Abstract: A weather cover for a boat comprises a fabric cover that completely covers the boat while floating in the water. The cover is gathered tight above the waterline. An air-duct fan inside the cover draws in clean dry air from outside through a filtered vent and a connecting flexible air duct. Such fan runs on electricity provided by shore power, the boats electrical system, or solar panels. The exhaust air is directed through another vent through the cover. The intake cover vent is filled with a replaceable filter foam material. In both vents, a louver opening is directed downward to prevent rain or water spray from entering. The fan need only keep the air inside the boat dry over the long term. The fan therefore may run continuously, or as power is available, e.g., during daylight when the sun is shining.

Abstract: A knock-down canopy shelter for a boat, such as a pontoon boat, including a cover sheet of fabric, such as canvas, for overlying the deck of a boat, and a knock-down canopy framework which can be disassembled for storage and shipping and assembled to support the covering over the deck. The framework includes a pair of elongate side rails which are mounted on laterally opposite sides of the boat and include laterally integrally lower upstanding elongate slotted portion for mounting port post projecting upwardly from the boat, and an upper elongate lift supporting portion including laterally inwardly, upwardly inclined elongate slots.

Abstract: A protective propeller cover includes a flexible sleeve into which buoyant material is placed to provide a buoyant enclosure. A flexible propeller cover portion is secured to the flexible sleeve, and the distal end is releasably secured about the propeller. The buoyant enclosure is positioned adjacent to the propeller and is sized to extend above the water line when the propeller is positioned beneath the water line. The buoyant enclosure serves to protect swimmers from direct contact with the propeller when swimming in proximity to the boat. The protective propeller cover apparatus further serves to protect the propeller during transport or storage. The protective propeller cover apparatus further serves as an anchor cover when the boat is underway. The protective propeller cover apparatus further serves as an emergency flotation device.

Abstract: A sailing vessel has a hull of a low-profile construction with a work deck overhanging the accommodation area extending substantially from the midsection of the hull to a terrace deck adjacent the stern. Continuous openings along the port and starboard sides are closeable with a watertight shutter extending between the work deck and the waterline. This shutter is formed by a roller blind guided in track along opposite edges of the opening and sealed to prevent the sea from entering the accommodation area.

Abstract: Herein taught is an accessory cover device which is removably attachable to an open-top boat. With the cover being of a size and shape to provide comfortable shelter for the user. Also, the cover is portable, and easily assembled and secured while the user is in the boat.

Abstract: A protective cover for a personal watercraft comprises a detachable and removable housing for protecting the personal watercraft, small boat or the like and, more particularly, comprises a molded reinforced fibreglass protective cover for complete concealment and secure storage of a personal watercraft, designed to conform to the shape of the watercraft to provide full closure, i.e., to cover as well as to store it in conjunction with a wheeled trailer for transporting, launching and retrieving personal watercraft. The cover comprises a watertight underside base portion surmounted by a top cover having a rear portion hingedly connected to a front portion. The rear portion of the top cover is capable of being raised and lowered to facilitate in the raised position the ingress and egress of a personal watercraft into and out of the housing. The front portion of the housing contains a lockable access hatch capable of being opened and closed to permit access to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A mixed hull inflatable craft convertible into a closed box for its storage or transport is disclosed. The hull has a rigid body (1) with a top edge (5), a plane to which is fixed an inflatable buoyancy tube (7), a rigid closing panel corresponding in contour to the edge and an inverted U-shaped profile (15) interlocking the tube to the hull. The profile overlaps the top edge (5) of the body and has a first groove (16) open upwards and inside the body, retaining a ring (18) carried by a flexible skirt (19) connected to the tube; a second groove (20) open upwards and outside the body, receiving the edge of the panel closing the body (1) in the closed box conformation and supporting the flexible skirt (19) of the inflated tube located outside the body in the craft conformation; and an elastomer bead (21) located on the outside under the second groove (20) forming a sealed bearing surface for the inflated tube (7) in the craft conformation.

Abstract: A boat umbrella including a boat with a post upwardly extending therefrom. A base is provided having a rod including a pair of resilient sleeves mounted to the rod of the base via clamps in concentric relationship with respect to each other such that an axis about which the sleeves are situated resides in parallel with that of the rod. The sleeves include a first sleeve mounted at a lower end of the rod of the base and a second sleeve mounted at a central extent of the rod of the base. The rod of the base also has a threaded bore formed therein adjacent to an upper end thereof for receiving a set screw. The sleeves are designed to releasably receive the post of the boat such that the rod of the base is vertically oriented. An umbrella assembly including a member with a top end having a collapsible umbrella mounted thereon and a bottom end is removably situated within the upper end of the rod of the base and secured therein via the set screw.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved arch for a boat. The improved arch includes at least one channel which extends at least partially along the port and starboard sides of the arch and at least partially across the top member of the arch. The channel is designed to receive water and direct that water away from the cockpit area of the boat. Additionally, the present invention includes a canopy mounting system particularly adapted for the arch of the present invention. The system includes a first locking strip attachment to a surface. The first member includes at least one fastening channel having a restricted opening. A locking member is adapted to be attached to a canopy and has at least one locking flange for insertion into the fastening channel of the locking strip. The canopy can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected by positioning the locking member against the locking strip and pressing against the locking member to force flanges into the fastening channel of the locking strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a boat canvas to a boat including a tubular frame member adapted to be mounted on the boat. The hollow tubular frame member includes a plurality of angularly related walls having elongate edges. The elongate edges of at least one of the walls is coupled to the adjacent elongate edges of the two adjacent walls with a pair of U-shaped troughs which, together with the one wall, forms a track. A U-shaped, fastener mounting member is slidably received on the track and includes a base having a pair of legs extending therefrom and slidably received in the troughs. A male fastening member is coupled to one of the canopy and the slide and a cooperating, complementally shaped female fastening member is coupled to the other of the canopy and the slide. If desired, a similar trough may couple the elongate edges of each wall to the adjacent elongate edges of each adjacent wall and additional U-shaped slides may be slidably mounted on another of the walls.

Abstract: A glass top for boats made of a number of arched structural extrusions holding together a series of translucent panels. Some panels, the top ones and the ones on the lower sides, are fixed while the middle ones can slide upward or downward to allow ventilation. Each arched extrusions consists of three superposed extruded members of identical cross-section, held together by bolt assemblies biased by elastomeric strips to enable adjusting the width of the channel receiving the edges of the slidable panels to suit panel of various thicknesses.

Abstract: An improved design for the lower part of the hull of a planing amphibian. The design contains an immovable member, a dampening movable member in the form of a set of overlapping plates attached to the immovable member by the length of the front edge, and air balloons placed in between the movable and immovable members. There is also a flexible coupler attached to the longitudinal edges of the immovable and movable members permitting elastic bending of the plates. The plates forming the movable member are made of a nonwettable, elastic material, allowing elastic deformation of the movable member when the amphibian encounters land obstacles. The air balloons help to dampen the deformations. When operating on rough water, the plates forming the movable member elastically deform and compress the air balloons, decreasing the loads on the lower part of the hull. When the amphibian returns to land, the plates elastically deform and impact one another, shaking off any adhering ice.

Abstract: A roof structure is adapted for removable attachment to a boat permitting use of the roof as an emergency float for boat occupants. The roof includes a shell having a buoyant member affixed thereto with an inflatable ring carried on the shell in a collapsed manner. A source of pressurized air is in controlled communication with the inflatable ring. Roof support structure includes lug equipped plates on the boat and the roof which, upon roof repositioning, permits separation and launching of the roof. A modified form of root support structure includes deck mounted, swingably mounted upright supports located adjacent the roof sides and which permit lowering of the roof into the water. The inflatable ring contributes to buoyancy as well as occupant protection from the water.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the drawbacks associated with earlier top designs by providing a rigid frame at a sufficient height above the boat to permit persons to move about comfortably beneath it. A flexible cover is suspended from the frame and is held taut by the frame. The flexible cover is attached to the frame with sliding connectors. The cover may be moved between an open position and a closed position by sliding one end along the frame. In the "open" position, the cover is folded back in accordion folds against one end of the frame. When slid "closed," the cover occupies nearly the entire surface within the perimeter of the frame. As the flexible cover is suspended between opposing frame members, it will remain taut and free from flapping even when the boat is traveling at high speed.

Abstract: Boat cover fastening system for aquatic craft utilizing a rail having a continuous securement channel along its length which receives a plurality of cover mounted flexible spring clips distributed along the periphery of the boat cover. An alternate embodiment discloses a flexible spring clip having members of different flexibilities.

Abstract: An Auxiliary Windshield for a variety of uses, but most specifically for use on a boat, where on occasion, due to weather or speed of operation, added windshield protection is beneficial. A clear plastic shield, which is break resistant, is used with a clamping means which retains the Auxiliary Windshield and by use of a knob can be secured to an existing structure such as an existing windshield. In an alternate embodiment, instead of an Auxiliary Windshield which is clamped in one position, the Auxiliary Windshield may be rotated to various positions. The clamping means includes a fixed arm and a pivot arm, the fixed arm and the pivot arm engaging one another by radial grooves, the pivot arm having the Auxiliary Windshield affixed thereto.

Abstract: This invention is a boat covering system with adjustable bracket devices clamped to the outer stanchions of a boat. Flexible support ribs extend across the boat and are inserted into the pair of brackets located on opposite sides of the boat. These flexible support ribs form the main framework for the boat cover. The brackets are adjustable around a plurality of axes for adjustability of the overall cover height and configuration.

Abstract: A lockable storage cover is a single-unit which may be used to contain and safely lock down gear commonly used with smaller boats, and to form, in conjunction with a space on the boat, a storage locker. The lockable storage cover is designed for use with any small boat having an opening, especially a cockpit opening, in any situation where an operator has a need to secure and lock his/her sailing gear, either for reasons of convenience, theft deterrent, or shipping. Smaller gear such as a rudder and tiller and tiller extension are secured to the underside of cover, the cover is placed over a center cockpit of a boat and may be locked, enclosing the smaller gear within the cockpit and transforming the cockpit into a storage locker. Spars may be placed in the set of spar supports atop the lockable storage cover and secured by one or more moveable arms which may be locked in place and which doubles as a kickstand on which to prop the lockable storage cover for convenience.

Abstract: A top for attachment to the frame of a boat is comprised of at least one panel member having a plurality of T-tracks arranged in spaced apart generally rectangular orientation. At least one body member is adapted to slide along each T-track and has a brake for inhibition of the sliding action. An adapter clip is attached to each body member for removable attachment of the top to the frame and additional adapter clips can be attached directly to the top for further attachment of the top to the frame.

Abstract: A self-deploying cover for the cab of a vehicle, including a roof, windshield, rear window and side windows, the cover comprising a fabric sheet having substantially the general dimensions of the cab for enclosing the cab when the cover is placed on the vehicle. A collapsible, semi-rigid frame or spring rod is along the periphery of the sheet for deploying the cover to an expanded state from a stored state. Connectors are provided for attaching the cover to the vehicle, suitably at the wheel wells. In another embodiment, the cover includes a skirt for covering other lower areas of the vehicle. In a third embodiment, the skirt also has a collapsible, semi-rigid frame or a spring for deploying the skirt.

Abstract: A detachable tee-top includes a framework having base portions fastened to two opposed sides of a center console of a boat and consisting of elongated tubes having fasteners fastened to the center console by threaded fasteners. The framework includes a further elongated tube for each of the elongated tubes making up the base portions with each of the further elongated tubes being sized to be slidably receivable within the upwardly facing opening of a respective one of the base portion elongated tubes. Thus, the further elongated tubes or pipes may easily be removed from the base portion elongated tubes when it is desired to remove the detachable tee-top from the associated vessel. The tee-top also includes a horizontally oriented support frame for a cover. Flexible straps attached to this support frame are stretched downwardly and attached to the base portions of the device to support the frame in high wind conditions. The framework is disclosed in two alternative configurations of elongated tubes.

Abstract: A removable companionway, for use in conjunction with a manufacturer-supplied door as desired depending on weather and user preference, having a frame with adjustable corner brackets to accommodate companionways of different dimensions, a cover for protection from wind, rain, and objects, and a hinge means for moving said companionway about an axis.

Abstract: A collapsible personal watercraft canopy which when extended, provides protection from the weather and support for the watercraft occupants, and also provides lift when the watercraft is in motion, reducing water resistance and which when closed is folded forward and stored on the forward upper hull surface of the watercraft, thus providing protection from sea spray while remaining attractive.

Abstract: A support structure for a flexible boat cover includes an extensible bar supported entirely by at least one cord extending therefrom to cleats located at the bow and stern of the boat. This invention provides multiple supports spaced laterally from the centerline of the boat without any additional hardware. The cord preferably elastic, may extend over the top of the windshield to provide an inclined support structure to prevent collection of water in the boat cover. The bar is extensible to accommodate boats of various widths and to reduce its length for storage when not in use. Additionally, the bar can be supported by posts underneath to support ice and snow in colder climates during the winter.

Abstract: A protector for the bow portion of a boat hull consists of a sheet having a rear-opening pocket adapted to engage the prow of the boat. When in use, the sheet extends rearwardly from the prow, covering the center portion of the boat hull. Lines are attached at one end to the rear-most portion of the sheet, and are adapted to be secured to the boat at the other end. A weight and a forward-opening scoop pocket are located at the rear of the sheet. The sheet is secured to the boat by placing the rear-opening pocket over the prow of the boat, dropping the remainder of the sheet into the water below the prow so that the weight causes the rear of the sheet to sink below the prow, propelling the boat forward so that the scoop pocket fills with water and pulls the sheet along the hull toward the stern of the boat, retrieving the lines from the water and securing the lines to the boat. Floats are attached to the lines so that the lines may be easily retrieved from the surface of the water.

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: An item of manufacture to cover the bow of a boat to provide additional stowage space and protection from oncoming and overhead elements having a main body (11) of a rigid material with side portions rising from both sides of the outer edges of the bow, and a top portion spanning the side portions. Latch hasps (25) are mounted to the bottom edge of the main body near the front and back area on both sides. "U" channels (21) of a rigid material, with a channel width to accept the bottom edge of the main body are mounted to the outer edges of the bow using screws. On the outside edges of the channels, latch nubs (27) are mounted near the front and rear, positioned to couple with the latch hasps mounted on the main body. Seals (23) of a flexible material are inserted into the channels. The main body is attached to the bow by seating the bottom edges of the main body into the channels with the latch hasps and nubs aligned, and coupling or latching the latches.

Abstract: A boat hull protector for protecting the surface of the hull and keel of a boat from nicks and scratches in a beaching situation. The boat hull protector incorporates a single positioning and securing means for properly positioning the invention under the boat's hull, and additionally for securing the invention to the boat once positioned. The improvement abolishes the need to incorporate additional positioning components such as floats and drags, separate from the securing components.

Abstract: A portable barge cover protects cargo in the hold of a barge from contaminants such as water, snow, dust, bird droppings and the like. The portable barge cover provides a removable and storable covering system that is readily assembled by three or four barge workers. Several overlapping flexible sheets are placed over spaced apart arched members which span from one side of a hold to the opposite side of the hold. The flexible sheets are secured by several straps that cross over the flexible sheets trapping the sheet between the strap and the arched member.

Abstract: A clip assembly is provided for fastening a boat top to a boat windshield frame which avoids corrosion, is simple and easy to properly locate and install, has long life, and is inexpensive to make. The aluminum extrusion frame for the boat windshield has an elongated channel with an open side with lips defining the open side. An integral piece of plastic anchor fits within the channel, with grooves receiving the lips, and a disc-shaped end engaging the extrusion exteriorly of the channel. A metal fastener having a screw threaded shank and a snap fastener head is screwed into the anchor, causing it to be biased into intimate contact with the channel so that the fastener head will not move once properly positioned and the fastener shank tightened. Cooperating fasteners on the boat top are then snapped into engagement with the anchored fastener head.

Abstract: A fender is comprised of a relatively thin, wide, and elongate pad with a central core of resilient material completely enclosed in a durable cover with the cover having flaps that extend beyond the ends of the central core. Grommetted openings are located in the flaps. Cooperating fastening device, such as hook and loop material or snap fasteners, may be located on the inwardly facing surface of the fender with the corresponding fastening device secured to the target attachment surface for the fender in order to preclude motion of the fender once installed thereon. Length adjustable straps have a J-hook on one end that is received within one of the grommetted openings with the opposing end having fastening device thereon for wrapping the straps around a securement object and fastening the strap in a closed loop therearound.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle with a watertight body and including a deck extending rearwardly from the occupant compartment to a rear end. The vehicle is characterized by the occupant compartment including an L-shaped hatch having a top leg forming a portion of the top of the vehicle and a rear leg forming the rear of the occupant compartment in the closed position. The hatch is hinged to the top for movement between an open and closed position. The rear leg includes a rear window for use when the hatch is closed during land operation and the top leg includes a water windshield for use when the hatch is open during marine operation. In the open position, the rear leg is disposed horizontally above the deck forming a roof over the deck with the top leg disposed at an angle extending downwardly from the rear leg to the top of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ratcheting means for securing a cover about a boat includes a first and second straps extending in opposite directions about the perimeter of the cover and coming together at the bow of the boat, and further includes a ratcheting device having a spindle which takes up the first strap and having an arm which is attached to the second strap. Instead of tying down the cover at selected locations around the boat, the user simply places the cover over the boat with the perimeter of the cover extending over the sides of the boat and with the straps also being extended about the sides of the boat with the ratcheting device being disposed on the back side of the boat, and tightens the straps which tightens the cover to the boat by moving a lever of the ratcheting device, which moves a pawl which rotates a sprocket which rotates the spindle which takes up the first strap, effecting the tightening of the cover about the boat.

Abstract: A protective cover for an outboard motor mounted on a boat transom including a flexible, bag-shaped covering to enclose the motor, a closure attached to the covering at the neck to close the neck tightly around an upper part of the motor adjacent the transom; a resistance heating element secured to the interior wall of the covering; and a thermostat to activate the heating element when the temperature within the cavity formed by the covering is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle cover includes a sheet of flexible material for covering and protecting at least the upper portion of the vehicle, a securing band coupled with the sheet adjacent the edge thereof, and a preferred ratchet for releasably tightening the band about the periphery of the vehicle below a portion of the vehicle presenting a greater periphery. The band is sufficiently tightened to prevent slipping over the greater periphery and can be locked in the tightened position in order to prevent unauthorized intrusion into the vehicle.

Abstract: This a system for attaching a weather proof cover on to a boat that has protection for its interior. The cover assembly has a male/female connections that seals in a rubberized channel to make it weather tight. This improved cover attaches in four-piece assembly that slides on to the boat depending on boat specifications. All pieces of cover should be attached in there proper position. Holes on the lip of each panel should lined up in order to insert the thumb screws needed to hold down the cover in all four pieces. This design uses the boat's gunwales underside to hold each piece down before anyone can insert the screws. The profile of the hard top shell is custom designed to the shape of the boat for weatherized protection.

Abstract: A frame for a bimini cover for a deck of a water craft. The support structure has a first end frame retained in a fixed position with respect to the deck and a second end frame pivotally connected to the first end frame. The frame has first and second support members each of which have a first end fixed to the deck and a second end fixed to the first end frame to define first triangular members to hold the first end frame in a fixed position with respect to the deck. The second end frame is moved from a closed position to an opened position to selectively extend a canopy over the deck. First and second strut members are secured to the first end frame and joined to the second end frame to define second triangular members. The strut members are adjustable after being joined to the second end frame to hold the second end frame at a fixed arcuate distance from the first end frame while maintaining a predetermined tension on the canopy.

Abstract: A protective device (10) for preventing damage to the hull of a watercraft (12) is shown formed of elongated members (10a, 10b) of flexible material and having pressure sensitive structural adhesive on a side thereof for attaching the members to the surface of a watercraft. Member (10a) serves as a first protective member and is formed with a central section (13) having longitudinally extending cavity (30) to enable the member to conform to variously shaped hulls. One or more supplemental members (10b) are shown for attachment on each opposite side of the first protective member and serve as auxiliary protective members.

Abstract: A modular float for forming a floating structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of sides connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. Each of the sides has a plurality of engagement structures extending therefrom. The engagement structures are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of receivers. The engagement structures and the side define the receiver. Each of the sides have a channel extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The channel is sized to receive a joining device.

Abstract: A towable cargo watercraft or boat is described that can be transported on a motor vehicle to and from the location where it is to be used. The craft includes a hollow hull comprising a rigid shell formed from plastic resin with a bottom wall, side walls and a transom extending upwardly and terminating in a wide upwardly facing open hatch. The hatch extends substantially from the bow to the stem of the watercraft and from one side of the craft to the other to allow easy access to a storage compartment inside the hull. A removable hatch cover is connected by a waterproof seal to a rim that encircles the hatch for covering and sealing the hatch when the watercraft is in use. A releasable latch is provided to hold the hatch closed during use, and the seal around the hatch maintains the watercraft in a weatherproof and watertight condition.

Abstract: A boat windshield is assembled using a quick connect joint that combines the ease of assembly of conventional push together joints with the strength and aesthetics of conventional slip joints, and may be assembled without accessory fasteners. First and second substantially rigid frame members mount first and second transparent windshield panels, the first frame member having a first, female, side including a recess, and the second frame member having a first, male, side including a hollow projection which is shaped and dimensioned to mate with the recess, and has a first slot defined in it. The recess has a quick connect locking clip extending outwardly from it toward the projection, the locking clip including a channel which cooperates with the first slot to hold the first and second frame members together. Typically at least two first slots and clips are provided in the cooperating frame members, vertically spaced from each other, and the first sides are vertical and mounted to a boat deck.

Abstract: A float tube canopy includes a back panel having a top and a bottom with straps for securing the canopy to the back of a float tube so the back panel extends upwardly therefrom. There is a top panel having a front and a back connected to the top of the back panel. The top panel is cantilevered from the back panel and spaced-apart from the float tube. Each of the panels may include a frame and a fabric cover stretched thereon. The panels may be collapsible so the canopy can be selectively folded or erected.

Abstract: A personal watercraft surface protector is provided for protecting the top front portion of personal watercraft. Designed to be an accessory to be used with the many models made by various manufacturers, the protector is molded into an overall cup-like shape in order to fit over the nose of a personal watercraft. The protector is formed of a plurality of layers, having a center protective layer formed of a single molded piece of impact absorbing material, such as rubber, having a plurality of suction cups formed integral to and extending downward from the center protective layer. The suction cups cover the inner lining of the protector for temporarily affixing the protector to the outer surface of a personal watercraft. An outer decorative layer and a smooth, scratch resistant inner layer are also provided.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve has two spaced rows of holes with the holes of one row axially offset lengthwise of the row of holes and a horizontal slot at right angles to the rows of holes, the sleeve fitted telescopically over two axially aligned and spaced tubes that hold up a cover, each tube having detents that fit respectively into one of the holes of the rows of holes and into the slot so that the lengthwise spacing between the tubes can be adjusted by repositioning a detent into a different hole in a different row of the holes to adjust the tension against a cover to be held upright by the tubes.

Abstract: A portable shelter (10) provides protection for users (18) of an individual float tube (12) or a pontoon style kick board (76). The shelter (10) comprises a covering 32 having transparent front panels (39), transparent side and rear panels (34,37), and translucent or opaque lower front panels (36a), side panels (36c) and rear panels (36b). A flexible longitudinal rod (38) and transverse rod (40) maintain the dome-like configuration of the shelter (10). It is easily mounted on the top surface (22) of the tube (12) by using the straps (60) and side straps (53) and by inserting the transverse rod (40) into side pockets (58) that are in turn inserted between the handles (14) and the tube (12). A rear strap (50) and side straps (60) further secure the shelter (10) to the tube (12). The front flaps (39) open to provide access for fishing, hunting, photography, and the like, or they may be zipped shut for protection from the elements and greater concealment.

Abstract: A boat hoist and cover assembly apparatus and method uses a boat hoist having a rotatable lift shaft having a plurality of ropes or cables coiled therearound in one direction of rotation and extending therefrom for removably coupling to a boat for lifting a boat by the rotation of the hoist lift shaft. A boat cover has a plurality of cables or ropes attached thereto and coiled around the boat hoist lift shaft in a second direction of rotation from that of the boat hoist ropes to thereby lower the boat cover when hoisting the boat and to raise the boat cover when lowering the boat so that a boat cover covers a boat whenever the boat is hoisted by the boat hoist. The method uses the selected boat hoist and cover assembly and rotates the boat hoist shaft to lift an attached boat while lowering the boat cover onto the boat. Grease cups attach over the boat hoist lift shaft sleeves or bearings to catch the grease while preventing lubricants from dripping on the boat cover or boat.

Abstract: A collapsible bimini sun top frame for a pontoon boat including square aluminum tubes and extruded aluminum fittings securing the frame to the railings of the pontoon boat. The frame supports a soft top of water resistant canvas or other material for protection from sun and rain in an open position, and is collapsible to a storage position. The soft top can be secured, such as with hook and loop fasteners, to the collapsible frame and, with appropriate fasteners, to the railings of the pontoon boat. The extruded fittings also can be utilized with other frames for other types of boats, such as speed boats, water skiing boats, or any other type of structure requiring a frame.

Abstract: Boat cover fastening system for aquatic craft utilizing a rail having a continuous securement channel along its length which receives a plurality of cover mounted flexible spring clips distributed along the periphery of the boat cover.

Abstract: A protective covering for a swim platform located on a boat is provided. The protective covering may be detachably attached over the top of a swim platform, such as those platforms which are located about the rear of boats or other marine craft. Use of the protective covering will prevent waterfowl or other animals from defecating, loitering or nesting on the swim platform. The covering includes a generally rectangular portion located intermediate a right wing portion and a left wing portion. A plurality of apertures designed to secure the covering to the swim platform are provided on the rectangular portion, right wing portion and left wing portion. Both the right wing and the left wing fold forming a right sidewall and a left sidewall. The sidewalls and rectangular portion form a hollow, generally triangular structure which is placed atop and resides in the area immediately atop the swim platform. The covering is securely attached to the swim platform by any of a variety of attachment means.

Abstract: A convertible top canopy is pivotally attached to the hull of a multiple seat cruiser jet boat by a simple linkage system consisting of three U-shaped links each of which are attached at the base of the "U" to the canopy, the main link is pivotally and removably attached to the hull and another link is pivotally attached to the main link and the third link is pivotally attached to the second link and pivots to fold and lie against the deck on the stern of the watercraft. Tension straps at the stern and bow attach to the hull and forward and aft U-shaped links to position the canopy relative to the hull in the up position. The canopy is removable from the watercraft by releasing the main link and straps and usable as a cabana or umbrella on the ground by inserting a portion of the main link into the ground and tensioning the forward straps to stakes mounted in the ground.