Abstract: A convenient power assist system for operating conventional boat lifts is disclosed which have manual wheel-operated mechanical winch lift systems or hoists. The system of the invention is designed to directly address and turn a mechanical wheel of such a system using the spokes of the wheel.

Abstract: A connector (10, 110) for joining a plurality of elements (15, 20; 115, 120) having attachment apertures (19, 21; 119, 121) therein including, a pin (25; 125, 125') having a radially extending head (27; 127) and a shank (26; 126, 126') extending axially from the head and having a tapering outer surface (29; 129, 129') over at least a portion of the axial extent thereof, a sleeve (35, 135) insertable in the attachment apertures and having a tapering inner surface (38; 138, 138') over at least a portion of the axial extent thereof for engaging the tapering outer surface of the pin, a discontinuity (37, 137) in the sleeve extending at least a portion of the axial extent thereof, and fastener (45, 50; 145, 150) for axially displacing the sleeve relative to the pin selectively to expand and to permit reduction in the diameter of at least a portion of the outer surface of the sleeve.