Abstract: Inflatable kayak having a pneumatically inflatable peripheral tube with elongated side sections which come together fore and aft to form a passenger compartment, a flexible cover encasing the tube and forming a shell against which the tube can be inflated to form a relatively rigid structure. A sheet of tarpaulin material extends across the bottom of the passenger compartment and along the lower and outer sides of the tube, and an inflatable floor cushion rests on the tarpaulin material in the passenger compartment. A seat is provided toward the rear of the passenger compartment, and a splash skirt attached to the cover extends across the passenger compartment between the side sections of the tube in front of the seat.

Abstract: A sit-on-top kayak having a seating and footwell arrangement that allows users to sit comfortably in a relatively small cockpit area defined by the kayak. Preferably, two or three seating surfaces and footwells are employed. The footwells associated with any given seating surface straddle the seating surface in front of the given seating surface if the given seating surface is not the forwardmost seating surface.

Abstract: A sit-on-top kayak having a seating and footwell arrangement that allows three people to sit comfortably in a cockpit of the kayak. Three seating surfaces and footwells are preferably employed. The footwells associated with the two rearmost seating surfaces straddle the two forwardmost seating surfaces. An improved hull is provided having a keel and winglets extending on either side of the keel. The keel and winglets terminate at the front in a bow portion of the hull lower surface and come together at a point at the stern of the kayak.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a peddle powered aquatic vehicle with a propeller driven by pedal cranks, a flywheel, and water-cooled belt drive transmission, the vehicle hull including T-bar steering handles, a saddle seat and lateral outriggers to enable a passenger to ride the vehicle like a bicycle on water. The aquatic vehicle has a buoyant hull with a central longitudinal body with the saddle seat allowing a passenger to be supported in a startling position. To provide lateral stability two elongate outriggers are disposed laterally from the central hull body with outrigger arms connecting the body to the outriggers. A manual steering mechanism is attached to the hull for steering by the passenger; preferably in the form of a T-bar journaled to the hull connected with cords to a rear mounted rudder. Pedal powered drive means are mounted in the hull for driving a stern mounted propeller. A pair of pedal cranks are journaled for rotation about the transverse axis.

Abstract: An improved paddle floatation apparatus comprising a unitary inflatable sleeve that fits over a kayak or other shallow draft watercraft paddle blade. When installed on a paddle blade, the entire paddle may be configured as an outrigger to assist the user in righting the kayak and reentering the cockpit from the water. The shape of the float when inflated is substantially triangular when viewed on end and includes numerous stabilizing surfaces that engage the water to resist unintentional movement in every direction.

Abstract: A kayak comprising a hull and a deck with one or more louvers provided in said hull at least in a stern section thereof to force water to separate from said hull whereby forming voids which are replaced with air from the water surface or water from the sides as said kayak is displaced thereon. This reduces drag and the kayak benefits from a speed improvement.

Abstract: The invention relates to dual hull kayak, with a one piece elongate moulded body of a continuous outer membrane enclosing an internal cavity. The kayak body has two lateral side walls and a concave bottom wall joined laterally with a bottom edge of each side wall to define two laterally spaced apart parallel pontoons each with a downwardly pointed keel. The top wall of the kayak body is joined laterally with a top edge of each side wall, to complete the hollow body. The top wall together with the bottom wall define a bridge platform spanning a central longitudinal tunnel between the pontoons. The pontoons support a top portion of the tunnel above the waterline. The top wall has a recessed open cockpit with a self-draining floor, side gunnels, and front and back cockpit walls formed into transverse reinforcing ribs. The simple easily moulded structure is very stable against lateral tipping, whereas conventional kayaks and canoes are very unstable laterally.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism is provided for a seat of a kayak whereby to position the seat at a desired elevation above a waterline of the kayak, as determined when on a body of water. The kayak is comprised of a hull section and a deck section provided with an opening to accommodate a user person. The seat is positioned in the opening and secured on an inner wall of the hull section. The adjustment means may be constituted by various mechanisms or elements.

Abstract: A knee brace for a kayak includes a structural backbone constructed of a rigid plate bent at an angle, the inside surface of the plate's curved form is lined with a resilient foam pad. The crease where the plate is bent divides it roughly into first and second portions, the first portion having a series of apertures for mounting the brace to the underside of the rearward portion of the foredeck, the second portion of the plate depending generally perpendicularly when mounted and being adapted to receive force from the inner face of the knee and lower thigh portions of a kayaker' leg. The series of apertures in the first portion of the plate is linearly arranged, but offset from the crease by 20 degrees, or so. A channel is cut out in the foam beneath the series of apertures.

Abstract: A hatch cover for covering a hatch of a water craft is disclosed. The hatch includes a hatch rim surrounding the periphery of the hatch and the hatch cover comprises a peripheral skirt having a latch interfitting with said hatch rim when the hatch cover is fitted upon the hatch in a closed position. A biasing connector assembly retains and secures the hatch cover on the water craft in the closed position, and when the hatch cover is removed from the closed position. The connector assembly has a first configuration for biasing and retaining the hatch cover in the closed position on the hatch. The connector assembly has a second configuration when the hatch cover is removed in the open position in which the hatch cover remains connected to the water craft. A gasket may be interfitted between the periphery of the hatch rim and the periphery of the hatch cover skirt to seal against the entry of water.

Abstract: Inflatable kayak having a pneumatically inflatable peripheral tube with elongated side sections which come together fore and aft to form a passenger compartment, a flexible cover encasing the tube and forming a shell against which the tube can be inflated to form a relatively rigid structure. A sheet of tarpaulin material extends across the bottom of the passenger compartment and along the lower and outer sides of the tube, and an inflatable floor cushion rests on the tarpaulin material in the passenger compartment. A seat is provided toward the rear of the passenger compartment, and a splash skirt attached to the cover extends across the passenger compartment between the side sections of the tube in front of the seat.

Abstract: The Kayak Beverage Holder is a device used for securely holding and providing easy access to standard sized beverage containers while operating a sea or river kayak equipped with stretch cord material on the deck which is used for temporarily securing the device to the kayak deck.

Abstract: Retract front rudders to be used as a steering system for small water craft such as canoes and kayaks. The system has a pair of angled retractable rudders mounted in a forward/bow portion and attached by shafted cables to a pair of movable control footpegs mounted in the rear or stern of the craft. The system can be mounted through an opening in the front floor of the craft. Alternatively, the system can be attached to the exterior front of the forward section of the craft.

Abstract: A dry storage box is held by a clamping device at a longitudinal location along the length of the small watercraft. Dry box provides water tight storage compartment with a hinged lid and latches for storing miscellaneous personal valuables and belongings. The clamped water tight box, in the event of capsize, remains secured to the gunwale, and thus valuables and belongings remain safe, dry and in one location. Incidentally provided are added buoyancy to the vessel in the event of a capsized condition, and when box is in normal use the longitudinal location allows free movement of the occupants about the small watercraft.

Abstract: A kayak is disclosed and having a hull section and a deck section. The hull section has a bottom surface circumscribed a contour edge. At least an endless groove is formed in the bottom surface and spaced inwardly of the contour edge, whereby the endless groove traps water and provides a thrust bearing-like action enhancing translational stability during planing conditions and performance in a flat spin of the kayak.

Abstract: A seat and foot rest assembly to convert a surf board or sail board into a kayak type paddling craft. The assembly comprises a chassis, connectors to easily secure said chassis to the top wall of the water buoyant board, a seat secured to the rear portion of the chassis and a foot rest adjustably mounted on the front section of the chassis. The connectors include suction cups and board encircling straps or screws to be screwed within screw inserts carried by the board top wall. The conversion kit can easily be detached to allow the user to use the board in its original configuration. An optional steering mechanism is provided for more precise directional control of the craft. The steering mechanism includes a stern mounted rudder and a control stick operable by the user's feet and connected to the rudder by adjustable cables.

Abstract: A small watercraft portage and carrying device particularly adapted for mounting onto an external backpack frame. The small watercraft portage and carrying device is able to carry various types of non-inflatable canoes, kayaks, and small boats. It places the weight of the watercraft or equipment onto the backpack frame, thereby distributing the weight onto the user at the points of backpack body attachment.

Abstract: A watercraft including an elongated V-type hull and first and second stabilizers mounted in outrigger fashion on opposite sides of the hull. In a preferred embodiment, each stabilizer includes an elongated flotation member having its longitudinal centerline aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the hull. Each stabilizer is retractably mounted on its respective side of the hull employing a pantographic-type set of extensors interconnecting its flotation member with the hull, whereby each flotation member, and its accompanying extensor arms, may be independently extended away from the hull or retracted to a position alongside the hull.

Abstract: There is provided an improved apparatus for transporting a fishing rod on a kayak deck. The apparatus comprises a first part adapted to be releasably mounted to the bow of the kayak deck, a second part adapted to be releasably mounted at a position on the bow of the deck adjacent the well of the kayak and a support on the first and second parts for holding a rod in place along a longitudinal axis of the kayak in an inoperable position when the parts are in mounted position on the kayak.

Abstract: The kayaking harness provides a kayaker with support for his back during extended boating sessions. The harness has a back support structure and a tether for attaching the back support structure to the kayak. The back support structure has a torso band having a first end and a second end, the torso band encircling the trunk of the body, a pair of shoulders straps, each shoulder strap having a first end attached to the torso band and a free second end, and a support band attached between the shoulder straps parallel to the torso band. The tether has a loop at one end, the two ends of the torso band and the free ends of the shoulder straps being attached to the loop, and an attachment mechanism at the other end for attaching the tether to the kayak, at least part of the tether having an elastic strap in parallel with nylon webbing so that the tether is resilient and extensible to the length of the webbing.

Abstract: A canoe attachment includes a frame made of cylindrical members arranged in a substantially rectangular configuration. A seat is suspend between the forward frame member and the rearward frame member. A "forward-facing" rowing assembly is rotatably mounted on each of the opposite side frame members.

Abstract: The invention is directed a damping system for the foot rest of a kayak comprising a foot support member adapted to support the feet of the user, at least one mounting rail is provided, the rail having first and second ends, the first end of the mounting rail is connected to the foot support, the second end of the mounting rail is fixed to the hull of the boat, the mounting rail includes a damping mechanism disposed between the first and second end whereby forces transmitted to the fixed second end are damped at the foot support member.

Abstract: A kinesthetic seat assembly is disclosed for a watercraft used in white water conditions of the type having a hull and a cockpit opening formed in the hull for access to a cockpit seat assembly of the watercraft. The seat assembly includes a contoured seat with a pair of opposing contoured upper leg supports, a contoured buttock support, and an adjustable kinesthetic crotch pod assembly. The crotch pad assembly is carried by a medial portion of the seat assembly between the opposing upper leg supports, and includes a crotch pod constructed from a shapeable material which may be contoured and customized for the anatomy of an individual boater. An adjustment mechanism mounts the crotch pod to the medial portion of the seat assembly for adjusting the position of the crotch pod on the medial portion in a longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the kayak to fit the boater.

Abstract: A sit-on-top kayak having a seating and footwell arrangement that allows three people to sit comfortably in a cockpit of the kayak. Three seating surfaces and footwells are preferably employed. The footwells associated with the two rearmost seating surfaces straddle the two forwardmost seating surfaces. An improved hull is provided having a keel and winglets extending on either side of the keel. The keel and winglets terminate at the front in a bow portion of the hull lower surface and come together at a point at the stern of the kayak.

Abstract: A collapsible portable boat with enhanced rigidity, comprising a main skeleton frame and hull, including an end stem section and gunwales connected to each other by a gunwale connecting means, further characterized in that the hull is of flexible material, a floor section affixed to that portion of the hull section which defines the bottom of the boat and which is disposed between the stringers and the flexible material of the hull, characterized in that the skeleton frame comprises a plurality of support stringers running the length of the boat along the bottom and sides of said boat, including support formers arranged transverse to said lengthwise support stringers, characterized in that the support stringers themselves comprise a plurality of short sectional support elements which are affixed to one another by means for maintaining tension between said short sections, and a means for developing tension between said skeleton structure and the outer flexible hull positioned between the flexible material of t

Abstract: A bilge pump for removing water from a personal watercraft such as a kayak or a decked canoe that has a hull and a deck attached to the hull forming a cockpit opening for an operator includes a pumping device secured within the hull and below the deck. A pickup is also located within the hull and is fluidly coupled to the pumping device. An operating handle is positioned proximate the cockpit opening and is coupled to the pumping device to operate the pumping device.

Abstract: An improved waterjet propelled kayak having a removable power supply enabling the kayak and separate power supply to be easily transported over land by a single user.

Abstract: A keel system for an inflatable kayak which is a one-piece plate of plastic material defining a pressure plate at an upper end, a skeg at a lower end and an attachment portion therebetween. The attachment portion includes upper and lower engaging elements to cooperate with the web and a grommet of a typical inflatable kayak to lock the structure at the stern. A similar device with a keel strip extending rearwardly under the hull is provided at the bow of the kayak. A rudder may be pivotally mounted to the aft edge of a skeg and stern post portion and in turn receive an outboard motor. Locking plate may be extended perpendicularly across the tops of the pressure plates to cooperate with the gunwales and spray cover of the kayak.

Abstract: A composite skin tar a collapsible canoe. The skin covers a frame which includes a pair of gunwales, ribs, and stringers. The skin has a pair of polymer-coated gunwale sleeves which slidably engage the gunwales, a pair of polymer-coated side panels, each attached to one of the gunwale sleeves, and a polymer-coated bottom panel attached to the side panels. In one embodiment of the skin, the side panels are attached to the bottom panel with a heat sealed seam. One aspect of the invention is the gunwale sleeves, each of which has a fabric layer, providing a surface with reduced friction to allow the gunwales to be inserted or removed without binding. Another aspect of the invention is the bottom panel, which is constructed from a bottom fabric substrate having an uncoated inner surface, to which is attached a foam pad. Preferably, longitudinal rub strips of a polymer film are bonded to the coated outer surface of the bottom panel.

Abstract: A spray shield apparatus for removable installation on the cockpit opening of a kayak or similar watercraft may include one or more inflatable cells that provide additional flotation to help prevent the kayaker from overturning, and semi-rigid curved vertical stays and a peripheral ring proximate its top so that it is "flared" out at the top (just below where it contacts the kayaker's torso) to better deflect waves and spray.

Abstract: A collapsible boat having a framework comprising forward and aft keel member portions, forward and aft port and starboard gunwale member portions, forward and aft port and starboard stringer member portions, and a plurality of cross-rib members. The keel, gunwale and stringer member portions are joined by interconnecting members into aligned longitudinal members that are also interconnected to the cross-rib members to create forward and aft hull sections. A keel locking and tensioning mechanism is used to join together the forward and aft hull sections at the keel to define a hull framework having elongate keel, gunwale and stringer members that extend longitudinally between a bow and stern and that are spaced and braced by transversely extending cross-rib members. A rocker adjustment system in the gunwale member portions joins the forward and aft gunwale members and permits variation of the elevation of the bow and stern of the framework by adjusting the overall length of the gunwale member portions.

Abstract: A portage system for supporting light watercraft such as a canoe or kayak includes a frame having opposed first and second upright arms, a plurality of cross-struts interconnecting the arms, a pair of shoulder straps secured to a cross strut and a hip belt secured adjacent bottom ends of the upright members to removably secure the frame to a user. First and second thwart cradles are adjustably secured to top ends of the first and second upright arms so that a center thwart of the watercraft may engage the first and second thwart cradles to support the watercraft at varying heights above the user.

Abstract: A boat seat having particular utility for canoes, the seat having a platform pivotably connected to a brace which has a brace first end region connected to the boat, and a brace second end region supported on or affixed to the shell of the boat. The platform can be maintained in a horizontal position or in an inclined position. For traditional canoes the brace first end region is attached to a thwart of the canoe. For collapsible canoes having a skin supported by a frame having stringers supported by ribs, the seat has a brace support. The brace support and the brace are supported by a base having a cross support and a supplemental cross support which traverse several stringers to distribute loads, and a retaining element which maintains the cross support and the supplemental cross support in a spaced apart relationship. A guiding element is engaged with the base and the frame to allow sliding motion therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is a boat seat having particular utility in canoes. The seat has a platform connected to a brace having a brace first end region connected to the boat, and a brace second end region supported on the shell of the boat via a load-distributing member such as a pad or cross support. Preferably the platform is pivotably mounted to the brace so that the platform can be maintained in a horizontal position or in an inclined position. For traditional canoes the brace first end region is attached to one of the thwarts of the canoe. For collapsible canoes which have a skin supported by stringers which in turn are supported by ribs, a brace support is also employed. The brace support and the brace are in turn supported by a base. The base is formed by a cross support resting across several stringers to distribute loads, a retaining element connecting to the cross support and to a rib of the canoe, and the rib to which the retaining element attaches.

Abstract: A rowboat with a pair of permanantly mounted wheels installed in the middle of opposed sides of bottom of boat. A pair of wheel wells isolate the wheels from interior of boat, thereby removing most of the wheels from exposure to turbulance and drag. The wheels are supported by and rotate around an axle. The axle is cradled in a recess molded into bottom of boat. A pair of skegs or keels are molded into boat and aligned longitudinally with direction of wheel travel. Fastened to bottom of skegs is a replacable plastic wear resistant tube split in half longitudinally. Thus providing a rowboat that is easy to move on land as well as water and has significant wear resistance on bottom.

Abstract: A self-stowing canoe transporting apparatus which enables manual transport of a canoe over rough terrain in an upright position. The transporting apparatus includes a dual-wheeled dolly with a cradle having contoured constrained abutment portions which support the aft bottom or keel of a canoe. The transporting apparatus is attachable to the canoe without drilling, welding, use of adhesives, or any form of modification of the canoe. The dolly is pivotally attached at the stern of the canoe enabling rotational motion of the dolly to an aft deck stowage position during use of the canoe on the water. In portaging, the cradle rotates under the canoe, and secure engagement of the cradle with the canoe aft bottom or keel is accomplished with tensioning straps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canoe that is propelled by a motor. The motor having a shaft and a propeller contained within a hydrodynamically designed housing. The housing further having an inlet and an outlet whereby when the propeller rotates producing thrust, water enters the inlet and is thrust outwardly from the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching support legs (10) to the inner walls or sides of a canoe or small carriable boat so that the canoe or boat can be inverted and positioned at an angle high enough above the ground to allow a lone person to step under the carrying yoke (12) or center seat and more easily lift the vessel to a portage position. Support legs (10) may be removed or pivoted out of the way for portaging through brush or over rough terrain. The apparatus also allows a canoe to be stored off the ground in a position which provides emergency shelter or a support frame for draping a tarpaulin and achieving more complete shelter.

Abstract: A rudder assembly for self-propelled water craft, and particularly for a touring kayak. A rudder member is positioned within a notch of the rear of the keel of the craft, the exterior contour of this rudder member is made to augment the contour of the rest of the kayak hull to minimize changing the pattern of water flow around the craft. The rudder member is moved using an upstanding shaft attached to a disk within a recess in the rear of the craft, this disk being provided with starboard and port cables that extend to the cockpit of the craft. Axial movement of the cables is achieved using left and right foot pedals attached to slides within fixed channels. Provision is made for the adjustment of length of the cables, and for releasably locking one or both against axial movement.

Abstract: A novel permanent-assembly kayak is disclosed having a framework and a hard skin of dimensionally stable sheet material unified with the framework to achieve strength and mechanical stability greater than that which results from the separate effects of the hard skin and the framework. The component parts may be packaged compactly as a kit that may be shipped and stored in inventory economically; greatly elongated frame members are formed of pipe lengths and cores that are telescopically assembled, each part being short enough for compact packaging. The hard-skin material is intrinsically stiff, yet it is sufficiently yielding to be rolled up in the compact package.

Abstract: A reversible motor mount that can be attached to the gunnel on either side of a canoe is disclosed. The mount has a movable piece with a bracket to which said motor is clamped. The movable piece is locked in a first position when the motor mount is mounted on one side of the canoe and is locked in a second position when the motor mount is mounted on the other side of the canoe. No matter which side of the canoe said mount is attached to, and the movable piece is moved and locked in the appropriate position, and said motor is clamped to said bracket, the propulsion force from said motor when it is in operation will be downward and rearward.

Abstract: An emergency air system for enabling kayakers to use air from air bags during emergency situations is disclosed. The air system comprises a kayak having a front end and a rear end with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The kayak also includes an opening for receiving a kayaker, the interior surface having an upper region with a space behind the user. A pair of airbags of a similar configuration are provided, each airbag having an input valve for filling the bags and each airbag having an air outlet orifice for providing air to the kayaker. Next provided is a walled container which has a flap at the front with a fastener for selectively opening and closing the front of the container. The container is adapted to receive and support the airbags and is secured to the kayak. A mouthpiece having an associated valve movable between an open position and a closed position is further provided as well as tubing coupling the air output orifices to each other and to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An automatic bailer is used to remove water from an open vessel such as a whitewater canoe. The bailer utilizes a submersible pump that is connected to a power supply through flexible connections. These flexible connections allow flexural movement between the pump and the power supply which may be due to flexure of the floor of the vessel to which the bailer is securely yet removably attached or which may be a result of variations in vessel floor contours or configurations.

Abstract: An electrically powered canoe with fishing accessories comprises a canoe having an essentially hollow interior, the canoe including a bow, a stern, a central region, a port side and a starboard side; and the central section including a center console with a bow portion, a stern portion and a central portion, the center console including a plurality of accessories, the accessories including a seat and a cooler positioned on the bow portion of the center console, the accessories further including a primary battery, a secondary battery, a compass, a fish finder and a rod rack positioned on the central portion of the center console, a fan and a fishing rod being positioned upon the rod rack, the primary battery including a plurality of buttons and switches operatively coupled to the accessories of the bow, stern and central section, the stern portion of the center console including an electrical control panel operatively coupled to the primary and secondary batteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable utility container or cooler for a canoe. More particularly, the present invention consists of a removable utility container for a canoe which has multiple separate and distinct interior compartments which may be used to store wet or dry goods. Additionally, the present invention has the novel and useful feature of preventing load shifts of the contents of the compartments which would normally result in loss of the canoe contents, taking on water, and ultimately, capsizing. Another benefit is the ability to utilize the present invention as an additional seat for another canoeist.

Abstract: A system for adapting an open-hulled canoe to multiple modes of operation by connecting it in parallel alignment with a second open-hulled boat using bow and stern connecting members, a rigid fore cross member which spans and is releasably affixed to the fore thwart of each boat, a rigid aft cross member which spans and is releasably affixed to the aft thwart of each boat, an aft mount releasably affixed to the aft inner gunwales of each boat and adapted to carry a tiller and rudder for sailing mode of operation and a power motor for motoring mode of operation, a keel member pivotably and releasably connected to depend amidships from one of the boats and a mast stop and mast for supporting a sail releasably connected to the fore and aft cross members.

Abstract: A dual-hulled kayak useful in white water recreational activities is disclosed and includes a rigid frame structure that carries a plurality of oar pins to support oars on each side of the frame structure. The dual-hulled kayak is capable of supporting two or more persons and provides a stiff, rigid boat structure. Because of the oar pins, the kayak can be rowed, rather than paddled, which allows greater control.

Abstract: A collapsible portable boat with enhanced rigidity includes main skeleton frame and hull, including an end stem section and gunwales connected to each other by a gunwale connector. The hull is made of flexible material, and has a floor section affixed to that portion of the hull section which defines the bottom of the boat and which is disposed between the stringers and the flexible material of the hull. The skeleton frame includes a plurality of support stringers running the length of the boat along the bottom and sides of the boat, including support formers arranged transverse to the lengthwise support stringers. The support stringers themselves include a plurality of short sectional support elements which are affixed to one another by tension between the short sections, including tension between the skeleton structure and the outer flexible hull, which tension substantially prevents longitudinal hull flex.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a spray skirt that is adapted to be removably secured to a front portion of a cockpit of a kayak. The spray skirt includes a base triangular in shape and has a front end and a back portion. The back portion includes two distal ends of the triangular shape base. A channel extends from one distal end of the base to the front end and from the front end to the second distal end. An elastic cord having a first end and a second extends through this channel and outwardly from the distal ends of the base. This will provide for the first end of the cord to extend from the first distal end of the base and the second end of the cord to extend from the second distal end of the base. The first and second ends are received within a securing mechanism. This will enable the base to fit on the front area of the cockpit by providing the channel and cord to fit underneath the rim of the cockpit.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching vertically oriented support legs (10) to the inner walls or sides of a canoe or small carriable boat so that the canoe or boat may be inverted and positioned at an angle high enough above the ground to allow a lone person to step under the carrying yoke (12) or center seat and more easily lift the vessel to a portage position. Support legs (10) may be removed or pivoted out of the way for portaging through brush or over rough terrain. The apparatus also allows a canoe to be stored off the ground in a position which provides emergency shelter or a support frame for draping a tarpaulin and achieving more complete shelter.