Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for the protection of marine vessels. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a canopy assembly for a boat. The canopy assembly includes a frame assembly having a frame member that is moveable with respect to an opposing member to which the frame member is rotatably attached thereto. The canopy assembly further includes one or more support members supporting the moveable frame member. The canopy assembly further includes one or more lift assists connected to the moveable frame member for assisting in the raising of the frame member with respect to the opposing member.

Abstract: A boat cover for being attached to a boat includes a canvas, at least one pole supporting the canvas, and at least one strap. The boat cover is arranged to be attached to the boat only using the at least one strap.

Abstract: A quick-release swivel fork assembly for pivotably supporting a remote member. The quick-release swivel fork assembly includes a first portion, a body portion releasably coupled to the first portion, a pin supported by the body portion, and a latch member coupled to the body portion. The body portion is rotatable relative to the first portion about a first axis, while separation along the first axis is prevented. The pin defines a second axis for rotatably mounting the remote member. The latch member is biased to a first position in which the latch member blocks separation of the body portion from the first portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The latch member is operable to selectively enable separation of the body portion from the first portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A boat cover for a suspended cover system that is configured to fit a boat in a manner that prevents relative movement therebetween minimizing wear. The cover has at least one fitting seam that follows part of the top of the boat. An integral cover cinching arrangement enables tightening the bottom of the cover against the hull hugging it. Vents overlying a passenger section minimize wind force by reducing cover pressure differential. The cover can be equipped with a second fitting seam that extends along the gunwale of the boat and can have a downwardly extending fitting seam section that extends below the gunwale toward the bow to help fit the cover to the front portion of the hull of the boat. Stretchable straps used to hang the cover from a track of the boat cover system can be used to minimize force on the cover caused by wave action.

Abstract: A collapsible amphibious hunting blind includes an inflatable camouflaged bladder including a waterproof floor and an upper mesh canopy structure to stealthily conceal a user inside during a water fowl hunting or observing activity. The inflatable blind provides an inner space capable of containing a slightly reclined and seated user being positioned between raised side wall portions allowing a user to float on a body of water. The blind includes an air pump for inflating the blind prior to use. The blind further includes a pair of wheels along a bottom surface for transportation across a ground surface when in an inflated state and also includes a carrying bag for transporting in a deflated and folded state.

Abstract: Disclosed is water craft providing inventive features to achieve a double-decked vessel having: a.) substantially continuous, flat and open upper deck; b.) a substantially continuous and fiat lower deck with an enclosed fore section and an exposed aft section forming a swim deck; and c.) a system of collapsible bulwarks in the upper and swim decks that permit: the vessel to transition from a traditional configuration (better suited for travel) to an open configuration (better suit for entertainment activities while stationary).

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide piece for a stowable bimini frame associable with a tower structure of a watercraft, the slide piece including a slide piece body portion, at least one frame association structure extending from the body portion, the at least one frame association structure being configured to slidingly associate the bimini frame with the slide piece body portion, and an affixing surface of the slide piece body portion, the affixing surface being positioned and configured for associating the slide piece body portion with the tower structure of the watercraft.

Abstract: A sun cover for use with a boat tower having an elevated tow point. The cover includes a frame having a forward portion and a rear portion located adjacent to the forward portion, with at least a portion of the rear portion being spaced above or below the forward portion, defining a gap defined above or below a trailing portion of the forward portion and a leading portion of the rear portion. The frame is mounted to the tower and oriented relative to the tower so that the tow point is accessible via the gap such that a tow rope connected to the tow point extends rearwardly from the tow point via the gap and the cover does not interfere with a tow rope attached to the tow point during use of the boat to pull a person being towed by the boat using the tow rope.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel having an operator station located generally amidships, a vertical support unit fitted across a beam of the vessel near the operator station, and adjustable ballast. An upper portion of the vertical support is at a height substantially above a level of the operator station, and a container is onboard and proximate the starboard and port sides, wherein water from a body of water within which the vessel is operating is directed into the container for weighing down a stern of the vessel to provide the ballast so as to modify a wake created for a wakeboarder or the like being towed by the vessel using a tow rope attached to the upper portion of the vertical support.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for covering and uncovering a desired object. Particular embodiments include a covering system comprising: a cover operably connected to a plurality of translational members translationally positioned along a track; two or more hangers having a vertically extending portion and an outwardly extending portion, the track being operably attached to the outwardly extending portion; means for mounting hangers in a rotatable arrangement to a structure about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A manually operated boat shade system is disclosed for deploying a flexible canvas or like shade material over the deck of a boat solely by hand. The device is adapted to mount as an integral unit to overhead structure on the boat and comprises a pair of tubular actuator assemblies telescopically assembled and coupled together in parallel alignment within a self-supporting framework to permit pullout deployment and reverse retraction of the flexible canvas from a tensioned roller member transversely mounted between the actuator assemblies. A self-engaging locking mechanism is further incorporated within the tubular actuator assembly to maintain the framework when in full extension preventing an unwanted retraction. The locking mechanism is further releasable by hand to allow a staged retraction of the framework and canvas when desired.

Abstract: A wakeboard tower having an elevated tow point and a bimini or other sun cover integrated to the tower in a manner that does not interfere with the tow point.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a safety device to the hull of a boat. In one embodiment, the safety device is a net that is held tightly in tension against the hull. The net is attached to the boat while it is in the water, and if the weather or sea state is threatening. If the boat capsizes, there will be sufficient tightness of the net against the hull such that the arms of an unconscious person can be placed through the netting, and the person will be kept safely above the water line. In yet other embodiments, a sheathing is attached to the hull that is a substantially continuous cover. The cover is attached to the boat prior to beaching the boat and protects the hull against abrasion by sharp objects.

Abstract: A device for the containment, protection and/or treatment of a submerged surface such as a ship hull, includes a flexible and impervious or non-impervious shell, including two portions, an emerged portion (1) and a submerged portion (2) having different features.

Abstract: A lightweight tender comprising a hull constructed from substantially a single piece of composite material and a retractable pillar attached to the hull, wherein the retractable pillar defines a longitudinally extending channel. A retractable carbon fiber bimini cover is pivotingly attached to the retractable pillar, and defines a top deck when the pillar is retracted, and defines a bimini top extended. A first end of a brace is hingedly attached to the bimini cover and a second end of the brace travels within the longitudinally extending channel of the retractable pillar such that the angle between the bimini cover and the retractable pillar increases as the brace travels distally within the longitudinally extending channel.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use to protect the contents of a boat including a pair of channels, a semi-rigid guide member slidably disposed within a passage of one of the channels, a crossrod supported on each end by one of the pair of channels and connected on one end to the semi-rigid guide member, and a cover sheet connected to the crossrod. The cover assembly configured such that as a retraction mechanism moves the semi-rigid guide member in the passage, the cover is extended or retracted to the desired position.

Abstract: A catamaran central body portion with floor having front and mid walls also port and starboard side walls and smooth underside having flange lips in alignment with said side walls forming mating surfaces for attaching two roof sheltered hulls whereby said hulls attach to said lips likewise roofs attach to said side walls forming a disassemble catamaran boat. Roofed alcove enclosed by said front, mid, and side walls. First and second embodiments having bridge area with navigation controls rearward of said alcove and further rearward a passenger area. Third embodiment having passenger area roofed cabin rearward of said alcove and further rearward a bridge area with navigation controls. Hull entry openings in both said side walls are in passenger area of first and third embodiments and in bridge area of second embodiment. Rear portion of said side walls having wall bracing structures for strengthening.

Abstract: A bird deterrent with a reel of reflective ribbon, a reel housing, a reel housing to railing retaining member, a plurality of reflective ribbon to railing retaining members and ribbon retaining cap members. The reel housing to railing retaining member is attached to the reel housing. The railing retaining members include front and rear hinged clamping members. Each clamping member includes a railing retaining tubular aperture. The ribbon to railing retaining members each include a ribbon retaining member. The front and rear clamping members are tightened onto the rail of a cabin cruiser or sail boat by of a threaded thumbscrew. The reel housing and ribbon retaining members are attached to the railing so that the ribbon can be unwound from the reel housing and placed in a zig zag orientation within each ribbon retaining member and held in place by the ribbon retaining caps.

Abstract: A boat lift canopy entrance for easily entering and exiting a boat upon a boat lift with a canopy without having to stoop and trip while getting into out of the boat. The boat lift canopy entrance includes an entrance closure assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a canopy and having a piece of material capable of being removably disposed over and closing the entranceway.

Abstract: A boat cover for a boat includes a cover section that is sized to cover the deck from bow to stern and extending over the rub rail, and a shipping section attached to the cover section and sized to cover the hull from below the rub rail toward the chine. The shipping section is removable from the cover section. The boat cover eliminates waste as a shipping cover and is usable by the boat owner as a daily or long term storage, mooring and trailering cover.

Abstract: The improvements of the present invention provide multipurpose and multi-functional improvements that enhance the functional utility of water vehicles. The combination includes connecting means which allow adaptation of a platforms, storage, and seating. An improved motor mount permits a motor to be protectively stowed until a hinge is actuated to rotate the motor 180 degrees for operation. The improvements also provide motor controls, an anchor and motor controls attached to a seat platform. A shelter hood assembly attaches in a selectable, collapsible manner giving an operator use and appearance configuration options, allowing the assembled hood to act as a barrier against weather elements in addition to supplying functional color components including wildlife decoys, camouflage, safety markings, diving insignia, or other aesthetic designs or coloring.

Abstract: A retractable cover system for a pontoon boat comprising an expanding frame of U-shaped supports sliding in tracks along the sides of the boat, the U-shaped supports interconnected by expanding scissors. The bow and stern ends of the frame are provided with pivoting sections that include horizontal and angled U-shaped supports to define fabric-supporting and fabric-securing structure at the bow and stern of the boat when the frame is fully extended. The retracted frame and fabric cover self-store at the stern of the boat by tilting a pivot station portion of the track rearwardly.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user. A tug on the link releases the flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

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: The present invention is a mat that drapes over a transom or other barbeque area on a boat. The primary objective of the current invention is to keep transom, caulk, and upholstery on boats clean from splats and splatter caused during on board barbequing. Another objective of the invention is to provide a place to securely store barbeque accoutrements when using barbeque on a boat. The mat is placed over the barbeque area prior to barbequing. The mat can easily be folded and stowed.

Abstract: Boat slip cover systems are provided for affixing to piers having a plurality of slips with closed and open ends, and first and second sides. Each boat slip cover includes a flexible canopy. Fixed supports for a first end of the canopy are disposed about the closed end of the slip, at least one extending upward from and perpendicular to the pier surface, and at least one extending upward from and angular to the pier surface. Rotating supports are disposed along each side of the slip and extend upward from the pier. Telescoping joints are disposed along each rotating support for their extension or retraction. A winch device is further provided for manual positioning. A convertible pier cover includes various retractable boat slip covers, valley portions extending between adjacent boat slip covers and forming an attachment on each side to an adjacent boat canopy, and a central aisle canopy.

Abstract: A protective device for a boat and a method of providing such a protective device which floats on a body of water are described, the protective device including a bottom portion which is arranged to be placed floatingly on or submergedly in the water underneath the hull of the boat, a top portion which is connected to the bottom portion, the top portion being constituted by a cloth-like material and being included at least as part of or being connected to a supporting device to be able to support at least a portion of the top portion in a distended position.

Abstract: A protective device for a boat which is floating in a water or is placed on land and a method of using same are described, the protective device including a top portion which is formed by a cloth-like material and which is bounded by a border area, the border area being arranged to be brought into substantially sealing contact with an adjacent portion in order thereby to provide a space defined by the adjacent portion and the top portion, and the top portion being included at least as part of or being connected to a supporting device to be able to carry at least a portion of the top portion in a distended position, the supporting device being activatable by means of a gas.

Abstract: A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat cover with an automatic boat protection system for raising and lowering the cover in a balanced method. The device is utilized to protect a boat when docked.

Abstract: A boat has a hull and a deck is disposed on the hull. A tower is connected to the deck. The tower has a top. The top has at least one storage compartment defined therein. A canopy is connected to the top, the canopy has at least one frame member and a canvas connected to the at least one frame member. The canopy has an extended position and a retracted position. The canvas and the at least one frame member are disposed at least in part in the storage compartment of the top when the canopy is in the retracted position. A boat having a tower with a top and a canopy attached thereto is also disclosed where the tower is movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: A sun cover for use with a boat tower having an elevated tow point. The cover includes a frame having a forward portion and a rear portion located adjacent to the forward portion, with at least a portion of the rear portion being spaced above or below the forward portion, defining a gap defined above or below a trailing portion of the forward portion and a leading portion of the rear portion. The frame is mounted to the tower and oriented relative to the tower so that the tow point is accessible via the gap such that a tow rope connected to the tow point extends rearwardly from the tow point via the gap and the cover does not interfere with a tow rope attached to the tow point during use of the boat to pull a person being towed by the boat using the tow rope.

Abstract: A cover for an anchor, particularly a fluke-type boat anchor is constructed of a cover material of a resilient rubber that includes an elongated section and side wings. An elongated opening and closing member, such as a zipper, enables the cover to be opened and closed for receipt of the anchor therein.

Abstract: A protective guard for shielding key areas of a boat hull that are exposed to the greatest risk of impact damage from kicked up road debris while being transported behind a tow vehicle. A V-shaped tarp is fastened to the forward tie line anchors of a boat, with the interior angle of the V situated at the bow crest. The tarp is tautly stretched along the hull by bungee cords spanning the underside of the boat, attaching the port and starboard side of the tarp. The rear bottom corners of the tarp are fastened to the boat trailer. This configuration protects of the entire underside of the bow from road debris and damaged resulting therefrom. Other embodiments include a variety of configurations to accommodate not only various sizes of boat, but also to facilitate installation on various other towable objects including different water craft, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles.

Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.

Abstract: As typically embodied, the present invention's add-on device includes two wedge-shaped structural components that are oppositely congruent and symmetrically connected. In profile, the device describes a pair of nearly triangular quadrilateral figures that are enantiomorphs (mirror images) with respect to the linear bisector (mirror line) at which they join. The device's V-angular upper surface defines the same V-angularity (“deadrise”) as does a V-angular hull bottom, the device thus fitting beneath the hull bottom. The device's V-angular lower surface defines a different angularity, which is imparted to the hull bottom when the device is attached thereto. According to typical inventive practice, the device alters the hull bottom's V-angularity by at least 1° and, at least, covers approximately 100% of the hull bottom's widthwise expanse along approximately 50% or more of the hull bottom's lengthwise expanse.

Abstract: A wakeboard tower having an elevated tow point and a bimini or other sun cover integrated to the tower in a manner that does not interfere with the tow point.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a security barrier for preventing trespass onto a water vessel. The security barrier includes one or more modular frame members, a strand of razor wire attached to the frame member and a suspension fastener for removably suspending the security barrier from a mounting surface of a water vessel.

Abstract: The modular floating bar with optional canopy mounts is a floatation device with optional canopy mounts therefor. The device includes a plurality of modular segments that can be assembled and arranged in a various patterns to create a floating structure that is usable in pools, lakes and ponds or in any water that is relatively calm and devoid of strong current pulls. The modular segments are provided with a hinge and pin arrangement that permits easy assembly. The segments incorporate structure for retaining cups and beverage coolers therein. Support structure is also provided for mounting a canopy on the assembled segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces. The present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.). The present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.

Abstract: An adjustable gunnel pad may include a top portion comprising a top surface of a boat gunnel, a first leg portion comprising a first extension/retraction portion, and second leg portion comprising a second extension/retraction portion. The first leg portion and the second leg portion are connected via the top portion. In certain embodiments, the first and second extension/retraction portions may each comprise a motor, a tiered portion, and/or a pin-based portion.

Abstract: A retractable roof assembly for a boat is provided which can be moved from a deployed position above the deck of the boat to a retracted position closer to the deck of the boat. Pivoting struts support the roof and are caused to move by a motor or pair of motors. Rollers on two of the struts move along a cam surface and the cam surface is designed such that during movement of the roof, the roof remains substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A fastening device and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the projection detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The female member and the male member comprises a ratchet system to removeably secure the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member mounted on an object. By securing a material such as a shade screen or a tarp on the male member by mating the male member with the female member, the shade screen or tarp may be detachably fastened onto an object.

Abstract: A protective cover for trailerable items includes a support frame having a plurality of ribs having opposed first and second leg members and a lateral batten member spanning the first and second leg members and defining an open area thereunder, and a flexible cover supported on the support frame, wherein each of the first leg members are rotatable about a first axis and each of the second leg members are rotatable about a second axis. The plurality of ribs are selectively movable between a first position in which they are spaced apart and the flexible cover encompasses an entirety of a trailerable item, and a second position in which the plurality of ribs are adjacent one another and extend substantially vertically to allow for loading and unloading of the trailerable item from a trailer while the protective cover is attached to the trailer.

Abstract: A cover mechanism comprises a support frame with base supports and a multi-part expandable cover engaged with the base supports by grappling members or other means. The expandable cover may have a pliable exterior cover and a set of integral ribs, the expandable cover being foldable when not deployed and being expandable to form a self-supporting structure when deployed. The base supports may provide a sliding track for the grappling members to facilitate expansion of the cover. The base supports may be adapted to rest on the ground or buoyant so that the cover can be used with watercraft. The expandable cover may be deployed by pivoting it from a folded position to an upright position, sliding the cover along the base support tracks, and pivoting the cover from the front of the base supports downwards, forming an enclosure thereby.

Abstract: Specialized cable-concealing fittings and couplings suitable and a fitting system for use in forming cable runs comprising tubular framing and rails wherein the fittings, framing and rails can serve a as a conduit for cable. In particular, the cable concealing fittings are utilized in association with a cable from an electrical device such as a solar panel that is connected to an electrical system of a watercraft, such as sailboat or powerboat. The fittings and system utilizing the fittings serves both protective and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: There is provided a surface composition for reducing degradation and fading of surfaces subjected to extended periods of submersion in an aqueous liquid. The surface composition comprises at least one clear barrier layer and at least one under layer, wherein the clear barrier layer is in use, disposed atop the under layer and in contact with the aqueous liquid whereby the clear barrier layer protects the structure and appearance of the under layer. The surface composition is particularly useful in applications where the surface is subjected to extended periods of submersion in liquids containing hydrolysing or oxidising agents, exposure to ultra violet radiation, or combinations thereof, whereby the clear barrier layer provides structural protection against degradation from chemical attack and from fading due to UV exposure. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a boat or other watercraft surface composition.

Abstract: A boat having opposing side walls with gunwales thereon, a foredeck between the side walls and below the gunwales, wales, an extensible and retractable windscreen in front and around the sides of the foredeck, a helm console behind the foredeck, and an erectable and collapsible hard top pivoted to the side walls of the boat, wherein the boat is selectively convertible between: a first configuration in which the windscreen is retracted below or just above the gunwales, and the hard top is collapsed forwardly to overlap the retracted windscreen and/or the gunwales to form a platform covering the foredeck; a second configuration in which the windscreen is extended above the gunwales, and the hard top is partially erected to overlap the extended windscreen, so that together the windscreen and hard top form an enclosure over, above and around the front and sides of the foredeck; and a third configuration in which the windscreen is retracted below or just above the gunwales, and the hard top is fully erected over a

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is installed about the propeller the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.