Abstract: A large recreational powerboat has a forward passenger area, a helm, and a rearward passenger area. A top deck covers the forward passenger area and extends upwardly over the helm. The rearward passenger area is exposed. A large skylight window is formed streamlined with the boat and is imposed into the top deck. The window extends upwardly and forward to the helm, thereby having portions functioning as a windshield for the boat. The windshield and the skylight window transmit abundant natural light to an atrium room that is located between the helm and the forward passenger area cabin rooms. Individuals in the atrium room are shielded from the elements but at the same time can view the outside environment and communicate with people outside of the forward passenger area.

Abstract: A boat has a hull and a deck supported by the hull. The deck has a forward passenger area and a rearward passenger area. A seat is disposed in the rearward passenger area. A passageway allows for communication between the forward passenger area and the rearward passenger area. A door is disposed on the deck for selectively closing the passageway between the forward passenger area and the rearward passenger area. The door has a top, a front, a back, and two sides. A windshield is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the boat. The windshield is movable between a first position where the windshield extends a first distance vertically above the top of the door and a second position where the windshield extends a second distance vertically above the top of the door. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A boat has a hull and a deck supported by the hull. The deck has a rearward passenger area. A seat is disposed in the rearward passenger area. A first console is disposed on the deck at a front of the rearward passenger area and forwardly of the seat. The first console has a top. A first windshield is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the boat. The first windshield is movable between a first position where the first windshield extends a first distance vertically above the top of the first console and a second position where at least a portion of the first windshield extends a second distance vertically below the top of the first console. When the first windshield is in the second position the at least one portion of the first windshield is in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A method to repair moisture damaged wood core boat hulls remotely identifies and repairs all wet core hull areas and optionally performs preventive maintenance on dry hull areas to restore the integrity of a fiberglass boat hull and prevent new water infiltration damage to a boat hull. The wet area repair guidelines using a surface moisture mete Any balsa cored area reading 15% or above is considered a wet area. Any wood cored area reading 20% or above is considered a wet area. The repair steps involves removing all through-hull fittings or hardware. Wet core areas are then dried out using heat lamps, lights or heaters, hot-vac systems, or octopus vacuum with grid system. If necessary, any area not drying out is de-cored and repaired accordingly. After repairs are finished, all through-hull fillings or hardware is reinstalled using new sealant.

Abstract: A boat camper vessel 10 has a pair of pontoons 12, 13 joined by a bridge 44 that provides the deck of the vessel. A main canopy 22 stores in the bow when not is use. The raised canopy 22 is supported by ribs 220 and it extends from the bow 30 to a stern bulkhead 20 or 21. Two stern bulkheads 20, 21 define a stern compartment 60 has holds a toilet 29, shower 34 and water heater 35. An auxiliary canopy 36 covers the stern compartment 60. Marine electric motors in the pontoons drive propellers to propel the vessel. The vessel is suitable for travel on canals, small lakes and other protected bodies or water. It may be docked or placed on land and will serve as a camper whether on water or land.

Abstract: A protective platform is disclosed that includes a panel that moves from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the protective platform may protect swimmers from the rotating propeller of the boat and provides a way for swimmers to enter and/or exit the boat. The protective platform may also cover the swim platform in its entirety.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a vehicle; a console attached to the vehicle; and an integrally formed, internally supported, molded canopy attached to the vehicle. In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes a frame attached to the vehicle for supporting the canopy and the canopy may include an internal electrical system.

Abstract: A transition device for providing a smooth corner of a pair of angular oriented interconnected windshields on a boat, the boat having a forward facing or front windshield and a side facing windshield, both the windshields being mounted in a formed aluminum molding. The transition device comprises a first element attached to the molding of the forward facing windshield at an upper end of the joint and terminating at the joint in a ball and a second element attached to the molding of the side facing windshield at the upper end of the joint and terminating in a socket. The ball and the socket are shaped and sized to fit together to form a smooth transition at the upper end of the joint so that the corner joint appears to have a ball and socket joint.

Abstract: An enclosure is removably securable to a support member including a first part of a releasable fastener. The enclosure includes a panel of material sized to enclose the support member. A flexible flap is affixed to the panel, and a second part of the releasable fastener is affixed to the flexible flap. The second part of the releasable fastener is positioned for engagement with the first part when the panel encloses the support member. By affixing the second part of the releasable fastener to the flexible flap, the position of the fastener is adjustable to accommodate panel shrinkage, manufacturing tolerances and the like.

Abstract: A protective cover for a boat having a deck, a windshield with a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge and a plurality of twist stud fasteners includes an inner layer, a center layer and an outer layer. The inner and outer layers are constructed of a water-resistant material. The center layer is constructed of a shock and impact absorbing material having a nominal thickness in the range of 0.25 inch to 0.50 inch. The inner layer, the center layer and the outer layer form a sandwich that has a peripheral edge that has a top portion and a bottom portion. The protective cover is attached to the windshield of the boat by placing it on the windshield.

Abstract: A retractable arch system for a boat is provided that includes at least four substantially vertical legs for permanent installation on the boat. A first traverse member forms a first arch and is removably coupled by first and second separable couplings to two of the legs. A second traverse member forms a second arch and is pivotally coupled by first and second pivotal couplings to the other two of the legs. The system has an upright position for extending of the first and second arches and securing the first and second separable couplings. The system further has a retracted position in which the first and second separable couplings are disassembled and the arches are pivoted downwardly.

Abstract: A foldable windshield device for removable attachment to a T-top of a motorized watercraft includes: (a) a lower windshield portion including at least one lower attachment mechanism; (b) a foldable upper windshield portion including at least one detachable upper attachment mechanism; and (c) a waterproof, durable, flexible, substantially transparent hinge connecting the lower windshield portion to the upper windshield portion; wherein the upper and lower windshield portions are detachably attachable to poles of the T-top, and the upper windshield portion is detachable from the T-top and foldable over the lower windshield portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce formation of streaks from fluid running down a side surface of boat hull are disclosed. A disclosed method includes adhering a first portion of a flexible strip to the side surface of the hull, and employing a second portion of the flexible strip positioned at an obtuse angle to the first portion to deflect fluid running down the hull surface above the flexible strip away from the hull.

Abstract: A boat cover system for covering a boat. The boat cover system is attached to an existing structure and includes a track assembly, a roller assembly, and a cover. The track assembly includes at least one section of track and a coupling assembly for attaching the track assembly to the existing structure. The roller assembly is slidingly coupled to the track and includes a pulley system that moves the cover from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An adjustably slidable windshield assembly for a boat having a window (6) mounted within channels (8) in frame members (4) attached to T-top supports (3) on a boat. At least one clamp mechanism (14) proximate each channel is provided which can be used to secure the window at any desired open or closed position. Handles (13) are provided to assist in raising and lowering the window.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable windshield apparatus including first and second opposing traveler tracks adapted to receive and slide the lateral edges of a windshield in a mounting. The apparatus also includes a first retracting rod functionally attached to the first traveler track, a first pivot device functionally attached to the first retracting rod, and a first power source functionally attached to the first pivot device.

Abstract: A bimini top hook is used in connection with a boat and a bimini frame. The bimini top hook comprises an anchor having hook with a column extending upward from a base. The hook has an arch with a throat facing downward. A clevis is provided, and has a pin extending between two furcations. The pin pivotally engages the arch throat. A latch is provided, having a resilient lever arm extending from a body portion. The lever arm has a locking tab extending downward. The latch slidingly engages a column slot. The latch is selectively movable from a first position wherein the clevis pin is able to freely engage and disengage the top hook, to a second position wherein the locking tab is locked into engagement with the base and the clevis pin is locked into engagement with the throat.

Abstract: A convertible boat top provides a covered area to protect the occupants from environmental concerns such as sun, rain, etc. The convertible top is easily deployed and can be unobtrusively tucked away into a storage area. The top can be provided as original equipment or may be embodied as a kit to adapt an existing boat.

Abstract: A boat includes a hull, topsides with a cockpit therein. A top is provided having a perimeter contoured for engaging a topsides perimeter in a closed position and providing a canopy for the topsides in an open position. Linear actuators are provided for moving the top between the open and closed positions along with a motor mechanism for operating the linear actuation. A panel moveably attached to the top enables operator entry and exit from the boat with the top in the closed position through an access provided by the panel.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mariner safety and motor housing arrangement for the secure enclosure of the lower drive unit of an inboard/outboard or outboard motor for a boat. The multi-purpose housing preferably comprises a left half housing and a right half housing hingedly connected along a front edge thereof. The left half housing and the right half housing are arranged to lockably enclose a lower drive unit of a motor. The housing arrangement encloses a plurality of accessible, watertight sub enclosures disposed within the left and the right half housings for safe containment of emergency gear therewithin, to provide floatation and safety to mariners even when the housing is removed from the motor.

Abstract: A tie-down kit for supporting a boat cover is primarily composed of a disk, a length adjustable pole and a rope. The disk bottom is provided with a flange having a hole, and two cross grooves on the top. The top end of the length adjustable pole is inserted into the hole of the flange, while the bottom end of the length adjustable pole has a base. One end of the rope goes through the two grooves at the top of the disk. Thereby, with the length adjustable pole disposed in the boat for adjusting an appropriate height, and the rope bound around the bow and stern of the boat, when the boat cover is mounted on the hull, it can be perfectly supported.

Abstract: An attachment system for a boat cover using an insert strip press fit in a conventional rub rail channel fixed to the boat hull. The insert strip has a lengthwise slot which is configured to mate with a series of retainer elements attached about the perimeter of the cover. Each retainer element has a portion configured to be received in the insert strip slot and locked thereto by being turned sideways. In one embodiment, the retainers have a flattened pin which can be pushed into the insert strip slot and turned, a larger head portion thereby fit to a larger interior section of the slot to be locked therein. In another embodiment the retainer elements each have a pair of spread projections which are compressed together to be able to be pushed in through the slot entry section and which spring apart in the interior slot section, to be locked therein. A threaded pin can be advanced between the projections to produce a positive spreading of the projections.

Abstract: A retractable windshield and collapsible console apparatus can be raised and the windshield extended when needed to afford additional protection to persons from conditions due to environment, and to allow for convenient and safe stowing of the apparatus in the same location without causing an obstruction. The console can be collapsed and stowed into a position which is substantially parallel relative to a base on the floor or other surface of a boat, other vehicle or other structure when not in use.

Abstract: A privacy enclosure for use on a boat. The privacy enclosure includes a plurality of rigid wall structures that raise in a first vertical direction and extend in a second lateral direction to provide sufficient space for use as a changing room. The privacy enclosure includes a compartment within which a toilet may be located. The toilet can be slid out from the compartment into the interior of the enclosure for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved watercraft cover, as well as its method of use. In some embodiments, the watercraft cover's support structure is normally irreversibly integrated into or retained by a sheet of the watercraft cover, and the support structure and the sheet are collapsible together for portability without separating the support structure and sheet. The invention also provides for improved retention systems useful for retaining the watercraft cover on the watercraft. Watercraft covers in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful for providing improved portability while preventing water collection.

Abstract: A hook seat tightening structure for ship covers comprises a body constituted by a seat and a housing, wherein two rollers, one turntable, one wheel, one lock bolt, and one lock member are located therein. A depressing piece and a tenon are located at two sides of the lock bolt respectively. The lock bolt can be rotated and elastically restored by the tenon, which is connected with a spring. The depressing piece is pressed against one-way ratchets on the turntable, and the lock bolt can be rotated subject to a control by a key. A rope enters and is reeved on the turntable and wheel, to constitute a tightening device permitting a one-way gliding of the rope. Accordingly, when the lock member is locked by rotating the key, the tenon on the lock member can be latched on the depressing piece of the lock bolt, thereby achieving a locking function.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. An over the center rotating latching member allows the collapsible frame to be quickly connected to the boat when not in use. The rotating latching member does not require the usage of removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. The rotating latching member also couples to an insert including an arcuate surface complementary to the rotating latch member. The insert includes slots that may be used to organize wires connected to the bimini top.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing an open area of a boat includes a canvas system with a fabric sheet having an edge formed thereon, a header extrusion mounted on an upper edge of a boat windshield, the header extrusion having a longitudinally extending and outwardly opening slot formed therein, and a plurality of fasteners attached to the fabric sheet at spaced apart locations, each fastener including a hook releasably engaged in the slot.

Abstract: A convertible boat top which is mounted on a bass or flats type boat and can be selectively deployed in an extended, functional position to cover occupants of the boat and a stowed, storage position on the side of the boat to prevent interference of the boat top with occupants engaged in fishing or other boating activities. The convertible boat top includes a pair of support stanchions for engaging the boat and a pair of attachment stanchions for engaging the boat in spaced-apart relationship to the support stanchions. A retractable boat top is selectively extendable from the support stanchions and removably engages the attachment stanchions to cover and shield occupants in the boat from adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A fastener cover capable of covering exposed studs on a boat contains a padded portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one socket sized to couple to an exposed stud. The socket is located on the bottom surface of the padded portion, so that when the fastener cover is attached to the exposed stud, the stud is covered by the padded portion.

Abstract: A portable, boat-supported duck blind that is collapsible and adjustable to fit most conventional boats. The boat mounted blind of the present invention includes two substantially identical elongated members, said members are positioned parallel to each other along both sides of the boat, front and rear cross-posts are connected to the elongated members, and first and second upper rails are connected to the cross-posts. Each elongated member is attached to a side of the boat with a pair of bendable posts, and a pair of cylinders is attached to the boat and the elongated members to assist the user in raising or collapsing the blind with minimal effort.

Abstract: A multipurpose marine safety storage system includes a safety storage unit for containing emergency/safety gear and which is adapted for quick release attachment to a marine craft. The safety storage system includes a storage unit having attachment locations for the attachment of modular containers for miscellaneous safety and personal items. The system is adapted for flotation by the incorporation in the storage unit of the sheet of buoyant material such as closed cell foam or an inflatable bladder so that the system serves as a flotation device as well as a container for bulky items such as life jackets. In the preferred embodiment the multipurpose storage system is secured on the undersurface of a cockpit cover so that items contained in the safety storage unit and modular containers are stored overhead and out-of-the-way yet are conveniently and instantly available in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A movement support system for an openable roof of a vehicle, in particular a boat, for mounting at the site of an opening formed in the roof of the vehicle for movably supporting at least one closure element for selectively covering the opening. The system includes a pair of elongate support modules configured as rectilinear bars, for mounting on the roof of the vehicle on opposite sides of the opening. Each support element has a track element extending substantially parallel to the support element with one or more carriage elements, connectable to the closure element, mounted thereon for longitudinal sliding. The system also includes a transmission for imparting movement controlled by a motor to at least one of the carriage elements.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: A solar powered watercraft including a pontoon section, a strut section, a deck section, and a solar canopy section is provided. The canopy section comprises a headliner layer, a ventilation space, and means for receiving solar radiation. The solar canopy may further comprise a means for flowing air through the ventilation space that includes a fan, a thermostatic switch, a photocell, air inlet ports, and air exhaust ports. The aft section of the pontoon, moreover, may possess a dual tapered design that reduces water friction and wake. The watercraft further includes means for containing a battery pack that, in turn, comprises means for removing heat and gaseous byproducts from the containing means. The containing means is either made integral with the pontoon or is attached to the pontoon's outer surface. The watercraft may possess an aft-oriented trim, which stabilizes the craft and reduces the effect of water forces.

Abstract: An adjustable bimini bracket is for use in connection with a boat having a railing tubular member on either side of the boat, and a bimini having strut tubular members. Left and right side plates are generally parallel and spaced apart. A transverse plate extends between the side plates. Ridges are disposed intermediate the transverse plate and the end. The side plates have a pair of collinear holes therethrough adjacent each end. The bimini bracket will slidingly engage the tubular member between the side plates. A bolt and a hand knob engage the first holes. The hand knob will be tightened, clamping the tubular member between the side plates, thereby preventing the bimini bracket from sliding on the tubular member. A second bolt and a nut engage the second holes for pivotal fastening of a strut tubular member to the bimini bracket, and for fastening a tie-down. The side plates taper upward in thickness from one end to the ridges. A plurality of ribs reinforces the side plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved watercraft cover, as well as its method of use. In some embodiments, the watercraft cover's support structure is normally irreversibly integrated into or retained by a sheet of the watercraft cover, and the support structure and the sheet are collapsible together for portability without separating the support structure and sheet. The invention also provides for improved retention systems useful for retaining the watercraft cover on the watercraft. Watercraft covers in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful for providing improved portability while preventing water collection.

Abstract: An insert for a plastic windshield of a boat, including an inner frame; an outer frame; a glass panel supported by said outer frames; and a washer and wiper assembly mounted on said glass panel. The insert allows users to operate a boat from an upper helm in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an easy-to-use, adjustable, drop-on cover for water craft that secures to the craft protecting it from UV light, heat, cold, water, wind, yard and road debris, and other environmental elements. The cover is comprised of a top panel, first and second side panels, a draw cord, straps, winch straps, and an attached storage bag for self storage. The panels each possess attached straps and/or winch straps to allow the cover to be adjusted to accommodate crafts of varying sizes. Although, the cover is generally designed to drop over the top of the water craft such that the hull of the craft is exposed, it may also be used in the reverse manner such that the cover is dropped over the hull of the water craft when the craft is stored upside down. The attached storage bag serves a dual purpose of a self storing bag within which the cover can be folded and stored when not in use and a red flag to alert vehicles when the cover is used on a water craft being transported by a vehicle.

Abstract: A tiltable top is provided for a small boat which allows the boat operator to quickly, manually raise or lower the top as desired. The tiltable top includes a pivotal shade frame and cover which is retained in a normal horizontal position during use or which can be released and allowed to pivot to an acute horizontal angle to lower wind resistence of the boat when the top is lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable member. The releasable member includes two members, one of which has at least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engaging a corresponding opening in the other member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to convertible tops for boats. More specifically, this invention relates to a remotely operated, automatic lift system for Bimini tops for water craft that moves the top from its down or travel position all the way to its fully extended open or up position and back down with an intermediate stop at the Radar position optional.

Abstract: A protective cover for a vehicle comprising a sheet or a web of a flexible material that possesses a property of buckling or curving in the upward direction from the vehicle with the formation of a canopy-type shield for protecting the vehicle from direct sun rays, birds' droppings, etc. The sheet has a length exceeding the length of the upper surface periphery of the vehicle so that the upwardly curved canopy is formed either by applying two oppositely directed forces to the opposite ends of the sheet or by prestressing the sheet. The sheet can be made from plastic or a fabric that incorporates springing metal strips that tend to curve upward when they are in a free state. The sheet can be conveniently stored in wound state in a cylindrical cassette. Storage of the flexible material in a wound state enhances the property of bucking or curving when the sheet is withdrawn from the cassette.

Abstract: A pontoon tarpaulin system for efficiently covering a pontoon. The pontoon tarpaulin system includes a plurality of support poles vertically extendable from a floor of a pontoon, a plurality of support bands extending between the ends of the pontoon and attachable to an upper end of the support poles, and a tarpaulin attached to a core capable of being rolled upon support bands. A handle is attachable within the core for allowing the user to roll the tarpaulin from an open position to a closed position. A plurality of rear supports are attachable to a rear of the pontoon for supporting the tarpaulin when rolled into a storage position. A plurality of front hooks are attachable to a front of the pontoon for catchably engaging the core when the tarpaulin is in the closed position.

Abstract: A customizable frame assembly for providing a housing structure for attachment to a boat rail arrangement on the gunnel of a boat. The assembly is utilized for supporting a covering of the boat. The assembly comprises an arrangement of hollow elongated members connected by a plurality of articulable joints. The arrangement includes a first hollow elongated member and a second hollow elongated member, each having a first end with a boat rail arrangement engaging portion thereon.

Abstract: In a boat having a rear transom of a type (1) transported on land on attached wheels in depending relation from brackets on the transom and (2) launched to provide a floating condition in a lake and (3) removing the wheels from the floating boat preparatory to making accessible the transom brackets and, using the transom brackets, to apply to a sun shade to the boat.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a towline from a watercraft, comprising a support structure of inverted U-shaped configuration comprising a pair of side supports. An overhead structure extends at upper ends of the side supports. The overhead structure includes fore and aft substructures. The support structure is adapted to be releasably mounted to a watercraft. A towline connector is provided on the aft substructure of the overhead structure for receiving a fore end of a towline. A protective cover is attached to the fore and aft substructures of the overhead structure.

Abstract: A swim lift platform using hydraulic force to lift a swimmer between positions in which the platform is above water level to a submerged position. The movement is under the control of a swimmer occupying the platform.

Abstract: A skirt for a boat hoist is provided to enclose a boat on the hoist. The skirt includes a plurality of panels adapted to be hung from the canopy frame of the hoist. One of the panels is a door panel which can be raised and lowered to provide access to the boat. Another panel is a rear panel extending across the rear end of the hoist and being moveable between raised and lowered positions to allow entry and exit of the boat to and from hoist. The door and rear panels are moveable independently of the side and front panels. The panels are weighted and may have wind vents to prevent blowing the panels in the wind.

Abstract: A boat cover assembly utilizes a windshield bottom trim element which mounts a boat windshield to also mount a boat cover or canopy. The windshield bottom trim element comprises an upper portion defining a windshield receiving channel, a bottom portion having a generally convex outer lower surface. a substantially hollow interior, and a side access opening, and a middle portion comprising a fastener-receiving side opening. A number of different types of fasteners may be received within the fastener-receiving side opening, each connected, or connectable, to a fabric (such as canvas) which can cover the windshield, and also serve as a boat top. The fastener may have a substantially flat first face, a second face having a stem, and first and second flexible projections extending outwardly from the stem, and fabric substantially permanently attached to the elongated body by stitching. The flexible projections may be received by undercut recesses at the access to the fastener-receiving side opening.