Abstract: An inflatable boat adapted to serve as a training aid and enable a towable personal hydrofoil watersport device adapted to carry a seated rider having an elongate board and a vertical strut extending generally at a right angle to said board to float on the surface of the water comprising: (a) elongated spaced apart inflatable pontoon sections connected in proximity to their lower extremities by (b) a carrying surface, said pontoon sections and carrying surface forming a generally smooth leading surface for being towed through water with minimum drag, said carrying surface being provided with an opening in proximity to its trailing edge, said opening being adapted to retain said boat and the lateral distance between said pontoon sections being adapted to receive the elongated board of a water sport device adapted to carry a seated rider.

Abstract: Alternative collar assemblies for use with watercraft including rigid-hulled boats are described. The collars may include both foam materials and one or more inflatable compartments, thereby offering multiple advantages over existing foam or inflatable collars. Optionally included in or on the collars are reinforcing material (such as but not limited to Kevlar) and an abrasion-resistant coating surrounding the foam and inflatable compartments.

Abstract: A sponson for a watercraft includes a nose; a trailing end; and a base extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the base is non-linear in shape in a direction from the nose to the trailing end. The sponson can include an outboard surface extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the outboard surface is configured to reduce the water pressure during cornering.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilization and propulsion of windsurfing and other floating boards such as surf boards. The invention consists of a modular device consisting of a seat and pontoon float unit fitted with remote controls by which a modified trolling motor can be used to steer and propel the board through the water.

Abstract: Canoe and kayak mid-point sponsons attach to the canoe or kayak only at the mid-point of the sponsons, to enable the sponsons to rotate around the midpoint in order to reduce drag in waves and simplify attachment and detachment to the canoe or kayak, while also permitting much greater sponson buoyancy volume than any other type of sponson, without interfering with normal paddling to safety. They are attached to any canoe or kayak by material such as only one adjustable strap and two clips, extending to kayak deck fittings adjacent the cockpit or a canoe middle thwart, in such a manner as to facilitate normal paddling of the stabilized craft in life threatening emergencies. They can be directly attached to both sides of the hull near the waterline. The mid-point sponsons can be solid buoyant material, waterproof and airtight stowage bags containing bulky lightweight items such as sleeping bags, orally inflatable sponson floats, and gas cartridge inflatable sponson floats.

Abstract: This invention comprises methods, devices and systems for stabilizing watercraft. More particularly it comprises a means for stabilizing a canoe or the like watercraft (100) with a pair of flotation devices (250) shaped like a SKI (242) at the bottom or mount over SKIs (240). The floats (250) are interfaced to the watercraft at interface (210) via a longitudinal support member (200) foldable in for stowing and foldable out for deployment via hinges (220).

Abstract: A buoyancy device is described comprising a number of buoyancy members (9, 9A, 9B) which are substantially equi-spaced around the circumference of a coupling member (7) and the buoyancy members (9, 9A, 9B) being coupled to the coupling member (7) At least two of the buoyancy members (9, 9A, 9B) are inflatable members (9, 9A, 9B). The inflatable members (9, 9A, 9B) are formed from a substantially flexible material such that an inflatable member (9, 9A, 9B) substantially collapses when deflated. The coupling member (7) is is typically coupled to a structure, which may be a drilling rig (3) which requires to be lifted and subsequently moved, or which may be a large device such as a well head Christmas tree for an oil well which requires to be deployed in deep water.

Abstract: A manually powered recreational watercraft comprises a hull and a pair of paddle wheels independently mounted on opposed sides of the hull. Each paddle wheel comprises a plurality of vanes circumferentially distributed on a semi-spherical hub having an inboard flange. Each paddle wheel has a buoyant structure to provide additional lateral floatation stability to the watercraft. The vanes, the hub and the inboard flange of each paddle wheel are configured so that, upon rotation of the paddle wheel, water bubbles trapped between submerged adjacent vanes are channeled upwardly to the water surface whereat the bubbles burst and provide audible sounds. Safety hand grips are provided in the underside of the hull to help a user to pull himself on the hull in the event that the watercraft capsized. A floating windshield is mounted to the hull so as to be automatically separated therefrom upon capsizing of the watercraft.

Abstract: A marine advertising vessel comprises a floating member with superimposed deck supporting a display frame for mounting an advertising message or display well above water level to be readily visible along a shoreline. One or more vessels may be employed for an advertising display.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having exhaust pipes which discharge exhaust gases to either side of the craft's hull, is disclosed The exhaust system of the personal watercraft has one or more valves which can be used to selectively direct exhaust gases to one side or the other of the hull to thereby generate a steering force to at least aid in the steering of the personal watercraft. Also disclosed, are a pair of sponsons with perforated bottoms which are attached to either side of the hull. Exhaust gases are directed into the sponsons which release exhaust gas bubbles under the waterline and thus muffle the exhaust noise. In conjunction with the sponsons, multi-compartment tuning chambers can be provided inside the hull. A method for steering a personal watercraft using exhaust gases and a method and arrangement for automatically shutting off exhaust gas flow when the craft leaves the water, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat has a main hull and a pair of outriggers which extend to distal, capsizing-resistance formations. The capsizing-resistance formations are shaped and arranged such that in contact with the water under forward velocity it provides a generally upward capsizing-resistance force through a given center of action, which force is transmitted by the outrigger to the main hull as an applied capsizing-resistance moment. Given the foregoing, the outriggers position of the capsizing-resistance formations generally outboard and rearward such that said centers of the upward capsizing-resistance force lie spaced substantially outboard or behind a plane containing the stern of the main hull in order to stabilize the fore-to-aft pitching as well as side-to-side rolling of the main boat hull in accordance with boat speed and wave conditions.

Abstract: A boat has a main hull and a pair of outriggers which extend to distal, capsizing-resistance formations. The capsizing-resistance formation are relatively diminutive:--they displace a substantially small fractional amount of water relative to what the main hull displaces. Also, the capsizing-resistance formations are shaped and arranged such that in contact with the water under forward velocity it provides a generally upward capsizing-resistance force through a given center of action, which force is transmitted by the outrigger to the main hull as an applied capsizing-resistance moment. Given the foregoing, the outriggers position of the capsizing-resistance formations generally outboard and rearward such that said centers of the upward capsizing-resistance force lie spaced substantially outboard or behind a plane containing the stern of the main hull in order to stabilize the fore-to-aft pitching as well as side-to-side rolling of the main boat hull in accordance with boat speed and wave conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a flotation device for a snowmobile including a plurality of preferably self-contained air bag modules having inflatable bladders affixed to the exterior of a snowmobile and adapted to inflate when a water detection device such as a float sensor is exposed to water. The inflated bladders supply sufficient buoyancy to maintain the snowmobile afloat and stable, and in the preferred embodiment are configured to provide an escape means for the occupants of the snowmobile who can use the bladder as a buoyant platform to escape to solid ice.

Abstract: A snowmobile powered watercraft which includes a pair of forward pontoons mounted to the front suspension in place of conventional skis and an U-shaped rear pontoon mounted to the aft portion of the snowmobile body. Propulsion is provided by the endless track assembly of the snowmobile which extends in part beneath the rear pontoon. Also disclosed is a structural assembly for converting the snowmobile into a watercraft which includes the forward and rear pontoons.

Abstract: The aquatic vehicle includes centers of mass (COM), of propulsion (COP) and of resistance (COR); a propulsion force (P) provided by propulsion sources (43, 44 or 143, 144); a neutralization of the propulsion and resistance torques; double blade control surfaces (20, 22, 24, 26 or 120, 122, 124, 126), each having two blades mounted on the opposite sides of a rotational axis; the surfaces being arranged such that the control effects are transmitted through COM; lateral boards (28, 30, 32, 34 or 128, 130, 132, 134) to provide the vehicle a lift in motion and structures of displacement volume (70, 72) to support the vehicle at rest. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes top and bottom components (12, 14) of equal normal cross-sectional areas (w1, w2). In another embodiment, the vehicle includes top and bottom components (112, 114) and top and bottom extensors (116, 118).

Abstract: This invention comprises methods, devices and systems for clamping an outrigger to a watercraft. More particularly it comprises a locking clamp for securing mounting brackets and accessory mounts to T shaped or inverted L shaped gunwales of watercraft. A portable, heavy-duty and versatile mounting bracket can be easily constructed utilizing this clamp.

Abstract: A personal watercraft sponson arrangement has sponsons that are configured so as to improve buoyancy and stability upon leaning. The sponsons are designed to be detachably affixed to the hull of the watercraft through the use of a coupling system.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson system for a watercraft includes a coupling mechanism that allows the position of the sponsons relative to the hull of the watercraft to be varied by the operator of the watercraft while seated on the watercraft. The adjustable sponson system includes a pair of actuators which move the sponsons relative to the hull. A remotely positioned operator controls the actuator. The operator desirably is positioned on the watercraft so as to be easily operated by the rider when riding.

Abstract: A watercraft including an elongated V-type hull and first and second stabilizers mounted in outrigger fashion on opposite sides of the hull. In a preferred embodiment, each stabilizer includes an elongated flotation member having its longitudinal centerline aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the hull. Each stabilizer is retractably mounted on its respective side of the hull employing a pantographic-type set of extensors interconnecting its flotation member with the hull, whereby each flotation member, and its accompanying extensor arms, may be independently extended away from the hull or retracted to a position alongside the hull.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by an underwater sightseeing craft, wherein a plurality of displacement bodies for sightseeing equipped with underwater sightseeing rooms are provided and paralleled with a fixed distance therebetween, wherein floating cavity bodies are provided outside each of said displacement bodies, wherein whole the said bodies are combined and integrated into one body by means of connecting members so as to be in a symmetrical form, wherein sightseeing windows are formed on each of said displacement bodies for sightseeing at a fixed depth below water, and wherein said floating cavity bodies are located so as not to obstruct a view through the sightseeing windows.

Abstract: A stabilizing pontoon system adapted for use in small watercraft which includes a pair of vertically adjustable outriggers connected by a linkage system to an actuator and to each of which is mounted a pontoon which is lowered into the water to stabilize the watercraft but which may be incrementally elevated to reduce drag as the watercraft is moving through the water.

Abstract: The invention is a monohull water-borne craft comprising a hull having a main portion and an opposed pair of stabilizers, the stabilizers being positioned on opposite sides of the main hull portion and being disposed closely adjacent to the main hull portion. The stabilizers may be elongate and arranged with their long axes extending along the main hull portion to form pods. The stabilizers may be integral with the main hull portion or may be movable, e.g. to enable variable geometry to give active buoyancy and/or ballast and/or assistance in steering or stability. The stabilizers may carry propulsion means, fuel tanks, active ballast tanks or the like. The stabilizers may thus be single function e.g. to provide buoyancy, ballast or to house equipment such as propulsion means or may be multifunctional to combine one or more of such functions. The craft may be a power boat or a sail craft and may be convertible between power and sail.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson for a watercraft includes a coupling mechanism that allows the angular orientation of the sponson body relative to the hull of the watercraft to be varied by the operator of the watercraft without the use of any tools. The coupling mechanism also secures the sponson to the hull of the watercraft, maintaining the desired orientation of the sponson.

Abstract: A multi-hull watercraft, such as a catamaran or trimaran is constructed to facilitate the righting thereof following a capsize. By providing a pivot connection between the hulls and the cross-members, in accordance with one method, it is possible to right the capsized vehicle by piecemeal rotation of the hulls through 180.degree. from an inverted to an upright disposition. Following this maneuver, the mast may be either rotated up and out of the water to an erect disposition or, alternatively, the mast can be jacked vertically through the deck.

Abstract: A boat has a catamaran hull with a pair of outrigger floats supported at opposite sides of the hull on support arms telescopically slidable within tubes extending across the interior of the hull for displacing the floats between extended and retracted positions. Opposite sides of the hull have recesses with shapes complementary to inner sides of the floats to allow the floats to nest snugly in the recesses on retraction of the floats. When the floats are retracted, the hull and the floats form a composite streamlined hull surface contour. The floats are shaped to produce aerodynamic thrust directed towards the hull when the floats are extended.

Abstract: A float master (12) for a watercraft (14) comprising a telescopic arm (16). A structure (18) is for securing a first end (20) of the telescopic arm (16) to a deck (22) of the watercraft (14). An inflatable raft (24) is provided. A component (26) is for attaching the inflatable raft (24) to a second end (28) of the telescopic arm (16). A facility (30) connected to the telescopic arm (16) is for extending the telescopic arm (16) in an angular direction down towards a body of water (32) about the watercraft (14). An assembly (34) connected to the inflatable raft (24) is for inflating the inflatable raft (24) in the body of water (32) after the telescopic arm (16) is completely extended, so that the inflatable raft (24) will stabilize the watercraft (14) in an upright position within the body of water (32).

Abstract: A small watercraft has a longitudinally extending seat for the operator of the watercraft and one or more passengers. Located on each side of the longitudinally extending seat is a side seat which is configured to seat an additional passenger. This configuration allows an operator and up to four passengers to ride in the watercraft. The watercraft also has a rear deck positioned to the rear of a passenger area which has a ladder and a pair of hand grips to facilitate embarking and disembarking of the watercraft. The hull of the watercraft has a V-bottom to improve stability and maneuverability. The V-bottom hull includes a pair of angularly disposed surfaces terminating at a pair of longitudinally extending chines. Inclined side surfaces extend generally upwardly from the chines and a sponson is located on each of the side surfaces, proximate the rear of the watercraft, to improve the stability, buoyancy and maneuverability of the watercraft.

Abstract: A stabilizer system is used to stabilize a marine vessel hull. The system includes at least one stabilizer assembly attached to the hull and the stabilizer assembly is capable of moving with respect to the hull in response to ambient sea surface conditions detected by the system. Each stabilizer assembly includes an outrigger arm and a float arm which has a float attached to one end. The float arm can expand and contract in order to keep the float in contact with the sea surface or lift it from contact. Additionally, the float can have the ability to change its cross-sectional shape and volume with respect to the waves. The entire stabilizer assembly, and various components thereof, have the ability to position themselves in response to commands generated by the system. The system predicts impending adverse motions, such as oncoming waves, in order to position the stabilizer assemblies and the vessel in optimum positions so as to negate the effect of the oncoming wave on the vessel.

Abstract: An adjustable sponson for a watercraft includes a coupling mechanism that allows the angular orientation of the sponson body relative to the hull of the watercraft to be varied by the operator of the watercraft without the use of any tools. The coupling mechanism also secures the sponson to the hull of the watercraft, maintaining the desired orientation of the sponson.

Abstract: A hybrid boat and underwater craft and method for operating an underwater craft having positive buoyancy, a three-point stabilization system and vertical thruster and a system for enhanced buoyancy at the surface.

Abstract: A water surface glide sailboat utilizing wind power propelling is disclosed wherein the sailboat includes a flat bottom float mounted on a beam at a joint having an axis parallel to the keel line of the sailboat so that the floats are further capable of rolling about the axis. The sailboat can be further equipped with a steering gear including a controlling stick connected to the joint so that the sailboat crew can control a flat bottom float and restrain the fluctuation of the flat bottom float to keep the parallel condition against water surface regardless of the heel of the boat and thereby decreasing the water resistances.

Abstract: A flotation device for snowmobiles that can be quickly deployed in the event of breaking through the ice when travelling on a frozen lake, river or other body of water, and, in addition, if desired, such device may be deflated or inflated independent of power sources beyond those supplied by the subject snowmobile itself.

Abstract: A floatation apparatus for a vehicle includes a first floatation member, a second floatation member, and at least two arms. Each of the two arms have a floatation attachment end and a mounting end. The floatation attachment end of one of the two arms is secured to the first floatation member and the floatation attachment end of the other of the two arms is secured to the second floatation member. At least one support is provided that mounts to a vehicle. The mounting ends of the two arms are pivotally mounted to the support for movement between a substantially vertical stored position and a downwardly angled operative position. The arms can be locked in either the stored position or the operative position.

Abstract: A boat that has a central hull, a pair of floats, and a pair of outrigger spars for supporting the floats on each side of the hull. The outrigger spars are adjustably mounted on the hull so that the floats can be adjustably placed in a given range of positions that lie both (i) substantially spaced away outboard of the side beam of the central hull as well as (ii) substantially spaced rearward of the stern of the central hull. The floats are much smaller than the central hull, partly so that the central hull can be formed with storage recesses in the side-boards thereof for removably storing the floats in a stored position during non-use of the floats. The outrigger spars are preferably mounted to the central hull at or near the opposite rear corners thereof. Also, the outrigger spars are preferably mounted to the central hull for pivotal movement in generally horizontal planes.

Abstract: The present invention features a trimaran-styled vessel that can recover from capsizing. The recoverable trimaran is made up of a specifically configured main hull with retractable, asymmetrical amas; internal, water-ballast tanks; a raised, buoyant, stern deck; and a specifically located main hatch. These components are sized according to the requirements of the prospective owner, yet within the confines of conventional, naval-engineering practices. The main hull has dead-end sockets in which the beams supporting the amas are attached and can be retracted. The main hull also includes longitudinal hollows in the lower portion of each side to allow the nesting of the amas in close proximity to the main hull. Retracting the beams places the amas adjacent the main hull, within the hollows. With the amas retracted, the cross-section of the main hull and amas resembles a circle.

Abstract: A hydrofoil member for a sailboat of the type having a single hull with no fixed ballast includes an elongate arm portion which extends laterally outwardly away from the sailboat along a generally horizontal plane when in use. The arm portion has an upwardly-facing surface, a downwardly-facing surface, and an outer end portion which flares upwardly relative to the horizontal plane. The hydrofoil member further comprises a pontoon element mounted on the downwardly-facing surface of the arm portion at the outer end portion. The pontoon element is adapted to engage and displace water when in use for stabilizing the sailboat. The arm has is capable of being retracted to stow the hydrofoil member in a parallel position against the hull when not in use.

Abstract: A rigid watercraft has a three-sectioned hull including a main hull portion and a pair of flotation-sealed outside sponsons at the starboard and port sides thereof. A double-hinge pivot is disposed between each sponson and the main hull portion of the watercraft. The double-hinge pivot has respective pivot axes which are parallel to each other. The watercraft has a first storage or transport position in which the pair of sponsons are folded within the main hull portion, and the watercraft has a second operational position in which the pair of sponsons are pivoted outwardly of the main hull portion of the watercraft, thereby forming a smooth continuation of the hull in the water. The watercraft has a releasable latch between each sponson and the main hull portion of the watercraft. The releasable latch automatically locks each sponson to the main hull portion of the watercraft as the respective sponson has been pivoted outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A portable boat for all commercial and recreational uses, with particular application to shallow water situations. The boat comprises a multi-tube flotation perimeter hull constructed of connected, epoxy-laminated foam cores and totally encased with a vinyl polyester fabric; a reinforced floor portion and, a full rear transom means. This water craft is strong, yet flexible, unsinkable and virtually impervious to punctures and abrasion damage. These positive benefits are accomplished without sacrificing the advantages of lightweight construction and ease of transportation.

Abstract: Hydrofoil watercraft (HFWC)--particularly including extended-performance hydrofoil watercraft (E-P HFWC) characterized by a submerged demi-hull mounting hydrofoils, and also high-performance personal hydrofoil watercraft (P HFWC)--are rendered both tractable and pleasant to operate throughout broad operational ranges by the provision of selective upwards (i) flotation and (ii) planing forces from two sponsons moveable in position at the ends of hinged arms. At their maximally elevated, inboard, positions the sponsons are integrated with the contours of the main displacement hull--preferably a "V"-shape hull--so as to permit the HFWC to operate efficiently and handle well while not on plane, including while cutting through heavy seas.

Abstract: A ship having main hull 2 and at least one side hull provided to correspond to the inequality ##EQU1## in which n is the number of hulls, S.sub.i the surface area of the cross section of the side hull at the floatation, d.sub.i the side distance between the longitudinal axis of the hull No. i and the longitudinal axis of the main hull 2, .DELTA. the displacement of the ship, 4 the module of stability and BG the distance between the center of the displacement B and center of gravity G of the ship.

Abstract: A buoyancy device (10) comprises an inflatable shell (12) of resiliently deformable moulded plastics material. The shell (12) has a tubular wall (14) having zones (20) in which the wall (14) is indented so that it is capable of easy deformation in the axial direction relative to cylindrical portions (22) of the wall (14) adjacent each side of the zones (20). At each indentation, the wall (14) comprises two substantially cresent-shaped portions which project inwardly from the cylindrical portions (22). The shell (12) has integrally moulded lugs (18) for assisting mounting of the device (10) on the curved side of a boat. The cresent-shaped portions of the wall (14) and the lugs (18) are located on opposite sides of the shell (12).

Abstract: Folding trimaran which is symmetrical in relation to its median longitudinal axis and comprises a central hull, equipped with a mast, and also two lateral floats, which are connected to the central hull by at least one connecting arm. The trimaran can be moved between a first position in which the connecting arms are unfolded approximately horizontally on each side of the central hull, substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the latter, and a second position in which the floats are folded along the central hull in such a manner as to reduce the space requirement. The trimaran has at least two connecting arms arranged symmetrically to define a maneuvering pair extending as far as the median horizontal axis.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bracket which clamps across both gunwales of a canoe and presents a standardized pad at each side of the hull to align precisely and mount rigidly a variety of accessories. These accessories include multi-hull catamaran coupling bars, portaging wheels, and any other equipment requiring a temporary but strong and secure means of attachment. The very large forces and moment loadings generated by such accessory equipment are borne directly by the bracket's strong tubular beam and then transmitted safely to the hull by distributing them through both gunwales as simple direct tension and compression forces. The standardized mounting pads provide a common basis for future development of many accessory devices that can enhance both the utility and enjoyment of canoes, while enabling such equipment to be shared and used interchangeably by any canoe equipped with a bracket according to the invention.

Abstract: A folding collapsible power boat including a hull consisting of a forward hull section and an aft hull section longitudinally hinged together, two pairs of floats respectively bilaterally hinged to the forward hull section and the aft hull section and moved between the non-operative position, in which the floats are received inside the forward and aft hull sections, and the operative position, in which the floats are closely attached to two opposite sides of the forward and aft hull sections, and a stretcher unit having a cross bar inserted through a transverse groove between the forward and aft hull sections and two parallel tie rods joined by the cross bar and bridged over the floats to hold them in the operative position.

Abstract: A floatation unit comprised of a generally rectangular air bag, and having an inflation hose and valve, is disclosed. Four grab loops project from the four corners of the air bag, two of the corners also including hooks for engaging a water craft's gunwale, the other two of the corners including cinch straps. A pair of the floatation units is used to stabilize a water craft by engaging the hooks of each to opposing gunwales of the craft, and tensioning their cinch straps beneath the craft. A pair of floatation units is also used to displace space with a water craft, thereby reducing its likelihood of sinking if swamped. For displacement, each of the pair of units is hooked to a thwart within the water craft, and their cinch straps are tensioned between them to suspend the units securely between the thwarts. A pair of the units may also support a seat panel between them, the seat panel having corner loops through which the cinch straps pass.

Abstract: A folding boat is comprised of a bow section having a bottom, first and second side walls joined to the bottom and upstanding to respective first and second gunwales. The side walls terminate at a forward end forming a prow and the bottom and side walls are joined to a bow section bulkhead at an aft end and having a thwart connecting the side wall gunwales. A stem section has a bottom including a keel, first and second side walls joined to the bottom and upstanding to respective first and second gunwales. The side walls terminate at a stern end and the bottom and side walls join to a bulkhead at a forward end of the stern section and having a thwart connecting the side wall gunwales. A hinge extends across thwarts, permitting the stem section to be folded with respect to the bow section, whereby the respective gunwales are juxtaposed and which may be unfolded again to an extended configuration wherein the respective bow section and stern section gunwales and keels are contiguously aligned.

Abstract: A water going vessel, which may be a mono hull-type vessel or a multihull-type vessel has a hull which is divided lengthwise into a row or rows of individual hull sections. Each hull section is pivoted along its outer edge to an outer edge of a deck frame of the vessel. The hull sections can be swung upwardly and out of the water individually for inspection and treatment without substantially affecting the buoyancy of the vessel as a whole. The entire hull can be inspected and treated, without having to pull the vessel from the water, by lifting the individual hull sections in sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably attaching an outrigger to a canoe so that the outrigger will release from the canoe rather than breaking the outrigger or the canoe. The inner ends of the outrigger yakus are attached to the canoe with a touch fastener material in shear so that the yakus are held firmly in place but will release under high shear forces on the touch fastener material.

Abstract: An apparatus for laterally bracing and/or suspending outboard rigging from the sides of floating vessels and the like. The outrigging apparatus comprises a spar with a padded end at its base and an outer end that includes a bore for reeving the outboard rigging, especially roll-dampening devices. The spar sets mainly below the rail of the vessel and is supported by a harness which provides the spar stability on the hull-side of the vessel, where it extends perpendicular to the hull-side, and at some inclination from the base. When a load is applied to the outboard end of the spar it is balanced statically between tensions in the harness and compression along the spar. The basal pad mitigates the resultant pressure on the hull where it contacts the topside. Only two existing attachment sites are required onboard the vessel, one to each side of the extended spar. Whereas the spar is not permanently attached to the vessels' side, it is quickly and universally deployable.

Abstract: A retractable connecting beam for a trimaran that allows the stabilizing floats to be retracted in against the center hull for trailering or marina docking. The outer end of the connecting beam is pivotally secured to the top surface of the stabilizing float so that as the connecting beam is retracted, the stabilizing float will remain vertical as it is drawn into its retracted position adjacent the center hull of the trimaran. The inner end of the connecting beam is oriented generally upright thus avoiding restricting access along the center hull deck of the trimaran.