Abstract: A boat lift canopy comprises a truss type framework with a base frame that may be rectangular, comprised of side and end horizontal members. The framework is comprised of channel-ridge interlocking extruded components, enabling easy construction with minimal or no welded parts. Joined to the base frame and circumscribed by it is a tie bar frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wrapping around the base frame and secured to the tie tube frame with canopy ties. The boat lift canopy is held above the boat lift by vertical members connecting to supporting legs. The canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical members at the tie tube frame, facilitating adjustable extension of canopy overhang or length by the addition of frame members extending the canopy framework. The framework of the canopy employs a truss design such as Howe kingpost to maximize framework strength to support substantial cantilevered canopy overhangs.

Abstract: An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further provide means for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.

Abstract: A modular buoyant support apparatus is comprised of buoyant support modules of inflatable pontoons. The pontoons comprise inflatable cylindrical tubular chambers, typically fabricated of polymer coated fabric sheet material. Pontoons are fashioned so that they may be connected directly, in a modular fashion, to the underside of an appropriately configured dock platform. In some embodiments, a pontoon presents a relatively planar surface to the underside of the dock platform. The pontoons connect with attachment mechanisms depending from the dock platform via attachment points integral to or connected to the pontoons. Advantageously, the pontoons may be shipped deflated to the location for the dock and, in situ, both inflated for deployment and deflated for maintenance or relocation.

Abstract: A modular buoyant support apparatus is comprised of buoyant support modules of inflatable pontoons. The pontoons comprise inflatable tubular chambers, typically fabricated of polymer coated fabric sheet material. A buoyant support module comprises a rigid frame connected to an inflatable pontoon. A means is provided to interconnect buoyant support modules to form a modular buoyant support apparatus of varied support area and configuration. Means are provided to attach an appropriately configured dock surface to the modular buoyant support apparatus.

Abstract: A boat lift canopy comprises a truss type framework with a base frame. Joined to the base frame and circumscribed by it is a tie tube frame, which may be discontinuous. A fabric cover, which in preferred embodiments is decorative as well as functional, snugly encloses the outside of the framework, wraps around the base frame and is secured to the tie tube frame. The boat lift canopy is held above the boat lift vertical members, which in some embodiments are vertical extensions of the legs of the boat lift. Advantageously, the canopy is releasably coupled to the vertical members at the tie tube frame, thereby enabling simple adjustment of the position of the canopy with respect to the vertical members, permitting adjustment of canopy overhang or length with ease. Embodiments of the canopy allow adjustment of the length of the canopy by the addition of frame members extending the canopy framework, such adjustment facilitated by the releasable coupling of the canopy to the vertical members.

Abstract: A controller apparatus for electrically operated or controlled boat lifts, comprises a control unit adapted to receive and operatively engage a removable battery assembly, and a removable battery assembly unit comprising a light-weight rechargeable battery and at least some of the switches and circuitry necessary to operate the control apparatus. The controller apparatus may further comprise a control unit with a specific electronically based “lock” and a battery assembly unit with a matching electronically based “key” which must cooperate with the “lock” prior to operation of the boat lift controller apparatus.

Abstract: A floating low profile watercraft lifting apparatus comprises a buoyant support apparatus and a watercraft lift attached to the buoyant support apparatus. Depending from the apparatus are support posts terminating in support shoes. When immersed in a body of water of sufficient depth to provide buoyancy, the apparatus operationally floats upon the body of water. When the body of water is too shallow to provide buoyancy, the apparatus remains operational, suspended by the support posts on the support shoes resting on the floor of the body of water.

Abstract: A floating low profile watercraft lifting apparatus comprises a buoyant support apparatus and a watercraft lift attached to the buoyant support apparatus. Embodiments of the lift have first and second cantilever arms pivotally mounted to a base at offset pivot points for use in shallow water. The lift includes an actuator connected to the first and second cantilever arms and operable to move the first and second cantilever arms between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration with uniform application of force and a minimum amount of travel of actuator components. The support apparatus comprises inflatable pontoons within a frame attached to the lift and providing buoyant support for the lifting apparatus.