Abstract: A readily portable kit for assembling a multiple-hulled watercraft, such as a catamaran, from two or more open-hulled boats such as canoes. The kit in one embodiment allows the assembly, using two standard canoes, of a stable catamaran having a large deck surface. The multiple hulled vessel may be rapidly assembled or disassembled using a novel fastening system which allows the deck to be tied down with straps or other suitable hardware. In its disassembled state, the kit and hulls may be readily and compactly carried on the roof of a car or van. In its assembled condition, the deck acts to seal the open hulls, creating a stable, substantially water-tight watercraft of large capacity. The deck is constructed to enable the erection thereon of a tent, or similar collapsible shelter, including a water-tight protective shroud around the circumference of the tent, and in one variation, a protective tarpaulin above the tent.

Abstract: A foldable, multi-hull pontoon suitable for use in bridging or as a ferry, has a sequence of trapezoidal hull plates (1) successively hinged to one another at their parallel edges so as to fold in concertina fashion, alternate pairs of the plates being mutually and transversely webbed at each end with collapsible triangular bulkheads (7) which define with the hull plates a series of triangular section hulls (13). Gunwale spacing beams (40) are provided to stabilise the opened pontoon and to provide trackways.

Abstract: A boat having a pair of bottom panels provided with respective flaps to cause the stern of the boat to ride relatively high in the water when the boat is driven forwardly in the water by an outboard motor. In one embodiment, the flaps pivot downwardly and provide drag for the stern in response to forward movement of the boat. In two other embodiments, the flaps provide planing surfaces near the stern. The boat can be collapsible in which case the bottom panels mate with resilient side panels to form, when collapsed, a flat sandwich configuration which, by the use of improved straps, can be carried on the top of a vehicle or can be hand-carried. An improved bracket for the stern of the boat is used to permit positive attachment of an outboard motor to the boat.

Abstract: A flotation device is provided for enabling a person to stride upon a body of water. The device, to be worn on each foot of the user, is comprised of a series of horizontally elongated parallel keels, and flaps pivotably suspended from the keels. When downward force is applied to the device in the water, the flaps pivot upwardly to form roofs of channels between adjacent keels. When the device is lifted from the water, the flaps swing downwardly, thereby breaking any suction effect which would cause retention of water within the channel. Such mode of operation improves the ease with which the device is lifted from the water in walking or skating motion.

Abstract: A paddle boat comprising a plurality of floats, collapsible driving and propelling apparatus, folding steering apparatus, the driving and propelling apparatus and steering apparatus adapted for mounting onto the floats during use of the paddle boat, particularly wherein the driving and propelling apparatus includes a paddle adapted to remain in a substantially vertical orientation during movement of the boat.

Abstract: The kayak includes apparatus for raising and lowering the bow portion and the stern portion of the kayak hull relative to the central portion of the kayak. The apparatus includes a first tension member connected between the central portion of the kayak and the kayak bow, and a second tension member connected between the central portion of the kayak and the kayak stern. The tension on the members may be individually increased or decreased to raise or lower the bow and stern.

Abstract: An inflatable boat having parallel side sponsons joined by a floor and hag a rigid keelson member includes a demountable transom capable of supporting an outboard motor. The transom is characterized by a motor mount pad connected to the keelson and having folding attachment arms connected to the sponsons.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sailing vehicle with a collapsible frame comprising two longitudinal supports, a plurality of identically constructed transverse struts detachably connected to the longitudinal supports, at least one sail mast, at least one seat, two rear moving elements, and one forward moving element, the latter being steerable via a steering suspension, and a cross arm which is detachably connected to the rear end of the longitudinal supports. The mast, the seat, the forward moving element, and the steering suspension are supported by separate ones of the transverse struts and at least the transverse strut supporting the seat is connected to the longitudinal supports for adjustment lengthwise thereof.

Abstract: A trimaran type boat having center, port, and starboard elongated floats which are hinged together at corresponding juxtaposed side edges to enable the port and starboard floats to be pivoted between an operatable position in which the floats are transversely oriented to accommodate flotation of the boat and a collapsed position in which the port and starboard floats are folded into the center float to reduce the overall width of the boat without appreciably increasing the height so as to facilitate its storage and transport.