Abstract: A roller for a floating watercraft port or lift is generally circular in radial cross-section and defines a diameter which decreasing from an axial center of the rollers to opposite ends of the rollers; such that the rollers are variable diameter rollers. In a variation, the rollers include circumferential grooves through which watercraft chines can glide. The rollers are received in roller sockets in the watercraft port or lift. The rollers rotate about an axle in the socket, and the sockets includes axle receiving channels which receive the roller axles. The roller axles and roller socket axle channels are sized and shaped such that the roller axles can be snap fitted into the axle channel to allow for removal of the roller from the socket.

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: An apparatus is disclosed especially configured and adapted for mooring a floating dock to a mooring pile. The apparatus minimizes damage to both dock and mooring piles caused by changes in tide, waves, wake and other water disturbances while, simultaneously, adding stability to the floating dock—especially in regarding to listing—. The apparatus is comprised of a cylindrical sleeve which is coaxially applied to a mooring pile, a dock mounted mooring bracket comprised of a base plate which connects to the sleeve mounted upon the pile via at least two “U” shaped arms which are disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relation which engage selected and parallel circumferential grooves formed in the outer surface of the sleeve. The base plate, in turn, is affixed to a structurally sound portion of a dock such as a horizontally disposed plate.

Abstract: A berthing facility for use in moving vehicles between a shore facility and a bow/stern-loading RORO ferry, having a substantially rigid floating pontoon comprising several modules joined one to another, a two-tier vehicle ramp running from the shore to the pontoon, an element for pivotally securing the pontoon in the vicinity of the ramp and an element for resiliently restraining the pontoon to permit limited controlled pivotal movement about a preferred orientation. The berthing facility also including, hydraulically dampened fenders and wingwalls for dissipating vessel impact force, an integral turning dolphin, apron assemblies for providing continuity of vehicle pathways between the ramp and a ferry, and an element for raising and lowering the ramp.

Abstract: A structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and may include an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. A substantially enclosed boathouse may form the structure when the structure has only a lower level. The boathouse is separable into sections each of which could be separately rolled over the ground by wheels attached to each section. This reduces the usual operational width of the boathouse into the smaller towed widths of the individual sections to ease the task of transporting the boathouse over the ground.

Abstract: A thin molded outer shell houses a foam filled interior on a watercraft float. Rollers supported by extra foam assist in the loading and unloading of watercraft.

Abstract: A bow stop is removably secured in a bow stop recess at a front of a watercraft ramp on a watercraft float. A molded mooring loop on the bow stop receives a tie line from the watercraft. The removably attachable bow stop is alternately placed in one of the recessed corners of a stackable watercraft float for compact storage or shipment.

Abstract: A floating boat lift has a platform, first and second parallel spaced apart arms and a boat holding region defined therebetween, the defined boatholding region having a linking strip of half-blocks with an aligned groove for accepting and guiding a boat keel. The lift includes adjustable buoyancy.

Abstract: A parent-child type boat having an electric power generating device, such as a fuel cell. The boat includes a parent boat and at least one child boat which is smaller than the parent boat. The parent boat is equipped with a generating device. The child boat is equipped with a battery and an electric propulsion device. When the child boat is docked with the parent boat and electrically connected thereto, power can be supplied to at least one of the battery and the electric propulsion device of the child boat from the generating device of the parent boat.

Abstract: A pole bracket for a dock assembly has with a c-shaped opening for receiving the pole, on which a dock section may be mounted. For the pole bracket for a dock, one side of the bracket allows for attachment to a dock section, while the other and opposing side of the bracket allows for one of the poles, which supports dock section to be received therein secure the dock section in a desired position. The pole bracket for a dock may be attached to a dock section or a dock bracket on the section.

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: A berthing facility for use in moving vehicles between a shore facility and a bow/stern-loading RORO ferry, having a substantially rigid floating pontoon comprising several modules joined one to another, a two-tier vehicle ramp running from the shore to the pontoon, means for pivotally securing the pontoon in the vicinity of the ramp and means for resiliently restraining the pontoon to permit limited controlled pivotal movement about a preferred orientation. The berthing facility also including, hydraulically dampened fenders and wingwalls for dissipating vessel impact force, an integral turning dolphin, apron assemblies for providing continuity of vehicle pathways between the ramp and a ferry, and means for raising and lowering the ramp.

Abstract: A flexor connector drive system for mechanical flexors of a modular causeway system includes a linear slide mechanism coupled to a linear drive located within a well on a first section of the causeway system. The linear slide mechanism is adapted to be driven out of the well by the linear drive and couple to a flexor located within a well on a second section of the causeway. Upon reversal of the linear drive, the linear slide mechanism pulls the flexor into the well on the first section, for interconnecting the two sections. The linear drive includes a high helix screw that provides high torque under high speed conditions for quickly moving the heavy flexor between the two sections.

Abstract: An inflatable mooring station is adapted for use with a fixed or floating platform extending over a body of water. The mooring station is attached to the platform, and designed for holding a water craft in a generally stationary position relative to the platform. The mooring station includes a buoyant, inflatable body and at least one line tie located on the inflatable body. An anchor line is attached at one end to the line tie and at its opposite end to the platform to secure the inflatable body to the platform.

Abstract: A roller assembly facilitates travel of a watercraft hull on a floating dock having a longitudinal, keel-receiving valley with a pair of flanking ridges supporting opposite sides of the hull during docking and launching of the craft. Pockets in the ridges contain wheels mounted on circumferential planes parallel to the ridges for rotation on axles seated in the pockets. The upper portions of the wheels protrude above the crests of the ridges and the axle end bearing portions cooperate with the seats in the pockets to list the circumferential planes toward the valley and approximately perpendicular to the hull sides. For optimal performance, two or more roller assemblies can be arranged in-line and spaced apart longitudinally in each of the ridges. A brake stops the docking motion of the watercraft onto the dock. Multiple docks can be serially connected without use of special tools or underwater assembly steps.

Abstract: A swing mooring element comprising a modular pontoon (40) configured to enable two vessels (41, 42) to be moored side by side and including an area (49) between the vessels which allows a person to walk between the vessels. The pontoons (67, 68, 69, 70) may also be interconnected to form a mooring assembly wherein each pontoon (67, 68, 69, 70) is capable of mooring at least two boats.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: A floating dock comprises a plurality of floats, and a plurality of connectors for joining the floats together, each float having a top surface, a bottom surface, two opposed side surfaces and two opposed end surfaces. Each of the side and end surfaces have at least one tapered connecting slot formed therein, extending from the bottom surface of the float to the top surface of the float. The connectors have a shape complementary to the connecting slots, whereby a single connector will span between aligned connecting slots on an adjacent pair of floats.

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: A method of assembling a dock is provided. The method includes positioning a first dock module adjacent a second dock module wherein each dock module includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of sidewalls extending therebetween. Each top surface includes at least one channel extending between opposed sidewalls, each bottom surface includes at least one pocket therein, and each sidewall includes at least one coupling slot extending from the top surface. A first coupling slot of the first dock module is substantially aligned with a first coupling slot of the second dock module. The method also includes inserting a first coupler into the first coupling slot of the first dock module and into the first coupling slot of the second dock module such that the dock modules are secured to one another.

Abstract: A rescue ship for a disabled vessel includes a hull which delimits an elongated dock (12) which is at least 150 m long and preferably at least 250 m long and at least 30 m wide and preferably at least 45 m wide, and including a ballasting device enabling draught modification by at least 15 m and preferably at least 20 m. The hull has two lateral hulls capable of being ballasted (14) and enclosing the dock (12), and the stem has a practically sealed door (18) which can close the rear of the dock (12). The ship further includes maneuvering elements designed to exert a thrust in one direction transverse at least to the longitudinal axis of the ship. The invention is applicable to the rescue of disabled vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting link assembly and socket arrangement for assembling modular dock and/or deck elements into walkways, decks and drive-on docks.

Abstract: A structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and may include an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. A substantially enclosed boathouse may form the structure when the structure has only a lower level. The boathouse is seperable into sections each of which could be separately rolled over the ground by wheels attached to each section. This reduces the usual operational width of the boathouse into the smaller towed widths of the individual sections to ease the task of transporting the boathouse over the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multidirectional floating element. The multidirectional floating element is preferably a polyhedron in overall shape including a first generally planar surface adapted for use a deck, a second surface having a V-shaped channel adapted for receiving and guiding a watercraft keel and a plurality of side walls for adjoining and maintaining spacing between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A pontoon boat is provided with a jet drive propulsion system in which an impeller is driven by an engine. The jet drive propulsion device is dirigible as a result of the fact that a nozzle of the device is rotatable about a generally vertical steering axis. The jet drive device can be supported below a deck of a pontoon boat and located between two flotation tubes of the pontoon boat. Alternative locations can also be used, such as within the structure of the flotation tubes themselves.

Abstract: A boat slip step assembly (10) for being mounted proximate the corner of a boat slip (16). The step assembly (10) includes at least one tread member (24) for being mounted in a corner of the boat slip (16) below the level of the upper surface of the boat dock (14) that defines the boat slip (16). The tread member (24) has a first edge portion (26) for being secured to a first dock section (20), and a second edge portion (28) for being secured to a second dock section (22).

Abstract: The docking system of the invention comprises: at least one docking unit having an axis to which at least two boats may be docked offshore; at least one buoyant members coupled to docking unit; and at least one anchoring member adapted to anchor the platform to a substrate; wherein the docking unit is adapted to directionally adjust to changes in prevailing wind and water flow.

Abstract: A pipe sleeve assembly includes a base plate and a sleeve portion. The base plate includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis. The base plate further includes a first flange extending from the base portion in a first direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis and lying in a first plane. The base plate also includes a second flange extending from the base portion in the first direction, spaced from the first flange in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and lying in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The sleeve portion includes a body portion and a third flange extending from the body portion in the first direction. A fastener stud extends from the second flange and is received in an aperture in the third flange to secure the sleeve portion to the base plate.

Abstract: An under dock floatation system includes a float having a shape-fit projection for nesting against a concrete dock to rehabilitate a degraded free board of the dock and/or to increase a weight bearing capacity of the dock.

Abstract: A dock bracket assembly has a rod supporting bracket and a rod receiving bracket with a N-shaped slot for receiving a section bracket rod, due to the slot. The bracket rod is used with the slot either side of adjoining sections of a dock being constructed.

Abstract: A watercraft support platform casing for a floating dry dock for light weight watercrafts is described. The support platform casing has integrally formed floatation chambers and an elongated central ramp is formed in the top surface of the casing to support the hull of a watercraft positioned thereon. The ramp has a trough-like upper surface with a sloped forward entry way formed integral therewith and terminates in a lower forward projecting edge. The support platform is provided with connectors on opposed side walls thereof for a rigid connection with a plurality of floatation casings to support the platform casing on a water surface with the entry way positioned to receive the bow of a watercraft in movement whereby the watercraft can project itself on the central ramp above the water surface.

Abstract: A structural flotation device formed of two elongated shear panels embodied as substantially planar sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are spaced apart by two or more substantially parallel and spaced apart heavy-gauge HDPE buoyancy tubes. The buoyancy tubes are transversely oriented relative to the elongated shear panels. All of the buoyancy tubes are of a substantially identical length that is foreshortened relative to the elongated shear panels. The openings in both ends of each buoyancy tube are joined to a substantially planar and unbroken surface of each of the elongated shear panels with substantially water-tight structural seams along its entire circumference.

Abstract: A floating drive-on watercraft dock comprises a one-piece molded body defining a watercraft receiving area. The watercraft receiving area includes roller assemblies on the bottom of the watercraft receiving area and glide assemblies on the sides of the watercraft receiving area. The roller and glide assemblies can be easily removed and replaced for servicing of the watercraft dock. An extension unit is provided which can be connected to the watercraft dock body. The extension unit includes an extension body and a tongue extending from the extension body. The tongue is sized and shaped to have a bottom surface complementary to the entrance to the watercraft receiving area of the watercraft dock body. The extension unit also includes a watercraft receiving area, which, when the extension unit is connected to the watercraft dock, increases the length of the watercraft receiving area.

Abstract: A pair of spaced parallel female slots or grooves located on the bottom of a watercraft float enable the pair of spaced parallel male ribs or rails located on top of a float to fit within the slots or grooves on the bottom of another float when the watercraft floats are interconnected or stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: A system for connecting a two buoyant marine body in a side to side manner, the system comprising first male and female coupling members fixed to the side of a first and second marine body and Second male and female coupling members which are fixed to the side of a first and second marine body. The first male and female coupling members have an opposing relationship and can be moved from an unengaged condition to a fully engaged condition by the movement of the first and second floating marine bodies towards each other in a first horizontal direction. The freedom of movement between the male coupling and the female coupling members, at least in the vertical direction, is decreased as they become vertically aligned. Second male and female coupling members will create a rigid coupling to prevent relative movement in at least the vertical direction, as the freedom of movement between the first male and female coupling members is or is proximate to being vertically aligned.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: The present invention is a docking system for personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski which docking system is moored to the shore by at least one stake which permit the dock to float several feet away from the shore. The present invention docking system has a shape which is conformed to the shape of the personal watercraft with the method of having a rolling means on a rope stretched across the entrance to the dock so that the dock itself is pulled adjacent the sides of the personal watercraft as it enters the slip so that the personal watercraft will not bang against other personal watercraft and is snugly retained within the dock. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the dock comprises an island which maintains a multiplicity of personal watercraft at 90 degrees to each other so that a multiplicity of personal watercraft can be moored at the same time and moored in a configuration so that they will not hit each other.

Abstract: A watercraft storage apparatus for protecting the hull of a watercraft both above and below the waterline without the need to lift or raise the watercraft out of a body of water. Inflatable side portion 11 protects the watercraft's hull above the waterline. A water-impervious lower sheet section 12 protects the watercraft's hull below the waterline. An aft section provides a drive-in ramp section 13 or a drop-down gate section 19 to provide ingress and egress of the watercraft from the storage apparatus.

Abstract: A pier system having tethered deck sections that are selectively separable from supporting pile bents to prevent damage to the pier system during storm events. The pier system includes a plurality of deck sections supported above water by pile bents and engaged therewith in normal use mode by selective attachment mechanisms. In deployment mode, the attachment mechanisms are disengaged to allow the deck sections to be removed from the pile support systems by storm action. The tethers allow the decking sections to float free but remain close to the pile bents. The system may be reassembled into normal use mode following the storm event.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and storing a boat above water and particularly for shallow water, is made up of a pair of laterally spaced floats fixedly secured to inner ends of a pair of beams whose outer ends are pivotally secured to a dock, a set of fixed posts, a bulkhead or other fixed structure. The floats and beams form a well having an entrance away from which is mounted a rear bar and further away from the rear bar and on the beams is mounted a front bar. A boat mounting frame onto which a boat can be driven under its own power is pivotally mounted on the rear bar such that after a boat is loaded on the boat mounting frame, the frame can be tilted such that its leading end engages the front bar and maintains the boat above the water in a position suited for storage. A method of forming the apparatus and a kit containing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load by using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting fly-jibs on the heavy lift crane to increase reach and height of the heavy lift crane; picking up a load from a first location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the fly-jib modules simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.

Abstract: A molded gangway section is provided to form a gangway between a shore and a dock, pier, and the like. The gangway includes an upper tread surface and a bottom surface having recesses formed therein. The ceilings or upper surfaces of the recesses are formed with grooves. Two or more of the gangway sections can be connected together to form gangways of incrementally increasing lengths. Hinge connections are provided to connect the gangway to piers, docks, shore abutments, ramps, etc. Additionally, a roller can be mounted to a shore end of the gangway.

Abstract: A watercraft storage apparatus for protecting the hull of a watercraft both above and below the waterline without the need to lift or raise the watercraft out of a body of water. Inflatable side portion 11 protects the watercraft's hull above the waterline. A water-impervious lower sheet section 12 protects the watercraft's hull below the waterline. An aft section provides a drive-in ramp section 13 or a drop-down gate section 19 to provide ingress and egress of the watercraft from the storage apparatus.

Abstract: A temporary stability module and method for marine structures during construction, transportation and installation is taught. The device and method permit the structure, including platforms, deck and equipment to be constructed in an upright position, towed to an ocean installation site, and installed by ballasting the structure or temporary stability module and subsequent removal of the module.

Abstract: A structural flotation device formed of two elongated shear panels embodied as substantially planar sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are spaced apart by two or more substantially parallel and spaced apart heavy-gauge HDPE buoyancy tubes. The buoyancy tubes are transversely oriented relative to the elongated shear panels. All of the buoyancy tubes are of a substantially identical length that is foreshortened relative to the elongated shear panels. The openings in both ends of each buoyancy tube are joined to a substantially planar and unbroken surface of each of the elongated shear panels with substantially water-tight structural seams along its entire circumference.

Abstract: A structural flotation device formed of two elongated shear panels embodied as substantially planar sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are spaced apart by two or more substantially parallel and spaced apart heavy-gauge HDPE buoyancy tubes. The buoyancy tubes are transversely oriented relative to the elongated shear panels. All of the buoyancy tubes are of a substantially identical length that is foreshortened relative to the elongated shear panels. The openings in both ends of each buoyancy tube are joined to a substantially planar and unbroken surface of each of the elongated shear panels with substantially water-tight structural seams along its entire circumference.

Abstract: A weather resistant dock walkway comprises a dock walkway substructure in combination with a plurality of elongated planks each with a first and second opposite ends. The planks are rotatable between a horizontal position and a vertical position, and are arranged side-by-side. The first and second opposite ends of each plank are attached to the opposite ends of the substructure. The planks are responsive to contact with a body of water such that the planks rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position to enable surging water to circulate freely between the vertical planks to prevent surge damage to the weather resistant dock walkway. A ratchet system can be used to reversibly lock the planks in a vertical position.

Abstract: A dock stabilizer is provided that attaches about a piling on a dock or a pier to stabilize the dock or pier. In one aspect, the dock stabilizer utilizes a plurality of roller assemblies that are spaced axially and laterally apart from one another to reduce twisting or rocking of the dock. At least one of the roller assemblies may have a roller disposed a predetermined distance from the surface of the dock to counteract a moment arm and provide equilibrium on the dock.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular scaleable floating assembly of interconnected buoyant platform modules anchored in any selected configuration, optionally connected with articulating bridges, to simultaneously serve as: a swimming platform, safety barrier; and floating dock platforms for various water based activities.

Abstract: A dock system comprises a shore base with a train of disengageable dock module components comprising floatable modules with connector assemblies for releasably connecting the modules. The system includes laterally spaced posts, with lake bed engaging dock supporting base parts. The module components are vertically slidably on the posts to move from a lower floating position to a raised position safely above the water. A module transport device is operable to move the modules sequentially forwardly to form a train as the modules are sequentially connected or to move the modules sequentially rearwardly to remove them to shore as the modules are sequentially unlocked.