Abstract: An adjustable seat having an upright position and an inclined position for use on a watercraft, wherein the seat includes a frame; a movable seat bottom having an upper surface that is at a greater angle relative to the horizontal in the inclined position than in the upright position; and a movable seat back that is at a greater angle relative to the vertical in the inclined position than in the upright position. A rear portion of the seat bottom may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position, and the seat back may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position. The adjustable seat may include a gas-assist strut connected between the frame and one of either the seat bottom or the seat back. The frame may include at least one slot to facilitate movement of the adjustable seat from the upright position to the inclined position, and the seat may further include a support member movable in the slot.

Abstract: A storage space can be defined above an engine hatch of a hull. A rear end portion of the hatch cover can have an opening into which a seat can be retracted into the storage space. A rear end portion of the seat can define part of the hatch cover when the seat is retracted within the storage space. A rail section can be disposed within the storage space. The seat can be movable between the inside and outside of the storage space by moving along the rail section in a fore to aft direction. Also, a support unit can engage with a bottom end of a guide groove to support the seat when the seat extends from the hatch cover.

Abstract: A boat having a deck section, e.g., a forward deck, having an opening in which a pivotable seat assembly is located. The pivotable seat assembly includes a seat that mounted on a frame and is arranged to be pivoted from a closed position, wherein the back of the seat forms a hatch closing the opening in the deck section, to an open position wherein plural passengers can be seated on the seat in the deck section. The frame pivotably supports the seat. A hydraulic actuating system under electrical control is provided arranged to pivot the seat between its closed and open positions and vice versa.

Abstract: For removably coupling a boat apparatus, such as a boat seat or table, to a boat deck, a base plate having a clamping slot is attached to the boat deck and the boat seat or table or the like is supported by a base assembly having a clamping bolt. The base assembly is placed over the base plate with the clamping bolt engaged in the clamping slot and a manually operable member on the base assembly is manually operated to releasably clamp the bolt securely in place in the associated slot.

Abstract: A strap apparatus for holding a foldable boat seat including a seat back pivotally connected to a seat base in a folded down position is provided. The strap apparatus comprises an elongated strap body that is made of a material having a high stretch resistance, a first fastener for attaching the strap body to the seat base, and a second fastener for removably attaching the strap body to the seat back such that when the strap body is attached to the seat back, at least a portion of the strap body extends between the first fastener and the second fastener. Strap adjustment apparatus are associated with the strap body and function to adjust the length of the portion of the strap body that extends between the first fastener and the second fastener when the strap body is attached to the seat back and thereby allow the seat back to be pulled down tight against the seat base. A foldable boat seat and a method of installing a replacement foldable boat seat strap on a foldable boat seat are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for body motion steering control for water craft powered by an outboard motor. A swivel seat is co-axially mounted to a single swivel permitting rotation of the seat about a first vertical axis. There is engagement/disengagement means mounted to the backrest of the seat. Transmission means comprises a first, second and third transmission members connected between the engagement/disengagement means and the outboard motor. The swivel seat is easily removed from the vessel by way of a pinned hinge. Safety features are incorporated which prevent over steering of the vessel when in the body motion steering mode.

Abstract: A boat having a jump seat is provided. The boat includes a boat hull having a recessed passenger compartment. The jump seat includes a support assembly comprising a support deck and a sleeve. A seat cushion is provided for selectively resting on a portion of the deck assembly and being stowed within the pocket. The deck assembly can be used both as a seat support and as a standing deck eliminating the need to stand on a cushion to thereby provide a more stable convertible standing area.

Abstract: An adjustable boat platform is provided that attaches to a conventional boat and transforms it into a fishing platform typically found on a bass boat. The invention attaches to the perimeter of just about any “V”-bottom boat using special slots and locking pins.

Abstract: A molded seat for individually propelled watercraft having a deck with sloped sides extending there from and a plurality of opposing grooves of a defined shape formed in the deck and sloping sides. The seat has at least 4 legs to integrate into corresponding grooves formed into the deck, where the base has a bottom integral with the at least 4 legs and 4 integral side walls rising from the bottom. The two side walls opposing each other further comprise small extensions to extend over the sloping sides of a watercraft for a secure engagement with the watercraft and at least one side wall comprises at least one rod holder.

Abstract: A boat having a deck section, e.g., a forward deck, having an opening in which a pivotable seat assembly is located. The pivotable seat assembly includes a seat that mounted on a frame and is arranged to be pivoted from a closed position, wherein the back of the seat forms a hatch closing the opening in the deck section, to an open position wherein plural passengers can be seated on the seat in the deck section. The frame pivotably supports the seat. A hydraulic actuating system under electrical control is provided arranged to pivot the seat between its closed and open positions and vice versa.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a boat including a contiguous seating area across a stern of the boat. The contiguous seating area includes a main portion and at least one removable portion that can be removed to provide access to an entryway to a deck of the boat. The boat also includes a base pivotally attached to a boat deck, whereby the base can pivot between an open position and closed position to provide access to a power source within a boat hull. The base defines a storage bin with a compartment for storage. A lid pivotally attaches to the base, whereby the lid can pivot from an open position to a closed position to provide access to the storage bin. A seat attaches to the lid and is supported by the base. A backrest pivotally attaches to the base and pivots between a sitting position and a reclining position.

Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for use in a watercraft (12) having a deck (14). The seat assembly (10) comprises a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) spaced from the first portion (16). First (52) and second (54) connector panels that are separable from and independent of the first (16) and second (18) portions interconnect the first (16) and second (18) portions. A plurality of locking tabs (56) extend from each of the connector panels (52,54) and are inserted into a plurality of slots (58) defined in the portions (16,18) to connect the connector panels (52,54) to the first (16) and second (18) portions. A mounting bracket (84) is attached to a base (82) of each of the connector panels (52,54) and perpendicularly extends from the connector panels (52,54) to mount the connector panels (52,54) to the deck (14) thereby securing the first (16) and second (18) portions to the deck (14).

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft can be provided with: a supporting member that supports a straddle-type seat on a deck thereof. Steering handlebars can be disposed in front of the seat. A space can be formed between the seat and the deck directly underneath the seat, extending approximately over the entire length of the seat in a fore-and-aft direction of the watercraft. The supporting member can have an upper portion secured to the seat, a lower portion secured to the deck, and an intermediate portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The intermediate portion can be provided at either the front end or the rear end of the seat.

Abstract: A kayak user braces his or her feet against footrests that project inward from the sides of the kayak. The positions of the footrests can be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights, and the footrests can be pivoted to control the position of the rudder of the kayak.

Abstract: An ice shelter modular seating system includes a base unit, one or more seat mount units and one or more seat leg units. The base unit is a generally rectangular tub-like member having a front wall and a floor. The floor includes a longitudinally extending and integrally formed track. This track is functionally adapted to receive the lowermost portion of the seat leg units in it, the track being used to restrain the seat leg units from front to back movement relative to the base unit front wall. A seat mount unit is removably attachable to the base unit front wall and is configured to rest upon the seat leg unit. In this fashion, seat mount units can be positioned along the base unit as desired or required in an almost infinite number of positions and combination of positions, with placement of the seat mount units being be made quickly and easily.

Abstract: A portable folding seat has a fabric seat supported in an open position by support rods and a rigid canister. In an open position, the canister functions as a pedestal for the seat and is removably affixed to a mounting surface. The folding seat may be folded into a retracted position such that the fabric seat is completely enclosed within the canister. A removable cap is provided to close the top opening of the canister when the folding boat seat is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a personal watercraft, comprises a seat portion. A support portion is connected to the seat portion, and is adapted to connect the seat portion to the personal watercraft in a seating position of the seat assembly, in which a rider of the personal watercraft is in a seated position on the personal watercraft. A storable configuration is provided between the seat portion and the support portion, for the seat assembly to be displaceable while being connected to the personal watercraft between the seating position and a collapsed position in which the seat assembly is adapted to be stored in the personal watercraft, such that the rider of the personal watercraft can be in a standing or kneeling position on the personal watercraft.

Abstract: A convertible bow arrangement for a boat, permitting the bow of the boat to be converted from a flush deck configuration to an open bow configuration. A deck extension is positioned over a footwell in the flush deck configuration and folded beneath and stowed under a forward hatch in the open bow configuration.

Abstract: A boat deck including a bow convertible between a flush deck and an open bow. The boat deck includes a removable deck portion positioned above a footwell forming a portion of the forward deck flush with the remainder of the deck. To convert to an open bow, the removable deck portion is removed from over the footwell and stowed along a forward bulkhead within the footwell.

Abstract: A watercraft of the “float boat” type, including spaced apart inflatable pontoons interconnected by a platform structure having a chair thereon and a front ramp and support rail movable between a stowed out-of-the way position to a use position and including a removable wheel for moving the float boat over land.

Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for use in a watercraft (12) having a deck (14) is provided. The seat assembly (10) comprises a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) spaced from the first portion (16). First (52) and second (54) connector panels that are separable from and independent of the first (16) and second (18) portions interconnect the first (16) and second (18) portions. A plurality of locking tabs (56) extend from each of the connector panels (52,54) and are inserted into a plurality of slots (58) defined in the portions (16,18) to connect the connector panels (52,54) to the first (16) and second (18) portions. A mounting bracket (84) is attached to a base (82) of each of the connector panels (52,54) and perpendicularly extends from the connector panels (52,54) to mount the connector panels (52,54) to the deck (14) thereby securing the first (16) and second (18) portions to the deck (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a rowing seat for use in a rowboat. The seat includes a chest and abdomen support designed to provide support and leverage for rowers of rearward facing rowboats. The seat includes a clamp so that it may be removably secured to a rowboat bench. The seat further includes a hinge between the seat and the chest support so that the chest support may be collapsed to a horizontal position when not in use.

Abstract: For removably coupling a boat apparatus, such as a boat table or seat, to a boat deck, a base plate having an arcuate or curved clamping slot is attached to the boat deck and the table or the like is securely coupled to a base assembly having a downward extending clamping device. The base assembly is placed on the base plate with the clamping device engaged in the clamping slot and the base assembly is then twisted or turned so that the clamping device slides to the end of the slot and a member on the base assembly is then manually operated to releasably clamp the clamping device securely in place in the associated slot.

Abstract: A deck base for mounting a seat on a deck of a boat is molded from plastic as a single part. A downwardly extending tube receives a pedestal mount from the seat. Structural support is provided to this tube, including a concentric outer tube, and frusto-conical supporting web. The plate portion of the deck base has a caulking groove at its outer periphery.

Abstract: A personal watercraft (PWC) is disclosed that is convertible between a stand-up type watercraft, and at least one of a straddle-type watercraft and a sit-down type watercraft. The PWC includes a hull supporting a power source, and a deck, the deck supporting a steering handle support assembly. A seat assembly is removably supported by the deck, such that the seat assembly can be selectively removed by the user so that the personal watercraft can be operated with and without the seat assembly.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a boat including a base pivotally attached to a boat deck, whereby the base can pivot between an open position and closed position to provide access to an power source within a boat hull. The base defines a storage bin with a compartment for storage. A lid pivotally attaches to the base, whereby the lid can pivot from an open position to a closed position to provide access to the storage bin. A seat attaches to the lid and is supported by the base. A backrest pivotally attaches to the base and pivots between a sitting position and a reclining position.

Abstract: A safety seatback for mounting to the rear of a watercraft is disclosed. The seatback rotates about the seat of the watercraft from an upright position to a boarding position. In the upright position the seatback prevents the passenger/rider from falling backward from the watercraft. In the boarding position the seatback does not interfere with a passenger/rider attempting to board the watercraft from the water and aids the person boarding the craft from the water. The seatback may be rotated by the passenger/rider from within the water or, in an alternate embodiment, may be remotely operated by the driver.

Abstract: A seating system for use in a watercraft is disclosed. The seating system comprises a seat pan adapted to be mounted to the watercraft, a pad coupled to the seat pan and adapted to provide a seating surface for the user, and a back rest coupled to the seat pan. The seating system further comprises a first adjustment mechanism configured to provide for and aft adjustment of the seating position, a second adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the back rest without having to exit the watercraft, and a third adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the seating surface.

Abstract: A safety device to prevent a passenger from becoming injured during a crash, severe weather conditions, or other event that could cause bodily harm. The safety device comprises a substantially fracture resistant spherical shell and at least one harnessed passenger seat.

Abstract: A deck base for mounting a seat on a deck of a boat is molded from plastic as a single part. A downwardly extending tube receives a pedestal mount from the seat. Structural support is provided to this tube, including a concentric outer tube, and frusto-conical supporting web. The plate portion of the deck base has a caulking groove at its outer periphery.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a personal watercraft, wherein the personal watercraft includes a cockpit configured to accommodate a user, a first item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at least partially within the cockpit, wherein the first item of outfitting includes a first fluid-holding bladder inflatable by the user to increase the snugness of fit of the first item of outfitting on the user, a second item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at least partially within the cockpit, wherein the second item of outfitting includes a second fluid-holding bladder inflatable by the user to increase the snugness of fit of the second item of outfitting on the user, a pump for inflating the first bladder and the second bladder, a fluid supply line connecting the first bladder and the second bladder to the pump, and a valve disposed along the fluid supply line, wherein the valve is configured to allow fluid flow from the pump to be selectively directed into at least one of the first bladder and the second bladder

Abstract: A seat back system that includes a pair of seat benches for mounting to the floor of an open bow section of a pleasure boat that each include seat backs that are individually mounted to pivot from a vertical, seat back attitude, to a horizontal attitude covering over the open bow section and includes an arrangement for pivoting the seat backs that can be hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical, that each involve an extending piston between a boat floor and at a location along a brace that is secured to a seat back side, extending at a right angle therefrom, with piston extension to provide seat back travel, providing a load bearing deck.

Abstract: A boat seat release system for assisting in the efficient and safe removal of a boat seat from a taper lock base. The boat seat release system includes a collar attachable to a pedestal and a pedal pivotally attached to the collar for selectively engaging a taper lock lever of a taper lock base to release the pedestal from base. The collar preferably has one or more rollers for engaging an upper surface of the base thereby simultaneously lifting the pedestal thereby breaking the frictional seal of the pedestal and the base.

Abstract: A boat having an inboard/outboard drive unit is disclosed herein. The drive unit includes an engine covered by a hood. The hood is movable between an open position and a closed position. Seats are positioned on opposite sides of the hood. The seats are carried with the hood as the hood is moved between the open and closed positions. Seats that are moveable to enhance access to the stern are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides an attachment for inflatable watercraft such as inflatable rafts to render such watercraft more suitable for sports fishing. The attachment includes a swivelable seat mounted at a convenient height for fishing, oarlocks mounted at the optimum position for rowing while seated, and, in the preferred embodiment, means for deploying an anchor or drag to keep the watercraft in the desired location. The attachment is mounted on and supported by the gunwales of the inflatable watercraft, to distribute the weight of the attachment and its user over as wide an area as possible in order to enhance the stability of the watercraft in use.

Abstract: A that receives impact energy from its environment during use is disclosed. The watercraft comprising a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, and an apparatus that provides structural support to the hull and the deck. The apparatus comprises a member disposed along an interior surface of the hull and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the hull, and a first support coupled to the member and the deck. The apparatus is configured to return at least a portion of the energy to the environment. An apparatus to provide structural support for a watercraft having a hull and a deck and configured to receive impact energy from its environment during use is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a member coupled to the hull and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the hull, a front support coupled to the deck and the member, and a rear support coupled to the deck and the member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a watercraft comprising a body; a hull constituting a lower portion of the body; a deck having deck floors formed on both sides of the body in a width direction and a raised portion at least extending from a center portion of the body to a rear end portion of the body in a longitudinal direction and being raised from center-side end portions of the deck floors on both sides in the width direction so as to form an engine room that contains the engine, the deck covering the hull from above and constituting an upper portion of the body; a straddle-type seat mounted over an upper end of the raised portion of the deck for a rider to straddle with feet put on the deck floors on both sides; and a rear cowling mounted behind the seat and extending rearwardly from a rear end of the seat.

Abstract: A watercraft has a pivoting, shock absorbing component that absorbs forces applied to its hull. The watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, an engine, and a jet propulsion system movably coupled to the engine. In one embodiment, a forward hull portion couples to the deck and a rearward hull portion movably couples to the deck and/or the forward hull portion. The jet propulsion system mounts to the rearward hull portion, while the engine mounts to the deck. A suspension element is disposed between the hull rear portion and either the deck or the hull forward portion. In another embodiment, the hull and deck are movably coupled to each other.

Abstract: A boat having a hull, a driver seat, an interior wall, a motor, a shifter and a shifter cover is disclosed herein. The shifter cover is positioned at a location between the driver seat and the interior wall. The shifter cover defines a shifter slot. The shifter is coupled to the motor and includes a shifter member that extends from beneath the shifter cover upwardly through the shifter slot. The shifter member includes a handle positioned above the shifter cover.

Abstract: A watercraft or an assembly for a watercraft will reduce shock and vibration of high speed travel being transmitted to occupants. The assembly provides shock and vibration reduction to a base and/or seats. The assembly is pivotally connected to the watercraft at an aft element such as the transom. When a vessel is under way at high speeds, the transom is subjected to the least up and down motion, and the bow to the greatest motion. The assembly includes a base that is pivotally connected to the transom. Since the transom suffers the least motion, the base will be most stable. The base is supported by a spring connected to the hull. Shock absorbers may also be connected to reduce the vibration of the base when the hull is moving at high speeds. The occupants and even a standing operator are protected from vibration by standing on the base.

Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.

Abstract: A boat seat assembly having a seating platform including first and second seat bottoms and first and second seat backs, a seat mechanism for moving the seating platform between the flat position and the seating position, a base supporting the mechanism, and a positioning system for maintaining the seating platform in the seating position and for allowing the seat platform to move to the flat position. The seat mechanism includes a track and first and second sliders supported by the track for rectilinear movement for moving the seating platform between the seating position and the flat position. The positioning system includes a locking device for locking the first slider in various rectilinear positions relative to the track.

Abstract: Seat 2 is mounted to slide blocks 24 and rails 22, which in turn are mounted to upstanding brackets 20. The fore-and-aft adjustment of the seats is thus raised above the level of floor 16, avoiding fouling by sand and dirt; corrosion; and shorting where electric seat adjustment is used. Seat 2 comprises frame 4, backrest 14, and tip-up seat 8 which can be raised around pivots 6, 6? to allow a higher seating position for marine use. In marine mode, the helmsman sits on cushion 10; in road mode, the driver sits on cushion 12. Latches are provided for fore-and-aft and tip-up cushion adjustment. Flaps 26 may protect sliding surfaces from contamination. Rails 22 may face upwards (34, FIG. 3), downwards (44, FIG. 4), or sideways, as convenient; the seat may be supported on a cradle (40, FIG. 4). Slide blocks may be replaced by rollers (32, FIGS. 2, 6).

Abstract: Personal watercraft having ergonomically improved footwell designs. The footwells reside on either side of the personal watercraft straddle-type seat and can include higher outside footwell walls in preferred embodiments. The higher outside footwell walls can provide added protection to the driver's legs from unwanted contact from other boats and docks. Several improved footwells are provided, and include improved height to bottom width ratios and improved inner and outer wall angles. Footwells according to the present invention provide for more comfortable driver placement within the personal watercraft as well as easier egress from the watercraft and easier extraction of the driver's feet.

Abstract: A boat seat assembly having a seating platform including first and second seat bottoms and first and second seat backs, a seat mechanism for moving the seating platform between the flat position and the seating position, a base supporting the mechanism, and a positioning system for maintaining the seating platform in the seating position and for allowing the seat platform to move to the flat position. The seat mechanism includes a track and first and second sliders supported by the track for rectilinear movement for moving the seating platform between the seating position and the flat position. The positioning system includes a locking device for locking the first slider in various rectilinear positions relative to the track.

Abstract: A watercraft seat suspension includes a damper mounted between a watercraft seat and the watercraft hull. The damper includes an electrically actuated mechanism controlling fluid flow from a first chamber to a second chamber within the damper. A sensor senses motion of the seat relative to the hull. A control unit interpolates the sensor signal and develops an actuating signal controlling the electrically actuated mechanism. In one arrangement, the electrically actuated mechanism is a solenoid actuated by the actuating signal to effect one of two different damping modes. In another arrangement, the electrically actuated mechanism includes a conductor coil and flux ring generating a magnetic field proportional to the actuating signal to vary the viscosity of magneto-rheological fluid in the damper.

Abstract: A personal watercraft deck structure includes a deck, a rear portion opening provided continuously to the rear of a seat underlying opening in the deck, and a bridge member is removably attached at a boundary between the seat underlying opening and the rear portion opening (or at the rear portion opening). A rear portion of a seat is supported by the bridge member, while the rear portion opening is operatively closed with a rear cover. When maintenance of an engine and other equipment disposed within the deck structure is to be performed, the bridge member may be removed. As a result, the seat underlying opening and the rear portion opening are connected to each other and fully exposed, and therefore, a large opening can be obtained for facilitating maintenance of the engine and other equipment.

Abstract: A safety seat assembly including a seat or like occupant support structured to maintain an occupant, such as a child or infant, in a predetermined, substantially upright orientation relative to the vehicle during travel thereof. A stabilization assembly includes an orientation portion moveable with the vehicle relative to the occupant support throughout a substantially universal range of orientations so as to compensate for any movement of the vehicle including lateral sway, turning, acceleration, de-acceleration, etc, which would tend to displace the occupant and occupant support from the preferred orientation. In one embodiment, the occupant support includes a floatation assembly as well as a ballast structure, wherein the occupant support is removably mounted on a water craft and is structured to maintain an occupant in an above surface, floating orientation in the water in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A watercraft is described with a powered hull and deck. The deck includes a forward passenger area and a rearward passenger area connected by a passageway. A windshield extends upwardly from the deck at a position forward of the rearward passenger area. An engine is positioned within the hull behind the rearward passenger area. An engine cover covers the engine and at least one compartment adjacent to the engine. The compartment is separated from the engine by a removable wall. The compartment houses at least a portion of a canopy system that may be erected over at least a portion of the rearward passenger area of the boat. The watercraft includes a rear bench that conceals a storage bucket thereunder. A console sits in front of a passenger seat with a console cover, which is hingedly mounted to the console to conceal a sound system.

Abstract: A boat having a hull, a driver seat, an interior wall, a motor, a shifter and a shifter cover is disclosed herein. The shifter cover is positioned at a location between the driver seat and the interior wall. The shifter cover defines a shifter slot. The shifter is coupled to the motor and includes a shifter member that extends from beneath the shifter cover upwardly through the shifter slot. The shifter member includes a handle positioned above the shifter cover.