prior probe signal that indicates changing probe conditions.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly with a fuel cap sub-assembly that includes active (that is, automatic) pressure equalization hardware and a passive (that is, manually operated) vent. The fuel cap assembly further includes radially oriented ratchet teeth. The fuel cap assembly further includes single piece fuel cap tether that is anchored in the interior space of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A jack assembly including a jack body sub-assembly and a swivel plate. The jack assembly preferably includes the following indicators: (i) at least one jack extension indicator for indication the extension position of the jack; and/or (ii) a disengagement indicator for indicating disengagement of rotational constraints as between the jack body sub-assembly and the load to which the jack is secured (for example, the swivel plate on the tongue of a trailer). In a preferred embodiment, the fixed-engagement indicator takes the form of a marking on a pin that: (i) engages with a swivel plate to rotationally constrain the jack body with respect to the swivel plate; and (ii) disengages with the swivel plate to allow relative rotation of the jack body relative to the swivel plate.

Abstract: A boat-stowable telescopic stern light has a telescopic rod (1) with a length lock (3) having a non-marring rod grasper (21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33) to prevent scratching or other surface damage to the telescopic rod. Length of the telescopic rod is adjustable between long enough for legal requirements of boats with lengths up to approximately thirty-nine feet and short enough to be out of the way when retracted on the boat or conveniently short for small-space storage when removed. A receptacle (6) for the telescopic rod is closable to be non-obstructive whether containing or not containing the stem light.