Abstract: Apparatus for attaching fenders and the like to boats includes a post having a lower end configured to be inserted into the well of a fishing rod holder, the post having one or more arms suitable for securing a line connected to a boat fender.

Abstract: A shark repellent system for repelling sharks away from an individual while boating. The shark repellent system includes an attachable magnet and a transmitter unit that emits sound waves at a frequency undesirable to sharks. The transmitter unit is contained in a watertight enclosure affixed to a buoyant device, and is usually submerged in water while the buoyant device is in the water. The magnet may function as an on/off switch for the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit may also be positioned within the boat or other buoyant device, wherein the transmitter unit includes a plurality of transducers electrically connected to the transmitter unit via elongated cables and the cables and transmitter units are extended over the sides of the boat. The transmitter unit may also include a standard toggle switch and/or a water sensor to turn the transmitter unit and thus transducers on/off.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing one or a pair of article holders to a land or sea craft to facilitate the carrying of articles on the craft; the mounting bracket comprising a non-circular body with opposing flat surfaces and threaded holes extending centrally through the body; a V-notch at one end of the body extending into one flat face and holes through the body at opposite sides of the V-notch and a threaded bore in the end of the body remote from the V-notch; the threaded bores being adapted to reserve a shank of an article holder; and a channel member to fit co-operably over the non-circular body and to hold a pair of spaced apart article holders, while being secured to the body member by a bolt threaded into the body member.

Abstract: A light system that is pivotally attachable to a boat has a body member that floats on the surface of the water and has at least one light received within an opening thereat, the light shining down into the water toward the water body's floor in order to illuminate the contents thereat. A pair of poles, which may be telescoping, are attached to the body member, alone or with a connector, with the opposite ends of the poles pivotally attached to the boat, either by passing a bolt through the poles and the boat's sides, or to brackets attached to the boat, or by having these ends of the poles curled and clipped onto the boat. A wire passes through the poles and is electrically connected to the lights with the ends of the wire attached to the boat's battery via battery clips.

Abstract: An adjustable boat platform is provided that attaches to a conventional boat and transforms it into a fishing platform typically found on a bass boat. The invention attaches to the perimeter of just about any “V”-bottom boat using special slots and locking pins.

Abstract: An anchoring system for securing hardware having an aperture to a deck using a fastener, the anchoring system including a tie-down, an attachment lug configured to engage the tie-down, and a stud extending outwardly from the attachment lug. The tie-down includes a plate with a recess formed therein, and at least two arms traversing the recess. The attachment lug includes a base with a stud receiving aperture formed therein, and a cylindrical sidewall extending outwardly from the base. The cylindrical sidewall of the attachment lug has at least two notches extending partially therearound adapted to receive the at least two arms of the tie-down. The stud is insertable through the aperture in the hardware so that the fastener can be received on the stud to effectively clamp the hardware to the deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a first axial support that allows of the weathervane to rotate and a second axial support that prevents the weathervane from becoming dislodged from the first axial support.

Abstract: An adjustable adapter assembly secures a framework/console to an anchoring fixture. A housing member connected to the framework has two pairs of parallel walls having laterally aligned elongate first slots and laterally aligned elongate second slots, respectively. A clasping mechanism inside the housing member has a shank portion and finger members. First and second threaded orthogonal bores laterally extend through the shank portion, a first threaded bolt extends through the first slots and first threaded bore, and a second threaded bolt extends through the second slots and second threaded bore. Rotating the first and second bolts laterally displaces the clasping mechanism to align the finger members with part of an anchoring fixture on the deck for engagement by the finger members when a locking ring is appropriately displaced. Several assemblies secured to the framework can be adjusted to interconnect with permanently mounted anchoring fixtures in the deck.

Abstract: A method to repair moisture damaged wood core boat hulls remotely identifies and repairs all wet core hull areas and optionally performs preventive maintenance on dry hull areas to restore the integrity of a fiberglass boat hull and prevent new water infiltration damage to a boat hull. The wet area repair guidelines using a surface moisture mete Any balsa cored area reading 15% or above is considered a wet area. Any wood cored area reading 20% or above is considered a wet area. The repair steps involves removing all through-hull fittings or hardware. Wet core areas are then dried out using heat lamps, lights or heaters, hot-vac systems, or octopus vacuum with grid system. If necessary, any area not drying out is de-cored and repaired accordingly. After repairs are finished, all through-hull fillings or hardware is reinstalled using new sealant.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning an antenna aperture on a mobile platform in a manner to avoid blockages created by other components/subsystems on the mobile platform between the line of sight of the antenna aperture and a satellite and to avoid interference with other systems that share the mobile platform. In one embodiment, one or more linear support elements are moved by one or more corresponding motors to allow the antenna aperture to be re-positioned between a plurality of different positions. Methods for creating and using a blockage database are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system enables a boat to be loaded from water onto a trailer that is partially submerged on a ramp at the edge of the water. One part of the system is a connector that is mounted on the keel of the bow. Another part of the system is a transversely mounted removable pin that is positioned on the trailer.

Abstract: An engine compartment cover for watercraft incorporates first and second pivots The cover can be rotated from an adjacent engine compartment in a first direction to a second location to provide a convenient access to the engine from the stern of the watercraft. Alternately, a portion of the cover can be rotated in the opposite direction on the second pivot to provide access to the engine compartment from the deck of the craft.

Abstract: A swiveling fitting for multi-directional movement includes a housing having a bore therethrough to accommodate a button shaft. A ball housing receives at least a portion of the button shaft. The ball housing has at least one ball recess to accommodate at least one ball. A locking sphere receives at least a portion of the ball housing. The locking sphere has at least one groove to accommodate the at least one ball, and a baseplate for moveably securing the locking sphere. The baseplate is releasably securable to a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for assisting in the attachment of an appliance such as a winch to a surface (e.g. deck) of a watercraft such as a sailing boat. Fixing screws are retained in apertures in the winch by retaining means such as lock washers. The assembly of the winch and screws may therefore be produced at a location remote from the watercraft, the retaining means holding the screws against rotation during transportation and during fixing of the appliance to the surface of the watercraft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce formation of streaks from fluid running down a side surface of boat hull are disclosed. A disclosed method includes adhering a first portion of a flexible strip to the side surface of the hull, and employing a second portion of the flexible strip positioned at an obtuse angle to the first portion to deflect fluid running down the hull surface above the flexible strip away from the hull.

Abstract: A removable marine propulsion attachment for a non-self-propelled marine vehicle includes a frame structure and a propulsion unit removably mounted on a transom board disposed at the rear end of a body of the frame structure. The frame structure also includes a handle disposed at the front end of the frame body for holding by a person riding on the marine vehicle, and connecting devices provided on the frame body for removably connecting the frame body to the marine vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely mounting one or more water skis for storage is disclosed. The apparatus offers a simple method of securing the water ski with provision for locking to prevent theft. The apparatus is further suitable for mounting beneath a boat lift canopy, providing convenient access to the water skis and allowing water skis to dry after use. A variation on the apparatus allows for secure storage of other boating equipment.

Abstract: A device for holding a boat speedometer log transmitter in a boat hull has a sleeve body fixed in a perforation in the hull with a longitudinal center opening for removably inserting and retaining the log transmitter in a watertight manner. A head part is coupled to the longitudinal opening for jointly receiving the log transmitter in a watertight manner. An axially displaceable sliding ring is located in a coaxial recess in the head part. A plane ring body supporting a sealing ring is located below the sliding ring. The sliding ring and sealing ring define a plane for guiding a transversely movable blocking slide which blocks and opens the openings for removal and insertion of the log transmitter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning composite deck drain apparatus which includes a removable top part having a top grating surface for receiving waste liquid and a trap for catching particulate matter from the liquid at a lower end. The drain apparatus further includes a bottom part having a drainpipe within an annular chamber formed thereabout for receiving and holding the top part. Circumferentially spaced locking tabs are affixed to the edge of the top part below the grating surface thereof for reception within tab receivers in the bottom part when the top part is inserted into the chamber of the bottom part and turned for locking of the tabs within the tab receivers. The top part includes a threaded bore within which a valve is manually operable to open and close the drainpipe. The deck drain apparatus is made of composite plastic materials to resist corrosion.

Abstract: A boat misting system for cooling occupants of a boat or houseboat with a very fine aerosolized water spray is described. The water for the system is taken from the body of water upon which the boat floats so that a virtually limitless amount of misting water is available. The boat misting system is aesthetically pleasing because the plumbing components are concealed below the deck or within the hull of a boat. If desired, extension hoses may be used to equip a boat canopy with a portion of the misting system. The misting spray may be applied continuously or cycled intermittently using a timer.

Abstract: A multipurpose marine safety storage system includes a safety storage unit for containing emergency/safety gear and which is adapted for quick release attachment to a marine craft. The safety storage system includes a storage unit having attachment locations for the attachment of modular containers for miscellaneous safety and personal items. The system is adapted for flotation by the incorporation in the storage unit of the sheet of buoyant material such as closed cell foam or an inflatable bladder so that the system serves as a flotation device as well as a container for bulky items such as life jackets. In the preferred embodiment the multipurpose storage system is secured on the undersurface of a cockpit cover so that items contained in the safety storage unit and modular containers are stored overhead and out-of-the-way yet are conveniently and instantly available in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A safety system includes a signal flag that is mounted on a water craft and which is connected to a person in a manner such that should the person fall into the water, the signal flag will be automatically and immediately deployed whereby any watercraft in the vicinity will be alerted to the presence of a person in the water.

Abstract: A thru-hull fitting assembly is connected to the forward end of a hollow lamp housing for mounting to a hole in the hull of a vessel in a water-tight fashion. An HID or other lamp is mounted in the lamp housing and is surrounded by a reflector which may have an outer elliptical section and an inner parabolic section. A protective transparent window extends across the forward end of the lamp housing and is sealed thereto. The window may be made of sapphire to provide improved heat dissipation and to resist scratching during hull cleaning and breakage due to thermal shock and wave slap. A circuit may be connected to the lamp to provide over-heat protection, leak detection, as well as fault and power status indicators. Alternate embodiments utilize a solid light pipe or a hollow reflective tube to convey light from the lamp to the protective window.

Abstract: For removably coupling a boat apparatus, such as a boat table or seat, to a boat deck, a base plate having an arcuate or curved clamping slot is attached to the boat deck and the table or the like is securely coupled to a base assembly having a downward extending clamping device. The base assembly is placed on the base plate with the clamping device engaged in the clamping slot and the base assembly is then twisted or turned so that the clamping device slides to the end of the slot and a member on the base assembly is then manually operated to releasably clamp the clamping device securely in place in the associated slot.

Abstract: A material receiving and retaining bib and quick attachable/detachable frame assembly for positioning the bib in a desired location for receipt of material (i.e. varnish, cleaners, paints, etc.) which may run off of a surface being treated. The frame assembly includes a plurality of frame members attached to the surface. The retaining bib is held in place by the frame member. The bib is positioned such that it will catch and retain excess materials falling from the object being serviced such as, but not limited to, a wooden rail or any another item of the marine vessel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of storage devices for a boat are provided. One embodiment is a storage device for removably attaching to a t-top on a boat and for storing items. One such storage device comprises: a frame comprising marine fabric having an opening to a storage area defined by the frame for receiving an item; an access flap for enabling a user to access the storage area, the access flap comprising marine fabric attached to a top portion of the frame and extending over the opening to a bottom portion of the frame for securing the access flap to the bottom portion of the frame; and a plurality of straps attached to the bottom portion of the frame for providing support from underneath the frame when it is attached to a t-top on a boat, each of the plurality of straps having a first end for attaching to a first horizontal structure of the t-top and a second end for attaching to a second horizontal structure of the t-top.

Abstract: A bow eye for marine use including a U-shaped bolt having two threaded legs. Two metal plates are located respectively on either side of a watercraft hull. A first pair of nuts are threaded onto the legs with one plate being positioned adjacent the nuts. A second pair of nuts is used to secure the bow eye to the hull. A sealing gasket is located on the side of the outside plate that is between the outside plate and the hull. The sealing gasket has apertures that are smaller than apertures located in the hull. The gasket apertures are smaller than the diameter of the legs causing the gasket to pucker around the legs when mounted on the legs. When the bow eye legs are inserted into the hull, the puckered portion of the gasket partially fills the hull apertures. The bow eye nuts are tightened, forcing the gasket further into the hull apertures to seal the bow eye in the hull.

Abstract: An unmanned sea vehicle is provided with a canister storing therein a net assembly in a deflated condition attached to the sea vehicle through the canister by a lanyard in a folded condition. The net assembly is connected to an inflation gas generator through which it is inflated to initiate retrieval of the unmanned sea vehicle. Inflation of the net assembly effects ejection thereof from the canister afloat onto a body of seawater, while connected to the canister on the sea vehicle by the unfolded lanyard. The floating net assembly is thereby positioned for engagement by a grappling hook lowered from a helicopter for example so as to lift it with the sea vehicle suspended therefrom by the lanyard from the sea water surface and transferred to the deck of a retrieval sea vessel.

Abstract: A downrigger adaptor assembly includes a seat-mounting member having a helical spring disposed about a support post, engageable with a boat seat. The present invention further includes a mounting plate on which a downrigger base-mounting member is secured, and an elongated cable connected to the mounting plate and a stationary portion of a boat so that the assembly can be maintained within a predetermined path during operating conditions. Such a cable includes quick-release fastening members for allowing an operator to readily adjust the predetermined path as needed.

Abstract: A marine structure including a platform and a pest deterrent rotatably connected to the platform. The pest deterrent includes a hub rotatably connected to the platform and at least one arm extending radially from the hub where each arm extends from the hub at an angle above horizontal. Each arm includes an area moment of inertia and a length. A ratio of the area moment of inertia to the length is less than 0.0001 inches3. Each arm further includes a wind collector at an end opposite of the hub.

Abstract: A system for refueling a motorized marine vehicle without spilling fuel into the water is disclosed. A fuel tank is typically located within the vehicle and includes a filling tube and a vent tube secured thereto. A vent hole is formed in the vehicle and the vent tube of the fuel tank is in fluid communication with the vent hole. The present invention includes a tube in fluid communication with the vent hole of the marine vehicle for transporting any fuel located within the vent tube to a remote location. A vacuum source is connected to the tube. The vacuum source is adapted to draw the fuel through the tube and into a receptacle attached to the vacuum source.

Abstract: An apparatus of mounting items to a gunwale of a boat is provided. The apparatus includes a clamp comprised of at least two clamp parts. Each clamp part include a nose part and a shoulder portion. A fastener may extend through each nose part. The nose part of a first one of the clamp parts extends into abutting contact with the shoulder portion of a second one of the clamp parts. The nose part of the second one of the clamp parts extends in abutting contact with the shoulder portion of the first one of the clamp parts. The clamp further includes an aperture bounded by the clamp parts. The aperture includes an opening portion that is operative to extend around the gunwale of a boat. The aperture further includes a stem portion that is operative to extend adjacent each side of a portion of a hull of the boat.

Abstract: A marine vessel overflow tank system for use in the hull of a marine vessel that has a fuel system including a fuel vent line connecting a fuel tank to a vent that communicates with the atmosphere. The system comprises a first vent line fitting adapted for direct parallel communication with the fuel vent line. The internal cross sectional area of the first vent line fitting is approximately the same size as the internal cross sectional area of the fuel vent line. The system also comprises a second vent line fitting adapted for direct parallel communication with the fuel vent line. The internal cross sectional area of the second vent line fitting is approximately the same size as the internal cross sectional area of the fuel vent line. The system further comprises a fuel expansion tank. The fuel expansion tank comprises a plurality of walls defining an enclosed chamber and a first restrictive orifice located in one the walls.

Abstract: A mounting system for attaching a transducer to a surface such as the transom of a boat hull is disclosed. The system consists of a mounting block, fasteners, and an item that the installer wishes to attach (such as a transducer or plate). The block is formed of corrosion-resistant material. The block has an adhesive layer that bonds the block to the surface; no fasteners are required to mount the block to the surface. The block has at least one T-shaped slot that retains corrosion-resistant fasteners, which anchor the transducer to the block when the fasteners are tightened. The adhesive layer is protected by a removable layer that is peeled away just prior to pressing the block on the transom surface.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting to a jet propelled personal watercraft including a hinge and a wire bundle assembly. The hinge can include a hinge top portion for mounting to the personal watercraft hood pivotally coupled to a hinge bottom portion for mounting to the top deck. The hinge bottom portion can have a wireway aperture therethrough. The wire bundle assembly can include several wires disposed within a tube, in turn disposed within a seal formed about the tube. The tube seal can be at least partially received within the hinge bottom portion aperture. The tube seal is preferably forced downward by the hinge bottom portion against the top deck. The wire bundle assembly can be formed as an assembly at a site distinct from the site of final watercraft manufacture. The wire bundle assembly can be inserted through the top deck, and secured in place by the hinge being secured to the top deck, over the inserted wire bundle assembly.

Abstract: A modular kit of parts covers utility service lines extending from a bulkhead to a mission module. The kit includes a standard-length U-channel with a baseplate and upstanding sides. The baseplate defines one or more longitudinal slots, each of which defines a given width. A cover is provided. The kit also includes a divider having a protruding edge portion dimensioned to be accommodated in the slot. One embodiment includes a tee-shaped protrusion for use in a tee-shaped slot, and another embodiment includes a stress-reducing flange.

Abstract: A system and method autonomously clears obstacles and mines from an approach lane. A ship is distantly located from an approach lane spanning a surf zone and beach portion, and the ship has operator control station software in an onboard computer. At least one system delivery vehicle having a storage bay and propulsion system transits from the ship to the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. A line charge is disposed in each bay and has one end coupled to the system delivery vehicle. A line charge delivery vehicle in the bay is connected to another end of the line charge to pull the line charge from the bay and emplace it in a straight path in the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. Explosives in all line charges are detonated to clear the approach lane.

Abstract: A battery mounting structure for a small watercraft is constructed and arranged to improve turning performance of the craft and to provide waterproofing protection. A vessel body 11 includes a hull 14, constituting a lower portion of the vessel body, and a deck 15 for covering on top of the hull. An engine 20 is disposed in the vessel body 11, with a drive shaft 35 extending rearward from the engine 20 for driving a propeller 30, and a drive shaft supporting box 18 for supporting the drive shaft at the midsection thereof. The inventive mounting structure is substantially centrally located, so that the battery 53 can be disposed on the drive shaft supporting box 18.

Abstract: A tackle organizer system that organizes fishing tackle and equipment at a storage location inboard a boat. The system includes a storage box, a multiple-port organizer insert, and a storage tray that defines one or more storage recesses. The system further provides securable storage for fishing tackle and equipment in both a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A rowing shell adapted for phase shift rowing, seating multiple groups of rowers such that all rowers within a group are seated for synchronous rowing, but each group is seated for asynchronous rowing with respect to the adjacent group. The phase shift rowing overcomes deficiencies encountered In boats supporting unison rowing, and provides greater average velocity for the same power input. The spacing provided between adjacent groups of rowers rowing out of phase is approximately twice or greater than the spacing between adjacent rowers rowing in phase within each group, wherein the spacing is defined by the distance between adjacent oarlock pins.

Abstract: A safety device includes a base section having arms extended from a first end. Securing straps are connected to the arms for holding the device in place. The base has a recess in one section of the base wherein a illuminating is placed. The illuminating includes Light Emitting Diodes that may be powered by a cable conducting electricity from an associated power source.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for a pontoon boat, or the like, on which a boat user can come and go from the pontoon boat without having to get wet. A cylindrical float, rotatably attached to the free end of the ramp, keeps it and at least one user thereon afloat. Moreover, the float acts like a roller during docking, enabling one to move the ramp, in its extended position, up and onto the shore at most beaches. The ramp assembly comprises a support structure attached to the underside of the boat and a ramp including a platform which is slideably connected to the support structure by a shaft. Bearing blocks suspend the shaft and the platform, which is pivotally connected thereto, horizontally between a pair of rails. Riding on elongated bearing surface tracks mounted within the rails, the bearing blocks allow the platform to be easily extended outwardly from the support structure for use or, alternately, retracted into it for storage. The platform can be readily extended or retracted, as needed, manually.

Abstract: A fold-away transport platform that is attached to a stern portion of a boat and that is used for carrying sizeable items. The platform (24) consists of a pair of side supports (28), each having a first end and a second end. A plurality of cross members (38) are disposed between the side supports which form the platform, that when extended, is cantilevered outward away from the stern of the boat. Pivoting hinge brackets (42) are attached onto the side support first end and the boat stern inside a transom (26b). At least two diagonal braces (52) are removably fastened to the boat on a lower end and to a cross member such that the braces (52) may be detached and the platform pivoted into the boat for transportation and storage. A second embodiment attaches the platform to the boat stern rail instead of the inner surface of the transom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and accessing personal floatation devices and/or other articles, wherein the device permits the elevated storage of personal floatation devices and/or other articles aboard an aquatic vessel, thus reducing deck clutter and/or untidiness, and preserving structural and functional integrity of the personal floatation devices via their removal from long-term subjection to undesirably moist, oily and/or dirty deck surface areas and/or corners.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable footer. The hinge assembly has two members that pivot about a pivot point. At least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engages a corresponding opening in one member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation. The releasable footer has a bolt that engages an opening, thereby locking a releasable member to the footer body.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted rack removably attached to the hull of a boat and adapted to be rotated to various positions inside and outside the boat hull as desired.

Abstract: A stern flap has a “contour” shape which facilitates installation thereof upon the curved stern of a ship. The stem flap's lower surface includes an intermediate region and two curvedly tapered end regions. The intermediate region is delineated forwardly by a curved leading edge and aftly by a parallelly curved trailing edge, the chord length therebetween being constant. The curve characterizing the flap's leading edge is congruent with the curve characterizing the ship stern's lower transverse edge (the junction between the ship's bottom and the ship's stern), thereby permitting contiguous disposition of the flap's leading edge relative to the ship's lower transverse edge, as well as permitting even and unbroken disposition of the flap's lower surface relative to the ship's bottom.

Abstract: A finger pinch guard is used in connection with railings on a boat. Stanchions of adjacent railing segments are mounted close together on the boat gunwales. Each pair of adjacent railings forms a generally Y shaped profile in an arcuate transition area wherein fingers can jam. A mounting member having an axle is attached to the railing in this area. A curved member, typically including a generally spherical wheel, is attached to the mounting member axle, and is able to rotate on the axle. Thus, a finger introduced into this area with downward force will cause the wheel to rotate, thereby directing the finger to roll outward off the wheel and away from the railing. Another embodiment has a mounting member with a unitary, non-rotating curved member. The finger will slide off the curved member and away from the railing.

Abstract: A watercraft for towing a performer equipped with a water sport implement having a support surface on a deck thereof adapted to support a water sport implement and a performer of the water sport for the performer to put on the water sport implement.

Abstract: A collapsible changing room for a pontoon boat having a rear entry stern gate. The collapsible changing room is formed in part by the passenger seat positioned adjacent the rear entry stern gate. An L-shaped bracket is rigidly secured to the rear portion of the seat and is further hingedly secured to a vertical fence member spaced from the seat back. The seat and the L-shaped support can be rotated upwardly away from the boat deck to a position in which the seat bottom is generally perpendicular to the boat deck. When the seat is rotated to this position, a curtain frame hingedly connected to the seat can be rotated from a stored position within the seat base to an extended position substantially parallel to the boat deck. An opaque sheet or curtain depends from the curtain frame in a substantially vertical orientation to form an enclosed changing or privacy room.