Abstract: A hitch assembly including a hitch ball and a socket is disclosed. The socket is generally cylindrical and has an inner diameter being at least as large as an outer diameter of a hitch ball mounting portion. A pin receiving groove is formed in a vertical direction on the hitch ball. Additionally, at least one engagement groove encircles the diameter of the hitch ball mounting portion. The hitch ball mounting portion also includes a flattened portion. The assembly also includes a retaining pin configured for sliding in the pin receiving groove. The socket has a bottom plate including a through hole configured to receive the retaining pin when the hitch ball has been rotated so as to allow the retaining pin to slide through the through hole.

Abstract: In order to improve the trim of a power boat ready to accelerate toward "on plane" speed, a deflector plate is deployed by gravity from a substantially horizontal attitude toward a rearward-downward inclination, the deployed plate being located so that a predetermined portion only of the propeller backwash is intercepted. Latching mechanism locks the deflector plate at an optimum angle of deployment until the boat reaches a speed slightly in excess of "planing" speed at which juncture the deflector plate is unlocked by remote control, either automatically or manually. The device can be used either for outboard motor or stern drive propulsion units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a construction applicable to stern drive and outboard types of power boat propulsion units for enhancing the performance normally provided by the customary trim/tilt capabilities designed into the units. At a critical juncture in the trim/tilt operation, the present device automatically "kicks in" and by intercepting only a predetermined portion of the propeller backwash provides an almost immediate stern up/bow down result without noticeable speed retardation. The device lends itself either to kit form or to factory installation.