Personal watercraft having a removable pedestal

Abstract

A personal watercraft is described having a hull, an engine disposed in the hull, a propulsion unit driven by the engine, and a steering unit to steer the propulsion unit. A deck is supported above the hull. The deck includes an opening therethrough to provide access to the engine. A pedestal is disposed on the deck and releasably fastened to the deck. The pedestal includes an opening therethrough. The pedestal opening is disposed at a position vertically above the deck opening. A seat is supported by the pedestal and releasably fastened thereto. The seat is moveable from a first position where the seat covers the pedestal opening to at least a second position where the seat does not cover the pedestal opening.

Description

[0001] This application relies for priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/357,852, entitled “PERSONAL WATERCRAFT HAVING A REMOVABLE PEDESTAL,” filed on Feb. 21, 2002, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated into the present application by reference.

FIELD THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to personal watercraft (otherwise referred to as “PWCs”). More specifically, the present invention concerns the construction of the pedestal that supports the seat on a PWC.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] PWCs are a type of recreational vehicle having a hull and a deck with a straddle-type seat disposed on the deck. The seat is typically configured to hold one or more riders.

[0004] The seat on a PWC is supported by a pedestal portion of a deck. The pedestal portion of the deck is elevated with respect to a lower portion of the deck upon which the driver (or rider) places his or her feet. The seat is removable from the pedestal portion of the deck.

[0005] When the seat is removed, an opening is exposed into the interior of the PWC. Since the engine is typically located beneath the seat, after the seat has been removed, the engine is accessible through the opening to allow routine maintenance and repairs.

[0006] To allow the driver and rider(s) to comfortably straddle the seat in either a seated or a standing position, the pedestal portion of the deck typically narrows from the base portion (where it extends from the deck) to the seat.

[0007] Because the pedestal portion of the deck narrows progressively toward the top, the opening within the pedestal beneath the seat is too small for certain types of maintenance to easily performed on the engine. Additionally, if the engine needs to be removed entirely from the PWC, some of the engine components must be partially removed from the engine while it is still in the personal watercraft before it can be removed through the opening in the pedestal. This procedure can be complex, time consuming, and expensive.

[0008] A need, therefore, has developed for a PWC design that allows a wide variety of different types of routine maintenance to be performed easily on the engine.

[0009] There is an additional need for a personal watercraft that allows the engine to be removed from the watercraft as a unit, without requiring substantial removal of the engine components.

[0010] As indicated, these needs are not addressed by the designs of PWCs in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to provide a personal watercraft that allows a wide variety of different types of routine maintenance to be performed easily on the engine.

[0012] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a personal watercraft that allows the engine to be removed from the watercraft as a unit, without requiring substantial dismantling of the engine.

[0013] Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a personal watercraft comprising a hull, an engine disposed in the hull, a propulsion unit driven by the engine, and a steering unit to steer the watercraft. A deck is supported on the hull. The deck includes an opening therethrough to provide access to the engine. A pedestal is disposed on the deck and at least a portion of the pedestal is releasably fastened to the deck. The pedestal includes an opening therethrough. The pedestal opening is disposed at a position vertically above the deck opening. A seat is supported by the pedestal and releasably fastened to the pedestal. The seat is moveable from a first position where the seat covers the pedestal opening to at least a second position where the seat does not cover the pedestal opening.

[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a personal watercraft comprising a hull, an engine disposed in the hull, a propulsion unit driven by the engine, and a steering unit to steer the watercraft. A deck is supported on the hull. The deck includes an opening therethrough to provide access to the engine. The deck has a port and starboard portions adjacent to the opening. A pedestal is disposed on the deck and at least a portion of the pedestal is releasably fastened to the deck. The pedestal includes a port portion and a starboard portion, the pedestal port portion being disposed vertically above the deck port portion, the pedestal starboard portion being disposed vertically above the deck starboard portion. At least a portion of the port portion is disposed at a spaced apart distance from the starboard portion. The pedestal further includes a connecting element connecting the pedestal port portion to the pedestal starboard portion. A seat is supported by the pedestal and releasably fastened to the pedestal. A latch assembly releasably connects the seat to the pedestal.

[0015] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the discussion that follows, the drawings, and the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Reference will be made hereinafter to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the present invention discussed herein below, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view, from the stem of the deck and hull, of one embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view, from one side of the deck and hull, of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment for a pedestal for use with the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pedestal shown in FIG. 3;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view of the embodiment of the personal watercraft shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the perspective illustrating the pedestal shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 after it has been installed on the deck;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, showing one embodiment of a seat arrangement;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, showing a portion of the deck broken away to reveal details of a portion of the seat arrangement;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, showing a second embodiment of a seat arrangement;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective, bottom view of the second embodiment of the seat arrangement or the personal watercraft illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the deck of the embodiment of the personal watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 1-5;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pedestal disposed on the deck of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 10;

[0028] FIG. 11A is a partial sectional view taken along line 11A-11A in FIG. 6 showing an alternative embodiment of a pedestal;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pedestal illustrated in FIG. 11, showing a grab handle attached to the pedestal portion;

[0030] FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of another embodiment of a pedestal and seat arrangement for the personal watercraft of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, showing a pedestal pivoted rearwardly;

[0032] FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment of the personal watercraft of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, showing the seat removed from the pedestal;

[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view illustration of an alternative embodiment of the pedestal portion of the watercraft of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a further alternative embodiment of the pedestal portion of the watercraft of the present invention; and

[0035] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of yet another alternative embodiment of the pedestal portion of the watercraft of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a partially assembled personal watercraft 10 having a hull 11, an engine 12 disposed in the hull 11, and a propulsion unit 14 driven by the engine 12. A deck 20 is supported by the hull 11 at a position above the hull 11.

[0037] The deck 20 includes an opening 22 therethrough to provide access to the engine 12. The deck opening 22 includes a perimeter lip 23. Disposed around the perimeter lip 23 of the opening 22 are first and second side edges 24 and 26, the distance therebetween defining the width of the opening 22. The perimeter lip 23 of the opening 22 further includes a forward edge 28 and a rearward edge 30, the distance therebetween defining the length of the opening 22. The width and length of the opening are sized so that the engine 12 may be inserted into the hull 11 or removed from the hull 11 in its entirety without the necessity of removing engine components or at least without the necessity of removing a significant number of engine components. For example, the engine 12, air intake manifold, exhaust manifold and the throttle body (not shown) could be removed as a unit through the opening 22. The opening 22 also allows for maintenance to be performed on the engine 12 and the engine components more easily and/or without having to remove the engine 12 and the engine components from the hull. The perimeter lip 23 that surrounds the opening 22 is adapted to function as a pedestal support surface. It should be noted that perimeter lip 23 is vertically lower relative to the engine 12 than in prior art watercraft, in which it corresponds to the pedestal's perimeter lip. In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter lip 23 is lower than a top portion of the engine 12. Also shown in FIG. 1 are fastener openings 32 and a tow loop 34.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows the personal watercraft of FIG. 1 from a side view. The large size of the opening 22 is easily seen in FIG. 2. As discussed, the opening 22 is sized, both in width and length, so that the engine 12 may be removed from the hull 11 without significant disassembly. “Without significant disassembly” is a term that would be understood by those skilled in the art. While not limited to a specific number of components, the term is meant to mean that only a few components need to be removed from (or disconnected from) the engine so that it will pass through the opening 22.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a pedestal 40, which is configured to be used with the personal watercraft 10 shown in FIG. 1. The pedestal 40 is configured to be releasably fastened to the deck 20 at a position vertically above the deck opening 22. The pedestal 40 includes an opening 41 therethrough. The pedestal 40 is arranged such that the pedestal opening 41, as is shown in FIG. 5, is positioned above the deck opening 22.

[0040] The pedestal 40 includes a perimeter lip 42 disposed around the opening 41. The perimeter lip 42 includes first and second side edges 44 and 46, the distance therebetween defining the width of the opening 41. The perimeter lip 42 of the opening 41 further includes a forward edge 48 and a rearward edge 50, the distance therebetween defining the length of the opening 41.

[0041] The pedestal further includes a port side wall 52 which extends downwardly from the side edge 46 and a starboard side wall 54 which extends downwardly from the side edge 44. A bottom edge 58 forms the bottom of the pedestal 40.

[0042] Also shown in FIG. 3 is a grab handle assembly 66. The grab handle assembly 66 is manufactured separately from the pedestal 40 and is attached through the use of suitable fasteners such as threaded fasteners. The grab handle 66 preferably is manufactured from molded plastic. However, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the grab handle 66 alternatively may be manufactured integrally with the pedestal. A pin 68, which is part of a latch assembly for securing a seat to the pedestal 40, is disposed on the pedestal 40 proximate to or on the grab handle 66.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pedestal 40. This view shows a deck contact surface 60. The deck contact surface 60 is sized to mate with the perimeter lip 23 that surrounds the opening 22 in the deck 20. A seal 62 is disposed within the deck contact surface 60. Alternatively, the seal 62 could also be disposed within the perimeter lip 23 or be a part completely separate from the deck contact surface 60 and the perimeter lip 23. The seal 62 is operatively adapted to form a waterproof connection between the deck contact surface 60 and the perimeter lip 23 that surrounds the deck opening 22. The seal 62 preferably is constructed from a waterproof material such as neoprene or silicon. However, any other suitable material may be used instead.

[0044] FIG. 4 also shows a rear wall portion 56. The rear wall portion 56, like the port side wall 52 and the starboard side wall 54, extends upwardly from the deck 20 when the pedestal 40 is disposed thereon. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a skirt 64 extends downwardly from the perimeter lip 42 to the pedestal bottom edge 58. The skirt 64 extends from the port side wall 52, the starboard side wall 54, and the rear wall portion 56 in such a way as to overlap a portion of the deck 20 proximate to the deck opening 23. Accordingly, the deck contact surface 60 and the seal 62 are both hidden beneath the skirt 64 when the pedestal 40 is coupled to the deck 20.

[0045] The purpose of the skirt 64 is mainly decorative. However, as the skirt 64 covers the seal 62 that separates the deck 20 from the pedestal 40, the skirt also assists in preventing water from penetrating between the deck 20 and the pedestal 40 by presenting a convoluted path from the exterior to the interior of the watercraft 10.

[0046] The portion of the skirt 64 that extends from the rear wall portion 56 includes fastener openings 65 which are configured to mate with the fastener openings 32 disposed on the deck 20. Threaded fasteners (or other fasteners known in the art) engage the openings 65 and 32 to releasably secure the pedestal 40 to the deck 20.

[0047] Adjacent to the fastener openings 65 is a hole 67 through which the tow loop 34 extends when the pedestal 40 is disposed on the deck 20. The tow loop 34 may be provided to tow a water skier behind the personal watercraft.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the opening 41 within the pedestal 40 is considerably shorter and narrower than the deck opening 22, the size of which is defined by the seal 62. While these proportions are illustrated in the figures, it is contemplated that the proportions are merely exemplary of the invention and are not meant to limit the scope thereof.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the pedestal opening 41 is covered by a seat assembly 70. Accordingly, the pedestal 40 is interposed between the seat 70 and the deck 20.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows the pedestal 40 disposed on the deck 20. The pedestal bottom edge 58 marks the location on the deck 20 where the pedestal skirt 64 overlaps the deck 20. The deck contact surface 60 and the seal 62 are hidden behind the skirt 64. FIG. 5 also shows how the rear wall portion 56 of the pedestal 40 serves to considerably elevate the rearward edge 50 of the perimeter lip 42 relative to the forward edge 48. The grab handle 66 is shown in FIG. 5 extending from the rearward portion of the pedestal 40 in a manner where the grab handle 66 is cantilevered above the rear wall portion 56.

[0051] Unlike the deck opening 22, the pedestal opening 41 is too small to allow the removal of the engine 12 as a unit therethrough without first removing a significant number of engine components. Additionally, working on the engine 12 through the pedestal opening 41 may be more difficult than working on the engine 12 through the deck opening 22 due to the more restricted access provided thereby.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows the personal watercraft of FIGS. 1 through 5 in a fully assembled condition. FIG. 6 shows a steering unit 16, which is operatively arranged to steer the propulsion unit 14. Also shown, is a sponson 600, which improves the handling of the watercraft, a similar sponson 600 is provided on the opposite side of the watercraft 10. A reverse gate 602 is provided to redirect the thrust provided by propulsion unit 14 to allow watercraft 10 to move in reverse. The reverse gate 602 can be activated by a driver of the personal watercraft 10 through the use of reverse gate handle 604. A seat 70 is supported by the pedestal 40 and is releasably fastened to the pedestal 40 at an elevated position relative thereto.

[0053] The seat 70 is moveable from a first position where the seat 70 covers the pedestal opening 41 (the pedestal opening 41 is shown in FIGS. 3-5) to at least a second position where the seat 70 does not cover the pedestal opening 41. The seat 70 includes a top surface 72 that is suitable for one or more riders. The seat 70 includes a latch 74 that is used to secure the seat 70 to the pedestal 40. The latch 74 is operatively adapted to releasably engage the latch pin 68 that is disposed on the grab handle 66 on the pedestal 40. Accordingly the latch 74 and the latch pin 68 comprise a latch assembly. A lever 76 serves to operate the latch 74.

[0054] In FIG. 6, the seat 70 is shown in a position where the latch 74 has been released from the pin 68 and the rear portion of the seat 70 has been elevated slightly in relation to the pedestal 40 in the direction of the arrow. It is understood that the latch assembly comprising the latch 74 and the pin 68 is one of many possible locking mechanisms that may be used to releasably secure the seat 70 to the personal watercraft 10 and that the present invention is not limited solely thereto.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the forward portion of the seat 70, which is secured to the deck 20 during operation of the watercraft 10. Specifically, the seat 70 includes a forward extending tab 78 that is retained within a ventilation opening 36. Upon the releasing the latch 74 from the pin 68 (as shown in FIG. 6), the seat can be moved rearwardly to release the tab 78 from the ventilation opening 36 this allows the seat 70 to be removed from the pedestal 40.

[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a port side view of a watercraft 100, which is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the seat 80 comprises a first seat section 82 and a second seat section 84. The first seat section 82 is disposed behind the second seat section 84. The first seat section 82 and second seat section 84 are both supported by the pedestal 40 at a vertical position above the deck 20.

[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates one possible configuration contemplated to secure the first and second seat sections 82, 84 together. As shown, the first seat section 82 includes forward extending tabs 86a, 86b. A bridge element 88, disposed between side edges 44 and 46, includes loops 92a, 92b within which the tabs 86a, 86b can be retained. The bridge element 88 also includes a latch pin 94. The second seat section 84 includes a latch 96, operated by a lever 98, which mates with the latch pin 94 to secure the second seat section 84.

[0058] FIGS. 10-12 provide additional details for the personal watercraft 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the deck 20 includes a bridge element 105 which is disposed at the rearward portion of the deck opening 22. The bridge element 105 is supported by the deck 20 and spans across the opening 22 between the first side edge 24 and the second side edge 26. The bridge element 105 includes a number of fastener openings 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0059] Among other advantages, the bridge element 105 provides structural support for the pedestal 40 at the rear end. This is particularly advantageous when the watercraft 10 includes a seat 70 specifically designed to accommodate two or more riders thereon. Of course, the bridge element 105 may be incorporated into the watercraft 10 even if it is designed to accommodate only a single rider (i.e., the driver). It should also be understood that bridge element 105 could be supported within the pedestal 40 to provide it with structural support even when it is removed from the deck 20. In this case, the bridge element 105 could be integral with the pedestal 40.

[0060] The bridge element 105 can also be used to attach various components of the watercraft. For example, the bridge element 105 could have openings and support ventilation tubes (not shown) or it could support a coolant reservoir (not shown).

[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates the position of the pedestal 40 on the deck 20. The pedestal 40 includes first and second forward attachment flanges 162 and 164, which extend in a forward direction from the forward edge 48. First and second threaded fasteners 166 and 168 are shown elevated above the attachment flanges 162 and 164. The fasteners 166 and 168 extend through openings 165, 167 (see FIGS. 3 and 4, for example) within each of the attachment flanges 162 and 164 to secure the forward portion of the pedestal 40 to the deck 20. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the fasteners 166, 168 could be secured within a threaded insert disposed within the deck 20, or could be used in association with a nut and washer. Alternatively, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art to attach the forward portion of the pedestal 40 to the deck 20 through the use of other types of fasteners, such as quick release fasteners or quarter-turn screws, or to provide an interlocking structure which interlocks the forward portion of the pedestal 40 to the deck 20 without the use of fasteners.

[0062] Also shown in FIG. 11 is a grab handle support surface 170 disposed at the rearward portion of the pedestal 40. The grab handle support surface 170 is disposed behind the rearward edge 50. Two fastener openings 172 and 173 are disposed on the port side of the grab handle support surface 170, and two fastener openings 176 and 177 are disposed on the starboard side of the grab handle support surface 170. Fasteners 174, 175, 178, and 179 are shown elevated above the fasteners openings 172, 173, 176, and 177. The fasteners 174, 175, 178, and 179 pass through the fastener openings 172, 173, 176, and 177 and are secured within the fastener openings 101, 102, 103, and 104 within the bridge element 100 shown in FIG. 10. Fastener openings 180 and 181 are also disposed within the grab handle support surface 170. Fastener openings 180 and 181 are used to secure the grab handle assembly 66 onto the pedestal 40. It should be understood that more or less fasteners may be used.

[0063] FIG. 11A shows an alternative embodiment of pedestal 40. In this embodiment, pedestal 40 is made of two members, the pedestal structure member 40A and the pedestal cover member 40B. The pedestal structures member 40A provides the structural support of pedestal 40. It includes the pedestal perimeter lip 42 and the deck contact surface 60 on which seal 62 is provided. The pedestal cover member 40B is fastened, using rivets or any other suitable fasteners, or is bonded to the outer surface of the pedestal structure member 40A and serves an aesthetic function by covering reinforcing ribs 622. The pedestal cover member could be extended over the deck 20 to provide a skirt such as skirt 64.

[0064] FIG. 11A also shows an alternative method of securing the pedestal 40 to the deck 20. The forward portion of the pedestal 40 is secured to the deck 20 with attachment flanges 162, 164 as described above. The pedestal 40 is also secured near its longitudinal center by deck links on either side. For simplicity, only the port side will be described but it should be understood that the starboard side functions the same way. The pedestal structure member 40A has a tab 614 extending towards the center of the watercraft 10. Deck link 618 is placed such as the deck link retaining portion is under deck perimeter lip 23. Deck link 618 is then secured to tab 614 by using a threaded fastener 616 or any other suitable type of fastener. In this way, the deck perimeter lip 23 is clamped by the deck link 618, securing the pedestal 40 to the deck 20. A cushioning member 620, made of a pliable material such as neoprene, can be placed between the retaining portion 624 of the deck link 618 and the deck perimeter lip 23 to provided a better contact surface and reduce the transfer of vibrations between the deck 20 and the pedestal 40.

[0065] FIG. 12 shows the grab handle assembly 66 secured to the pedestal 40 in a preferred configuration. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the grab handle assembly 66 may include fastener openings 182, 183 (see FIG. 3) through which fasteners (also not shown) may pass. The fasteners may be disposed within the fastener openings 180 and 181 within the rearward portion of the pedestal 40. The seat (not shown in FIG. 12) attaches to the pedestal 40 in the manner previously described with respect to FIGS. 6 through 9 (or through other known methods, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art).

[0066] FIGS. 13-15 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the pedestal 240 includes a starboard side wall 242, a rearward side wall 244, and a port side wall (not shown) that attaches to the starboard side wall 242 through the rearward side wall 244. The pedestal 240 is attached to the deck 20 through the use of a hinge element 246 disposed at the rearward portion of the pedestal 240 at a position beneath a grab handle 244. A seat 250 is detachably secured to the pedestal 240. The seat 250 may be secured to the pedestal 240 in the manner previously described with respect to FIGS. 6 through 9 or through other known methods as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. FIG. 15 shows seat 250 removed from the pedestal 240.

[0067] As has been previously described, the seat 250 includes a latch mechanism (not shown) to secure the seat 250 to pedestal 240. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a hinge 246 which pivotally attaches the pedestal 240 to the deck 20. The hinge 246 is disposed at a bottom rear portion of the pedestal 240. FIG. 14 shows the pedestal 240 pivoted rearwardly with respect to the deck 20. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the hinge 246 shown in this embodiment could also have been used in the previously described embodiments of the invention. As would also be apparent to one skilled in the art, the pedestal 240 may be separated entirely from the deck 20 at the hinge 246.

[0068] Other embodiments of the invention are also contemplated. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 16 the watercraft 10 may be provided with a pedestal 340 that comprises one or more stacked, horizontal sections 342, 344. The first horizontal section 342 rests on the deck 22, just as with the pedestal 40. The second horizontal section 344 is stacked onto the first horizontal section 342. The first and second horizontal sections meet one another at a seam line 346 that extends from the front to the rear of the pedestal 340. A seal (not shown), such as neoprene, may be disposed between the first and second horizontal sections 342, 344 to discourage water from entering the pedestal 340. A skirt (not shown) may be provided on the second horizontal section 344 to cover the seal disposed between the first and second horizontal sections 342, 344. The skirt would assist in preventing water from penetrating between the first and second horizontal sections 342, 344 by presenting a convoluted path from the exterior to the interior of the watercraft 10.

[0069] As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited solely to first and second horizontal sections 342, 344. It is contemplated that the pedestal 340 may comprise more than two horizontal sections stacked one on top of the other beneath the seat 70.

[0070] As this embodiment illustrates, the pedestal 340 need not be a unitary member. Instead, the pedestal 340 may be removable from the watercraft 10 in sections. One advantage of such a construction lies in the fact that the entire pedestal need not be removed for access to the engine 12 in every instance. It is contemplated that removal of the upper pedestal layer 344 may provide sufficient access to the engine 12 for maintenance and repair. Of course, if it becomes necessary to remove the engine 12 altogether, both pedestal layers 342, 344 would have to be removed to expose the deck opening 22.

[0071] It is also contemplated with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 that the height of the seat 70 may be adjusted by removing a pedestal layer 344 of one height and replacing it with a pedestal layer 344 of a different height. In this manner, it is possible that the watercraft 10 may be adjusted to accommodate differently-sized purchasers and/or riders.

[0072] FIG. 17 illustrates one further embodiment of a pedestal 440 contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention. In particular, it is contemplated that the pedestal 440 is divided vertically. In other words, it is contemplated that the pedestal has removable sections that connect vertically with one another. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the pedestal 440 is divided into two sections, a first section 442 and a second section 444. The two sections 442, 444 meet one another at seams 446, 448. First section 442 may need to be provided with at least one additional opening 606, for additional fasteners (not shown), in order to attach first section 442 more rigidly to the deck 20. Also, releasable connecting elements 608, such as latches, may be desirable to ensure that first and second sections 442, 444 meet as required.

[0073] As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the sections 442, 444 may be provided with seals (not shown) made of a material such as neoprene so that water is discouraged from entering the pedestal 440 through the seams 446, 448. One of sections 442, and 444 may be provided with extensions (not shown) to cover the seals disposed between the first and second sections 442, 444. The extensions, in a manner similar to the previously mentioned skirt 64, would assist in preventing water from penetrating between the first and second sections 442, 444 by presenting a convoluted path from the exterior to the interior of the watercraft 10. Also, it is contemplated that the pedestal 440 may comprise more than two sections 442, 444.

[0074] As FIG. 17 illustrates, it is preferred that the second section 444 of the pedestal 440 include the rear end 450 of the pedestal 440. One advantage to this construction is that the second section 444 includes the rear portion 450 that could be supported by a structure such as the bridge 105. As a result, it is contemplated that the second section 444 will offer a greater degree of vertical stability and strength than a pedestal 440 that is subdivided into multiple vertical sections.

[0075] One advantage to the construction of the pedestal 440 is the fact that the entire pedestal 440 need not be removed for maintenance of the engine 12. In particular, the second section 444 may be removed, leaving the first section 442 attached to the deck 20. In this manner, certain of the components may be accessed without requiring the additional labor involved with removing all of the sections 442, 444. As a result, the cost of maintenance may be reduced. For this reason, it is contemplated that the second section 444 could be made to be integral with the deck 20. Of course, if the engine 12 must be removed as a unit, it is contemplated that both of the sections 442, 444 of the pedestal 440 will have to be removed to gain access to the deck opening 22.

[0076] FIG. 18 illustrates a variation of the pedestal 440 shown in FIG. 17. Here, a pedestal 540 is divided into a port portion 552 and a starboard portion 554. The port and starboard portions 552, 554 are connected to one another via a connecting portion 556. The rear portion 558 is a separate section that mates with the port and starboard portions 552, 554 at the seams 560, 562. Seals (not shown) can be provided at seams 560, 562 so that water is discouraged from entering the pedestal 540 through the seams 560, 562. Port and starboard sections 552, 554 may need to be provided with additional openings 610, for additional fasteners (not shown), in order to attach port and starboard sections 552, 554 more rigidly to the deck 20. Also, releasable connecting elements 612, such as latches, may be desirable to ensure that port and starboard sections 552, 554 meet rear portion 558 as required. In this embodiment, the port, starboard, and connecting portions 552, 554, 556 may be removed to gain access to the engine 12 while the rear portion 558 remains connected to the deck 20. Extensions (not shown) of port, starboard and rear portions 552, 554, 558 may be provided to cover the seals disposed at seams 560, 562. The extensions, in a manner similar to the previously mentioned skirt 64, would assist in preventing water from penetrating at seams 560, 562, by presenting a convoluted path from the exterior to the interior of the watercraft 10. One advantage to this construction is that the rear portion 558 need not be separated from the bridge 105 before maintenance may be performed. In this embodiment, it is possible that the deck opening 22 may be may large enough so that the engine 12 may be removed from the watercraft 10 without having to remove the rear portion 558.

[0077] Alternatively, the port and starboard portions 552, 554 may be connected via the rear portion 558. In this embodiment, which is not illustrated, the rear portion 558 of the pedestal 540 acts as the connecting portion between the port and starboard portions 552, 554. This embodiment offers an advantage that the front portion of the pedestal 540 would remain attached to the deck 20 during maintenance of the engine 12. As a result, the components at the rear end of the engine 12 would be more readily accessible.

[0078] In still another embodiment of the present invention, which is not illustrated, it is contemplated that a hybrid between the pedestal 340 and the pedestal 440 (and, alternatively, the pedestal 540) may be employed. In this hybrid approach, the pedestal may comprise a number of horizontal and vertical pedestal sections that may be removed, like a puzzle to gain access to various components of the engine 12.

[0079] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, component, or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its teachings as claimed.

Claims

1. A personal watercraft comprising:

a hull;

a deck supported on the hull;

an engine disposed between the hull and the deck;

a propulsion unit driven by the engine;

the deck including a deck opening therethrough to provide access to the engine;

a removable pedestal disposed on the deck;

the pedestal including a pedestal opening therethrough, the pedestal opening being disposed at a position vertically above the deck opening; and

a seat supported by the pedestal and releasably attached to the pedestal, the seat being moveable from a first position where the seat covers the pedestal opening to at least a second position where the seat does not cover the pedestal opening.

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the removable pedestal is releasably fastened to the deck.

3. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck includes a raised portion that extends upwardly therefrom to receive the pedestal thereon.

4. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed between the deck and the pedestal.

5. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein:

the deck includes a pedestal support surface disposed proximate to the deck opening, and

the pedestal includes a deck contact surface arranged to mate with the pedestal support surface.

6. The watercraft of claim 5, further comprising a seal disposed between the pedestal support surface and the deck contact surface.

7. The watercraft of claim 6, further comprising a skirt that extends downwardly vertically below the deck contact surface and the seal, the skirt being disposed in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of the deck.

8. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a latch assembly releasably connecting the seat to the pedestal.

9. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises at least first and second seat sections.

10. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck opening is large enough to allow the removal of the engine as a unit therethrough.

11. The watercraft of claim 10, wherein the pedestal opening is smaller than the deck opening.

12. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the pedestal comprises a first removable horizontal section disposed on the deck and a second removable horizontal section disposed on the first removable horizontal section.

13. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the pedestal comprises at least two vertical sections connected together.

14. The watercraft of claim 13, wherein at least one of the vertical sections includes a rear wall of the pedestal.

15. The watercraft of claim 5, wherein the pedestal support surface is lower than a top portion of the engine.

16. A personal watercraft comprising:

a hull;

a deck supported on the hull;

an engine disposed between the hull and the deck;

a propulsion unit driven by the engine;

the deck including a deck opening therethrough to provide access to the engine;

a pedestal disposed on the deck;

the pedestal having port, starboard, and rear walls, and first and second pedestal sections;

at least the second pedestal section being removable and including a portion of the rear wall.

17. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein:

the first and second pedestal sections are horizontal sections; and

the second pedestal section is disposed on top of the first pedestal section.

18. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the first and second pedestal sections are vertical sections.

19. The watercraft of claim 18, wherein the first pedestal section is integral with the deck.

20. The watercraft of claim 16, further comprising a seat supported by the pedestal and releasably attached to the pedestal.