BOAT DOCKING GUIDE

Abstract

A boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam with a horizontal and a vertical element which includes a first end and a second end. A first vertical frame is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element. A slider apparatus is coupled to each of the first vertical frame and second vertical frame. A first door and a second door is coupled to the slider apparatus and a first roller coupled to the first door, and a second roller coupled to the second door. A boat lift is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly and includes a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 61/885,200 filed on Oct. 1, 2013, the complete disclosure of which, in its entirety, is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The embodiments herein generally relate to aeronautical devices, and more particularly to a boat-docking apparatus for a boat lift.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional systems employed to dock a boat into a boat lift generally suffer from the problem of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel. In particular, navigating a vessel into the boat lift to dry dock the boat is typically a difficult and stressful procedure and often requires multiple attempts to position the vessel appropriately so that the vessel can properly fit within the confines of the boat lift's support structure and thereby be lifted into a dry docked position. Moreover, failure to properly position the vessel properly prior to entry into the boat lift's support structure runs a significant risk of damage to the vessel and may cause crushing injuries or other injuries to persons on the vessel due to unexpected jolts during the docking procedure.

The problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel in conventional systems described above are amplified when docking a vessel in bad weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds.

Therefore, it is desirable overcome the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel, and those problems which are especially due to bad weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds.

SUMMARY

In view of foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a boat docking apparatus. The boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises: a beam including a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein the horizontal element includes a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of the horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, wherein the slider apparatus includes a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the first door from rotating beyond the second position; a second door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the second door from rotating beyond the fourth position; a first roller coupled to the first door, wherein the first roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the first roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway; and a second roller coupled to the second door, wherein the second roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the second roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway, wherein the first door and the second door provide a guide for the boat through the entranceway, and a boat lift that is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly, wherein the boat lift comprises a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked, and wherein the structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock the boat at the elevated position.

A first float may be coupled to the first door. The first float may allow the first door to float along with the first vertical frame; and a second float coupled to the second door, wherein the second float allows the second door to float along with the second vertical frame. A plurality of hoists that lift the structural platform from the lower position to the elevated position to dock the boat, and lower the structural platform from the elevated position to move the boat out of the structural platform. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when any of the first door and the second door rotate from the first position to said second position. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus may disengage from the side slider when the structural platform is lowered from the elevated position. The spring hinge may allow the first door and the second door to return back to the first position from the second position. The boat docking apparatus may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the guide assembly.

In another embodiment, a boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam including a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein the horizontal element includes a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, wherein the slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the first door from rotating beyond the second position; a second door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the second door from rotating beyond the fourth position; a first roller coupled to the first door, wherein the first roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the first roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway; and a second roller coupled to the second door, wherein the second roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the second roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway, wherein the first door and the second door provide a guide for the boat through the entranceway.

A boat lift that is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly, wherein the boat lift includes a structural platform on which a boat is to be docked, and wherein the structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock the boat at said elevated position. A first float coupled to the first door, wherein the first float allows the first door to float along with the first vertical frame; and a second float coupled to the second door, wherein the second float may allow the second door to float along with the second vertical frame. A plurality of hoists that lift the structural platform from the lower position to the elevated position to dock the boat, and lower the structural platform from the elevated position to move the boat out of the structural platform. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when any of the first door and the second door rotates from the first position to the second position. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus disengages from the side slider when the structural platform is lowered from the elevated position. The spring hinge allows the first door and the second door to return back to the first position from the second position. The boat docking apparatus may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the guide assembly.

In yet another embodiment, an approaching and guiding device, in particular for a boat, including a guiding assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a boat lift frame. The guiding assembly including an I-beam spanning the entranceway of the boat lift frame; an A-frame coupled to each side of the entranceway of the boat lift frame and coupled to said I-beam; a slider apparatus coupled to the A-frame; two guiding doors that together span the entranceway of the boat lift frame, wherein each guiding door is coupled to the A-frame; rollers coupled to each of the guiding doors; and a spring-hinge coupled to one of the guiding doors and the slider, the spring-hinge being dimensioned to permit the guiding doors to permit the boat to enter and exit through the entranceway.

A first float coupled to the guiding doors, wherein the first float allows the guiding doors to float along with the A frame. A second float coupled to the guiding doors, wherein the second float allows the guiding doors to float along with the A frame. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when guiding doors rotate from a first position to a second position. The spring hinge allows the guiding doors to return back to the first position from the second position. The approaching and guiding device may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the boat lift frame.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a boat docking assembly that guides and docks a boat according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the guiding assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 2B is a front view of an example guiding assembly according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first guiding door which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to a first vertical frame according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 3B illustrates a position of a first slider apparatus with respect to a first guiding door at a first position according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a first guiding door which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to a first vertical frame according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view depicting a boat approaching the entranceway of the guiding assembly according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view depicting the boat of FIG. 5 after being dry docked into a structural platform according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a first vertical frame coupled to a beam preventing a first guiding door from rotating beyond a second position according to an embodiment herein; and

FIG. 8 illustrates the boat docking assembly that includes a boat trailer according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The embodiments herein provide a boat docking assembly that overcomes the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel due to unfavorable weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds and thereby makes it easier to dock a boat in high winds or current. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide a docking assembly, apparatus, and system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. As used herein, a boat lift is used to dry dock and launch boats of various sizes. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate various views of a boat docking apparatus 100. The boat docking apparatus 100 is used to guide and dock a boat 502. The boat docking apparatus 100 includes a guiding assembly 102 and a boat lift 104. The guiding assembly 102 is adapted to guide the boat through an entranceway 106 straight into the boat lift 104. The guiding assembly 102 includes a beam 108, one or more vertical frames 110A-N, one or more slider apparatus 112A-N, one or more guiding doors 114A-N, one or more rollers 116A-N, and one or more floats 118A-N. In one embodiment, the beam 108 is an I-beam.

In one embodiment, the guiding assembly 102 includes two vertical frames (i.e., a first vertical frame 110A and a second vertical frame 110B). A first slider apparatus 112A is coupled to the first vertical frame 110A. A second slider apparatus 112B (not shown) is coupled to the second vertical frame 110B. A first guiding door 114A is coupled to the first slider apparatus 112A, and a second guiding door 114B is coupled to the second slider apparatus 112B. A first roller 116A and a first float 118A are coupled to the first guiding door 114A. A second roller 116B and a second float 118B are coupled to the second guiding door 114B.

The boat lift 104 is coupled to the guiding assembly 102 through the beam 108. The boat lift 104 includes a structural platform 120 (shown in FIG. 6) on which the boat 502 is to be docked. A plurality of hoists (not shown) lifts and lowers the structural platform 120. Some examples of the type of hoists and systems that may be used in accordance with the embodiments herein are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,958,523; 4,109,896; 4,279,565; 4,364,326; 4,401,335; 4,432,664; RE32,118; 4,595,313; 4,787,327; 4,850,741; 5,108,248; 5,222,830; and 5,287,821, the complete disclosures of which, in their entireties, are herein incorporated by reference. These are merely examples of the types of hoists and systems that could be used in accordance with the embodiments herein, and other hoists and systems used in the industry may also be utilized with the embodiments herein. An example of operating the boat lift 104 includes the following: first, the structural platform 120 is lowered underwater 122, then a boat 502 is floated above the support 124, and finally the structural platform 120 with the boat 502 is lifted above the water line 126.

FIG. 2A, with respect to FIG. 1, is a front view of the guiding assembly 102 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein. The beam 108 includes a horizontal element 202 and a vertical element 130 (as shown in the FIG. 7). The horizontal element 202 includes a first end 204 a second end 206. In one embodiment, the first vertical frame 110A and the second vertical frame 110B is a part of an A-frame that bears a load (e.g., guiding doors 114A and 114B, rollers 116A and 116B, and floats 118A and 118B). The first vertical frame 110A is coupled to the first end 204 of the horizontal element 202. The second vertical frame 110B is coupled to the second end 206 of the horizontal element 202. The first slider apparatus 112A (shown in FIG. 3B) includes a spring hinge 208 and a side slider 210 (further shown in FIG. 4). One end of the spring hinge 208 and the side slider 210 is coupled to the first guiding door 114A, and the other end is coupled to the first vertical frame 110A. Likewise, the second slider apparatus 112B includes a spring hinge and a side slider (not shown). One end of the spring hinge and the side slider is coupled to the second guiding door 114B, and the other end is coupled to the second vertical frame 110B. The first roller 116A is adapted to rotate when a boat 502 comes into contact with the first roller 116A to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway 106. Similarly, the second roller 116B is adapted to rotate when a boat 502 comes into contact with the second roller 116B to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway 106. The first roller 116A and the second roller 116B are adapted to guide the boat 502 through the entranceway 106. The first float 118A is adapted to enable the first guiding door 114A to float with the tide (e.g., water line 126) along the first vertical frame 110A. The second float 118B is adapted to enable the second guiding door 114B to float with the tide (e.g., water line 126) along the second vertical frame 110B.

FIG. 2B, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A, is a front view of the guiding assembly 102 of FIG. 1 with example dimensions according to an embodiment herein. The dimensions shown in FIG. 2B are strictly meant for illustration and understanding of the embodiments herein, and do not in any way restrict other embodiments herein, as the embodiments herein may be configured in any suitable configuration and dimension to accommodate a particular sized boat/vessel, dock, application, etc. In one embodiment, the distance between the first vertical frame 110A and the second vertical frame 110B may be approximately 120 inches. The distance between a front end of the second guiding door 114B and the second vertical frame 110B may be approximately 5 inches. The vertical distance associated with the first vertical frame 110A and the second vertical frame 110B may be approximately 6 feet 7 inches. The horizontal length of the beam 108 may be 12 inches. The vertical length of the first guiding door 114A and the second guiding door 114B may be approximately 38 inches. A vertical length of rectangular internal structures of the first guiding door 114A and the second guiding door 114B may be approximately 22 inches. The vertical distance between a base portion of the first guiding door 114A and the second guiding door 114B, and the rectangular internal frames 128 may be approximately 12 inches.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the first guiding door 114A, which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to the first vertical frame 110A, and FIG. 3B illustrates a position of the first slider apparatus 112A with respect to the first guiding door 114A at the first position, according to an embodiment herein. The spring hinge 208 of the first slider apparatus 112A is adapted to disengage from the side slider 210, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the first guiding door 114A is at the first position. In one embodiment, the first guiding door 114A is adapted to rotate from the first position to a second position (e.g., 90° from the starting position (0°)), due to external force (e.g., when a boat 502 gently pushes against the first guiding door 114A). When the first guiding door 114A rotates to the second position (e.g., 90°), the spring hinge 208 and the side slider 210 engage with each other, and prevent the first guiding door 114A from opening or rotating beyond the second position (e.g., beyond 90°). Although not depicted in the figures, it is to be understood that similar to the first guiding door 114A, the second guiding door 114B is coupled to the second slider apparatus 112B, and adapted to rotate from a first position to a second position. When the second guiding door 114B rotates to the second position, a spring hinge and a side slider engages with each other, and prevents the second guiding door 114B from opening or rotating beyond the second position. In one embodiment, the guide assembly 102 is coupled to the boat lift 104 through one or more clamps 302 secured to the beam 108, where the beam 108 is coupled to the boat lift 104.

FIG. 4, with reference to FIG. 3A, illustrates an example schematic diagram of the first guiding door 114A which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to the first vertical frame 110A with example dimensions according to an embodiment herein. The dimensions shown in FIG. 4 are strictly meant for illustration and understanding of the embodiments herein, and do not in any way restrict other embodiments herein, as the embodiments herein may be configured in any suitable configuration and dimension to accommodate a particular sized boat/vessel, dock, application, etc. The distance between the beam 108 and a first extension 402 that extends from the first vertical frame 110A may be approximately 12 inches. The distance between the first vertical frame 110A and a vertical support 404 which is adjacent to the first vertical frame 110A may be approximately 10 inches. One end of the first extension 402 is supported at the vertical support 404 that is a part of the first guiding door 114A. It is to be understood that the example dimensions depicted for the first guiding door 114A may also applicable for the second guiding door 114B.

FIG. 5, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 and FIG. 6, illustrates a view depicting a boat 502 approaching the entranceway 106, and the front 503 of the boat 502 gently hits the spring loaded first guiding door 114A and the second guiding door 114B, and thereby pushes the doors 114A and 114B from a first position (e.g., 0° with respect to the beam 108 or boat 502) to a second position (90° with respect to the beam 108 or boat 502), before the structural platform 120 is lifted according to an embodiment herein. The first roller 116A is coupled to the first guiding door 114A that is at the second position, and is adapted to engage against the boat 502. Similarly, the second roller 116B is coupled to the second guiding door 114B that is at the second position, and is adapted to engage against the boat 502, such that both the first roller 116A and the second roller 116B rotate and allow the boat 502 to pass through the entranceway 106.

FIG. 6, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, illustrates a view depicting the boat 502 of FIG. 5 after being dry docked into a structural platform 120 according to an embodiment herein. As the boat 502 continues to move forward through the entranceway 106, and the guide assembly 102 guides the boat 502 into the boat lift 104 using the rollers 116A and 116B. When the boat 502 approaches the boat lift 104 (shown as dotted line in FIG. 6 as it is not visible), the structural platform 120 is adapted to be lifted from a lower position (e.g., below the water level) to an elevated position 602 (e.g., above the water level 126) to dock the boat 502 at the elevated position 602. When the structural platform 120 is raised to a dry dock position, the guide assembly 102 remains in an open position. When the structural platform 120 is lowered back into the water, the floats 118A and 118B raise doors 114A and 114B to a water level position, and as the boat 502 moves out of the structural platform 120, the spring hinge 208 of the first slider apparatus 112A and the second slider apparatus 112B cause doors 114A and 114B to return to a closed position (e.g., 0° position).

FIG. 7, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, illustrates a view depicting the first vertical frame 110A coupled to the beam 108 preventing the first guiding door 114A from rotating beyond a second position (e.g., 90°) according to an embodiment herein. In one embodiment, the first vertical frame 110A is stationary. In one embodiment, the first vertical frame 110A is coupled to the first guiding door 114A that is at the second position, and engages against the boat 502. When the first guiding door 114A rotates to the second position (e.g., 90°), the spring hinge 208 and the first vertical frame 110A engage with each other, and prevent the first guiding door 114A from opening or rotating beyond the second position (e.g., beyond 90°). Although not depicted in the figures, it is to be understood that similar to the first guiding door 114A, the second guiding door 114B is coupled to the second vertical frame 110B, and engages against the boat 502. When the second guiding door 114B rotates to the second position, the spring hinge 208 and the second vertical frame 110B engages with each other, and prevents the second guiding door 114B from opening or rotating beyond the second position.

FIG. 8, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, illustrates the boat docking apparatus 100 that includes a boat trailer 802 according to an embodiment herein. In one embodiment, the boat trailer 802, which is operatively connected to the guiding assembly 102, guides the boat 502 onto the trailer 802 first because the first guiding door 114A (shown in FIG. 5) and the second guiding door 114B (shown in FIG. 5) door may only open to 90°, thereby forcing the boat 502 straight on the trailer 802 and preventing it from drifting off either to the left or to the right into the pilings. Hence, even when pushed by the tide or current or other force, the boat 502 always goes on the boat lift 104 guided by the first guiding door 114A and the second guiding door 114B.

The embodiments herein provide a boat docking assembly that overcomes the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel due to unfavorable weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds and thereby makes it easier to dock a boat in high winds or current. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide a docking assembly, apparatus, and system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. The boat lift 104 may be used to dry dock and launch boats of various sizes.

Generally, the embodiments herein provide a boat docking apparatus 100 comprising a guiding assembly 102. The guiding assembly 102 is coupled to a boat lift 104 to support the docking procedure. The boat lift 104 comprises a structural platform 120 that is lifted and lowered exactly vertical, synchronously by a number of hoists (not shown). An example of operating the boat lift 104 includes the following: first, the platform 120 is lowered underwater 122, then a vessel (e.g., boat 502) is floated above the support 124, and finally the platform 122 with the vessel support 124 and vessel 502 is lifted above the water line (e.g., water level 126).

As boat 502 approaches the boat lift 104, the boat 502 pushes against gates (e.g., first guiding door 114A, the second guiding door 114B) of guiding assembly 102, aided by rollers 116A-N attached to the doors 114A, 114B. The doors 114A, 114B are spring loaded via spring hinge 208. According to one embodiment, doors 114A, 114B open (e.g., rotate) to 90° from the starting position (0°) and are stopped by side sliders 210 from opening/rotating any further. Doors 114A, 114B (assisted by rollers 116A-N) guide and thereby cause boat 502 to enter straight into the boat lift 104.

The guiding assembly 102 is coupled to boat lift 104 through clamps 302 secured to I-beam 108, where I-beam 108 is coupled to the boat lift 104. The floats 118A-N are coupled to the doors 114A, 114B to permit the doors 114A, 114B to float with the tide or current along an A-bar (e.g., vertical frames 110A-N). As a result, when boat 502 approaches boat lift 104, the front of boat 503 gently hits the spring loaded gates (e.g., doors 114A, 114B) and thereby pushes doors 114A, 114B to the 90° position. As boat 502 continues to move forward, guiding assembly 102 guides the boat 502 into the boat lift 104 using rollers 116A-N coupled to doors 114A, 114B, where rollers 116A-N hold doors 114A, 114B against boat 502. When the boat lift 104 is raised to a dry dock position (e.g., FIG. 6), the guiding assembly 102 remains in an open position (e.g., 90° position). When the boat lift 104 is lowered back into the water 122, floats 118A-N raise gates doors 114A, 114B to a water level position 126, and as boat 502 backs out of boat lift 104, spring hinge 208 cause doors 114A, 114B to return to a closed position (e.g., 0° position).

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A boat docking apparatus comprising:

a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises: a beam comprising a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein said horizontal element comprises a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to said first end of said horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of said horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of said first vertical frame and said second vertical frame, wherein said slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said first door from rotating beyond said second position; a second door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said second door from rotating beyond said fourth position; a first roller coupled to said first door, wherein said first roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said first roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway; and a second roller coupled to said second door, wherein said second roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said second roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway, wherein said first door and said second door provide a guide for said boat through said entranceway, and

a boat lift that is coupled to said horizontal element of said guiding assembly, wherein said boat lift comprises a structural platform on which said boat is to be docked, and wherein said structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock said boat at said elevated position.

2. The boat docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first float coupled to said first door, wherein said first float allows said first door to float along with said first vertical frame; and

a second float coupled to said second door, wherein said second float allows said second door to float along with said second vertical frame.

3. The boat docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of hoists that lift said structural platform from said lower position to said elevated position to dock said boat, and lower said structural platform from said elevated position to move said boat out of said structural platform.

4. The boat docking apparatus of claim 3, wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus engages said side slider when any of said first door and said second door rotate from said first position to said second position.

5. The boat docking apparatus of claim 4, wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus disengages from said side slider when said structural platform is lowered from said elevated position.

6. The boat docking apparatus of claim 5, wherein said spring hinge allows said first door and said second door to return back to said first position from said second position.

7. The boat docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a trailer operatively connected to said guide assembly.

8. A boat docking apparatus comprising a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises:

a beam comprising a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein said horizontal element comprises a first end and a second end;

a first vertical frame that is coupled to said first end of said horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of said horizontal element;

a slider apparatus coupled to each of said first vertical frame and said second vertical frame, wherein said slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider;

a first door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said first door from rotating beyond said second position;

a second door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said second door from rotating beyond said fourth position;

a first roller coupled to said first door, wherein said first roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said first roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway; and

a second roller coupled to said second door, wherein said second roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said second roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway, wherein said first door and said second door provide a guide for said boat through said entranceway.

9. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a boat lift that is coupled to said horizontal element of said guiding assembly, wherein said boat lift comprises a structural platform on which said boat is to be docked, and wherein said structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock said boat at said elevated position.

10. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a first float coupled to said first door, wherein said first float allows said first door to float along with said first vertical frame; and

a second float coupled to said second door, wherein said second float allows said second door to float along with said second vertical frame.

11. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of hoists that lift said structural platform from said lower position to said elevated position to dock said boat, and lower said structural platform from said elevated position to move said boat out of said structural platform.

12. The boat docking apparatus of claim 10, wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus engages said side slider when any of said first door and said second door rotate from said first position to said second position.

13. The boat docking apparatus of claim 12, wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus disengages from said side slider when said structural platform is lowered from said elevated position.

14. The boat docking apparatus of claim 13, wherein said spring hinge allows said first door and said second door to return back to said first position from said second position.

15. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a trailer operatively connected to said guide assembly.

16. An approaching and guiding device, in particular for a boat, comprising a guiding assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a boat lift frame, said guiding assembly comprising:

an I-beam spanning said entranceway of said boat lift frame;

an A-frame coupled to each side of said entranceway of said boat lift frame and coupled to said I-beam;

a slider apparatus coupled to said A-frame;

two guiding doors that together span said entranceway of said boat lift frame, wherein each guiding door is coupled to said A-frame;

rollers coupled to each of said guiding doors; and

a spring-hinge coupled to one of said guiding doors and said slider, said spring-hinge being dimensioned to permit said guiding doors to permit said boat to enter and exit through said entranceway.

17. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16, further comprising:

a first float coupled to said guiding doors, wherein said first float allows said guiding doors to float along with said A frame; and

a second float coupled to said guiding doors, wherein said second float allows said guiding doors to float along with said A frame.

18. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16, wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus engages said side slider when guiding doors rotate from a first position to a second position.

19. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16, wherein said spring hinge allows said guiding doors to return back to said first position from said second position.

20. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16, further comprising a trailer operatively connected to said boat lift frame.