Abstract: A retractable canopy for a watercraft lift includes an actuator operatively connected to the watercraft lift and a movable boom to rotate the movable boom relative to the watercraft lift; a linkage extends between the fixed boom and the movable boom, at least one first strut is supported by the linkage, at least one second strut is supported by a fixed boom; and at least one third strut is supported by the movable boom. The fixed boom, the movable boom, the at least one second strut, and the at least one third strut support a cover in an extended configuration above a watercraft area. The fixed boom, the movable boom, the at least one first strut, the at least one second strut, and the at least one third strut support the cover in a retracted configuration adjacent to the fixed strut.

Abstract: A retractable canopy having a fixed support coupled to a movable boom, an actuator to move the movable boom from a first position proximate a first end of a fixed support to a second position proximate a second end of the fixed support, at least one link coupled to the fixed support and the movable boom, at least one strut rotatably and translatably coupled to the at least one link, and a cover coupled to the fixed support and the movable boom to be deployed from a storage configuration to a deployed configuration by movement of the movable boom.

Abstract: A bunk mounting system for a watercraft lift comprising a first support defining first and second legs, a second support defining third and fourth legs, and first and second bunks. The bunk mounting system has first and second crossbeams, pivot connectors, and rail connectors. The pivot connectors pivotably connect the first crossbeam to the first and second legs and the second crossbeam to the third and fourth legs. The rail connectors detachably connect the first bunk to the first and second crossbeams and the second bunk to the first and second crossbeams.

Abstract: A retractable canopy for a watercraft lift comprising an actuator operatively connected to the watercraft lift and a movable boom to rotate the movable boom relative to the watercraft lift; a linkage extends between the fixed boom and the movable boom, at least one first strut is supported by the linkage, at least one second strut is supported by a fixed boom; and at least one third strut is supported by the movable boom. The fixed boom, the movable boom, the at least one second strut, and the at least one third strut support a cover in an extended configuration above a watercraft area. The fixed boom, the movable boom, the at least one first strut, the at least one second strut, and the at least one third strut support the cover in a retracted configuration adjacent to the fixed strut.

Abstract: A retractable canopy for a watercraft lift comprising an actuator operatively connected to the watercraft lift and a movable boom to rotate the movable boom relative to the watercraft lift; a linkage extends between the fixed boom and the movable boom, at least one first strut is supported by the linkage, at least one second strut is supported by a fixed boom; and at least one third strut is supported by the movable boom. The fixed boom, the movable boom, the at least one second strut, and the at least one third strut support a cover in an extended configuration above a watercraft area. The fixed boom, the movable boom, the at least one first strut, the at least one second strut, and the at least one third strut support the cover in a retracted configuration adjacent to the fixed strut.

Abstract: A lift system for watercraft comprising a fixed frame, at least one support member, a first movable frame, a second movable frame, and at least one actuator member. The at least one actuator assembly comprises a cylinder and a rod arranged in retracted and extended positions relative to the cylinder. The first and second lower axes are parallel and define a reference plane. When the rod is arranged in the extended position relative to the cylinder, the at least one support member is in a lowered position relative to the fixed frame. When the rod is arranged in the retracted position relative to the cylinder, the at least one support member is in a raised position relative to the fixed frame. In the lowered position, the first attachment point is below the reference plane. In the raised position, the first attachment point is above the reference plane.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a watercraft lifting system comprises a load transferring member, a load receiving member, and a clamping member. The load receiving member has an outer tapered surface. The clamping member has opposing flanges extending from a base portion, an outer surface of at least one opposing flange attachable to the load transferring member. An inner surface defined by the flanges and base portion being complementarily tapered to closely nest with the outer tapered surface of the load receiving member.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a watercraft lifting system comprises a load transferring member, a load receiving member, and a clamping member. The load receiving member has an outer tapered surface. The clamping member has opposing flanges extending from a base portion, an outer surface of at least one opposing flange attachable to the load transferring member. An inner surface defined by the flanges and base portion being complementarily tapered to closely nest with the outer tapered surface of the load receiving member.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.

Abstract: A watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.

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 watercraft lifting system includes a bunk rail assembly, an intermediate frame assembly, a base assembly and a ground support assembly. The bunk rail assembly includes a bunk rail coupled to a load distribution member. The load distribution member is received by the bunk rail such that the bunk rail may rotate by at least a limited amount relative to the load distribution member. The bunk rail may slideably receive a bunk cushion and form a channel therewith for sandwiching a rigid structural member (e.g., a board). The watercraft lifting system may also include contoured clamps that cooperate to distribute and transfer load between frame members. In one embodiment, the contoured clamps include parabolically-shaped inner surfaces.

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 allow 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 lift for low profile watercraft is substantially comprised of modular extruded components and minimal or no welded parts. The lift comprises a tower to be mounted to a dock. A winch is mounted on the tower for raising and lowering a carriage assembly engaged with the tower. The carriage assembly is comprised of a pair of forks in the form of a forked v-configuration, the intersection of the two arms retained by a carriage that engages and travels along a channeled track in the tower, transported by a winch-driven cable. Further comprising the carriage assembly and traversing the arms of the fork are two bunk assemblies, each bunk assembly comprising a pivot bar adjustably attached to both carriage forks. Connected to each bunk pivot bar and pivoting therewith is a bunk board, disposed upon which is a bunk for engaging the hull of the watercraft.

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 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. Embodiments of the support apparatus comprise pontoons within a frame attached to the lift and providing buoyant support for the lifting apparatus.

Abstract: In a lift for watercraft, a load translation mechanism balances load upon the actuator throughout the raising and lowering of watercraft, thereby greatly reducing load spikes. Embodiments of the improved lift employing an over-center locking mechanism further employ an elastic stop means to reduce jarring of the apparatus when it locks in the over-center position. In some preferred embodiments, adjustable telescoping booms allow the user to adjust the height of the lifted watercraft above the base of the lift.

Abstract: A low-profile watercraft lift having 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 lift further includes a universal plate affixed to bunk support rails for pivotally attaching hull support bunks to the support rails and to accommodate attachment of accessories including guide posts and a motor stop.