Abstract: A waterfowl repelling mechanism is an elongated rectangular member that has a C-shaped member connected at one end. The other end of the elongated rectangular member has a slot disposed therein. The C-shaped member partially surrounds a rounded railing of a marine craft with the elongated member extending upward. A narrow diameter flexible material is positioned between successively mounted repelling mechanisms, drawn tight and secured. A land fowl repelling mechanism is mounted onto a flat structure. The repelling mechanism is an elongated rectangular member that has a first end. The first end has an aperture disposed therein. The elongated rectangular member has a second end oppositely spaced from the first end. A mounting platform is connected to the elongated rectangular member's second end. The platform is mounted to the flat structure and a flexible material is threaded between successively mounted elongated rectangular members's apertures and secured thereto.

Abstract: This bracket is designed for the use of down riggers on inflatable boats. It provides greater stability on the mount for more efficient operation of the down rigger. These are easily installed, can be adjusted to fit various sizes of inflatable boats, are lightweight aluminium, rust free, and can be rear boat mounted.

Abstract: The present invention permits the positioning and support of a fuel tank in a stable state while preventing unnecessary stresses from being generated in the fuel tank. A tapered, single projecting portion for positioning is formed on either the bottom portion of an inner wall of a hull or the bottom of the fuel tank. A tapered, single depressed portion for positioning is fitted on the projecting portion, and is formed on the opposing bottom portion of the fuel tank or the inner wall of the hull, respectively. A space is formed between a peripheral wall of the fuel tank and the inner wall of the hull that permits contraction and expansion of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed for illuminating side surfaces of objects or equipment including, for example, vehicles including boats, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided, the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for an access hatch of a kind comprising a hatch frame which defines an opening, said safety rail assembly being adapted to extend around at least a part of a hatch frame thereby to safeguard personnel from inadvertent entry into the hatch opening from at least two mutually perpendicular directions, said safety rail assembly comprising guard members which in use extend at least in part substantially horizontally, and support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch frame, said support members each having associated therewith a foot portion for resting in a free-standing manner on a support surface surrounding the hatch frame, and said support members having a resistance to toppling in a direction towards or a direction away from the opening defined by the frame by at least one of a) structural connection to a part of the safety rail assembly at an opposite side of the frame, and b) co-operation of the safety rail assembly with an abutment surface d

Abstract: The present invention involves a gate assembly for a pontoon boat. The pontoon boat includes a platform deck atop a flotation device with a protective railing having fence sections and gate assemblies at least partially surrounding the deck. The gate assembly is disposed in a gap or opening in the protective fence between two of the fence sections and includes a gate, a gate stop, and a sliding hinge. The gate is attached by the hinge to one of the two fence sections at the opening of the protective railing, and the stop is attached to the other of the two fence sections and includes a stop member extending from the deck to near the top of the fence that will prevent the gate from swinging outwardly. The stop member includes a padding strip thereon between the stop member and the gate, which prevents rattling between the stop member and the gate.

Abstract: A boat hull represented in a high speed attitude relative to a water surface-has a generally monohull section. A forward keel portion is flattened to form a plank-like planing surface having a replaceable shoe including stability extensions. Main bodies of sponsons are configured with air dams or spray walls. The sponsons define outer walls of side tunnels. The hull form, inboard of the side tunnels, provides side planing surfaces that step down transversely to the keel planing surface. Front and rear portions of the sponsons are connected by the air dam or spray walls and bound side tunnels having side planks or planing surfaces disposed at their inner edge. A step in the keel is provided to define a tunnel disposed between two downwardly depending side walls. Across afterplanes an integrated undersurface has an outboard motor insertion space with a continuation of the recess upper surface and provides a lateral boundary of a space.

Abstract: A storage system for incorporation in a boat or other vessel. The storage system includes an integrated fish landing net storage compartment which is readily accessible to a fisherman standing on a casting deck of a boat. The dedicated storage compartment keeps a dirty and/or wet landing net away from other stowed items. The storage compartment is accessible via a dual-lid access hatch with latch built into the casting deck. The storage compartment preferably comprises a polyethylene storage box which is self-draining to the bilge, allowing the storage box to be cleaned easily. The storage compartment further has a snag-free design which whereby the storage box has no protruding hardware, Therefore, the landing net will not get caught during retrieval or stowage. In addition, universal and adjustable mounting brackets are used which allow for adaptation to many different boat models, as well as providing the ability to retrofit pre-existing boat models.

Abstract: A marine lighted grab rail that is waterproof and direct current powered for use in a marine environment that produces an indirect light source. The rail portion is made of stainless steel tube that defines an aperture within the length of its structure. The stainless steel tube houses a waterproof transparent housing. A light source is housed inside the waterproof transparent housing, which is sealed, with a pair of plugs, at either end. Only the wires needed to carry electricity to the light source are allowed to exit the waterproof transparent housing's end. The stainless steel tube is mounted on mounting brackets after the above steps have been completed and the wires are connected to a direct current power source.

Abstract: A platform structure for a water structure surrounded by water is disclosed. The platform structure includes a set of inflatable sacks held in place by arm members which are hollow tubes rotatably attached to a hinge structure to a side of said water structure. The platform structure is especially designed to protect the water structure as well as other approaching water crafts from the impact of collisions. The arm members of the platform structure can also be used to tug floating platforms and various water crafts with minimal water drag. The platform structure can also be adjusted to function with a hinge structure installed at any of various heights on said water structure. The platform structure also has means to provide it with added stability on the water.

Abstract: An outrigger for use with a fishing boat having a support surface for mounting the outrigger thereon, the outrigger having a vertical member supported for rotation about a vertical axis and a boom member having a first end thereof pivotably coupled to the vertical member for movement about a horizontal axis. A variable length cylinder is pivotably coupled at the ends thereof to the vertical member and the boom member respectively. A control system is coupled to the cylinder for controlling the length thereof such that the inclination of the boom member is positionable relative to the vertical member via the control system. Thus, the boom member can be automatically positioned in an inclined position for trolling or a horizontal position for stowage of the outrigger. A fishing line can be attached to the boom to position the fishing line away from the boat during trolling.

Abstract: A boat light apparatus comprising a mounting block, a main upright pole, a lamp boom, a main head lamp and a bait lamp. The apparatus has a generally tubular shaped lamp boom with a distal end, proximal end and mid-region. The head lamp is attached to the distal end of the lamp boom and the bait lamp is attached along the lamp boom behind the head lamp. On the proximal end of the lamp boom is a grip handle perpendicular to the lamp boom. The lamp boom is pivotally attached in its mid-region to the main upright pole. This pivotal attachment allows the head lamp to be positioned along the vertical plane. The main upright pole is generally a tubular shaped mast with a top end and bottom end. The lamp boom is pivotally attached near the top end of the upright pole. The bottom end of the upright pole is coupled to a mounting block. The mounting block has an inner cavity to receive the bottom end of the upright pole and allows horizontal rotation of the head lamp.

Abstract: A shock isolator having a housing securable to a support structure with the housing containing a bell shaped elastomer having a base secured to the housing and an axially offset apex surface secured to a connector to cantileverly support equipment to be isolated from shock with the cantileverly support of apex surface from the base insuring that any displacement of the connector produces a substantial shearing action in the elastomer to effectively damp the effect of a shock on the shock isolator.

Abstract: An adjustable windshield brace for boat windshields has sufficient flexibility to permit utilization on the windshields of many boat manufacturers. The brace is formed of two linearly extending members, one of which is provided with a bell to receive the other member. The belled brace member is formed with internal threading to be engageable with corresponding threads on the other brace member. The threads are finely formed to permit a linear translational movement of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for each revolution of the brace members. Each brace member is provided with a mounting flange pivotally mounted on the respective opposing ends of the brace members to provide an attitude adjustment of the mounting flanges. Length adjustment and orientation adjustment of one mounting flange relative to the other mounting flange is accomplished by rotating the threads interengaging the two brace members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water sport machine consisting of a hull equipped with a pump-jet, the hull is rigid and provided with an inflatable envelope. The pump-jet consists of a light duty engine combined with a water sucking propeller located in a suction box opening into the hull bottom, the outlet of the suction box opening into a nozzle with decreasing cross-section and a helical wall.

Abstract: A boating accessory container for attachment to the gunwale of a small watercraft comprises a storage box for holding boating accessories such as fishing tackle and safety gear; first attachment means on the rear wall of the storage box for releasably securing the storage box to the gunwale of one of the sides of the watercraft; and second attachment means on the rear wall of the storage box for releasably securing the storage box to the inner surface of one of the sides of the watercraft. The second attachment means comprising one or more resilient attachment means intermediate the first attachment means and the bottom of the storage box, each of said resilient attachment means comprising a suction cup means facing away from the rear wall of the storage box.

Abstract: The present invention permits the positioning and support of a fuel tank in a stable state while preventing unnecessary stresses from being generated in the fuel tank. A tapered, single projecting portion for positioning is formed on either the bottom portion of an inner wall of a hull or the bottom of the fuel tank. A tapered, single depressed portion for positioning is fitted on the projecting portion, and is formed on the opposing bottom portion of the fuel tank or the inner wall of the hull, respectively. A space is formed between a peripheral wall of the fuel tank and the inner wall of the hull that permits contraction and expansion of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A collapsible bait tank apparatus for use in combination with a water craft such as a kayak with a hull sealed from water intrusion into interior compartments for a permanent mounting or in a portable embodiment capable of transport to multiple watercraft. The device features a collapsible plastic container to hold water to maintain live bait in an aquatic environment which will maintain a watertight seal against intrusion by exterior water into the sealed interior of the water craft in a mounted mode. A hinged interior sealing ring mated to the collapsible container cooperatively engages an exterior sealing ring for a fixed mount or a hinged upper support for a portable mount. The fixed mount using the collapsible container allows a large container to be inserted into a small aperture of a watercraft and maintains a seal from exterior water entering the sealed cavities of the craft.

Abstract: A jet-propelled personal watercraft having a grab handle for a child riding in front of the operator of the watercraft. The watercraft includes a hull defining an engine compartment sized to contain an internal combustion engine for powering the watercraft, a deck portion providing a passenger area containing controls operable by an operator in the passenger area, and a longitudinally extending seat adapted to accommodate at least two riders seated in straddle fashion. A jet propulsion unit is powered by the engine, the jet propulsion unit including a steerable water discharge nozzle. The controls include a set of handlebars operatively connected to the steerable water discharge nozzle to facilitate steering of the watercraft by the operator, the handlebars extending transversely with respect to the watercraft and having a center and a rotational axis extending through such center.

Abstract: Single panels are supported exclusively on the uppermost and lowermost of a plurality of life rails extending between stanchions on the topside deck surface of a ship. The panels are attached to the rails by clamps which are releasable for detachment of the panels to accommodate slidable insertion and pivotal displacement by personnel for installation or replacement in shielding positions between the stanchions.

Abstract: A guard for obstructing crawling arthropods from encroaching a moored watercraft or stationary object comprise a mounting panel and an outer panel. The outer panel is spaced from the mounting panel by at least one joining member. An arthropod barrier including an active arthropod deterring component situated between the mounting panel and outer panel.

Abstract: An overhead storage system for a boat bimini top comprising an elongated unitized backing material. The backing material has a front end, a rear end, a left and right side, a top surface, and bottom surface. Attached to the bottom surface of the backing material is a series of storage pockets. The storage pockets are of varying sizes and are generally rectangular in shape and have a hinged lid. Along the bottom left and right side of the backing material is an edge channel housing a telescoping pole. The telescoping poles provide support and structure to the backing material and storage pockets. At the bow end of each telescoping pole is a V-shaped bend, which generally conforms to the contour of a bimini shade cover. Mounted perpendicular to the telescoping poles and below the backing material, are several spreader bars. On the top side of the backing material are a series of support battens and batten sleeves which keep the backing material from sagging.

Abstract: A vibration dampened fuel tank assembly includes a fastener system and a fuel tank having integrated retention areas for horizontal and/or vertical retention to a fixed surface. Each retention area includes an access area that leads to a mounting lip having a semi-annular opening for receipt of the fastener system. The fastener system preferably includes a bolt-like member, a compression surface and a vibration dampening member, wherein the vibration dampening member has a first and a second diameter such that the first diameter fits within the mounting lip opening while the second diameter overlies the mounting lip. When mounted, the fastener system is engaged to the mounting lip of the fuel tank and affixes to a fixed surface such as a floor or sidewall. The fuel tank assembly, thereby, effectively secures the fuel tank and dampens the repetitive vibrations typically associated with the dynamic watercraft environment.

Abstract: A boat fender storage device which includes a strip of metal radiused at each end to form first and second U-shape ends. The U-shaped ends have an opening which is sufficient to fit over a safety rail so that the boat fender can be secured to the safety rail by a pair of the boat fender storage devices.

Abstract: A boat safety net system for catching items falling between a dock and a boat. The boat safety net system includes a boat, a dock, and a net assembly, which is couplable to the boat and the dock. In an embodiment, a gangplank, which is positionable to extend between the boat and the dock, is positioned such that the net assembly extends between the boat and the dock below the gangplank for catching items falling from the gangplank.

Abstract: A board securing device for securing surfboards and other similar shaped boards. The board securing device includes a first portion arranged to engage over a first end of the board and a second portion arranged to engage over a second end of the board. An interconnecting means is provided to releasably connect the first portion to the second portion such that the first and second portions cannot be removed from the ends of the board. A locking means is also provided secured to the first portion such that the locking means can secure the first portion to a fixed object.

Abstract: A horizontal shotgun and/or rifle rack assembly for hunting boats includes first and second racks to be mounted forward and aft of each other on a side of a boat. The first and second racks each have upper and lower, upwardly opening, U-shaped gun cradles for receiving, supporting and removably retaining barrels and/or butt stocks of two shotguns and/or rifles and supporting the two shotguns and/or rifles horizontally one above the other. Preferably, the gun cradles each have mechanisms for closing the upper opening in the cradle to prevent a gun from falling out of the racks should a boat overturn.

Abstract: A container and container mounting apparatus for releasably securable mounting of the container onto a generally horizontal rigid platform on a boat, where the platform is adjacent and aft of a transom on the boat, includes a container sized to stably rest, adjacent the transom on the generally horizontal rigid platform, a female receiver rail mountable to the platform, and a male coupling rail. The male coupling rail is mounted or mountable to a lower surface of the container along a rail axis. The male coupling rail is for sliding interlocking into along the female receiver rail when the female receive rail is mounted to the platform and the male coupling rail is mounted to the lower surface of the container.

Abstract: A marine outdrive guard for shielding persons from undesired contact with a watercraft outdrive unit or outboard motor. The guard includes a shield member attached to a swim platform or transom and covers the outdrive particularly when the outdrive or outboard motor is in a raised position.

Abstract: A sliding elevated pilot deck section (“SEPDS”), including a main deck segment with an upper portion and a lower portion and an engine compartment chamber generally in the middle of the upper portion of the main deck segment, a moving rear pilot deck assembly (“RPDA”), and means for moving the RPDA along the main deck section toward and away from the transom of the vessel.

Abstract: An autonomous marine vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle comprising a rigid hull having an interior and a periphery, a deck joining the rigid hull at the periphery; and a rigid mast pivotally attached to the deck, the mast housing a plurality of sensors capable of effecting communication to and from said vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the vehicle further comprises various sensors and mission-specific hardware. Sensors include mast-mounted audio/video devices, radar, GPS and RF antennas, and other positioning and collision avoidance devices. Mission-specific hardware include refueling probes, fire protection systems, towing assemblies, flame thrower assemblies, liquid spray assemblies, and work pup assemblies.

Abstract: A boat including a hull with a cockpit section, and a rear cabin section normally concealed by a horizontally extending cushioned deck element located adjacent the stern. The deck element is hinged along its rear edge so as to be elevatable to expose a sunken floor wherein sink and toilet facilities may be provided. An enclosure for the rear cabin area may be deployed to provide privacy for changing clothes or using the toilet. In combination with the sunken floor, the height of the enclosure permits a person to stand erect and move about freely. A portable toilet may be stored under a captain's chair immediately in front of the rear cabin area and slid rearwardly for use in the rear cabin area as needed.

Abstract: A fountain canopy is provided having a water intake positioned below the water line of a boat which directs water from a pump through a conduit. A portion of the conduit is threaded through a frame supporting a boat canopy. An outlet of the frame allows a discharge end of the conduit to be connected to a discharge nozzle which generates a coarse spray of water upwardly, the spray cascading downwardly in a rain-like shower around the boat and surrounding vicinity.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a marine article of the invention includes a phosphorescent phosphor. A particularly advantageous phosphorescent phosphor comprises MAl2O4. As used herein, “M” is at least one cation selected from a group consisting of calcium, strontium, and barium. The phosphor comprises 0.001% to 10% of a europium activator, and 0.001% to 10% of at least one dopant selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, tin and bismuth as a co-activator, in terms of mol % relative to the metal element expressed by M. The phosphorescent marine article has an afterglow corresponding to a luminance of at least 0.3 mCd/m2 for at least 420 minutes.

Abstract: A canopy top for use with a vehicle having an open passenger compartment and carrying equipment. The canopy top has a frame adaptable for being secured to the vehicle and supported above the passenger compartment. A canopy overlies the frame. Means formed integral with the frame for securing equipment to the top is provided.

Abstract: An improved ship which incorporates a distortion sensor arrangement. Measurement data supplied by the distortion sensor arrangement is preferably used to correct measurement data supplied by and/or control signals for an on-board directional apparatus. The distortion sensor arrangement preferably includes a hull-mounted laser beam/light sensor combination, and such that the light sensor continuously measures a deflection of the laser beam in response to a distortion of the ship.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a marine article of the invention includes a phosphorescent phosphor. A particularly advantageous phosphorescent phosphor comprises MAl2O4. As used herein, “M” is at least one cation selected from a group consisting of calcium, strontium, and barium. The phosphor comprises 0.001% to 10% of a europium activator, and 0.001% to 10% of at least one dopant selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, tin and bismuth as a co-activator, in terms of mol % relative to the metal element expressed by M. The phosphorescent marine article has an afterglow corresponding to a luminance of at least 0.3 mCd/m2 for at least 420 minutes.

Abstract: A safety signaling apparatus for personal water craft (PWC) which increases the visibility of a personal water craft when the PWC is in a moving, stopped, or capsized position. The apparatus comprises a pendulum signaling arm (15) in pivoting connection with a mounting device. The mounting device includes a pivot bolt (28) threaded into a clamp (21). The mounting device is operative to removably attach the apparatus to a bumper of a PWC. The pendulum signaling arm includes a counterweight (26), a flotation tube (16), and a signaling device (14) such as flag, light, or siren. The signaling device works completely automatically using gravity and flotation, with the flotation tube and the pendulum counterweight to create a pendulum counterweight flotation action which maintains the signaling device in an upright position above the PWC.

Abstract: A platform for a boat including a top member, removable leg members and apparatus for storing the leg members to an underside of the top member when the legs are removed. A compact package results, which is readily storable in a hatch of a boat. The platform is readily assembled, attached to the boat, and then disassembled and stored.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a radar unit by which the unit is mounted to the three ropes of a backstay of a yacht. There is a mounting plate having three connecting openings which connect to the free ends of a main line from the mast and two bow lines. The lines are tensioned to hold the mounting plate in a position above the deck. A mounting platform is connected by a rotary connection to the back plate, and the radar unit (by the force of gravity) remains level.

Abstract: A protective device (10) for protecting the bow (12) of a watercraft (14) from damage caused by collisions of the watercraft with trailers, docks, the shore, other watercraft, debris in the water, and the like, which does not significantly alter the resulting hydrodynamic flow of water over the bow (12) of a watercraft (14). The protective device (10) comprising a generally planar aliphatic transparent deformable urethane member (56) and an adhesive (22) securing the urethane member (56) to the exterior surface of the bow (12) of a watercraft (14).

Abstract: A hydro-alternator for attachment to the outboard motor on a bass fishing boat. The hydro-alternator generates electrical power for charging of batteries on the boat. The alternator charges the batteries while the boat is being propelled by its large outboard motor. The alternator is designed to provide high power, high current, and low drag force. To achieve this, it has a compact design in order to project a small profile. It also turns at very high rotational speeds in order to achieve adequately high power and current output.

Abstract: A marine advertising vessel comprises a floating member with superimposed deck supporting a display frame for mounting an advertising message or display well above water level to be readily visible along a shoreline. One or more vessels may be employed for an advertising display.

Abstract: A carrier rack for use primarily on a watercraft. The carrier rack has a preferably two resilient, elastomeric cradles adapted to receive an object to be carried. The cradles are adapted to be mounted on an outside surface of the watercraft, most preferably the gunwales. A plurality of attachment straps are used to mount the carrier rack to the watercraft. An adjustable cradle-strap wraps around the cradle and causes the elastomeric cradle to conform partially to the shape of the object to be carried.

Abstract: A fishing rod protector assembly for protecting the fishing rod from being damaged when the fishing rod is secured to a boat deck. The fishing rod protector assembly is designed for use on a boat having a fishing rod holder for holding multiple fishing rods against a deck of the boat. The fishing rod protector assembly includes a main member pivotally coupled to the boat and a latch member designed for coupling to the boat deck to selectively engage the main member. The main member is positioned such that the top of the main member is positioned over the end of a fishing rod engaged to a fishing rod holder on the boat deck.

Abstract: A boat light system for providing several different light sources in an easy to access single assembly. The boat light system includes a housing with opposite top and bottom ends. A lower extent downwardly extends from the bottom end of the housing. The lower extent has an electrical plug for electrically connecting to an electrical power supply. A pair of elongate light sources are mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the electrical plug. An upper extent is upwardly extended from the top end of the housing and has a stage coupled thereto. An upper light source is mounted to the stage and is electrically connected to the electrical plug.

Abstract: A device for jettisoning an object into the water from a vessel has a body having a pair of parallel straight tracks each provided with a pivot seat and connection plate respectively mounted on opposite ends thereof, a locking assembly having an axle pivotally connected between one of the connection plates and one of the parallel straight tracks and two opposed locks securely mounted on different ends of the axle and a set of moving tracks pivotally connected with the pair of straight tracks of the body and having a pair of opposed ears respectively formed on the under side of each of the set of the moving tracks. With this arrangement, the cart is able to be safely moved before the device of the invention, and after deactivation of the locks on the moving tracks, the push cart with the object carried thereon is then smoothly moved to a position ready for jettisoning an object into the water.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for use with a marine cleat which may be attached to a boat. The bracket is in the form of a rod having first and second ends. The first end of the rod is bent into a Z shape or S shape configuration for engagement with the marine cleat so that the rod is secured to the cleat. The second end is adapted to receive an accessory, such as a lantern.

Abstract: A boat-stowable telescopic stern light has a telescopic rod (1) with a length lock (3) having a non-marring rod grasper (21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33) to prevent scratching or other surface damage to the telescopic rod. Length of the telescopic rod is adjustable between long enough for legal requirements of boats with lengths up to approximately thirty-nine feet and short enough to be out of the way when retracted on the boat or conveniently short for small-space storage when removed. A receptacle (6) for the telescopic rod is closable to be non-obstructive whether containing or not containing the stem light.

Abstract: An improved cushioning apparatus on a watercraft enhances the comfort of the ride, reduce rider fatigue, and cushion impact forces experienced by the watercraft hull, while allowing for convenient and easy access to various engine components for maintenance and repair of the engine. The cushioning apparatus absorbs at least a portion of any impact force which the rider experienced from the hull, as well as provides at least one degree of movement between the seated rider and the hull in order to cushion such impact forces. The cushioning apparatus may also isolate the rider, at least to some degree, from vibrations experienced by the hull. In one mode, the cushioning apparatus is connected to the watercraft by quick-disconnect fittings, which allow the seat and support frame to be easily moved away from an engine access opening for maintenance of the engine.