Abstract: The invention relates to a floating vessel comprising a hull, at least one seat, and two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and connected directly or indirectly to the hull, wherein a drive unit, separately controllable in its drive output, and comprising a respective at least one propeller driven by a motor, in particular an electric motor, is assigned to each outrigger. A helm of the floating vessel is thereby connected to a proportional transducer, and a control signal from the proportional transducer is supplied to a control unit which directly or indirectly controls the motors in accordance with the control signal from the proportional transducer. Thus, a precisely controllable and yet easily disassemblable floating vessel is provided.

Abstract: A watercraft self-rescue reentry device configured to facilitate a reentry of a user into a watercraft is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the watercraft self-rescue reentry device includes at least one pole member, the at least one pole member including at least one attachment device for attaching the at least one pole member to the watercraft; a foot step coupled to the at least one pole member, the foot step configured to accommodate a foot of a user stepping thereon while the user is attempting to reenter the watercraft from water surrounding the watercraft; and a water anchor device coupled to the at least one pole member, the water anchor device configured to resist a moment applied to the at least one pole member by the user stepping on the foot step by means of the water anchor device being at least partially immersed in the water.

Abstract: A buoy device includes a first part having a first support structure and a second part having a buoyant body and a second support structure. The first and second support structures are connectable to form a rotatable connection between the first part and the second part. The buoyant body further includes one or more buoyancy elements releasably arranged on the second part. The buoy device may be a turret buoy, a CALM turret buoy, or a CALM turntable buoy.

Abstract: A two-section kayak is disclosed where a user can create a gap between a kayak front section and a kayak back section, and use this gap to enter and exit the water. Connecting poles are preferably used to create the gap and retain structural integrity of the kayak when the two sections are separated. A variety of foot stirrups and ladders are contemplated to allow a user to more easily reenter the kayak through the gap. One or more gap alcoves are contemplated to store a stirrup or ladder and to allow the user ready access to swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving accessories while in the gap. A viewing portal, and a hanging seat/platform are contemplated for attachment in the gap, to allow users a more varied kayaking experience. An optional third kayak section is contemplated to add storage space or turn a single kayak into a double kayak.

Abstract: The collapsible water vessel is deployed as either a kayak or a canoe. The collapsible water vessel is portable and is stored as or in a backpack. The collapsible water vessel deploys with a bottom configuration selected from the group consisting of a normal bottom, a deep V bottom, and a flat bottom. The collapsible water vessel comprises an outer frame, one or more ribs, one or more seats, an outer shell, a flooring bladder, and a plurality of elastic cords. The outer shell provides a barrier between the interior of the collapsible water vessel and the water within which the collapsible water vessel is placed. The outer frame, the one or more ribs, the one or more seats, the flooring bladder, and the plurality of elastic cords form the physical structure upon which the outer shell attaches.

Abstract: An improved kayak has a hull of thermoformed ABS plastic having a bow and a seat having a void between the bow and the seat, a top of the hull being a deck with a foam PVC block glued to a bottom face of the deck. A rotomolded polyethylene plastic insert is located in the void and joined to the hull by fasteners that pass through the insert and the deck of the hull and engage the foam PVC block within the hull, with caulking between the hull and the insert. A propulsion device is removably mounted in the rotomolded plastic insert that allows a user of the kayak to propel the kayak.

Abstract: A watercraft is described that has a shell with a bottom hull, a top deck, a bow, and a stern. A storage compartment is integrally formed with the top deck of the shell. A seating area is provided above the storage compartment. A first standing zone is formed on the top deck adjacent to the seating area and located toward the bow relative to the seating area. The first standing zone defines a first plane. The first standing zone is not a floor of a well. The seating area is raised relative to the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention is method of reducing the longitudinal beam of a kayak in the area of a kayaker's paddle stroke by incorporating a cutaway section. The invention allows the paddle to be closer to the center of gravity of the kayak and thus produce more drive force and less wasted turning force. The paddler doesn't have to reach out so far to the side and therefore has a more comfortable and ergonomic stroke.

Abstract: A universal boat propulsion system is provided for a boat that is defined in a length direction, a width direction, and a depth direction. The universal boat propulsion system includes a support assembly that spans the boat in the width direction, a clamping assembly that secures the support assembly on the boat, and a pair of shafts coupled to respective opposite ends of the support assembly. Each shaft in the pair of shafts extends in a depth direction. A pair of propulsion devices produce thrust to propel the boat. Each propulsion device in the pair of propulsion devices is supported by a respective one of the shafts. A user input device controls operation of the pair of propulsion devices.

Abstract: A stabilizing device includes a double-ended paddle having an intermediate coupling. The stabilizing device is inserted into a channel running perpendicularly through a hull of a kayak which is configured to accommodate the stabilizing device.

Abstract: A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin having a waterproof outer surface, an inner skin having a compartment-defining outer surface and a shock absorbing, cellular core positioned between the skins. The skins are bonded to the core by press molding. The cellular core has a 2-D array of cells, each of the cells having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surfaces. Thickness of side walls of the hull is substantially uniform to maximize stiffness of the hull. The cells absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A motorized watercraft is a vehicle that is used to transport a user across the water. The motorized watercraft includes a floating board, a control unit, at least one electrically accessible system, a power source, and at least one conduit stringer. The floating board allows a user to float above the water. The at least one electrically accessible system may include a propulsion system, lights, or other features. The control unit is mounted to the deck of the floating board and is used to regulate the speed of the propulsion system and may be used to control lights which are mounted into the floating board. The power source is used to provide the energy needed for running the propulsion system and the lights. The conduit stringer runs through the floating board, strengthening the floating board and providing a channel through which wiring may run.

Abstract: A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure with a cellulose-based core and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin of a fiber-based thermoplastic and having a waterproof outer surface, a first sheet of thermoplastic adhesive, an inner skin of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material and having a compartment-defining outer surface, a second sheet of thermoplastic adhesive and a shock absorbing, cellular core of a cellulose-based material and positioned between the skins The skins are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. Cells of the cellular core absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft is provided that includes a hull, and a cockpit connected to the hull. Disposed within the cockpit are first and second adjustable foot braces that are connected to the hull. Each of the adjustable foot braces is operable to define a variety of different foot positions. As well, the adjustable foot braces are each operable with a respective adjustment rod, and a structural configuration of each of the adjustable foot braces is the same regardless of whether the respective adjustment rod is present or not.

Abstract: A motorized watercraft is a vehicle that is used to transport a user across the water. The motorized watercraft includes a floating board, a control unit, a propulsion system, a power source, and a plurality of conduit stringers. The floating board allows a user to float above the water. The propulsion system is used to supplement or replace human exertion as a means of propelling the floating board across the water. The control unit is mounted to the deck of the floating board and is used to regulate the speed of the propulsion system and may be used to control lights which are mounted into the floating board. The power source is used to provide the energy needed for running the propulsion system and the lights. The plurality of conduit stringers run through the floating board, strengthening the floating board and providing channels through which wiring may run.

Abstract: Described herein is a more ergonomic, more stable kayak design including parallel port and starboard keels protruding from a hull of the kayak, the keels are sized and positioned such that a paddler can rest a heel and/or foot in each keel at a lower elevation than the paddler's hips, the dual keels providing two-point contact with the ground.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft is provided that includes a body having a bow and a stern whose respective shapes are substantially different from each other. The body includes a hull, an open cockpit, a ramp that is located aft of the open cockpit and slopes downwardly toward the stern, where a lower end of the ramp is located near the stern, and a transom, where the lower end of the ramp extends through the transom.

Abstract: A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure with a cellulose-based core and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin of a fiber-based thermoplastic and having a waterproof outer surface, a first sheet of thermoplastic adhesive, an inner skin of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material and having a compartment-defining outer surface, a second sheet of thermoplastic adhesive and a shock absorbing, cellular core of a cellulose-based material and positioned between the skins The skins are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. Cells of the cellular core absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canoe comprising at least two hull sections and a joint for releasable connection of the first hull section to the second hull section, wherein the joint comprises a first mating means comprising at least one protruding member and at least one corresponding groove, provided in respective one of said hull sections, wherein the joint further comprises a second mating means comprising at least one projecting member and at least one corresponding groove, provided in respective one of said hull sections, wherein said first mating means is positioned at a lower portion of the respective hull sections compared to said second mating means.

Abstract: A multifunctional apparatus and method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or canoe comprising multiple selectable configurations and multiple selectable corresponding modes for portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization. Portaging modes include a flexible strap encircling the watercraft with one or more inflatables attached and positioned on the carrier for vast combinations of watercrafts, carriers, and terrains. Self-rescuing modes include inflatables attached selectably: to the self-rescuer; to and in combination with a buoyant object which is encircled with the watercraft by the strap; or to the strap which is positioned selectably about the watercraft, or under the self-rescuer. Mode selected at the self-rescue time under known physical, mental, and environmental conditions with backups available. Stabilizing modes include selectable strap positioning about the watercraft, and selectable number and positioning of attached inflatables, adaptable as conditions change.

Abstract: A user floatation system for boating safety. There is included in the system a boat, having a seat for a user, and a rear and forward section located behind and in front of the user respectively. There is also a flotation system, including float device, designed to be placed in the water on at least one side of the boat; and frame system, coupled to the boat at one end and to the float device at an opposite end, designed to hold the float device in a 1) deployed position where the float device is held in the water when a user is in the seat, and 2) partially deployed position where the float device is held a distance above the water level when a user is in the seat sufficient to enable the user to tip the boat a certain angle from a level position but to assist in preventing the boat from tipping completely over.

Abstract: A shelter system includes a substantially cylindrical flexible cover, and two water vessels such as canoes, kayaks or the like. The vessels are positioned along opposite walls inside the flexible cover, with the vessels and flexible covers secured so as to retain the flexible cover in a taut, oblong position. A user may use the habitat established therein as they would normally use a tent. The system may include features such as rain flaps, bug netting flaps, and flap securing means.

Abstract: A kayak motor attachment device for fastening a motor to a kayak comprising an elongated frame, where the elongated frame includes a pair of slots; a pair of fishing pole supports inserted into a pair of receiving holes positioned at a back of the kayak, where the pair of fishing pole supports attach to the elongated frame with a plurality of bolts through the pair of slots; an attachment housing secured to an end of the elongated frame; a support shaft attached to the attachment housing, where the support shaft rotates within the attachment housing to guide a propeller at a bottom end of the support shaft; and a motor attached atop the support shaft to power the propeller.

Abstract: Described herein is a more ergonomic, more stable kayak design including parallel port and starboard keels protruding from a hull of the kayak, the keels are sized and positioned such that a paddler can rest a heel and/or foot in each keel at a lower elevation than the paddler's hips, the dual keels providing two-point contact with the ground.

Abstract: A watercraft having a chair with seat securely carried on the watercraft, the chair having a tubular frame comprising a seat frame, a back frame, and arms above and at each side of the seat frame. The seat and back frames are joined via a hinged connection. The front support legs extend downwardly from the front of each of the arms and terminate in a foot-like projection. A U-shaped rear chair support having downwardly extending portions at the rear of each of the arms, which are joined at their lower extremity by a horizontal portion. The surface of the watercraft has adhered thereto two spaced apart shoes for receiving the feet.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that includes a body, at least a portion of the body having a unitary one-piece construction. The body includes a hull and a cockpit that is integral with the hull, and the cockpit includes a seating area. Finally, the example watercraft includes a backrest connected to the body near the seating area and rotatable between a substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, and movement of the backrest is limited to rotational motion.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that has a body which includes a hull, a cockpit connected with the hull, and a backrest removably attached to the body. The watercraft may additionally include a fish tail configuration near a stern of the watercraft.

Abstract: A method and surfboard, river board, kayak, and standup paddleboard with a polyurea force distributing sealing outer coating applied over polystyrene foam shaped or molded cores to provide increased strength and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern.

Abstract: A kayak having a hull shape in which the wetted area is situated over the forward two-thirds section of the hull with the rear hull section having minimal wetted area to provide a kayak of increased steering leverage, and of exceptional maneuverability and speed. The hull has asymmetry that is defined by length-to-girth ratio.

Abstract: A folding boat includes a pair of stringer tube assemblies arranged for extending longitudinally when assembled and the stringer tubes of each pair of the assemblies connected by hinges to respective adjacent stringer tubes at the hinges. The stringer tubes assemblies are received within a waterproof skin. Frame members or butterfly frame members serve to connect to the assemblies of the stringer tubes within the skin to provide a frame for the waterproof skin. Fabric inflatable tubes are located within the skin, each having a seam for having the assembled stringer tubes assemblies nestled within when assembled in the frame.

Abstract: A multi-position seat for a kayak or other watercraft includes a seat frame and a pivotally connected back support. A pair of side elevation adjusters engages the seat frame on its lateral sides. Each adjuster includes a thumbwheel adjuster within an elevator traveler within a side frame, the traveler engaging a threaded shaft that is held in a fixed rotational position. The frame includes a tunnel structure associated with a front cross member. A strap passes through the tunnel, exits at lateral sides of the front cross member, and connects to lateral sides of the pivotally connected back support. The strap is user-adjustable in length so that the angle of the back to the seat is adjustable. The seat is thereby adjustable in angle front-to-back, can be canted left-to-right, changed in elevation, and the back support can be adjusted in angle and elevation.

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: A canoe capsize recovery apparatus that is attachable to the thwart of a canoe that can be deployed after the canoe has capsized by the occupants. The apparatus comprises a sliding frame member for sliding from a stored position to a deployed position.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft is provided that includes a body. The body has a hull and a ramp that slopes downwardly toward a back of the hull. Additionally, a reverse chine geometry is incorporated in a portion of the bottom of the hull. Finally, one or more projections extend downward from the bottom of the hull.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that includes a body, at least a portion of the body having a unitary one-piece construction. The body includes a hull and a cockpit that is integral with the hull, and the cockpit includes a seating area. Finally, the example watercraft includes a backrest connected to the body near the seating area and rotatable between a substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, and movement of the backrest is limited to rotational motion.

Abstract: A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin having a waterproof outer surface, an inner skin having a compartment-defining outer surface and a shock absorbing, cellular core positioned between the skins. The skins are bonded to the core by press molding. The cellular core has a 2-D array of cells, each of the cells having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surfaces. Thickness of side walls of the hull is substantially uniform to maximize stiffness of the hull. The cells absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A paddled watercraft is disclosed that is readily convertible between a stand-up paddleboard configuration and a seated paddling configuration. The watercraft includes a board with an operator body support assembly attached onto the top deck of the board, the body support assembly being capable of being reconfigured to support a person in a standing position for padding from a standing position, or to support a person in a seated position for paddling from a seated position. The watercraft can be converted from stand-up paddling configuration to a seated paddling configuration while underway on open waters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use of a foldable watercraft and method of construction. The device comprises a collapsible boat hull constructed from a lightweight, low maintenance, and inexpensive material. The boat hull is frameless, folded and unfolded quickly, and is easy to transport and store.

Abstract: A support assembly has upper, lower and top-most plates. The upper and lower plates each have interior and exterior ends. The plates each have upper and lower surfaces and a plurality of upper, lower and top-most plate holes. Left and right fingers extend downwardly from the upper and lower plates at an angle from the vertical. Two laterally spaced pole-holding tubes are secured to and extend upwardly from the top-most plate. Each tube has an upper end with a short vertical slot for receiving a reel of a fishing rod. A motor mounting board is positioned on and extends upwardly from the upper surface of the lower plate adjacent to the exterior end.

Abstract: A hybrid inflatable kayak is configured to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame or hard-shell kayaks, while simplifying the assembly and disassembly process. The hybrid inflatable kayak includes an internal frame assembly that cooperates with inflatable bladders and inflatable thwarts giving the kayak an improved watershed capacity and also an improved combination of weight, stability, speed, structural strength, and portability. The internal frame assembly includes a bow rib, a stern rib, and a number of frame members that attach together and extend lengthwise from bow to stern. Front and rear thwarts are inflatable and urge against the frame members and side bladders to put the frame members in tension, make the outer cover sufficiently taut, and provide a faster and more structurally robust design.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that has a body which includes a hull, a cockpit connected with the hull, and a backrest removably attached to the body. The watercraft may additionally include a fish tail configuration near a stern of the watercraft.

Abstract: A catamaran-style watercraft with a manually adjustable beam. The beam expanded or contracted by an operator applying force in a desired direction to a given hull. Movement is afforded by adjustable-length crossbars, which span and connect each of the two hulls, allowing the hulls to slide beneath the underside of an operator-supporting platform deck.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fastening articles to an internal, or free form, surface of a rotomolded base. Inserts of various shapes and sizes may be incorporated/molded into a rotomolded base to provide a conventional primary attachment site on the exterior surface of the base. A portion of an insert that is molded into the base may project from the interior surface of the base. The projecting portion of the insert and the overlying rotomolded material may form a coupling element on the interior surface of the base, which may be used to attach an article to the interior surface.

Abstract: A canoe is provided, which is easier to store and transport than the canoes of the prior art, still being versatile, strong and durable in regard of its primary use as a paddling boat. The invention provides a collapsible canoe, such as a kayak, comprising at least two molded hull sections and also a method of manufacturing a canoe. The canoe comprises a joint for releasable connection of a first hull section to a second hull section, wherein each hull section of the joint comprises means for mating the other hull section. Thereby the invention provides a canoe having sections that can be connected for use as a boat and separated for transport and storing. Preferably, the mating means are molded into each respective hull section.

Abstract: A personal watercraft system includes a watercraft, a frame, and a cover. The watercraft includes a deck and a hull and defines a hatch providing access to a cargo hold. The frame is coupled with the watercraft and defines a channel on a side of the hatch and a cavity in communication with the channel. The cover includes a fabric portion and a rod extending along and coupled with a side margin thereof. The cover is secured to the personal watercraft on an opposite side of the hatch. When compression is applied to the rod, the rod flexes to fit within the channel aligning an end of the rod with the cavity. When the compression is subsequently removed from the rod, the rod returns to its original length and the end of the rod slides into the cavity securing the cover to entirely cover the hatch.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft is comprised of a single high-strength foldable panel to fold into the form of a kayak with integrally defined keel, hull, sides, and deck. Using a single sheet of high strength panel creased in a predetermined pattern to form living hinges, the panel may be folded and transformed from self-defined compact knocked down package, into a rigid three dimensional tubular manifold in a kayak form that is optimized for performance in the water. Other removable rigid structural members, primarily a cockpit rim, rib, and floorboards help maintain the shape and integrity of the shell.

Abstract: An inflatable boat including at least one inflatable tube forming first and second pontoons, the first and second pontoons meeting at a front of the boat to form a stem; a floor constructed of a flexible non-inflated fabric material spanning the area between the first and second pontoons and attached to the bottom of the first and second pontoons; and an inflatable keel formed of an inflatable high-pressure drop stitch material and secured to the bottom of the floor.

Abstract: A rudder system for a kayak includes a rudder configured for pivotal attachment to the kayak and a propeller housed in and extending from the rudder. A battery is in electrical communication with the propeller to selectively power the propeller. The kayak system includes an input in electrical communication with the propeller to operatively actuate the propeller, the input being accessible from inside the kayak. A sensor is operatively coupled to the kayak to determine a relative speed thereof. A processor is in data communication with the sensor and propeller, the processor including programming to determine a necessary propeller speed. The processor is in data communication with the input so as to establish the desired relative speed of the kayak. The propeller includes at least two blades and the propeller motor is housed in the rudder.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to the efficient reinforcement of molded kiss-offs in a kayak. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a personal self-propelled watercraft comprising a unitary molded plastic body comprising a hull and a seat, a kiss-off connecting two proximate surfaces of the self-propelled watercraft, and a plastic reinforcing structure welded within an interior of the kiss-off.