Abstract: A rowing shoe retaining system includes a plate mountable to a sole of a shoe and a receiver mountable to a footboard of a rowing boat. The receiver removably retains the plate, thereby removably retaining the shoe.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use on a stand-up paddleboard includes a base member which defines a base axis. A support shaft, with an affixed seat member, is engaged with the base member. In detail, the support shaft defines a shaft axis and is formed with diametrically opposed slots along the length of the support shaft. Protrusions, formed on the base member, are engaged with respective slots on the support shaft to selectively move the support shaft on the base member between a stowed configuration wherein the shaft axis is substantially perpendicular to the base axis, and a sitting configuration wherein the shaft axis is coaxially aligned with the base axis. In operation, a reconfiguration of the seat assembly is accomplished to provide the stand-up paddleboard user with a place to sit during an on-the-water operation of the stand-up paddleboard.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft is provided that includes a hull, and a cockpit connected to the hull. Disposed within the cockpit are first and second adjustable foot braces that are connected to the hull. Each of the adjustable foot braces is operable to define a variety of different foot positions. As well, the adjustable foot braces are each operable with a respective adjustment rod, and a structural configuration of each of the adjustable foot braces is the same regardless of whether the respective adjustment rod is present or not.

Abstract: A seating system for marine vessels and watercraft including a chair having a backrest and a seat bottom and a lounge extension element wherein a first end of the extension element is hingeably attached to and extends from the seat bottom and wherein a second end of the extension element is configured to be hingeably attached to a first rigid structure such as a bulkhead on a watercraft. The seating system is convertible between a forward-facing seat configuration and an aft-facing lounger configuration. In the aft-facing lounger configuration, the extension element and the seat bottom are substantially parallel to one another. In the forward-facing seat configuration, the extension element is substantially upright and at an acute angle with respect to said seat bottom.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device for providing a changing room and/or bathroom space on a watercraft. More specifically, a lounge chair is configured to open either manually or with aid of gas or air shocks in certain embodiments to reveal a changing room and/or bathroom space. On opening, a header bracket is released and deployed, in certain embodiments with aid of gas or air shocks, whereby the privacy curtain's substantially opaque and lightweight fabric is deployed around the revealed space.

Abstract: A lounge assembly includes a movable backrest to be positioned at multiple locations on its seating surface. The backrest is supported by plate supports extending into the seat below its seating surface to connect to a slidable carriage assembly used to move the backrest. The backrest can be locked into selected positions on the lounge assembly seating surface. The lounge assembly is especially adapted for a boat.

Abstract: A traction pad system for use on a stand-up paddleboard contains an integrated seat feature that may be easily raised by the user at any desired time. The system includes a paddleboard mounting pad, a seat, a bracing mechanism, and an adhesive. The paddleboard mounting pad contains a seat-receiving hole, a first surface, and a second surface; the adhesive is superimposed over the second surface and is used to fasten the system to the top of a paddleboard. The seat fits inside the seat-receiving hole in a flush manner and is hingedly attached to the paddleboard mounting pad; the seat therefore does not interfere with the operations of the user when not in use. The seat is structurally supported by the bracing mechanism in the raised state.

Abstract: Portable stations, consoles, seats, storage containers, compartments and easy to attach and detach accessories and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus for use with standup paddle boards and decks on other watercraft. The stations can be formed from lightweight plastic, and are floatable. The stations have plural seats and storage compartments for gear, food, beverages, gloves and other items, and include holders to support fishing rods and posts for shade covers.

Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly includes a stationary support member and a footrest member. The stationary support member is configured and arranged for coupling to a boat structure with a pivot axis extending through a portion of the stationary support member. The footrest member has a footrest surface coupled to the stationary support member for pivotal movement about the pivot axis. The footrest member is configured and arranged to support a shoe such that with the shoe positioned on the footrest surface the pivot axis extends laterally through the shoe between a sole of the shoe and an upper surface of the shoe.

Abstract: A system of components for modifying a watercraft leaning post to provide greater flexibility while maintaining firm support to a boat operator and/or boat passengers. The components include spring modules fitted to the aft side legs of a leaning post, and hinge modules fitted to the forward legs. The top section of the leaning post may then tilt backwards under pressure from the top and/or the bow side. The spring modules are preferably torsion springs configured to fit within a gap created in each of the two aft legs of a four-legged leaning post. The hinge modules positioned within the two forward legs of the leaning post are preferably cylindrical yoke type hinges. The components may be assembled into kit form that includes attachment nuts and bolts that allow modification of an existing leaning post without the need for specialty tools or skills.

Abstract: A platform for a vessel that includes integrated and stowable seating. The platform comprises a platform surface, at least one seating recess, and at least one seat back panel. The seating recess is disposed below the platform surface. The seat back panel has an inner surface and an opposing outer surface and is pivotably attached to the seating recess to provide a plurality of operative positions, including an open seating position and a closed position. In the closed position, the outer surface of the seat back panel is substantially flush with respect to the platform surface, providing a continuous and unobstructed boarding/swimming platform. The open seating position provides an aftward seating configuration. Both the seating recess and seat back panel can removably receive cushions for added comfort and support of the user. The configuration maximizes usable platform space when the seat back panels are closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing back support for a user seated on an inflated tube of an inflatable boat. A support element, which supports the user's back, is coupled to one or more anchor points within the boat via circum-tubular coupling elements that prevent the support element from rotating about the tube.

Abstract: A watercraft having a chair with seat securely carried on the watercraft, the chair having a tubular frame comprising a seat frame, a back frame, and arms above and at each side of the seat frame. The seat and back frames are joined via a hinged connection. The front support legs extend downwardly from the front of each of the arms and terminate in a foot-like projection. A U-shaped rear chair support having downwardly extending portions at the rear of each of the arms, which are joined at their lower extremity by a horizontal portion. The surface of the watercraft has adhered thereto two spaced apart shoes for receiving the feet.

Abstract: A paddleboard storage and seat support assembly stores items on a paddleboard, supports a person in an upright seated position on the paddleboard, and provides support for carrying the paddleboard while walking. The assembly includes a panel and a cord having a first end and a second end. Each of the first end and the second end is coupled to a respective end of the panel. Each of a pair of foot straps is couplable to the panel such that respective looped ends of the foot straps are positioned in spaced relationship to the panel for engaging feet of a user while the panel is positioned against a back of the user such that the panel supports the back of the user in an upright seated position.

Abstract: A rowing shoe retaining system includes a plate mountable to a sole of a shoe and a receiver mountable to a footboard of a rowing boat. The receiver removably retains the plate, thereby removably retaining the shoe.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that includes a body, at least a portion of the body having a unitary one-piece construction. The body includes a hull and a cockpit that is integral with the hull, and the cockpit includes a seating area. Finally, the example watercraft includes a backrest connected to the body near the seating area and rotatable between a substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, and movement of the backrest is limited to rotational motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device for providing a changing room and/or bathroom space on a watercraft. More specifically, a lounge chair is configured to open either manually or with aid of gas or air shocks in certain embodiments to reveal a changing room and/or bathroom space. On opening, a header bracket is released and deployed, in certain embodiments with aid of gas or air shocks, whereby the privacy curtain's substantially opaque and lightweight fabric is deployed around the revealed space.

Abstract: A boat seat base assembly includes a pair of opposed side panels and a pair of opposed end panels joined to the side panels by means of shaped connecting members formed in one of the side panels and end panels and shaped apertures formed in one of the side panels and end panels wherein the shaped connecting members are slideably received in the shaped apertures with an interference between the shaped connecting members and the shaped apertures.

Abstract: A seat mounting assembly is provided for quick and easy attachment to a transverse bench-style seat of a fishing or Jon-type boat. The seat mounting assembly is quickly and easily attached to the bench-style seat such that the seat mounting assembly allows a seat attached thereto to slide longitudinally to the transverse bench seat. The unique interface of a seat base and a track of the seat mounting assembly helps ensure that the seat attached to the seat mounting assembly will not tip relative to the bench-style seat, while the low profile design of the seat mounting assembly helps keep the center of gravity of a boat to which the seat mounting assembly is installed substantially unchanged.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a multi-functional bench system for an inflatable boat having a bottom wall, spaced apart first and second tubular side walls, and an outboard motor. The bench system includes a first seating unit, a second seating unit, and an adjustable bracing assembly. The first seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the first tubular side wall. The first seating unit includes a first leg assembly hingedly connected to a first handle assembly. The second seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the second tubular side wall. The second seating unit includes a second leg assembly hingedly connected to a second handle assembly. The adjustable bracing assembly is positioned about the bottom wall of the inflatable boat and securely interconnects the first and second leg assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing back support for a user seated on an inflated tube of an inflatable boat. A support element, which supports the user's back, is coupled to one or more anchor points within the boat via circum-tubular coupling elements that prevent the support element from rotating about the tube.

Abstract: A maneuverable, rigid-hulled, water vessel having a hot tub recessed into or otherwise installed into a rigid boat hull. The vessel, which takes the form of a “hot tub boat,” can float on a body of water, be maneuverable while being propelled on the water, may be towed on the water, and may be moored at a dock. Since the vessel is a hot tub within a rigid boat hull, the vessel may be propelled through water with an inboard or outboard motor. In one embodiment, the vessel may be piloted while the pilot relaxes in the hot tub or while lounging on a deck of the hot tub boat. The deck of the hot tub boat may have a reverse camber to help direct heated water back into the hot tub. A temperature of the water in the hot tub may be maintained by onboard water heating and circulation systems such that the hot tub boat may be taken out on the water for several hours or more.

Abstract: A fiberglass pontoon boat, having raised and integrated fiberglass side rails, a flat floor, and a side entry level with the flat floor. Integrated seats are molded in fiberglass. The hull and deck join together by flexing the hull to compensate for opposing draft angles of the hull and deck at the side entry. The deck has a floor and at least one other interior component, and terminates in a deck trim flange. The hull has at least two hollow pontoons and at least two side rails that extend from an outer edge of the pontoons, and the hull terminates in a hull trim flange. When assembled, the hull trim flange operatively engages beneath the deck trim flange to form a unified pontoon boat having a space between the deck and hull and wherein the side rails are integrated as structural parts of the interior component.

Abstract: A multi-position seat for a kayak or other watercraft includes a seat frame and a pivotally connected back support. A pair of side elevation adjusters engages the seat frame on its lateral sides. Each adjuster includes a thumbwheel adjuster within an elevator traveler within a side frame, the traveler engaging a threaded shaft that is held in a fixed rotational position. The frame includes a tunnel structure associated with a front cross member. A strap passes through the tunnel, exits at lateral sides of the front cross member, and connects to lateral sides of the pivotally connected back support. The strap is user-adjustable in length so that the angle of the back to the seat is adjustable. The seat is thereby adjustable in angle front-to-back, can be canted left-to-right, changed in elevation, and the back support can be adjusted in angle and elevation.

Abstract: A paddle force transfer assembly is provided that is adapted to be installed about an existing canoe bench seat. The assembly secures the thighs of a canoe occupant while providing a foot brace under the seat, whereby the occupant can bear against the thigh supports and the foot brace when exerting force on the canoe paddle in rough water conditions. The thigh supports may be biased to rotate into an upright, open configuration when the user retracts his or her thighs therefrom, whereby the user is not restrained by the supports in a capsizing event. The assembly anchors to the interior surface of the canoe about the canoe seat and is secured thereto and around the seat using a plurality of anchors and strap connectors that transfer load from the paddle, through the user and the present assembly, and into the canoe for increased control without sacrificing emergency exit safety.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to recreational self-propelled watercraft. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft including a hull, a deck comprising a first seat receiver configured to support a seat at a higher position and a second seat receiver configured to support the seat at a lower position, and a seat securing mechanism configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure the seat to the deck.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprising: a) a generally vertical outer hull; b) a bottom member affixed to the lower edge of said outer hull and closing the watercraft from the encroachment of surrounding water into the vessel; c) a generally concave inner hull rigidly attached at its upper edge to the upper edge of said outer hull and extending downwardly toward said bottom; and d) a generally horizontal deck fixedly attached at its edges to the lower edge of said inner hull to form an enclosed space with said outer hull, inner hull, and bottom member; said deck having a size sufficient for the support of at least one person in a standing or reclining position and of sufficient cient strength and support to avoid undue bending from the weight of the user.

Abstract: A boat access hatch and compartment are provided, wherein the hatch cover also serves as a seat for the boat, and includes a three-dimensional, multi-planar configuration. In one embodiment, the hatch cover includes three panels. A generally vertically oriented backrest panel is attached to a rear side of a horizontal seating panel. A front vertical panel is attached to an opposed end of the seating panel. In a preferred embodiment, the three-panel hatch cover is integrally formed into a monolithic, single unit that includes a hinge at or near an upper rear portion of the backrest panel. Seat cushions may be provided on the seat panel and the backrest panel.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that includes a body, at least a portion of the body having a unitary one-piece construction. The body includes a hull and a cockpit that is integral with the hull, and the cockpit includes a seating area. Finally, the example watercraft includes a backrest connected to the body near the seating area and rotatable between a substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, and movement of the backrest is limited to rotational motion.

Abstract: A lightweight watercraft device designed for use by general consumers and those without means or desire for a traditional, larger boat. The device comprises a pilot seat, an outboard electric motor and steering means mounted to a lightweight foam hull wrapped in a composite shell. The hull comprises a central region bounded by two forward sweeping sides that form the bow of the vessel. The sides taper from bow to stern, terminating at the rear of the boat in a squared configuration. The hull is a unitary foam structure, wrapped in plys of composite material for structural reinforcement. A plank board is bonded between plys along the central axis of the boat, and provides support for the seat, a rear transom board and an area for carrying supplies. Mounted on the transom board is the outboard electric motor, which provides motive power for the vessel.

Abstract: A pontoon boat including a plurality of pontoons and a deck secured to the pontoons. A wall assembly is anchored to and extends upwardly from the deck to provide an interior space of the deck for accommodating passengers. The pontoon boat includes a substantially enclosed storage space defined at least in part by a portion of the deck and a portion of the wall assembly. The wall assembly has a bottom edge that is spaced off of the deck to provide a first air access opening into the storage space from beneath the wall. At least one vent is provided in the wall portion at a location spaced above the bottom edge and in open communication with the storage space. The vent enhances air flow and venting of the storage space.

Abstract: A system of components for modifying a watercraft leaning post to provide greater flexibility while maintaining firm support to a boat operator and/or boat passengers. The components include spring modules fitted to the aft side legs of a leaning post, and hinge modules fitted to the forward legs. The top section of the leaning post may then tilt backwards under pressure from the top and/or the bow side. The spring modules are preferably torsion springs configured to fit within a gap created in each of the two aft legs of a four-legged leaning post. The hinge modules positioned within the two forward legs of the leaning post are preferably cylindrical yoke type hinges. The components may be assembled into kit form that includes attachment nuts and bolts that allow modification of an existing leaning post without the need for specialty tools or skills.

Abstract: A paddled watercraft is disclosed that is readily convertible between a stand-up paddleboard configuration and a seated paddling configuration. The watercraft includes a board with an operator body support assembly attached onto the top deck of the board, the body support assembly being capable of being reconfigured to support a person in a standing position for padding from a standing position, or to support a person in a seated position for paddling from a seated position. The watercraft can be converted from stand-up paddling configuration to a seated paddling configuration while underway on open waters.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring people and/or personal equipment from a first location to a second location, the transfer device being coupled to a lifting device and comprising an outer structure in the form of a cage connected to a base and defining an inner space. Seating elements are disposed on the device's base, arranged radially around its center. The device also comprises shock absorbing means situated on the sides of the outer structure facing each of the seating elements to protect passengers from frontal impacts.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to recreational self-propelled watercraft. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft including a hull, a deck comprising a first seat receiver configured to support a seat at a higher position and a second seat receiver configured to support the seat at a lower position, and a seat securing mechanism configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure the seat to the deck.

Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, an attachment structure, a limit structure and an adjustment structure. The attachment structure is coupled to the base, and configured and arranged to support a cleat. The limit structure limits a movement of the cleat to a first movement range in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal boat direction. The adjustment structure is provided at a location such that the adjustment structure adjusts the first movement range to a second movement range that is smaller than the first movement range.

Abstract: Boats including elevated walkways that are useful for increasing cabin height in a boat, such as a bow rider style boat, are described. Such elevated walkways are elevated relative to either a cockpit deck portion or a deck portion of a bow area and can be used to connect the bow area to the cockpit area. The cabin of a boat with an elevated walkway as described is located at least partially below the elevated walkway. The portion of the cabin below the elevated walkway has a ceiling area that is elevated relative to either the deck portion of the bow area or the cockpit area deck portion where the elevated walkway overlaps the cabin space. Elevated walkways as described herein are located on the boat such that they either overlap the central longitudinal axis of the boat or the end of the elevated walkway near the cockpit is located between port and starboard dash consoles.

Abstract: A watercraft having a chair with seat securely carried on the watercraft, the chair having a tubular frame comprising a seat frame, a back frame, and arms above and at each side of the seat frame. The seat and back frames are joined via a hinged connection. The front support legs extend downwardly from the front of each of the arms and terminate in a foot-like projection. A U-shaped rear chair support having downwardly extending portions at the rear of each of the arms, which are joined at their lower extremity by a horizontal portion. The surface of the watercraft has adhered thereto two spaced apart shoes for receiving the feet.

Abstract: A seat for a watercraft having a housing section defining a space for receiving a rider, the seat comprising a base seat comprising a longitudinal arcuate base projection or groove extending downwardly or upwardly along a longitudinal axis of the watercraft, the housing section comprising a longitudinal arcuate housing groove or projection extending downwardly or upwardly along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal arcuate base projection or groove and the longitudinal arcuate housing groove or projection registering with one another such that, in use, the rider can move the base seat from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration being different than the second configuration.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use on a stand-up paddleboard includes a base member which defines a base axis. A support shaft, with an affixed seat member, is engaged with the base member. In detail, the support shaft defines a shaft axis and is formed with diametrically opposed slots along the length of the support shaft. Protrusions, formed on the base member, are engaged with respective slots on the support shaft to selectively move the support shaft on the base member between a stowed configuration wherein the shaft axis is substantially perpendicular to the base axis, and a sitting configuration wherein the shaft axis is coaxially aligned with the base axis. In operation, a reconfiguration of the seat assembly is accomplished to provide the stand-up paddleboard user with a place to sit during an on-the-water operation of the stand-up paddleboard.

Abstract: A seat mounting assembly is provided for quick and easy attachment to a transverse bench-style seat of a fishing or Jon-type boat. The seat mounting assembly is quickly and easily attached to the bench-style seat such that the seat mounting assembly allows a seat attached thereto to slide longitudinally to the transverse bench seat. The unique interface of a seat base and a track of the seat mounting assembly helps ensure that the seat attached to the seat mounting assembly will not tip relative to the bench-style seat, while the low profile design of the seat mounting assembly helps keep the center of gravity of a boat to which the seat mounting assembly is installed substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A sectional shape of a seat provided on a personal watercraft includes first to third seat portions, first to third hip support portions, and first and second rearward inclined portions. The first hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second seat portion from the first seat portion. The second hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the third seat portion and higher than the first hip support portion from the second seat portion. The third hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second hip support portion from the third seat portion. The second rearward inclined portion is inclined at an inclination angle larger than an inclination angle of the first rearward inclined portion with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A rowing shoe binding structure includes a cleat attachment structure and an adapter. The cleat attachment structure has at least one shoe sole facing surface. The shoe sole facing surface faces a shoe sole of a rowing shoe upon attaching the rowing shoe to the rowing shoe binding structure. The adapter is detachably coupled to the cleat attachment structure. The adapter includes at least one adapting portion that is configured to be disposed on the shoe sole facing surface of the cleat attachment structure.

Abstract: A multi-position seat for a kayak or other watercraft includes a seat frame and a pivotally connected back support. A pair of side elevation adjusters engages the seat frame on its lateral sides. Each adjuster includes a thumbwheel adjuster within an elevator traveler within a side frame, the traveler engaging a threaded shaft that is held in a fixed rotational position. The frame includes a tunnel structure associated with a front cross member. A strap passes through the tunnel, exits at lateral sides of the front cross member, and connects to lateral sides of the pivotally connected back support. The strap is user-adjustable in length so that the angle of the back to the seat is adjustable. The seat is thereby adjustable in angle front-to-back, can be canted left-to-right, changed in elevation, and the back support can be adjusted in angle and elevation.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring people and/or personal equipment from a first location to a second location, the transfer device being coupled to a lifting device and comprising an outer structure in the form of a cage connected to a base and defining an inner space. Seating elements are disposed on the device's base, arranged radially around its center. The device also comprises shock absorbing means situated on the sides of the outer structure facing each of the seating elements to protect passengers from frontal impacts.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that has a body which includes a hull, a cockpit connected with the hull, and a backrest removably attached to the body. The watercraft may additionally include a fish tail configuration near a stern of the watercraft.

Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member, a first pivot structure and a second pivot structure. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The first pivot structure pivotally supports the foot-rudder control member on the base. The first pivot structure defines a first pivot axis of pivotal movement between the foot-rudder control member and the base. The second pivot structure pivotally supports the footrest member on the foot-rudder control member to change a shoe inclination of the footrest member with respect to the foot-rudder control member. The second pivot structure defines a second pivot axis of pivotal movement between the footrest member and the foot-rudder control member. The second pivot axis is not parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to recreational self-propelled watercraft. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft including a hull, a deck comprising a first seat receiver configured to support a seat at a higher position and a second seat receiver configured to support the seat at a lower position, and a seat securing mechanism configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure the seat to the deck.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped slide plate having undercurved opposite side edges for adjusting the front to back location of a boat accessory, a pair of elongated rigid, U-shaped members for supporting a boat accessory are mounted on the slide plate at the edges of the slide plate transverse to the curved edges.

Abstract: A reclining marine seat is provided. An embodiment of the reclining marine seat marine seat comprises a seat back retainer section having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a top surface. The reclining marine seat further comprises a back having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a bottom surface. The back is pivotal between first and second positions with respect to the seat back retainer section. The bottom surface of the back does not extend above the top surface of the seat back retainer section during movement of the back between the first and second positions. The reclining marine seat further includes a seat. First and second frames are provided to support the back and seat.