Abstract: A towing apparatus comprises a structural assembly extending between opposing first and second bases for pivoting between operating and stored positions. A locking assembly includes a pin in each base and a hook carried at opposing ends of the structural assembly. A cam is pivotally connected to the hook for movement between locked and released positions. In the locked position, the hook is secured to the pin for preventing rotation of the structural assembly. In the released position, the hook is spaced from the pin to permit rotation of the structural assembly. The hook is rotatable with the cam from the released position to adjacent the pin by rotation of a shaft and slidable along the pin into the locking position by a continued shaft rotation. A cable is attached between the base and a spring within the structural assembly for biasing the structural assembly toward the operating position.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a watercraft body, a watercraft propulsion device, a water protective case, a communication device, and a display device. The watercraft propulsion device propels the watercraft body. The water protective case is arranged on the watercraft body. The communication device communicates with a mobile terminal arranged inside the water protective case. The display device displays content of the mobile terminal based on data received from the mobile terminal through the communication device.

Abstract: Boats including elevated walkways that are useful for increasing cabin height in a boat, such as a bow rider style boat, are described. Such elevated walkways are elevated relative to either a cockpit deck portion or a deck portion of a bow area and can be used to connect the bow area to the cockpit area. The cabin of a boat with an elevated walkway as described is located at least partially below the elevated walkway. The portion of the cabin below the elevated walkway has a ceiling area that is elevated relative to either the deck portion of the bow area or the cockpit area deck portion where the elevated walkway overlaps the cabin space. Elevated walkways as described herein are located on the boat such that they either overlap the central longitudinal axis of the boat or the end of the elevated walkway near the cockpit is located between port and starboard dash consoles.

Abstract: A pontoon boat fender comprises a shell portion with a hollow interior and a bumper portion slidably received in the shell portion hollow interior. The bumper portion is movable between a navigating position and a docking position. In the navigating position, the bumper portion is retracted into the shell portion hollow interior. In the docking position, the bumper portion is extended from the shell portion hollow interior. The shell portion has a tab adjacent to a longitudinal end of the shell portion and a hook adjacent to a longitudinally opposite end of the shell portion. The tab and hook cooperate with each other to enable securing the boat fender to a fence and deck of the pontoon boat.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a pleasure boat and particularly but not exclusively to a pedal boat. According to the invention, in order to make sea excursions with said pleasure boat more attractive, the boat comprises a jetted tub on board, preferably fed with seawater drawn directly from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing modular configurable marine utility vessels which allow for selective arrangement, quick release, and rapid rearrangement of deck components such as the console, seating, military and utility equipment, and accessory items. The vessel includes a plurality of deck modules which form one or more deck platforms. The deck module includes an upper deck section and a lower frame section, the upper deck sections have channels for receiving and interlocking with the lower frame sections. The deck modules also include numerous hardware fittings which form a geometric grid pattern that allows for numerous distinct deck layouts for equipment depending on desired missions or end uses.

Abstract: A system and method of installing an outer cover over a buoyancy tube associated with a rigid hull buoyant boat includes installing a first portion of an outer cover onto the rigid hull buoyant boat, the first portion including a plurality of grommets. A second portion of the outer cover is installed onto the rigid hull buoyant boat, the second portion including a plurality of female connective elements, each female connective element associated with a male connective element. The first portion is connected to the second portion such that the first and second covers enclose the buoyancy tube, wherein connecting includes inserting each of the male connective elements through their associated grommet to be further received by their associated female connective element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a safety device to the hull of a boat. In one embodiment, the safety device is a net that is held tightly in tension against the hull. The net is attached to the boat while it is in the water, and if the weather or sea state is threatening. If the boat capsizes, there will be sufficient tightness of the net against the hull such that the arms of an unconscious person can be placed through the netting, and the person will be kept safely above the water line. In yet other embodiments, a sheathing is attached to the hull that is a substantially continuous cover. The cover is attached to the boat prior to beaching the boat and protects the hull against abrasion by sharp objects.

Abstract: A platform for holding marine equipment. A vertical section has a pair of rail grippers at one end for hanging the platform from the rail of a boat, and is hinged to a horizontal section at the other end. A pair of cables each attached between the top of the vertical section and the distal end of the horizontal section support the horizontal section at a right angle, such that a generator or other marine equipment may be supported by the horizontal section.

Abstract: Apparatus mountable to a boat tower or pylon used to tow a skier, water boarder, tuber or rafter including an elongated arm pivotally mounted to the boat tower or pylon, a tow rope post fixed to the arm and including a tether guide ring through which a tow rope may be threaded and a mounting member to which one end of the tow rope may be secured. The apparatus will also include a sensor that detects the change in position of the tow rope post from a predetermined fixed position caused by the lateral movement of the person being towed. The elongated arm may have speaker and/or light mounts to fix speakers and/or lights to the elongated arm in a position to track the movements of the towed person and may further include a securing means to fix the elongated arm in a given position.

Abstract: A bracket invention is mounted to the rear area of a personal watercraft or PWC, for the purpose of providing a method and means of attaching items such as but not limited too; rod holders, sonar, lights, cooler accessories, beverage holder, fuel containers, wiring, gun case, camping supplies, fishing/hunting accessories, and water sports equipment. The bracket invention is formed in such a way that these items can be firmly attached and/or located to the PWC, extending and adding to its useful functionality. The bracket is designed to be easily attached and removed from the PWC using existing holes and location points. The bracket invention allows for easy tie off when mooring at dock, a integral mounting point for a drag bucket used to modify the PWC's speed, and/or a lighting system extending the useful period of time that a rider can operate the PWC safely and legally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conversion assembly for use in conjunction with a personal watercraft (PWC) which increases the buoyancy and stability of a PWC while protecting the motorist from the elements, wherein, the conversion assembly includes a collar assembly having a frame member and a buoyant foam reinforcement member operably coupled to an inflatable tube assembly for creating a personal water cruiser out of an existing PWC.

Abstract: A telescopic pedestal for electronics, such as fish-finders, that advantageously elevates the fish-finder to a convenient height above the deck level and gives the fisherman the ability to view and operate the device while fishing in a standing position, yet lower it so as conveniently position the fish-finder to be out of the way for travel or when not in use.

Abstract: An onboard lift leg construction for a pontoon boat has a plurality of movable support legs including rear telescoping tube support legs that are fixed to a frame of a pontoon boat. The telescoping tube support legs each include an outer tube fixed to the frame, and an inner tube slidably mounted within the outer tube. A linear hydraulic actuator is secured to a head member that is supported on the outer tube. The actuator has an extendable and retractable rod that is attached or secured to the lower end of the inner tube such that when the actuator is extended, the inner tube is also extended to effectively lift the pontoon boat to which the outer tube is attached. The forward portions of the pontoon boat frame can be provided with pivoting lift legs for lifting the pontoon boat.

Abstract: A small craft locking device comprising two rings, one being smaller than the other, each ring connecting to an eye at their midpoint, a rigid hook ending with an eye on a long end of said hook and a padded piece on a short end of said hook, the eye of the hook connecting to the eye of the smaller ring, and the eye of the larger ring being connected to the hall hook at the first bend in the hook relative to its long end by a flexible piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding frame (1) which is foldable and or adjustable in height and or displaceable in the longitudinal direction and has adjustable step means (16) and these remain positionally stable when the folding frame (1) is unfolded and if necessary a gas spring (65) coupled with a pressureless switch (64) or quick release means (68) can raise the folding frame (1) at any time. The folding frame (1) optionally has a cover (53) and the step means (16) have rail elements (21), wherein the corresponding folding and displacement of a tender on the folding frame (1) takes place by means of sensors and a controller (18). The folding frame (1) has a rotating folding frame (38) that can be offset and optionally a telescoping gangway (41).

Abstract: A boat including at least two wall segments extending generally upwardly from a deck to define an interior space. The wall segments are spaced from one another to define a passage for allowing passengers to enter and exit the interior space. A gate is secured to one of the wall segments for controlling access to the interior space. A latch assembly including base and sliding members is coupled to an end of one of the wall segments. The sliding member is movable between a latched position for trapping a portion of the gate and an unlatched position for releasing the gate. At least one glide plate of a low-friction material is disposed between the base and sliding members. Additionally, when the sliding member is in the unlatched position, the base member presents a strike surface for receiving contact from the gate to protect the wall segment.

Abstract: A net holster holds fishing nets outside a boat and out of the way of anglers inside the boat. The net holster of the present invention has over 100 adjustable positions to keep the net out of the way. The net holster can keep a net in place outside the boat of speeds of at least 30 miles per hour. The net holster of the present invention is designed to hold most nets. A universal clamp and a tie down clamp enable the net holster to fasten to a variety of marine vessels with very little effort.

Abstract: A fin collar including a body having a proximal region locatable adjacent to an underside of a water craft. The fin collar also including a distal region, the body including a longitudinally extending slot adapted to receive a watercraft fin, the slot extending through the body between the proximal and distal regions. An outer surface of the body includes a fluid flow modification surface which extends around a perimeter of the body.

Abstract: A boat separator comprising a boat extender having a first cross member attached to a first end of the boat extender, and a second cross member attached to the second end of the boat extender. The boat separator preferably has an adjustable length such that the boat extender can be extended between 20 and 30 inches.

Abstract: A height adjustable tower and cargo rack apparatus for wakeboard boats and the like, the apparatus including: a tower base rigidly attached to a boat gunwale, the tower base having a powered actuator; vertical supports extending from the tower base and pivotally operated by the powered actuator; a pivotally adjustable cargo rack apparatus supported by the vertical supports; and, a height adjustable upper tower section which is pivotally supported by the vertical supports and which adjustably supports the cargo rack apparatus. The multiplicity of adjustable and pivotal features work in conjunction with each other to maximize the unique functionality of the instant apparatus.

Abstract: A fishing rod holding system includes a plate having a bend therein to define a first section and a second section. The first section has a plurality of mounting apertures therein and is positionable between a tie cleat and a boat hull. A plurality of fasteners is extendable through the cleat and the apertures and into the boat hull to retain the first section on the boat hull so that the second section is positioned below the first section and extends outwardly from the boat hull into an interior area of the boat hull. The second section has a holder aperture extending therethrough. The holder aperture is configured to removably receive a rod holder. The second section has a plurality of attachment apertures extending therethrough. A plurality of securing members is extended through the rod holder and the attachment apertures to releasably secure the rod holder to the second section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lowerable platform (1) for a water craft (10), which can be also horizontally extended and to which a float (2) is fastened that comprises a closed hollow space (43) or an open hollow space (43), a buoyancy (A) acting upon the float (2) being generated by the air volume (L). As a result, the water craft's proper weight or the payload (N) of e.g. a tender boar (27) on the lowerable platform (1) can be compensated by the buoyancy (A). A hydrodynamic design of the float (2) additionally generates a hydrodynamic buoyancy (D1) which can be varied in terms of its height in relation to the current (S) by means (4, 37, 38, 39), depending on the float (2).

Abstract: A boat tower conversion kit for converting from a half tower to a full tower without the need for complete removal and/or destruction of the original half tower. A custom hard top incorporates a central core platform with several integral reinforcing plates. The plates provide structural support for the later expansion of the half tower by adding the upper tower section and upper platform(s). Leg members and ladder members of the upper and lower tower sections automatically mate with one-another in coaxial alignment, and are structurally secured to one-another through the interfacing integral reinforcing plates. Integral channels, wiring conduits and tubes provide for electrical wiring, electrical and mechanical components in conjunction with the custom platform core.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for launching and recovering an unmanned, water-born vehicle (UWBV) from a mother ship. The UWBV mimics the behavior of dolphins and is positioned ahead of the ship in preparation for bow riding. The UWBV uses a guidance system to position and keep in the bow wave. A high-frequency (HF) sonar transceiver array aboard the ship computes and sends course corrections to maintain the UWBV within the bow wave. The frequency range of the HF array can be 100 kHz or higher due to the short distance between the ship and the UWBV. Accordingly, the HF array can have a small aperture allowing for accurate bearing resolution. Course corrections can be sent on a near-continuous basis such that changes in thrust and rudder angle can be minimized to allow for accurate control of the UWBV.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of insulating a structural frame member of a transport vehicle. The method comprises providing at least one flexible insulation member. The method further comprises providing at least two self-retaining foam insulation members. The method further comprises wrapping the flexible insulation member over a first end of a structural frame member of a transport vehicle and over at least portions of two sides of the structural frame member. The method further comprises positioning one self-retaining foam insulation member on each side of the wrapped structural frame member and in compression fit between each side of the wrapped structural frame member and adjacent structural frame members, such that the self-retaining foam insulation members impart one or more compression forces on the flexible insulation member to secure the flexible insulation member in place without use of any fastener device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating fire enclosure, comprising a floating platform having an upper surface and an opening in the upper surface; and a fire enclosure fixed to said the floating platform, a method of making such a floating fire enclosure, and a method for supporting such a fire enclosure on a body of water.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a one-piece pad for supporting a portion of a vessel hull thereon, a product design for a mold is initially created in software. Creating the product design includes forming an upper planar surface portion with a plurality of ribs in spaced-apart relation there across and which extend substantially upward, the ribs serving as contact points to a surface portion of the vessel hull adapted to be supported by a structure supporting the to-be-formed one-piece pad thereon, forming a rear support ribbing portion representative of a bottom surface of the pad, and forming vertical sides between the upper planar surface portion with ribs and rear support ribbing portion. The method further includes forming a mold based on the created product design, mounting the mold on an injection molding machine, and forcing plastic materials into the mold on the machine to form the one-piece pad.

Abstract: An accessory attachment clip for watercraft, attached to the watercraft without tools or hardware, and formed of a molded plastic or hard rubber first portion for fastening to the watercraft, and a second portion for attaching an accessory or accessory holder. The second portion is sized so as to be expanded when being positioned on the gunnels and to contract for an accurate fit. A set screw assists in securing the second portion. The accessory holder may be for a fishing rod or drinking cup. The clip may be attached to the gunnels by expanding the clip, sliding the clip over the gunnels, and releasing the clip. The set screw may be fastened to further secure the clip. The clip may be produced by forming within a mold, the plastic or hard rubber first portion, and the second portion. The set screw may be included in the molding process.

Abstract: A kayak capsize recovery system. It includes a paddle with a blade on each end; a paddle float for releasable connection to one end of the paddle; a pouch connected to the kayak to receive the other end of the paddle; and a strap with inner and outer ends for releasable connection to kayak and paddle float. The pouch and said strap connect to opposite sides of the kayak cockpit. The length of strap and depth of pouch enable the system to stabilize a capsize orientation of kayak.

Abstract: Foldable or collapsible watercraft fins are described. Preferred examples of such fins are foldable surfboard, paddleboard, and kayak fins, one or more of which can be attached to a surfboard, paddleboard, or kayak.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: A casting platform apparatus for a fishing boat includes a frame which can be attached to the bow of a boat. The frame has a floor to allow a fisherman to be supported thereon and includes both a handrail and a body support rail along with a fishing line collection net therebetween and a gate for entering onto and off the casting platform.

Abstract: A device for cutting aquatic vegetation is provided. In one embodiment, the device has a plurality of cutting blades that rotate freely on an elongate shaft and cut aquatic vegetation as the device travels through a body of water. In one approach, the device includes an impact accommodating mechanism that permits the device to absorb an impact between the device and submerged objects in the body of water. A method is also provided that includes providing an aquatic vehicle having disposed thereon a cutting device, the cutting device having a shaft with at least one cutting blade journaled for free rotation on the shaft. The vehicle is moved through a body of water to cause rotation of the cutting blade and cutting of aquatic vegetation in the body of water.

Abstract: A towing apparatus comprises a structural assembly extending between opposing first and second bases for pivoting between operating and stored positions. A locking assembly includes a pin in each base and a hook carried at opposing ends of the structural assembly. A cam is pivotally connected to the hook for movement between locked and released positions. In the locked position, the hook is secured to the pin for preventing rotation of the structural assembly. In the released position, the hook is spaced from the pin to permit rotation of the structural assembly. The hook is rotatable with the cam from the released position to adjacent the pin by rotation of a shaft and slidable along the pin into the locking position by a continued shaft rotation. A cable is attached between the base and a spring within the structural assembly for biasing the structural assembly toward the operating position.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a vessel training device which comprises a sleeve adapted to be reversibly mounted and self retaining about the hull of a rowing boat or the like, and carrying one or more floats via a boom mounted to the sleeve.

Abstract: As typically embodied, the present invention's add-on device includes two wedge-shaped structural components that are oppositely congruent and symmetrically connected. In profile, the device describes a pair of nearly triangular quadrilateral figures that are enantiomorphs (mirror images) with respect to the linear bisector (mirror line) at which they join. The device's V-angular upper surface defines the same V-angularity (“deadrise”) as does a V-angular hull bottom, the device thus fitting beneath the hull bottom. The device's V-angular lower surface defines a different angularity, which is imparted to the hull bottom when the device is attached thereto. According to typical inventive practice, the device alters the hull bottom's V-angularity by at least 1° and, at least, covers approximately 100% of the hull bottom's widthwise expanse along approximately 50% or more of the hull bottom's lengthwise expanse.

Abstract: A combination boat and travel trailer system having a main body portion and a bow portion. The bow portion movable between a raised position relative to the main body portion to facilitate towing of the boat and travel trailer and a lowered position to facilitate in-water use as a boat.

Abstract: An adjustable rail apparatus for a vessel includes a horizontal support member and a pair of vertical legs extending downward to an attachment unit for securing the apparatus to a vessel. Each of the vertical legs can be adjustable for allowing a height of the horizontal bar to be changed. The horizontal bar can have an adjustable length for allowing the apparatus to be mounted to a wide variety of different vessel configurations.

Abstract: A mainframe for a float structure is described. The mainframe is detachably connectable to the dorsal surface of the float structure inflatables and comprises: a plurality of segmented and connectable cross-structure support members transversely attached to a plurality of segmented and connected longitudinal connector members via a connector member. Each of the longitudinal members and crossmembers may be made up of a plurality of detachable sections.

Abstract: An onboard lift leg construction for a pontoon boat has a plurality of movable support legs including rear telescoping tube support legs that are fixed to a frame of a pontoon boat. The telescoping tube support legs each include an outer tube fixed to the frame, and an inner tube slidably mounted within the outer tube. A linear hydraulic actuator is secured to a head member that is supported on the outer tube. The actuator has an extendable and retractable rod that is attached or secured to the lower end of the inner tube such that when the actuator is extended, the inner tube is also extended to effectively lift the pontoon boat to which the outer tube is attached. The forward portions of the pontoon boat frame can be provided with pivoting lift legs for lifting the pontoon boat.

Abstract: A braking system for a watercraft moving upon a body of water. A hull has a bow portion, a bottom portion and a port opening in the bow. A water inlet is formed in the bottom of the hull. A duct extends between the water inlet and the port opening. A generally U-shaped hub has an intake portion and an output portion. The hub is selectably movable between a stowed position with the intake portion within the hull and a deployed position with the intake portion extending into the body of water. The intake portion of the hub, when deployed, diverts water from the intake portion to the output portion of the hub. The moving watercraft is braked by drag induced upon the hull by the deployed hub extending into the body of water and by the diverted water urged through the duct and out of the port opening.

Abstract: This invention embodies a floating hammock that attached to the front or side of a boat in a manner that allows for ease of deployment and storage. This invention has stiffeners on the front and sides that prevent the device from collapsing upon itself while users may lie in the middle in a partially submerged fashion for maximum enjoyment of the water while on a boat in a static position. The device then easily stores by rolling up and locking down on the front or side of the boat for use at a later time.

Abstract: Specialized cable-concealing fittings and couplings suitable and a fitting system for use in forming cable runs comprising tubular framing and rails wherein the fittings, framing and rails can serve a as a conduit for cable. In particular, the cable concealing fittings are utilized in association with a cable from an electrical device such as a solar panel that is connected to an electrical system of a watercraft, such as sailboat or powerboat. The fittings and system utilizing the fittings serves both protective and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a crewmember with the ability to lubricate the sheaves at the head of a mast of a contemporary sailing vessel from the deck. A cylinder that may be secured to existing halyards is filled with a lubrication fluid. The cylinder is raised in the usual manner and, once at the top of the mast, a plunger deploys the lubricant through a bifurcated stem to each side of the sheave.

Abstract: A system for electrically expelling water from a personal watercraft includes a waterproof container. The waterproof container defines a volume, which contains a portable source of electrical power, the portable source of electrical power is within the waterproof container. A fluid movement device is electrically connected with the portable source of electrical power and the fluid movement device is outside the waterproof container. A switch is electrically connected to the portable source of electrical power, the switch has an on position and an off position. A first mounting bracket has a first end and a second end, the first end has a first mounting position. The fluid movement device is attached at the first mounting position and the second end is held under a seat of the personal watercraft. When the switch is in the on position, the fluid movement device will pump water and when the fluid movement device is in the off position, the pump will not pump water.

Abstract: A rail for positioning at least one instrument on board a vessel, the rail having a longitudinal axis extending in the main transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vessel, the rail being arranged in connection with a wheel pedestal in the vessel and the rail being arranged for releasably fixing the instrument.

Abstract: A device for handling a load hoisted between two locations offset both vertically and horizontally is described. In particular the device is useful for transferring an outboard motor between an operating location on a dinghy and a storage location on a larger boat. The device makes use of existing lifting devices such as sail halyards and winches and provides both guidance and stabilization of the motor during the transfer.

Abstract: An onboard lift for lifting a boat such as a pontoon boat includes legs that have one end pivotally attached to a bottom substantially horizontal surface of a boat deck. The legs are typically continuous substantially imperforate tubes throughout essentially the entire length. The lower ends of the legs carry support feet or pads. One end of an actuator attaches to an outer side of one of the tubular legs and another end of the actuator is attached to a bottom substantially horizontal bottom surface of the boat deck. The actuators are manipulated to pivot each of the legs between a retracted or stowed position where the legs are substantially parallel to the bottom substantially horizontal surface of the boat deck and a working or lifting position where a pad or foot engages the bottom of the body of water and as the legs are further pivoted downwardly, the boat is lifted upward and out of the water.

Abstract: A cargo rack apparatus for removable attachment to a boat, such as to the vertical supports of a wakeboard boat tower. One embodiment includes one or more peripheral rails defining front, back, and side walls, and an interior volume, and one or more crossmembers between walls to provide a support surface for stored items. The apparatus can be attached to the vertical supports of the boat tower by releasable connectors or mounts at a plurality of points, and can subsequently be easily and completely removed from the tower. Upon release of only some of the connectors, the rack pivots relative to the tower to enable the storage area of the rack to be brought closer to the user, making it easier to load and unload cargo. The entire rack can also pivot and fold down with the boat tower for storage, towing, and areas of limited clearance.