Abstract: A cover for watercraft, such as pontoon boats, facilitates easy deployment and removal, as well as compact storage. The cover may be collapsed and deployed in a predetermined manner. The cover may include collapsible poles integrated with the cover fabric, which can be extended and retracted as the cover is deployed and collapsed. An arrangement of zippers and tensioners may be used to facilitate deployment securement and removal of the cover, as well as to facilitate access to at least a portion of the covered portion of watercraft while the cover is deployed.

Abstract: A shock wave gauge (20) is made from a piece of pure-quartz glass rod (22), or other suitable transparent mineral material. A segment (38) of the rod is uniformly heated above its melting point. The heated segment is then drawn away from a non-heated body segment, forming an optical fiber thread (26). The thread is thinned to a desired size while the rod material is still above its melting point. Upon cooling, the fiber optic thread is cut to a desired length. The body segment (24) of the rod and fiber optic thread (26) drawn therefrom comprise the gauge. The gauge is preferably assembled inside of a housing (34) to protect the thread, with at least one end (24') of the body segment protruding out from the housing. In use, a shock wave impacts the exposed end of the body segment. The pressure of the shock wave causes the temperature of the rod material to rise by an amount proportional to the pressure.