Abstract: Techniques for thruster system control for a pontoon boat or other watercraft. A thruster system may comprise a plurality of thrusters used to control movement of the pontoon boat in addition to an outboard prime mover. The thrusters may be fixed and/or steerable thrusters. In examples, the thrusters may be retracted based on identifying a condition in which the thrusters may be damaged. The thrusters may be deployed based on identifying a condition in which the thrusters may be used to recharge an associated energy source. User input to control the thrusters may be adapted to account for external forces acting on the pontoon boat. A user interface is provided with which to control the thruster system, via which an operator manipulates a movement intent line to control the thruster system. The user interface may further comprise obstacle indicators, thereby enabling the operator to maneuver the pontoon boat accordingly.

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: Cover designs for watercraft, such as pontoon boats, facilitate easy deployment and removal, as well as compact and convenient storage. The cover may be collapsed and deployed in a predetermined manner with a minimized chance of becoming twisted, bunched or otherwise disorganized. The cover may be reducible to sections which can be individually collapsed and deployed. The cover may include collapsible poles which can be extended and retracted as the cover is deployed and collapsed. The cover may be stored in a dedicated storage container permanently fixed to the watercraft, such that the cover can be deployed from, and collapsed into, the storage container.

Abstract: A hybrid personal watercraft combines features of pontoon boats and deck boats, in a cost-effective and versatile package. The watercraft includes port and starboard sponsons which combine a pair of outboard flotation cavities. A space below the deck and above the hull bottom creates at least one, and potentially up to three additional flotation cavities, which may also be used as storage areas accessible by an access door in the bow of the watercraft and/or a set of hatches in the deck. The watercraft may be efficiently produced assembled from polymer materials, such as thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO).