Abstract: A kit is provided which can be installed on a sailboat and used to selectively control the position of the tiller of the sailboat to allow the helmsman to leave the tiller unattended for a limited period of time. The kit is to be mounted on the transom of the sailboat and comprises: a mounting receiver adapted to be attached to the transom; an arm having a rearward end adapted to be attached to said mounting receiver and to extend forwardly therefrom and a forward end; and a saddle mount adapted to be attached to the forward end of said arm and having a u-shape adapted to receive a said tiller.

Abstract: An improved tiller restraining device is provided for attachment to the underside of a boat's tiller to selectively control the position of the tiller and rudder. The device features a specialized mechanical clutch that grips or releases a control rope, which runs through the clutch and is secured across the cockpit. The device is operated with one hand by moving an integrated clutch lever upward to release the rope and allow free tiller movement, or downward to engage the rope and restrict tiller movement. Inside the device, a spring acts on the lever to pinch and bind the rope against the openings where the rope passes through the clutch housing. The spring and lever are aligned so they toggle, enabling the clutch to remain either engaged or disengaged with no additional controls.

Abstract: An ice brake is presented that provides stopping traction on ice, snow, water, dirt, gravel, and solid ground. It is driven by a hydraulic ram to provide quick response. The brake has a blade with a bottom edge that has cutout portions to allow up to 50% debris accumulated by the brake to escape. This increases drag, because debris is forced to pass through these cutout sections. The brake is strong enough to apply sufficient loading force on ice to break a craft's hull free from being frozen down to ice, yet it is flexible enough to bend out of the way of rocks and other immovable objects.

Abstract: The invention concerns a directional fin of variable incidence at which are associated: two springs for returning the fin to central position and a symmetrical supple tooth fittings break the oscillations toward the exterior and facilitate the return movement of the fin toward the center. The apparatus facilitates the maneuvers of the board and reduces the efforts of the wind surfer.

Abstract: A water ski brake apparatus includes a water ski having a tip, a tail, and a top and bottom, and having a vane attached to the bottom of the water ski. The water ski has a ski boot having a toe and heel with the front of the heel being hingedly attached to the top of the water ski. A drag inducing foil is movably attached to the vane in a predetermined position thereon and is shiftable between first and second angular positions. A linkage is attached to the boot heel at one end and to the drag inducing foil at the other end and is shiftable between a first and second position responsible to movement of the boot heel on the boot hinged to shift the drag inducing foil between first and second positions to thereby brake the water ski by increasing the drag when the drag inducing foil is shifted to a second position in the water at the control of the skier by varying his weight distribution in the heel portion of the boot.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for restricting the movement of a hydraulically actuated rudder assembly on a large ocean-going vessel during failure of the hydraulic system. It comprises a half-collar made of a material that is substantially incompressible along its lengthwise axis and is adapted to fit over a ram rod or a guide rod in a steering assembly between a cross-head and a ram rod sleeve or guide rod. The length of the half-collar is minimally less than the length between the cross-head and the terminus of the ram rod or guide rod when the rudder is in a neutral position.

Abstract: A stabilizer for controlling the steering of boats is made of an attachment plate, a friction controller and a spool; the attachment plate is attached to the tiller, rudder or an extension of either. The spool is mounted on the attachment plate and the friction controller is connected to the attachment plate via a spool post and is moved to increase or decrease pressure on the spool. The spool has, on its edge, a modified groove which can have a single knot hole, or can have one or more groove enlargements, discontinuities and/or can be zigzagged. A line is attached to the boat on one side of the stabilizer, wound around the spool for several turns and attached to the boat on the other side. The line is knotted at approximately the midpoint for use with a knot hole. Preferably the two sides of the line are then linked on the opposite side of the spool. This mechanism allows excessive pressure against the rudder to move an unattended tiller in emergencies.

Abstract: This invention relates to braking rudder device consisting of turning rudder blade, horizontal plates and fixed rudder post, which is characterized by dividing the rudder blade in plane of symmetry in two blades, which are turning independently by an angle up to 110.degree. around their common axis where they are connected hingewise and their trailing edge is in the form of a wedge, while each of the blades are stiffened by horizontal plates which in extreme outboard position are bearing upon the rudder post and along the trailing edges are fitted vertical flaps capable of turning by an angle up to 90.degree..

Abstract: This invention relates to stern braking device in a form of a shield, which is characterised by placing the shield behind the propeller and the rudder, which at top part has a concave cross section on both sides of plane of symmetry and a hydraulic stabilizer and is hingewise connected at the top, to a lifting gear capable of sliding up and down, whereas the bottom of the shield is connected hingewise to the ship's hull.

Abstract: A two-part hinge device for mounting on a tiller of a sailboat which is operable to confine and release a cross-line in a manner to lock a tiller in any desired position while the sailor is otherwise occupied.