Abstract: A boat accessory system and method for attaching accessories to boats.

Abstract: A system for orienting a marine vessel is provided. The system includes marine propulsion devices, a gyroscopic stabilizer system, and a manually operable control device configured to provide an output signal which is representative of a desired movement of the marine vessel. The system further includes a controller operably coupled to the marine propulsion devices, the gyroscopic stabilization system and the manually operable control device. The controller is configured to receive the output signal from the manually operable control device, resolve said desired movement of the marine vessel into a target movement command, operate the marine propulsion devices to exert a thrust on the marine vessel to achieve the target movement command, and operate the gyroscopic stabilizer system consistent with the thrust exerted by the plurality of marine propulsion devices to achieve the target movement command.

Abstract: A flat-bottom fluvial transport boat comprising inflatable buoyancy tanks consisting of at least one pair of port side and starboard inflatable volumes. The paired inflatable volumes are connected to each other by means of one or more pressure balancing means.

Abstract: A boat may have a deck and a plurality of pontoons or hulls supporting the deck of the boat. The boat may include a starboard side pontoon, a port side pontoon, and possibly a middle pontoon. A positioning assembly may be provided with one or more of the foregoing pontoons. Each of the positioning assemblies may comprise a link assembly and an actuator provided to position the toon between the retracted position and the extended position. The boat may further include a leveling control system having a controller and a level sensor configured to detect an attitude of the deck, the controller in communication with the actuators and cause actuation of either or both of the actuators to extend or retract the port side toon and/or the starboard side toon based on data received from the level sensor indicative of the deck attitude.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting device for connecting at least two floating bodies, in particular at least two stand-up paddle boards, side by side, comprising: a linkage having at least one rod; and a plurality of fastening means arranged on the at least one rod of the linkage, at least some of the plurality of fastening means being provided axially displaceable along the axis of the at least one rod of the linkage adapted to the respective geometry of the at least two floating bodies such that each floating body can be clamped between at least two fastening means on the at least one rod of the linkage in a positionally stable manner.

Abstract: A hydrofoil system provides lift to a motor-powered displacement hull without raising the hull out of the water. The hydrofoil system includes a pair of laterally opposed forward hydrofoil wings positioned respectively on the first pontoon and second pontoon forward a center of gravity of the hull. The forward hydrofoil wings extend laterally inboard and downwards towards each other. The hydrofoil system also includes a pair of laterally opposed aft hydrofoil wings positioned near the stern of the hull on the first pontoon and second pontoon respectively. The aft hydrofoil wings extend laterally inboard towards each other and have an upper surface with convex curvature that extends from the respective first pontoon or second pontoon to an inboard terminal end thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rescue device for adjusting the direction of an automobile falling into water through buoyancy. The rescue device comprises an automobile body, wherein storage cavities are formed in the automobile head and the automobile tail of the automobile body, a first high-pressure quick inflation pump is embedded in the inner wall of the storage cavity, a square buoyancy air bag is folded and stored in the storage cavity, an annular storage box body is embedded in a shell of the automobile body, meanwhile, the annular storage box body is located on the side close to the driving position of the automobile body, and an annular buoyancy air bag is folded and stored in the annular storage box body.

Abstract: Righting devices that provide foot and/or hand holds to allow users to manually right capsized watercraft. In some embodiments, each righting device is configured to be secured to a hull bottom so as to extend outwardly from the surface of the hull bottom. In some embodiments, each righting device includes at least one receptacle that is recessed relative to a hull bottom. Righting devices of the present disclosure may, for example, be retrofitted to existing hull bottoms. Righting devices of the present disclosure may be formed monolithically and integrally with hull bottoms during construction thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to methods of using righting devices of the present disclosure, as well as to kits that include one or more righting devices, installation instructions for locating and installing one or more righting devices, and/or use instructions describing how to use the righting device(s) to right a capsized watercraft.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes: a watercraft body including a hull and a deck covering an upper portion of the hull; a light emitter supported by the watercraft body; and a protection cover covering the light emitter and permeable to light emitted by the light emitter, wherein the watercraft body includes a flow-regulating structure, and the flow-regulating structure includes: a fluid inlet through which an external fluid enters the watercraft body; and an upper flow-regulating wall and a lower flow-regulating wall that are opposed to each other in an up-down direction, the upper and lower flow-regulating walls being located between the fluid inlet and the protection cover to regulate flow of the fluid entering the watercraft body through the fluid inlet and moving toward the protection cover.

Abstract: A flotation device includes a main body portion having a leg rest, seat, back rest, and headrest. Arms are adjustably attached to the back rest via hinge mechanisms which allow the arms to be pivoted towards and away from the main body portion, and which allow the length of the arms' extension from the main body portion to be adjusted. In alternative embodiments, cupholders are secured in apertures in the arms, with headrest extensions providing additional buoyance to the head rest portion.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for coupling a flotation device to a boat. The apparatus includes a clamping device with a clamp base, a fixed clamp portion extending from the clamp base, and an extensible clamp portion extendably coupled to the clamp base. Extension of the extensible clamp portion changes a distance between the extensible clamp portion and the fixed clamp portion so as to permit clamping of a portion of the boat there between. A tether member extends downwardly from the base. A retention device is associated with the tether member and operates to couple the flotation device to the boat.

Abstract: Safe, three-wheeled tilting scooter or motorcycle frames with two front steerable, non-tilting wheels are described herein, as well as three-wheeled tilting vehicles with various propulsion systems mounted on such frames are also disclosed. Said vehicles are preferably non-polluting, such as electric or fueled by hydrogen.

Abstract: A suspension system for a water craft, the water craft including a chassis which is at least partially suspended above or relative to at least a first hull and a second hull. The suspension system includes a first hull locating arrangement for at least partially constraining the first hull in a lateral, a yaw, a roll and a longitudinal direction relative to the chassis, the first hull locating arrangement comprising a first, a second, a third and a fourth link arranged to directly or indirectly connect between the hull and the chassis. The first, second and third links each extend in at least a lateral direction relative to the chassis and contribute to a lateral constraint on the first hull relative to the chassis. The second link is longitudinally spaced from the first link relative to the chassis to contribute to a hull yaw constraint on the first hull relative to the chassis.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a method is performed using a self-elevating vessel having at least one preload tank and a plurality of movable support legs each with a spudcan affixed at the base. The method comprises locating the self-elevating vessel at a first ocean environment, lowering the legs to a surface of a seafloor with a first bearing pressure requirement, and filling the at least one preload tank to a first volume that is sufficient to drive the footings into the seafloor. The first volume is different than a second volume that is a volume sufficient to drive the footings into a seafloor of a second ocean environment that has a different bearing pressure requirement than the seafloor of the first ocean environment. The preload tank is sized to have a volume capacity based on the greater bearing pressure requirement between the first and the second ocean environment.

Abstract: A method is described for attenuating the oscillation of a ship, which includes a controller of a drive adapted to move at least one fin to allow stabilizing the ship, when the ship is at zero speed, anchored, wherein the motion of such at least one fin comprises an initial acceleration step, an intermediate step at constant speed and a final deceleration step. In the initial acceleration step, such at least one fin can start from a first angular position, while in the final deceleration step, such at least one fin can reach a second angular position corresponding to minimum or null values of effects opposite to those of the acceleration and constant speed steps of such at least one fin to allow maximizing the useful roll moment generated by such at least one fin.

Abstract: A system for converting a paddleboard into a gigging vessel includes a standard stand-up paddleboard outfitted with a conversion system. The conversion system includes a pair of opposing pontoons, a pair of opposing guards each adjacent to one pontoon, and retaining arms and retaining straps for securing pontoons and guards to the stand-up paddleboard. The system includes a pair of wheels that can be lowered for transportation across land, and raised for use in aquatic environments; lights; and a storage compartment for items and captured fish. In one embodiment the pontoons and guards can be folded up for transportation.

Abstract: A compressed air tank for sinking prevention comprises a compressed air tank having a valve; and an air pocket coupled to the compressed air tank and being filled with air discharged from the compressed air tank when the valve is opened, wherein buoyancy is provided to a cabin that is being flooded through the air pocket to prevent a ship from foundering.

Abstract: A canoe outrigger with built-in, covered, storage capacity. Unlike a typical pontoon type outrigger, this device is a miniature canoe form that has an open interior. The top of the outrigger has three doors allowing for storage and access within the form that holds many supplies, such as camping and fishing gear, food, water and other items. The outrigger is connected to a canoe, or other small boat, by a pair of telescoping arms. Each arm has clamps that secure the arms the gunwales of the vessel. The other end of each arm is bolted into position on the outrigger. In this way, the outrigger is securely attached for use.

Abstract: A vessel is provided herein which comprises a primary hull and at least two hull members capable of being deployed from or retracted into tunnels or underneath overhangs in the primary hull. In various embodiments, the vessel comprises a means for controllably deploying and retracting the hull members. These members may further comprise a propulsion means capable of propelling the vessel. In other embodiments the vessel comprises a failsafe mode allowing the hull members to fully retract into the vessel during times of destress. In various embodiments, the vessel is a landing craft capable of loading and unloading cargo without the burden of an overhang cross beam.

Abstract: A multi-hull vessel having a first hull and a second hull. The multi-hull vessel has a connecting structure, via which the first hull is connected to the second hull. The connecting structure has a displacement bearing for partially guiding a change of a position of the first hull relative to the second hull. The connecting structure is configured so that the displacement bearing is connected to the first hull via a compensating connection. The compensating connection has one or more degrees of freedom for reducing a bearing load of the displacement bearing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fixed positively buoyant manned submersible that includes a plurality of vertical thrusters and a sealed enclosure(s) that can support one or more human passengers. The vertical thrusters can include vertically aligned propellers that are coupled to motors that control the rotational velocity of the propellers. The vertical thrusters to generate a negative vertical thrust to allow the submersible to dive within a body of water. Horizontal movement can be achieved through horizontal thrusters or directing the thrust vectoring of the vertical thrusters.

Abstract: A watercraft configured for use in a body of water is provided including a deck and at least one propulsion mechanism mounted at a first end of the deck. The at least one propulsion mechanism is configured to move the watercraft within the body of water. A man lift movable between a lowered position and a raised position is mounted to the deck. The man lift is configured to raise a person a vertical distance above the deck. Mounting brackets are arranged adjacent a first and second side of the deck. The mounting brackets are translatable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the mounting brackets extend perpendicularly from the first side and the second side, respectively. An inflatable pontoon is removably coupled to each of the mounting brackets.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a boat is provided which includes a deck; a plurality of pontoons extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the deck, the deck being attached to the pontoons; and a hull portion attached to and extending from one of the pontoons. The hull portion extends outwardly to a distance wider than the pontoon to which it is attached, and the hull portion extends farther rearwardly than any of the pontoons.

Abstract: An extendable hull system movable between a mono-hull to a multi-hull configuration is provided so as to take advantage of both types of hull designs depending on the boating conditions. The extendable hull system provides a center hull portion and two side hull portions, each with separate planing surfaces in an expanded multi-hull configuration, and providing a shared planing surface in the contracted mono-hull configuration. The extendable hull system provides a pivotably connected railing system along a periphery of the side hull portions for moving to a deployed configuration providing additional walking surface. The extendable hull system provides a retractable awning movable between positions for covering the mono-hull and the multi-hull configuration.

Abstract: An internal canoe frame acts as a mount for retractable outriggers, foldable panels, and pontoons. With the outriggers, panels, and pontoons, the canoe can be adapted to provide a stable multi-purpose waterborne platform. In some embodiments, the platform may also include a support frame for a tent, to provide a waterborne camping site for an intrepid canoer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a naval rescue vessel, comprising a propulsion unit (1) powered by a water jet and a hull unit (200), wherein said hull unit is at least partly flexible and wherein said propulsion unit (100) is arranged to form a rigid unit, and wherein the two units (100, 200) are interconnected to form a naval rescue vessel intended to be handled/maneuvered by a single rescuer, wherein the interconnection (130, 205) between the two units (100, 200) is arranged to provide a releasable connection of the units.

Abstract: A recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front end and a rear end. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of the flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. The device is buoyant in water. A propeller can be mounted to the bottom surface of the central body.

Abstract: A foldable boat includes a boat hull, left and right wing members, two forward buoyant bodies, and two rearward buoyant bodies. When the foldable boat is in a folded position, flat bodies of the left and right wing members are substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the boat hull, and the forward and rearward buoyant bodies can be packed in an accommodation space of the boat hull. When the foldable boat is in an unfolded position, the flat bodies are substantially parallel to the bottom wall, and each of the forward buoyant bodies and a corresponding one the rearward buoyant bodies are fastened to a corresponding one of the left and right wing members so as to provide a buoyant force to the boat hull.

Abstract: A three hulled T configuration displacement power boat that reduces weight by minimizing the structural without sacrificing boat length. The weight is evenly distributed between three hulls and is aligned in a T formation so that the overall boat length would be about three times the hull length. The structure, cargo and passenger(s) are supported above the water as shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for capturing a target object from a body of water. A first bulkhead may be proximate to a second bulkhead. An opening may be formed between at least a portion of the first and second bulkhead. The opening, via the first and second bulkhead, may be configured to align and receive at least a portion of the target object as a distance between the opening and at least the portion of the target object decreases, wherein the opening may be further configured to align and receive at least the portion of the target object while the target object is in the body of water.

Abstract: A variety of multi-use, configurable watercraft is disclosed. A first type of watercraft used in a first water-based activity may be used as a component in a second type of watercraft used in a second water-based activity. For example, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) may be used for paddle boarding, and then converted into a kayak, sailboat, catamaran, motorboat, or other type of vessel by adding one or more components to the SUP. In one embodiment, two paddleboards are used to construct a variety of multi-hull watercraft.

Abstract: System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system comprising at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.

Abstract: A watercraft with outboard stabilizing members on a hull with a bow wrap and port and starboard side sheets with one or more longitudinal channels. The port and starboard stabilizing members comprise buoyant members in a sheath having one or more longitudinal keepers that are configured to be received into the side sheet channels. Tension members extend through the keepers, and are attachable near the aft end of the watercraft, and releasably engage tensioning mechanisms in the bow wrap, for releasably attaching the stabilizing members to the side sheet. Deck access plates through the side walls provide access to the tensioning mechanisms, which may be, for example, crank or electric winch mechanism.

Abstract: An inflatable bag is selectively usable as one of a buoy and a punching bag. The inflatable bag is inflated depending on the selected use, and the inflating is practiced differently depending on the use decision. When it is decided to use the bag as a punching bag, the bag is suspended, and the bag is inflated with water. An inflatable bag member and kit includes components suitable for the selected use.

Abstract: A recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front end and a rear end. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of the flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. The device is buoyant in water. A propeller can be mounted to the bottom surface of the central body.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for capturing a target object from a body of water. A first rail is proximate to a second rail. A first gap portion is formed between at least a portion of the first and second rail. The first gap portion is configured to align and receive at least a portion of the target object as a distance between the first gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases. A second gap portion is formed between at least the portion of the first and second rail. The first and second rail are further configured to align and receive at least the portion of the target object with the second gap portion as a distance between the second gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases.

Abstract: A sensor based vehicle flotation device is suitable for floating a vehicle immersed in sufficient water to activate a protected water sensor and, if desired, to confirm through auxiliary sensors whether a hazardous condition is presented. When such a device detects and verifies that the vehicle is becoming immersed in water, one or more expansible chambers, affording sufficient buoyancy to allow the vehicle to float, automatically and rapidly inflate by means of compressed, pumped or pressurized gas. Upon the successful deployment of the expansible chamber, the land vehicle will begin to float, limiting water damage to the vehicle and/or bodily harm to its occupants, and reducing the risk of the vehicle overturning. The expansible chamber will remain inflated until the land vehicle is returned to safety, and the device is detached from the land vehicle.

Abstract: An extendable pontoon system is provided. The extendable pontoon system may include a center pontoon, two side pontoons, an adjustable frame and a plurality of actuator arms. The adjustable frame may include a plurality of fixed frame elements and a plurality of slidable elements. The plurality of fixed frame elements may be supported in a traverse relationship to and along the length of the center pontoon. Each elongated slidable element may have a received end and a hinged end. Each fixed frame element may be tubular having two opposing ends, wherein each opposing end may be adapted to slidably receive one received end. The plurality of hinged ends may be pivotably connected to either one of the two side pontoons.

Abstract: A multi-hulled water craft is disclosed. The water craft has a body, one left hull and one right hull, each hull connected to the body by respective locating means which permits at least substantially vertical and pitch motion of the respective hull relative to the body. The multi-hulled water craft also has a suspension system including at least a front left modal support means and a back left modal support means for providing at least partial support of the body with respect to the left hull, and at least a front right modal support means and a back right modal support means for providing at least partial support of the body with respect to the right hull. The suspension system further includes interconnection means connected to the modal support means to provide different stiffness between motions in at least two of roll, pitch, heave and warp suspension modes.

Abstract: A flotation system for a recreational board such as a stand up paddleboard includes an elongated substrate that is sized and shaped to releaseably wrap around the perimeter of a recreational board. The elongated substrate is constructed of a buoyant material such as foam, and defines a plurality of apertures that can be used to store items such as beverages and personal belongings. The elongated substrate is releaseably attached to the board by a variety of fastening means, and serves to increase stability and buoyancy of the board, and to protect the board.

Abstract: A user floatation system for boating safety. There is included in the system a boat, having a seat for a user, and a rear and forward section located behind and in front of the user respectively. There is also a flotation system, including float device, designed to be placed in the water on at least one side of the boat; and frame system, coupled to the boat at one end and to the float device at an opposite end, designed to hold the float device in a 1) deployed position where the float device is held in the water when a user is in the seat, and 2) partially deployed position where the float device is held a distance above the water level when a user is in the seat sufficient to enable the user to tip the boat a certain angle from a level position but to assist in preventing the boat from tipping completely over.

Abstract: This embodiment relates generally to the deployable assembly (30) for a suspended device (38), that may lead to the stabilization of a watercraft (32), such as kayaks and canoes, which allows an operator (134) to stand or move in the watercraft (32) without it rocking or rolling over. The deployable assembly with an example pontoon (112) connected to a folding and rotate-able arm (80) that enable pivotal and rotate-able movement of each pontoon between storage (128) and deployed positions. A locking housing (102) secures the pontoon (112) from substantial movement when at or in between operating and storable positions (128). The deployable assembly (30) is mounted to a watercraft (32) which allows for extending a stabilizing pontoon individually on each side of the watercraft from a rest position (128) to an operative position, by solo means.

Abstract: An outrigger system for a paddle board uses an outrigger that is connected to the board via a pair of spaced apart extension arms that are angled upwardly above the water. A pair of plates is positioned onto opposing deck surfaces of the board and strapped together at either end and tightened so that boards of various sizes can be accommodated. The upper plate receives one end of the extension arm. Two such plate systems are provided with the lower plate spaced apart from the board surface via a riser system to help prevent plate twisting during board travel. One or two kick bars run between the two extension arms and provide a basis of side support for a rider who may be fishing and provide a rectangular frame for installing a deck between board and outrigger.

Abstract: A human-powered watercraft comprises a fin, a displacement body, and an outrigger, wherein the outrigger floats separately from the watercraft within a vertically oriented tube, which tube allows the outrigger to rise up and down relative to the watercraft while maintaining the relative orientation of the watercraft.

Abstract: An outrigger deployment mechanism is provided. The outrigger deployment mechanism may include, one or more outrigger adjustment plates; one or more outriggers; one or more outrigger arms operably coupling the one or more outriggers to the one or more outrigger adjustment plates; one or more locking mechanisms operably engaged with at least one of the one or more outrigger adjustment plates and at least one of a corresponding one or more outrigger arms, wherein the one or more locking mechanisms are configured to lock the outriggers in various positions; and one or more adjustment mechanisms operably engaged with one or more of the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more outrigger arms, wherein the one or more adjustment mechanisms are configured to position the outriggers.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a saddle with a seating surface, first and second opposite sides, and front and back ends. A pair of footing surfaces proceed from proximate lower edges of first and second opposite sides. A front recess is defined in the front end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. A back recess is defined in the back end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. The front and back recesses are configured to secure an inflatable body that substantially surrounds the saddle with the footing surfaces at least partially exposed.

Abstract: A method of moving a floating wind turbine relative to a body of water, the floating wind turbine having a buoyant body with a nacelle at the upper end thereof, including the steps of floating the floating wind turbine in the body of water, and towing the floating wind turbine while holding the buoyant body in an inclined position, whereby the nacelle is held clear of the water. As the wind turbine is held in an inclined position, it can be towed through regions of shallower water than if it were in a vertical position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying the buoyancy of a floating structure are provided. The method can include securing a plurality of floatation modules to at least a portion of the floating structure at various locations thereabout, while the floating structure is at sea such that the operational flexibility of the floating structure is modified.

Abstract: The vehicle flotation system is adaptable to a conventional land motor vehicle to provide sufficient buoyancy for the vehicle should it become immersed in water. A plurality of permanently inflated pneumatic elements and/or solid closed-cell (e.g., foam, cork, etc.) elements is installed throughout the bodywork of the vehicle. Such permanently inflated and solid flotation elements do not require a pneumatic inflation system, thus providing benefits in reliability and economy. Optionally, a pneumatic inflation monitoring system may be provided for the pneumatic elements. As an additional option, a plurality of collapsed, inflatable elements may be installed within the vehicle fenders for deployment and inflation in the event of water immersion of the vehicle. These inflatable elements are automatically ejected laterally from slots or openings in the vehicle fenders and are automatically inflated by an on-board container of compressed gas, in the event of water immersion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle flotation system is adaptable to a conventional land motor vehicle to provide sufficient buoyancy for the vehicle should it become immersed in water. A plurality of permanently inflated pneumatic elements and/or solid closed-cell (e.g., foam, cork, etc.) elements is installed throughout the bodywork of the vehicle. Such permanently inflated and solid flotation elements do not require a pneumatic inflation system, thus providing benefits in reliability and economy. Optionally, a pneumatic inflation monitoring system may be provided for the pneumatic elements. As an additional option, a plurality of collapsed, inflatable elements may be installed within the vehicle fenders for deployment and inflation in the event of water immersion of the vehicle. These inflatable elements are automatically ejected laterally from slots or openings in the vehicle fenders and are automatically inflated by an on-board container of compressed gas, in the event of water immersion of the vehicle.