Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded dri-loc retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The dri lock retainer is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the dri-loc retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.

Abstract: A three dimensional floating structure is formed of interconnected sealed pipes. Large tires are filled with foam, sealed and arranged side by side on the lowest horizontal pipes. A deck supports activities. Structures on sides at a water surface trap floating substances. Offset hinged plates connect modules, forming large structures. Wind redirectors are mounted on plural levels. Windmill pumps draw cool deep water and spray water to disrupt wind energy, cool the surface and concentrate floating substances. The windmills drive turbine generators directly by pumping water to storage tanks and discharging the water through penstocks to drive hydro-electric turbine generators. Excess power is transmitted through cables to onshore power grids. The floating structures provide oil recovery and wind de-energizing, water and waste treatment and residential and recreational activities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.

Abstract: A floating dock is formed from a fabricated frame including a pair of longitudinal extruded side rails and a plurality of cross rails interconnecting the side rails to form a rigid generally rectangular structure arranged to receive buoyancy members for floating the frame on a body of water. A plurality of floor planks bridge the side rails for forming a floor surface on the frame to be supported above the water. The rails include grooves in each surface defining a fastener having a nut to be located in the groove and a co-operating male fastener for engaging into the nut. The outer surface fastens to a rail along the outer surface and the inner surface carries the ends of the floor planks and attaches to fastening brackets of corner members.

Abstract: A connector for a assembling members of a floating dock system comprises at least one post and a brace extending from the post. The post is shaped generally complimentarily to the shape of the socket, and comprises a generally convex midsection connected between a pair of generally falcate end portions. The post and brace define a flat, generally horizontal top surface to the connector. The dock system also includes a supplemental floatation system having a hollow floatation member body defining a chamber. The body includes a water port positioned to place the body interior in communication with water. An air port positioned vertically above the water port is placed in communication with a pump. A valve can be positioned between the chamber and the pump to selectively place the chamber in communication with the pump or to place the chamber in communication with the atmosphere.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a dock protector apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongated pipe and a flange. A floating dock includes at least one floating dock section coupled to mooring pipes secured to a river or lake bed. The mooring pipes are slidably coupled and to the dock section by pipe sleeve assemblies that enable the dock section to slide vertically along the mooring posts. A dock protector apparatus is inserted within an interior cavity of each mooring pipe. Under tidal surge conditions, the decking may reach a vertical position above a top end of the mooring posts. In order to present the deck section from becoming decoupled from the mooring posts, the dock protector apparatus extends upwardly and remains coupled to both the mooring posts and the dock section, thereby maintaining an essentially laterally-rigid mooring between the dock section and the mooring post.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: A self-propelled boat dock system is provided. In combination with a boat dock and walkway, a system of one or more rollable shore traction elements, winches, and cables is configured to allow a single operator to manipulate the position of the boat dock system from a central controller, the controller being configured to selectively operate the rollable shore traction elements and winches.

Abstract: A lift assembly is provided for a platform such as used on a ship. The platform can have four spaced apart hitch points. In one embodiment, the lift assembly includes four trolley drive assemblies, each trolley drive assembly including a trolley guidable along a guide rail, and a drive configured to displace the trolley along the guide rails, each trolley being coupled to at least one hitch point. In a second embodiment, a tension leveling assembly is provided in a trolley drive assembly and is configured to couple each of the wire ropes to the trolley and maintain substantially the same amount of tension in each wire rope. In a third embodiment, the lift assembly can be provided on a ship that also includes a vessel for holding water.

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.

Abstract: A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft.

Abstract: A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam.

Abstract: A boat lift includes a lift frame rotatably mounted to a boat dock. A lower trolley with a buoyant body slides on the frame. An upper trolley slides on the frame and is engaged by the boat as it propels itself forward onto the frame when the latter is in a boat receiving position. A linkage connected between the trolleys causes the lower trolley and the buoyant body to slide rearwardly underneath the boat to rotate the lift frame into a final docking position in which the boat is out of the water. The upper trolley is locked into position, thus holding the lower trolley in position through the linkage. The boat is launched by releasing the upper trolley lock, which permits the upper trolley to slide rearwardly, with concomitant forward sliding movement of the lower trolley that permits the frame to rotate and launch the boat from the frame.

Abstract: A mooring system for a vessel includes an attachment unit configured to be detachably attached to a hull of the vessel; a robot arm including a plurality of arms, the arms being coupled to each other to turn in a vertical direction, the robot, arm extending by an arm actuator provided thereto to transfer the attachment unit to an attachment position of the hull; a rotation unit connected to the robot arm and allowing the robot arm to turn in a horizontal direction; and a mooring winch for winding a mooring cable to draw the attachment unit. A floating body or a quay wall may include the mooring system.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: A self-propelled boat dock system is provided. In combination with a boat dock and walkway, a system of one or more rollable shore traction elements, winches, and cables is configured to allow a single operator to manipulate the position of the boat dock system from a central controller, the controller being configured to selectively operate the rollable shore traction elements and winches.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a connection assembly for interconnecting two adjacent floats includes first and second hinge mounting members that are secured to respective floats, such as floating concrete dock sections, and a flexible hinge that is releasably connected at each end to the hinge mounting members so as to interconnect the two floats. The hinge mounting members can be, for example, rigid housings that are disposed in respective recesses formed in the concrete dock sections. The flexible hinge includes at least one layer of a flexible material, such as elastomeric belting material, and desirably includes several layers of flexible material, which can be placed in tension across the two floats. In certain embodiments, the hinge mounting members can be easily accessed from the side of the floats adjacent the joint in order to disconnect and remove the hinge for repair or replacement, without having to physically separate the floats.

Abstract: An over-the-water dock includes a plurality of modular floating docks adjacently positioned. Each modular floating dock includes a float and a plurality of walers fixedly attaches to the float and walers include at least one outer waler and an inner waler. One or more crossbeams transversely attach to the at least one outer waler of one of the modular floating docks and the at least one outer waler of another of the modular floating docks.

Abstract: A floating module and fastening system for interconnecting a row of modules while allowing relative movement of the modules resulting from wave action. The present invention provides a system for interconnecting floating structures to form breakwaters and other integrated floating structures. The interconnection system includes one or more cables or other securing lines extending longitudinally through a row of floating structures and fastened at the ends of the row. Two or more socket members, through which the cables pass, are secured in and project outwardly from each end wall of the floating structures. Each of the socket members defines a recess, which extends into the end walls of the floating structures. Opposed socket members projecting from adjacent floating structures are sized so that an end of a first of the socket members fits within an opposed end of a second of the socket members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a perimeter frame system for use in forming the top and/or bottom surface of a construction barge. In one exemplary embodiment, the perimeter frame system is used in conjunction with support panels that are manufactured from extruded or roll form materials, such as extruded aluminum or roll form steel. The use of the perimeter frame system of the present invention eliminates the need to modify the perimeter edge portions of the extrusions forming the deck of the barge.

Abstract: The floating drive-on docking system for a watercraft uses a main floatation portion where the watercraft rests when loaded and a pivoting entry portion for creating a low loading angle between the watercraft and the floating drive-on docking system, resulting in only a small amount of propulsion from the watercraft being required to load onto the docking system. The pivoting entry portion has entry features, either rollers or raised bumps, that remain above the waterline when not engaged by the watercraft to keep the loading surfaces free from marine growth that can harm the hull of a watercraft. Wide side guides on the pivoting entry portion assist in positioning the craft for loading onto the docking system.

Abstract: The present document describes a dock unit attachable to another dock unit with a fastener for forming a floating dock. The dock unit comprises a floating body having a mating surface and an attachment adapted to receive the fastener. Thereby attaching the floating body is able to be attached to the other dock unit. The dock unit further comprises a cover for covering the mating surface, the cover having a contact surface adapted to contact the fastener. In use, the contact surface is positioned proximate the attachment so that, when the attachment receives the fastener, the contact surface is contacted by the fastener, thereby limiting the movement of the cover with respect to the floating body.

Abstract: A system to protect structures in a marine environment from the effects of an impact force. The system includes a plurality of floatable devices (panels) and a plurality of fibrous networks. The fibrous networks include high tenacity fibers which extend at least in a generally horizontal direction and are in communication with the plurality of floatable panels. The plurality of fibrous networks are disposed in a generally parallel arrangement with respect to each other and are vertically spaced apart by a distance not exceeding about 12 inches (30.5 cm). The system is designed to be spaced from the structure to be protected.

Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded dri-loc retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The dri lock retainer is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the dri-loc retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.

Abstract: A pontoon structure consisting of two concrete side members with a buoyancy member interposed between them, a plurality of transverse members linking the side members and a deck extending between the side members.

Abstract: A floating watercraft port system is provided which allows for a designer to develop a port assembly of a desired configuration. The system comprises an entry member, an extension member and a bulkhead. The entry member comprises a cradle having an entrance section; and the extension member has a cradle which extends the full length of the extension member and is open at opposite ends of the extension member. Bulkheads are positioned on the entry and/or extension members at desired positions to delineate the forward ends of watercraft receiving cradles.

Abstract: An over-the-water dock includes a plurality of modular floating docks adjacently positioned. Each modular floating dock includes a float and a plurality of walers fixedly attaches to the float and walers include at least one outer waler and an inner waler. One or more crossbeams transversely attach to the at least one outer waler of one of the modular floating docks and the at least one outer waler of another of the modular floating docks.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a floating type of a boat dock or platform includes a plurality of synthetic material decking members that are disposed along the sides and top of the dock. Urethane foam is applied to an interior of the apparatus and it expands to fill the interior voids while simultaneously securing the decking members proximate one-another by securing them to the urethane foam. Accordingly, a monolithic structure is provided without the use of fasteners. Corner members are used that extend around an upper perimeter of the dock. Side members are used to form the sides, ends, and the decking material that forms an upper surface. An optional rounded member is preferably used at the bottom along a perimeter of the apparatus. Optional features, including elastomeric coating, filler blocks, utility conduits, sunken vaults, cleats, upper decking surface and waterline heating are also described.

Abstract: A modular floating marine dock includes a polyethylene float that defines a top surface. A plurality of parallel walers fixedly attaches to the top surface in longitudinal orientation and with a proximal end extending no further than halfway across the top surface. A splicer attaches to and extends beyond the distal end of each waler in parallel orientation and includes attachment points for another waler. A block fixedly attaches to each waler from below and in transverse orientation with a setback from the distal ends of the walers of a distance substantially equal to a width of half the length of the top surface.

Abstract: The present document describes a dock unit attachable to another dock unit with a fastener for forming a floating dock. The dock unit comprises a floating body having a mating surface and an attachment adapted to receive the fastener. Thereby attaching the floating body is able to be attached to the other dock unit. The dock unit further comprises a cover for covering the mating surface, the cover having a contact surface adapted to contact the fastener. In use, the contact surface is positioned proximate the attachment so that, when the attachment receives the fastener, the contact surface is contacted by the fastener, thereby limiting the movement of the cover with respect to the floating body.

Abstract: A raft that can be moored to a marina dock or wharf that is designed to serve as a parking place for a boat and comprises an upper platform, four air tanks that are attached to the underside corners of the said upper platform, and a set of pipes that connect the tanks to a control spigot used to fill and empty air into and from the tanks. The raft (or part of it: back or side part) can be submerge in the water and set afloat again by emptying or filling the tanks with air, accordingly.

Abstract: An extension for a dock including a platform having a one or more sleeves in which accessory members can be inserted and secured/locked. The platform is pivotally attached to a foundation member, which may be engaged to a pier or a dock, so that the platform from rotate from a operating position, parallel to the dock or pier's surface, to a stored position, perpendicular to the dock or pier's surface.

Abstract: A floating dock structure is comprised of a pair of single-piece side rails secured together in spaced-apart substantially parallel relationship by a plurality of single-piece cross-members connected between the side rails to a lower tubular portion thereof. The side rails are hollow, tubular aluminum extruded side rails defining a top wall, an exterior side wall, a bottom wall and an interior side wall spaced inwardly from the exterior side wall. Elongated deck support stringers are secured in spaced-apart relationship on a top wall of the cross-members. Decking floor members are supported by the deck support stringers elevated from the top face of the cross-members a distance of up to about five inches (5 inches) to create underfloor passages adapted for the passage of conduits and services material. Floatation support casings are secured under the cross-members.

Abstract: An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further allow for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.

Abstract: A floating platform system comprises first and second outer longitudinal beam members securing a truss frame having a plurality of truss elements. The floating platform system may further include at least one biasing device exerting a force on the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a platform interface and/or at least one flotation device secured to the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a plurality of inner longitudinal beam members interposed between the platform interface and/or the flotation device and the outer longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. The primary and secondary frame members are formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The primary frame members extend parallel to a primary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Likewise, the secondary frame members extend parallel to a secondary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Each secondary frame member is connected to the pair of primary frame members. The dock also includes a plurality of cross members. Each cross member is connected to and extends between the pair of primary frame members. Each cross member includes an upper platform contact face disposed within a common upper platform contact plane.

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. The primary and secondary frame members are formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The primary frame members extend parallel to a primary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Likewise, the secondary frame members extend parallel to a secondary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Each secondary frame member is connected to the pair of primary frame members. The dock also includes a plurality of cross members. Each cross member is connected to and extends between the pair of primary frame members. Each cross member includes an upper platform contact face disposed within a common upper platform contact plane.

Abstract: A floating dock structure is comprised of a pair of single-piece side rails secured together in spaced-apart substantially parallel relationship by a plurality of single-piece cross-members connected between the side rails to a lower tubular portion thereof. The side rails are hollow, tubular aluminum extruded side rails defining a top wall, an exterior side wall, a bottom wall and an interior side wall spaced inwardly from the exterior side wall. Elongated deck support stringers are secured in spaced-apart relationship on a top wall of the cross-members. Decking floor members are supported by the deck support stringers elevated from the top face of the cross-members a distance of up to about five inches (5 inches) to create underfloor passages adapted for the passage of conduits and services material. Floatation support casings are secured under the cross-members.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated structural components such as precast concrete boxes having forms including rectangular parallelepipeds and hexagonal cylinders are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 5,697,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, levees and breakwaters. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes and arrays thereof are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of such boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.

Abstract: The inventive arrangement of motorized floating mobile systems (7; 107; 207) for moving mooring booms (4A to 4E) for boats B in inner harbors (P), to translationally move the booms (4A to 4E) perpendicular thereto, to provide maneuvering space for the boats (B), is arranged between at least two adjacent booms (4; 4A to 4E), whereas the other spaces between booms are closed for maneuvering. Each system comprises: means for positioning the booms transverse to the translation direction; means (9, 10) disposed on the two ends of each system for attaching the front portion of adjacent systems together or to an attaching means arranged on the end of a pier or a fixed boom; means for translationally guiding parallel to a pier or a main pontoon, with respect to a fixed point of a pile or dolphin (8); and means for translationally moving the booms in a synchronous manner.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a connection assembly for interconnecting two adjacent floats includes first and second hinge mounting members that are secured to respective floats, such as floating concrete dock sections, and a flexible hinge that is releasably connected at each end to the hinge mounting members so as to interconnect the two floats. The hinge mounting members can be, for example, rigid housings that are disposed in respective recesses formed in the concrete dock sections. The flexible hinge includes at least one layer of a flexible material, such as elastomeric belting material, and desirably includes several layers of flexible material, which can be placed in tension across the two floats. In certain embodiments, the hinge mounting members can be easily accessed from the side of the floats adjacent the joint in order to disconnect and remove the hinge for repair or replacement, without having to physically separate the floats.

Abstract: The floating drive-on docking system for a watercraft uses a main floatation portion where the watercraft rests when loaded and a pivoting entry portion for creating a low loading angle between the watercraft and the floating drive-on docking system, resulting in only a small amount of propulsion from the watercraft being required to load onto the docking system. The pivoting entry portion has entry features, either rollers or raised bumps, that remain above the waterline when not engaged by the watercraft to keep the loading surfaces free from marine growth that can harm the hull of a watercraft. Wide side guides on the pivoting entry portion assist in positioning the craft for loading onto the docking system.

Abstract: A modular jet ski ramp includes a platform configured to float on water and for attachment to a dock. The platform has a receptacle thereon for a replaceable insert, which has a docking surface and an attachment surface. The docking surface is complementary to a hull of a jet ski. The attachment surface is complementary to the receptacle for attachment thereto. The replaceable insert is configured for removal and replacement such that the platform can accommodate the jet ski and another jet ski of a different size.

Abstract: The present invention relates tot a method of removing an upper part of a platform which rests on a seabed and which extends above the waterline, the platform comprising legs which extend upwards from the seabed, the method comprising the subsequent steps of: providing a vessel comprising a single hull, the hull defining a contour of the vessel when viewed from above; providing a support structure which is configured to rest on the vessel, the support structure comprising one or more beams, the one or more beams having connection ends that are constructed to extend outside the contour of the hull on opposite sides of the vessel, the connection ends configured to be connected to the legs of the platform; positioning the vessel between the legs of the platform; connecting the connection ends to the legs of the platform; disconnecting the upper part of the platform from the lower part; lifting the upper part of the platform from the lower part by the vessel via the support structure; moving the vessel and the

Abstract: A floating dock for supporting a personal watercraft out of the water when not in use. The floating dock comprises an elongate platform having a recess on its upper surface. The recess is shaped to receive the hull of the personal watercraft and has a forward wall portion for engaging the bow of the hull. A rub-rail post extends upwardly from the upper surface of the platform, forward of the recess, to engage the rub-rail of the personal watercraft in the event that the personal watercraft is moved too far into the recess, thereby preventing the personal watercraft from riding up and over the floating dock. In one embodiment, the platform is a unitary structure formed in a rotational molding process and includes inserts molded therewith to facilitate securing accessories to the platform.

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: A floating watercraft port system is provided which allows for a designer to develop a port assembly of a desired configuration. The system comprises an entry member, an extension member and a bulkhead. The entry member comprises a cradle having an entrance section; and the extension member has a cradle which extends the full length of the extension member and is open at opposite ends of the extension member. Bulkheads are positioned on the entry and/or extension members at desired positions to delineate the forward ends of watercraft receiving cradles.