Abstract: A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.

Abstract: An airborne tugboat with three hulls (4): an underbody (4), surface body (5) and inflatable body (6). When stationed on shore the inflatable body is not activated, but is folded up against the surface body. Gas turbine (1) drives the propeller (3) via the reduction gear (2). The rotatable ring (8) round the propeller makes the airborne tugboat maneuverable, and when the disabled ship is towed, it will be able to influence towing direction without the risk of the airborne tugboat heeling over. By its design the airborne tugboat should be regarded as a slow-moving towing boat where the speed is low but the power in the towing direction is great. The design is characterised by low weight in all machinery and equipment. The amount of fuel restricts the operating time, but the helicopter and airborne tugboat, for example, use the same fuel, thus providing the advantage that the helicopter can refuel the airborne tugboat before it returns to base.

Abstract: A paravane for a marine seismic survey system includes a float and at least one diverter operatively coupled to the float. The diverter is configured to redirect flow of water past the paravane with respect to a direction of motion of the paravane through water. The paravane also includes a steering device. The steering device is configured to controllably redirect the flow of water so as to control an amount of lateral force generated by the paravane.

Abstract: The present invention is an elevated boat tower that provides a vessel for the storage of compressed air therein. The device provides easy access and use of the compressed air within elongated and substantially hollow tube members connected at each end thereof to either the boat or other tube members. At least one air valve allows for compressed air to be selectively introduced into or released from within the boat tower.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. In one form of wake tower assembly, the windshield component and the wake tower component are of a novel unitary construction.

Abstract: A small watercraft with watertight hull and an area at the rear in close proximity to the waterline that provides a means to mount payloads. Engines powering propellers are installed forward of the payload area and are covered by a water-tight deck with openings for intake air. Ancillary systems to support the engines and electrical components are provided in a conventional manner. A feature of the present invention is that the hull has been modified to permit a tow cable to pass through the hull from a towing winch to a towed body. The present invention moves the reaction from the tow force forward of the craft transom and low in the hull which greatly improves the stability of the small vessel particularly when it is operating in rough water. The present invention is applicable to any size of the hull and any materials that the hull is fabricated from.

Abstract: For use with towable airfoils used to supply lift to a towed rider to assist with jumping in sports and recreation, a handle system having one or more control lines for coupling to the airfoil, and a line for coupling the handle to a tow vehicle, the one or more control lines and line for coupling to the tow vehicle being coupled together by a tension translation mechanism that divides the tension from the line for the tow vehicle to the one or more control lines by a predetermined factor, which typically would be other than 1:1. The handle system may further include an engagement mechanism for engaging the one or more control lines to lock or brake a line.

Abstract: Glided sporting activities can be performed by pulling a person associated with a glide element. The pulling is performed with a stationary motor connected to a spool that winds a rope having a handle or harness at one end. An operator controls the speed and braking. The towing device has a brake and throttle to control the rotation of the spool of rope. A rope guide guides the ropes motion at the front of the towing device.

Abstract: An underwater recreation apparatus and method therefor. The apparatus allows a diver to explore varying water depths with a minimal amount of equipment and with manageable equipment. The apparatus also allows the diver to cover substantial distances with minimal physical strain.

Abstract: A tow device having a mounting bracket adapted for vehicle mounting, a spring-loaded bobbin, a hollow telescoping rod, a tow line, and a handle. The hollow telescoping rod, which can be automatically extended, has one end attached to the mounting bracket while the other end is mounted for pivotal movement. The tow line extends longitudinally through the hollow telescoping rod and is attached to the handle at one end and the spring-loaded bobbin at the other end.

Abstract: A paravane for a marine seismic survey system includes a float and at least one diverter operatively coupled to the float. The diverter is configured to redirect flow of water past the paravane with respect to a direction of motion of the paravane through water. The paravane also includes a steering device. The steering device is configured to controllably redirect the flow of water so as to control an amount of lateral force generated by the paravane.

Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.

Abstract: A mounting system rigidly attaches a towing frame to a vessel deck, and includes a base having an arcuate top surface and a bottom surface conforming the deck. A joint member rigidly attached to the towing frame has an arcuate surface mating with the arcuate top surface of the base. The joint member has a cavity and a threaded bore extending through a wall for accessing the cavity. The threaded bore of the joint member is aligned with a bore extending through the base. A threaded shaft extends through a hole in the deck, through the bore in the base, and is threaded into the threaded bore of the joint member. A fastener attached to the shaft is used to bias the joint member against the base, and base against the deck for rigidly securing the joint member and thus the towing frame to the deck.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a skeletal towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a horizontal bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.

Abstract: A temporarily mounted towing device for towing a water sporter as part of a water sporting activity. An elongate towing member is stowed within a storage housing temporarily secured to the bottom of a watercraft. The storage housing extends upwardly from the bottom of the boat in a nominally vertical direction. The towing member remains in a vertical orientation to operate as a pylon towing device. To stabilize the pylon, front and rear nylon tie downs or similar removable bracing devices are used on both sides of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.

Abstract: A cargo transport device for towing behind a watercraft features a watertight container and a connection member extending along a longitudinal axis between the container and the watercraft. The connection member includes a swivel such that the container and watercraft on opposite sides of the swivel can pivot freely about the longitudinal axis. This free pivoting allows relative rotation between the container and watercraft such that each can react to outside forces, for example those exerted by waves, independently. As a result, rolling of the container does not tend to induce rolling of the watercraft and so the ride quality of the watercraft is not significantly reduced by towing the device. The container has a streamlined shape narrowing towards opposite ends thereof to reduce resistance to motion through water.

Abstract: A pivot is coupled to a water craft. A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot at one end. A tow spool is coupled to the lever arm at an end opposite the pivot. The tow spool is configured to provide an attachment for a towline. A recoil device is coupled to the water craft at one end and coupled to the lever arm at the opposing end. The recoil device stores energy as a towing drag force is applied to the tow spool to cause the lever arm to move from a first position to a second position. The recoil device then provides a restoring force to cause the lever arm to move from the second position to the first position as the towing drag force is reduced.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft with the rider in a seated position. The flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski also accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability ski characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional single-channel seismic measurements, wherein at least one seismic source and hydrophone devices are towed behind a vessel, and a pair of submerged deflectors are used and which, as the vessel moves, seek to move in a direction transverse to the vessel's direction of travel. Fastened between the deflectors is a wire which limits the spacing between the deflectors. Along the wire there are also mounted thereon hydrophone devices which in relation to the spacing of the devices have a short lengthwise extent. The devices are connected together by a hydrophone signal cable. An additional signal cable connects the cable to the signal processing equipment on the vessel. The seismic source may be connected to signal equipment on the vessel and located in an area between the vessel and the wire, or at least one of the deflectors may be equipped with a seismic source.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: A marine seismic streamer steering device comprises at least two hinged sections pivotally coupled to each other and connected between two adjacent sections of the seismic streamer, and a bend control unit that controls bending of the hinged sections relative to the longitudinal axis of the seismic streamer. The steering device further comprises a roll sensor which determines rotational orientation of the body and transmits the orientation to the bend control unit, a lateral position sensor which determines lateral position of the body and transmits the lateral position to the bend control unit, and a depth sensor which determines depth of the body and transmits the depth to the bend control unit. The bend control unit then controls the bending of the hinged sections based on the transmitted rotational orientation, lateral position, and depth of the body.

Abstract: A trawling vessel is provided with a trawl net (5) for catching marine bio-resources, with a trawl sack (3) attached aft on a trawl net (5) for keeping the catch. The vessel comprises lines (51, 61) for towing and hauling the trawl net (5), and trawl drums (6) for hauling the trawl net (5). A lock chamber (1) is provided in a stern (21) of the vessel and has a main portion of its volume arranged below the design water line of the vessel. The lock chamber (1) is arranged for hauling the trawl sack (3) with the catch from the sea through a sluiceway (2) in the stern (21), for discharging the trawl sack (3), and for temporarily keeping the catch. A trunk channel (16, 12) leading up from the lock chamber (1) enables the trawl sack (3), in a generally discharged state, to be hauled up through the trunk channel (16, 12) to a deck (24), thereby leaving the catch in the lock chamber (1).

Abstract: A towline fuse device for use in a towing system with a towing vehicle and a towline is provided. The towline fuse device comprises a fuse mechanism for failing at a predetermined level of tensile force, the fuse mechanism mounted between the towing vehicle and the towline wherein the predetermined level of failure of the fuse mechanism is less than the towing ratings of the towing system. The strain energy in the towline is then harmlessly dissipated in the towline fuse device.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull, a deck supported by the hull, a propulsion system that is mounted to at least one of the hull and the deck, and a helm that is connected to the deck and configured to control the direction of the watercraft. A pole is mounted to the deck and a compensation device is operatively connected to at least one of the deck and the hull. A controller is in communication with the compensation device, and a sensor is operatively connected to the pole and in communication with the controller. The sensor is configured to sense a pulling force exerted on the pole and communicate a signal regarding the force to the controller. The controller is configured to send a signal to the compensation device based on the signal from the sensor to reposition the watercraft.

Abstract: A jump enhancement system is provided for use while riding upon a water or snow planing apparatus towed behind a boat or snowmobile. The system includes an aerodynamic lift generator, such as a parachute, coupled to the user. Most preferably, a flotation or padded/insulated vest is provided which includes leg harnesses and which can be worn by the user with a cord collector coupled to the flotation vest and securing a cord to the flotation or padded/insulated vest which also extends to the parachute. The cord collector is biased to cause the cord to be collected adjacent the user when no drag forces are exerted upon the parachute. When any such drag forces are experienced, the cord is deployed out of the cord collector so that the parachute is deployed. The parachute is thus in position to enhance a height and duration of jumps off of the surface.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft by a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The elongate strut is preferably formed with a V-shape wherein the length from the front edge to the back edge of the strut is greater along an upper portion for enhanced structural integrity.

Abstract: System for controlling cables and streamers in a seismic tow arrangement comprising at least one deflector (13) connected to one side of a tow vessel (10) via at least one wire (12), leading or the like, wherein the deflector is located in a position at a distance perpendicularly to the direction of movement (5) of the tow vessel, the vessel being equipped with a navigation system for measuring the position of the vessel. The system is characterised by comprising a command unit and a number of control units, where the control units are located on at least some of the streamers and are adapted to measure and report about their positions, that the command unit comprises means for receiving the position information from each individual control unit and calculation of possible deviations from predetermined positions, and that the system comprises means for changing the position of the streamers for re-establishing the positions of the control units.

Abstract: A support bracket and method for securing and supporting a superstructure for towing persons behind a vehicle such as a boat is disclosed. The support structure has an arcuate face with a length several times that of a tubular member of the superstructure so that the arcuate face provides support over a portion of the tubular member and so that the face mates with the tubular member. The bracket is removably attached and secured to the vehicle and to the superstructure so that it may be removed, or replaced without altering or damaging the superstructure, and so that weld seams are not used. The arcuate face and a second face of the support structure that secures to the boat are set an angle provides a properly erect angle to the superstructure when the bracket, boat, and superstructure are secured.

Abstract: A mechanical warning flag system for a water ski boat. A first plate is coupled for rotation underneath the rope pylon. A second plate is coupled to the first plate and includes a vertical portion with an arcuate opening. A lever plate is pivotally coupled to the vertical portion of the second plate and includes a lever arm that receives one end of a bias spring and travels in the arcuate opening. The lever plate includes a pair of rope holders through which the tow rope is threaded. One rope holder is part of the pivotal connection, and the other is located on a distal portion of the lever plate. Since the lever arm is located between the rope holders, tension applied to the tow rope forces the lever plate downward thereby lowering the warning flag. In the absence of rope tension, a bias spring urges the lever plate upward to raise the warning flag.

Abstract: The mast device for a submarine comprises a guiding means, a vertically traversable mast guided therein and information means which are provided at the mast upper end and which are in electrical interaction with the inside of the submarine for emitting and receiving information. The information means are arranged in a buoyant unit held on the mast upper end without connection to this. The buoyant unit is fastened to a flexible coupling means which may be let out and retracted and which is of the length essentially of the maximum desired observation depth of the submarine.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable member. The releasable member includes two members, one of which has at least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engaging a corresponding opening in the other member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick disconnect coupler for an inflatable towable vehicle including a body member attached to the towing connection of the towable vehicle and a selectively movable arm having a first end pivotally attached to the body member. The arm is movable between a closed position where the second end of the arm engages the body member and secures the towing line, and an open position where the second end pivots out of engagement with the body member and releases the towing line from the body member. A spring biased locking pin is attached to the body member and engages the second end of the arm when in the locked position. The occupant of the towable vehicle selectively pulls a T-handle or strap attached to the spring biased locking pin to pull the locking pin out of engagement with the second end of the arm and release the towing line from the body member.

Abstract: A watercraft for towing a performer equipped with a water sport implement having a support surface on a deck thereof adapted to support a water sport implement and a performer of the water sport for the performer to put on the water sport implement. A first abutment is secured to the watercraft and protrudes with respect to the support surface of the watercraft, such that a water sport implement laid on the support surface is abutted against the first abutment when a performer is putting on the water sport implement.

Abstract: An automatic rising flag assembly includes a bracket connected to a water vessel and an elongated flagpole. The assembly further includes a mechanism connected to the water vessel and the bracket so that the flagpole can be pivoted and maintained between up and down positions. Such a mechanism includes a plurality of electrical contacts disposed at a ski handle and which send a signal to the mechanism while a skier has a grip around the electrical contacts. When a skier lets go of their grip, the signal is cancelled and causes the mechanism to release the flagpole upwardly for notifying others of the downed skier.

Abstract: An underwater maneuvering device is disclosed. It utilizes a horizontal planar member, a perpendicularly disposed fin member, hand grip portions, and a towing bridle, pulley and towline assembly that permit the device to freely change its angular alignment to the towline for diving, turning and surfacing maneuvers. The arrangement of the members and hand grip portions permit gripping thereof by the diver so that the drag forces of the diver input the forces needed to control the device, requiring little or no additional effort on the part of the diver. The device may be constructed to disassemble for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a towline from a watercraft, comprising a support structure of inverted U-shaped configuration comprising a pair of side supports. An overhead structure extends at upper ends of the side supports. The overhead structure includes fore and aft substructures. The support structure is adapted to be releasably mounted to a watercraft. A towline connector is provided on the aft substructure of the overhead structure for receiving a fore end of a towline. A protective cover is attached to the fore and aft substructures of the overhead structure.

Abstract: A towable non-powered nautical device for aquatic leisure sport is lifted at the front when pulled, or towed, and is sometimes altogether lifted out of the water. The nautical device can carry one or more persons and includes a front inflatable structure equipped in its lower part with a towing attachment, at least one inflatable elongated secondary stucture, at least an inflatable elongated auxiliary structure, retainers for passengers who are standing, seated, lying down, or positioned astride on the secondary structure, on each side of a flexible lateral skirt.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: A support bracket and method for securing and supporting a superstructure for towing persons behind a vehicle such as a boat is disclosed. The support structure has an arcuate face with a length several times that of a tubular member of the superstructure so that the arcuate face provides support over a portion of the tubular member and so that the face mates with the tubular member. The bracket is removably attached and secured to the vehicle and to the superstructure so that it may be removed, or replaced without altering or damaging the superstructure, and so that weld seams are not used. The arcuate face and a second face of the support structure that secures to the boat are set an angle provides a properly erect angle to the superstructure when the bracket, boat, and superstructure are secured.

Abstract: A towing system, especially useful in wake boarding is described. Using a beam mounted to a tower and a carriage that travels over the beam, a towline attached to the carriage of one variation of the system offers a rider more air time and eliminates certain burdens created with the towline/rope. Further, more room to gain speed and set up for the wake jump, more air and natural feeling during the air time due to the elimination of rope tightening otherwise experienced. A number of other possible system variations and options in addition to the basic beam and carriage configuration are also disclosed. Preferably, the beam and carriage are configured to offer a virtual pivot point for the tow rope that is pushed forward of where the beam is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a towable watersports handle assembly such as might be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, etc. The towable watersports handle assembly may include a grip adapted to provide the user with a grippable surface, a bridle, and a fastening device configured to reversibly secure the bridle to the grip such that a user can quickly and easily remove and replace the grip.

Abstract: A deep-water floating offshore platform includes a buoyant hull having a substantially flat top, and substantially flat bottom, and a plurality of substantially flat sides. The hull further includes a tendon access shaft and a plurality of riser guide sleeves. The tendon access shaft extends below the bottom of the hull and includes a counterweight connected to the lower portion of the tendon access shaft to provide stability to the hull. The hull can be constructed from a cargo tank section of an existing oil tanker or through the use of new construction based on using the flat-plate design used in constructing cargo tank sections of oil tankers.

Abstract: A grapple anchor device suspended underwater from an unmanned watercraft has prongs pivotally mounted on its tubular housing for hooked engagement with a tow line extended from a retrieval ship so as to tow the watercraft underwater toward the ship. A tow rod within the grapple anchor housing, connected by an anchor line to the watercraft being towed, undergoes dampened axial displacement to condition the grapple anchor device for automatic release of the prongs from the tow line in response to a reduction in the towing force exerted through the tow line after the watercraft is towed into position adjacent the retrieval ship and undergoes crane lift up onto the retrieval ship by its shipboard crane so that the tow line may be withdrawn while the watercraft is transferred onto the ship.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a towing bar that allows the tow line connection point to move with respect to the watercraft. This movement of the point of force application reduces moments created on the watercraft resulting in pitch, yaw, and roll. The towing bar can be formed as an inverted V-shape. The towing bar can also be formed as a flexible beam that bends in the lateral direction of the object being towed. The watercraft may also include a pylon that can be moved between an operative position and a stowed position. The pylon is selectively supported on one of two longitudinally and vertically displaced mounts and at an upper lateral support member formed by the grab handle.

Abstract: An underwater retrieval body connected at its forward bow end by a towing line to a retrieval ship, has attachment facilities at its opposite aft end for attachment thereof during underwater propulsion with an unmanned watercraft by engaging its projecting hook or reception of a projecting probe. During propulsion of the underwater retrieval body toward the unmanned watercraft, it is maneuvered into alignment therewith through steering rudder fins under control of a homing control system on the underwater retrieval body, in response to reception of tracking signals emitted from the unmanned watercraft.

Abstract: A deflector device for use with a tow line between a seismic survey vessel and a tow, in particular a streamer or streamer array, in the water behind the vessel comprises a vertically oriented wing-shaped body for producing a sideways force as it is towed through the water, and a towing bridle adapted to connect the wing-shaped body to the tow line. The bridle comprises first and second connecting elements connected between the tow line and respective longitudinally-spaced points along the high pressure side of the wing-shaped body. The wing-shaped body includes one or more buoyancy elements to render it slightly positively buoyant, and the length of at least one of the connecting elements is adjustable by remote contol in order to tilt the wing-shaped body. This gives the sideways force a vertical component, and so allows remote control of the depth of the deflector device, as well as its lateral offset from the vessel.

Abstract: Watersport towers provide various features including legs that rotate relative to a cross-member of the tower that the legs are hingedly attached to such that the tower may adjust to various boat sizes and mounting locations, so that the tower may fold down in a first manner, and so that the tower is more compliant. Other features include leg attachment points of the cross-member that rotate to further allow the tower to adjust to various boat sizes and to allow the tower to fold down in an alternative manner. Other features include mounting bases that hingedly connect to the ends of the tower legs enabling the mounting bases to rotate relative to the legs such that the mounting bases can adapt to various boat mounting locations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Additionally, pads with recessed areas surrounding mounting holes may be utilized at the point of attachment to a boat to remove stress at the mounting holes of the boat.

Abstract: A submarine mast simulator as part of a buoyant tow body having a hydrodynamically shaped shell. The mast simulator includes a rigid lower mast section and an inflatable upper mast section extendable from the tow body. A plurality of stabilizer fins extend radially from the tail of the tow body, the fins being actuated to cause the ascent and descent of the tow body. A pressure sensor is positioned on an outer surface of the tow body for detecting a depth of the tow body, and a motor with controller is housed within the tow body, the controller initiating extension of the mast simulator in response to a depth indication.