Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle.

Abstract: A hydration system for kayak integration includes a deck port configured to allow fluid passage through a deck of a kayak. The system includes a reservoir having an internal sealable compartment configured to contain a liquid under pressure. The reservoir has a first port configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment, a second port, and a third port through which the liquid can be supplied into the compartment. A transfer tube couples the reservoir to the deck port. The transfer tube has a first end configured to be coupled to the second port of the reservoir and a second end configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position within an interior space of the kayak. A pressurizer is configured to be coupled to the first port of the reservoir. The pressurizer is operable to supply the pressurizing gasses. A drinking tube has a first end with a valve and a second end. The second end is configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position exterior to the kayak.

Abstract: A combined fishing rod and beverage holder for insertion into and removal from an opening in a marine vessel is disclosed. The combined fishing rod and beverage holder includes a substantially tubular hollow cylindrical member which is formed with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the lower portion. The diameter of the upper portion enables a beverage container with or without an insulating jacket to be placed within and retained within the upper portion of the combined rod and beverage holder. The upper portion includes an outwardly projecting flange which includes apertures through which fasteners can be placed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to a surface, such as a gunwale of a marine vessel. Other types or secure devices can also be employed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to any surface.

Abstract: A telescoping boat railing including a rod having a first end with a fastener and a second end that telescopes relative to an opening in a hollow top rail of a boat. The top rail is supported horizontally by one of a plurality of vertical support members of a railing for the boat, which railing defines an opening for accessing the boat. Across the railing opening from the fastener is a receptacle formed co-linearly with the fastener and extending from a horizontal portion of the top of the railing. The rod is pulled out of the opening in the top rail in the direction of the receptacle and is removably attached by connecting the fastener and the receptacle. To return the rod to its nested position, the fastener is disconnected from the receptacle, and the rod is telescoped back into its nesting position in the hollow of the top rail.

Abstract: A telescopic outrigger for use with fishing vessels. The outrigger of the instant invention has multiple tubes that are circular in shape and each include a means for securing to an adjoining tube and locking in a position relative thereto. The circular shape allowing for ease of sealing the connecting components from the elements. An internal locking mechanism for positive interlocking of adjoining tubes can be accessed externally for ease of servicing. The extension of the adjoining tubes by the locking mechanism allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a deployment position and vice versa.

Abstract: A removable console for a boat and a boat including such a removable console are disclosed. The removable console is adapted to be positioned before a passenger seating position in the boat to shield the passenger position from wind. The connection between the deck of the boat and the removable console is fastenerless, so as to facilitate easy installation and replacement. The console itself may be enclosed, with both upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is for an apparatus for use on a personal water craft having a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a hood movably connected to the forward portion of the deck, an engine position within the hull, a seat mounted atop the deck for accommodating at least one rider and comprising: at least one multi-purpose rack is clamped to the personal water craft; wherein at least a portion of the multi-purpose rack is disposed forward of the seat; wherein at least a portion of the multi-purpose rack extends outwardly from the hood to a peripheral edge of the water craft; and wherein the multi-purpose rack has a surface for carrying one or more items. Wherein the multipurpose rack can hold and store items such as fishing equipment, camping equipment, water skies, wake boards, scuba diving equipment, and inner-tubes on the personal water craft.

Abstract: The tie-down described includes, in its preferred embodiment, a rotatable shaft the urges a hook to travel parallel to a ridged frame that when attached to a fixed object such as but not limited to, a ship deck attachment port, a downward force urges the plurality of feet to push opposite the force exerted on the hook creating a vertically mounted, ridged post. Included on the ridged frame are pluralities of connection points for connecting objects such as but not limited to, ropes and lanyards. Another improvement involves a provision for quickly creating a visual and physical safety barrier.

Abstract: A device for supporting a cable between a vehicle body and a movable member movably connected to the vehicle body is provided with a guide member including a first opening communicating with a hollow portion of a frame body and used for the insertion of the cable, a second opening spaced apart by a specified angle from the first opening, communicating with the hollow portion and used for the insertion of the cable, and a three-dimensional arcuate surface on the outer surface of the frame body; and a supporting member for rotatably holding the arcuate surface of the guide member. The supporting member is fixed to the vehicle body and/or movable member. The cable is inserted from the first opening of the guide member to the second opening through the hollow portion, so that the guide member can follow angular changes of the cable in vertical, transverse and oblique directions.

Abstract: A retractable mounting apparatus is provided for attaching boat accessories to a boat. In one embodiment, a mounting apparatus is provided for selectively securing an accessory to a structural portion of a boat. The apparatus has a housing that is configured for coupling to the structural portion of the boat, and a mounting element that is at least partially disposed in the housing. The mounting element is movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position above the structural portion. The mounting element is rotatable about the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a restraint system for securing a user on a watercraft, on which the user at least partially rests. The restraint system has a belt strap (14) which is passed around the body of the user (10). Furthermore, the restraint system has two stepped straps (22a, 22b) which are fitted onto the belt strap (14) on the one hand in the area (18) of the stomach of the user and on the other hand in the area (20) of the back of the user and are each passed through the step of the user (10). A connecting strap (26), one end (28) of which acts on the belt strap (14) in the area (18) of the stomach of the user (10), can be fitted at its other end (30) to the water-craft. Furthermore, the invention relates to a watercraft having a belt system such as this.

Abstract: An arch assembly 10 for pivotably mounting on a boat 12, its method of manufacture, and deployment in use. The assembly 10 has an arch 14 with a generally inverted U-shaped configuration, a forward edge region 16 and an aft edge region 18, a laterally extending top portion 20 generally spanning the width of the boat 12 and a pair of downwardly extending leg portions 22, 24 for connection to the boat 12. Each leg portion 22, 24 has a lower basal edge 26, 28. A knuckle joint 30, 32 is provided adjacent to an edge region of the basal edge 26, 28 about which the arch assembly 10 may pivot from a secured upright position through intermediate positions 36 to an extended lower position 38 through a number (R) degrees of arcuate displacement. An anchoring subassembly 40, 41 provided adjacent to another region of the basal edge 26, 28 for releasably securing the arch assembly 10 to the boat 12. Means for influencing 42 pivotable movement 43 of the arch assembly 10 as it moves arcuately are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably securing a boat accessory to a boat. A first member has a plug and a second member has a socket. The plug has a rosette shape with rounded protrusions and the socket has a corresponding mating shape. Both the plug and the socket have openings for a fastener to secure the plug in the socket. The first member is one of a mounting base and an accessory base, and the second member is the other one. In one embodiment, an extension is positioned adjacent the plug so as to separate the first and second members. In another embodiment, the extension has a plug on each end and the first and second members have sockets. In another such embodiment, the extension has two members joined with a rosette-shaped plug and socket.

Abstract: A stowage device for a mobile conveyance such as a watercraft. In the case of a watercraft, the stowage device replaces an inspection port cover. The stowage device is adapted to screw into the existing inspection port with no modification. The stowage device incorporates a stowage cavity to securely hold a drink bottle or other liquid refreshment container or object easily accessible within an arm's length of an operator.

Abstract: A Fishing Rod Holder Extension is for insertion into an existing rod holder mounted high on a T-top. Formed in the shape of an inverted U with one leg of the U bing longer then the other leg. The shorter leg of the U is inserted into a fishing rod holder on the T-top so the longer leg will hang down below the existing rod holder where an additional rod holder may be attached in a lower position.

Abstract: A boat fender system is configured for suspending a boat fender from a conventional rod holder. The system includes a handle configured for engagement by a rod holder. A boat fender is coupled to the handle by a tether. The tether has a length to allow the fender to hang from the handle to a desired location. The length may be fixed or adjustable. A compartment in the handle stores excess and unused portions of the tether.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a universally adaptable, collapsible, adjustable boom designed for selective attachment and detachment to any configuration of a boat tower, and which provides multiple support points to counteract the downward force exerted by a water sport participant. Attachment and detachment of the boom is efficiently accomplished with the use of adjustable clamps and lynch pins, and the boom further secured by a cabling system.

Abstract: A boat hull having a door that can swing to an open position and closed position. The door can be used for entering or exiting the boat. The door can remain closed by a latch, or a door handle. A seal may be disposed between the door and the door frame to keep water out. A ramp may be used when the door is open to allow for easier entry for people using wheeled luggage, wheelchairs, or walkers.

Abstract: A rigid inflatable boat has a structure to position and protect an inflatable tube without having to separate the tube from a boat body. The rigid inflatable boat may include a rubber tube that is attached to each side of a boat body. A folding panel includes one hinged end on each lower side of the boat body and another end including a hook for coupling with a fastener formed on a top portion of the boat body. The rubber tube is connected to an inner surface of the folding panel and a side portion of the boat body by a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism is configured to connect the tube to an inner surface of the folding panel and to the side of the boat body including a pair of guide plates and a pair of insertion bars. The guide plates have one side attached to the inner surface of the moveable plate and the boat body and another side formed with guide grooves disposed longitudinally along the length of boat body.

Abstract: An improved kayak provides a rigid open cockpit hull with air chambers attached to the hull. The air chambers provide a generally convex shape for increased maneuverability and also provide cushioning against impact to reduce the risk of injury to the kayak pilot. The air chambers allow for an open cockpit kayak with an exterior surface having a similar shape as a conventional closed cockpit kayak, providing a similar level of maneuverability and allowing for completion of maneuvers such as rolling the kayak from an inverted position in the water.

Abstract: A cruiser arch moving and control mechanism includes a pair of carriage guides (32, 150, 188) fixed to opposite sides of a cruiser hull, and a pair of carriages (30, 170), each mounted to one of the opposing legs of the cruiser arch. Each of the carriage guides includes a slot (40, 156, 190) with an elongate linear track section and an adjacent arcuate track section. Each carriage includes a pair of spaced apart bearings (76/78, 164/176, 198/200) that are confined for reciprocal travel along one of the slots to support the carriage moveably relative to the associated carriage guide. Two linear actuators (34), one coupled between each carriage and its associated guide, are extendable and retractable in concert to move the arch between working and clearance positions. The carriage guides are configured to prevent any substantial rotation of the carriages until the arch is extended linearly at least a predetermined distance from the working position.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck disposed on the hull. The hull and sub-deck together form a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. An engine is disposed in the HSD assembly. A propulsion system is connected to the hull and operatively connected to the engine. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The deck has a pedestal. A straddle-type seat is disposed on the pedestal. A helm assembly is operatively connected to the propulsion system and disposed at least in part forwardly of the straddle-type seat. A deflector is disposed on the HSD assembly and extends outwardly therefrom. The deflector is disposed at least in part forwardly of a forward-most portion of the deck. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.

Abstract: A fixing group of a watercraft appliance for the attachment thereof to an outer side of a deck wall of a boat comprises a base of the watercraft appliance and at least one seat formed in the base and suitable for receiving a respective threaded fastening element, so that said element has a free end projecting from the base for insertion into a respective through hole formed in the deck wall, so as to be accessible from the inner side of such a deck wall for fixing the watercraft appliance to it. The at least one seat comprises an access at a peripheral surface of the base and a retaining portion suitable for cooperating through shape coupling with said threaded fastening element to prevent the rotation and axial sliding thereof with respect to the base. The invention also refers to a method for attaching a watercraft appliance comprising said fixing group to a deck wall of a boat by means of threaded fastening elements.

Abstract: An adjustable rigging system for a boat including a bracket adapted to connect to an outboard end portion of a stay mechanism for a boat, the bracket including a top hole and a bottom hole, wherein an axis is defined between a center of the top hole and a center of the bottom hole, a pin extending along the axis including two ends, each end removably connected to the bracket adjacent to one of the top and bottom holes, and wherein the location of at least one of the top and the bottom holes is adjustable to change a pitch of the axis and the pin.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. The apparatus includes first and second tubes for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stem of the kayak, and first and second shafts which are disposed in the first and second tubes, respectively. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises two sets of gearing mechanisms for operative engagement with the two shafts, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the first and second gearing mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the stabilization of watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes, and especially to the stabilization of a kayak to allow an individual to stand or move in a kayak without the kayak rocking or rolling over. The pontoon assembly is mounted to a kayak which allows for extending a stabilizing pontoon individually on each side of the watercraft and locking the pontoon at an operative position. Each pontoon can be rapidly raised to a rest position for paddling the kayak or canoe.

Abstract: An outrigger and hull provides outriggers mounted with hinges to plates that enable pivotal or rotatable movement of each outrigger between storage and operating positions. Locking members secure the outriggers from substantial movement when in the operating position.

Abstract: A dive tank support device for supporting a dive tank while a diver is attempting to attach the dive tank to the diver's body immediately before jumping from a vessel and beginning a dive. The dive tank support device may be formed from a body having a bottom support adapted to support a dive tank and at least one sidewall extending up from the bottom support and configured to limit tilting of the dive tank relative to the bottom support. The body supports the dive tank and the recess enables the dive tank to be easily pulled from the dive tank support device once a diver has attached the dive tank to himself.

Abstract: A system that will result in less physical effort in the lowering or raising of a marine folding tower, spotting station, driving station, fishing tower, or tuna tower. The system will be installed on a fishing boat, pleasure boat, or other marine vessel. The system comprises at least one gas spring, or hydraulic or electric ram or shock absorber of any size or style that attaches to both the upper frame assembly and lower frame assembly of the tower or other station.

Abstract: A table has a planar top panel. The table has downwardly extending legs. Each leg has an upper end. The upper end of each leg is attached to the top panel. Support hardware is attached to the upper surface of the top panel. A locking assembly is provided. The locking assembly attaches and releases the table with the support hardware to a cleat of a boat.

Abstract: An outrigger securing assembly for use on a fishing vessel. The securing assembling includes an automatic locking member that is secured to a structural member of the vessel and is capable of latching or releasing a latch member that is secured to an outrigger mast. The automatic locking member is equipped with a latching actuator that can release the latch member. The latching actuator can be operated either manually or hydraulically from a control device removed from the automatic locking member.

Abstract: A hardware system for mounting upon a fishing boat includes one or more cylindrical frame members and a plurality of fishing rod holders, each having cylindrical base portion sized for sliding insertion over one of the frame members for linear movement along and 360° rotational movement about the axis thereof. In a first embodiment, first and second frame members are mounted at laterally opposite deck portions of the boat in parallel, vertical orientation with a third frame member extending horizontally between and attached to the vertical members. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical frame member extends horizontally between supports on opposite sides of the upper surface of a hard-top cabin covering; the connecting means permit the use of flat mounting plates with sloping side edges of the hard-top covering.

Abstract: A paddle clip for a human powered watercraft, comprising a first flexible resilient portion with an opening to fit around the gunwale or cockpit rim of the watercraft. A second portion of the paddle clip includes a flexible portion for removably receiving a cylindrical shaft of an oar or a paddle used for propelling the watercraft. The paddle clip may further comprise at least one accessory clip for receiving an additional cylindrical shaft or an accessory. The paddle clip is configured to be quickly installed, repositioned or removed from the watercraft without tools or hardware.

Abstract: An elevated tow device comprised of: first and second substantially vertical support members, each slidably and pivotally engaging a boat support structure on a lower end and forming an apex on an upper end, the height and width of which can be adjusted; a tether attachment point at the apex adapted to mechanically engage a tether for connecting to a towed object; at least one forestay connecting the device to a bow of the boat; and at least one rear stay connecting the device to the boat support structure, the forestay and rear stay providing stability to the device. Because of the way that the device is connected to the boat support structure, the device is adjustable in height and width and is also collapsible.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull having a sidewall, and a cavity formed in the sidewall. The cavity includes an open end. An anchor includes an insertion portion configured to be removably inserted into the cavity through the open end. The anchor further includes a movable retention element that removably retains the insertion portion of the anchor in the cavity when the insertion portion is inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an accessory platform assembly for attachment to kayak. The assembly comprises attachment means for attaching the assembly to the deck of a kayak, a frame attached to the attachment means, the frame holding a platform and allowing the platform to be moved from a closed position to an open position whereby in the open position the deck of the kayak lying below the platform in the closed position is exposed. The assembly optionally includes an outrigger assembly comprising parallel arms attached at one end to the attachment means and having an outrigger floatation device attached to an opposite end of the arms spaced away from the kayak to provide increased stability to the kayak.

Abstract: The present invention is for an apparatus for use on a personal water craft having a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a hood movably connected to the forward portion of the deck, an engine position within the hull, a seat mounted atop the deck for accommodating at least one rider and comprising: at least one multi-purpose rack is clamped to the personal water craft; wherein at least a portion of the multi-purpose rack is disposed forward of the seat; wherein at least a portion of the multi-purpose rack extends outwardly from the hood to a peripheral edge of the water craft; and wherein the multi-purpose rack has a surface for carrying one or more items. Wherein the multipurpose rack can hold and store items such as fishing equipment, camping equipment, water skies, wake boards, scuba diving equipment, and inner-tubes on the personal water craft.

Abstract: A stowage device for a mobile conveyance such as a watercraft. In the case of a watercraft, the stowage device replaces an inspection port cover. The stowage device is adapted to screw into the existing inspection port with no modification. The stowage device incorporates a stowage cavity to securely hold a drink bottle or other liquid refreshment container or object easily accessible within an arm's length of an operator.

Abstract: A hydration system for kayak integration includes a deck port configured to allow fluid passage through a deck of a kayak. The system includes a reservoir having an internal sealable compartment configured to contain a liquid under pressure. The reservoir has a first port configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment, a second port, and a third port through which the liquid can be supplied into the compartment. A transfer tube couples the reservoir to the deck port. The transfer tube has a first end configured to be coupled to the second port of the reservoir and a second end configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position within an interior space of the kayak. A pressurizer is configured to be coupled to the first port of the reservoir. The pressurizer is operable to supply the pressurizing gasses. A drinking tube has a first end with a valve and a second end. The second end is configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position exterior to the kayak.

Abstract: A safety device including a support that may be stowed within an enclosure and easily extended for use. One embodiment comprises a primary strap having a handle on one end and a step on the other end. The primary strap passes through two rings, which allow it to slide through the rings when pulled in one direction, but resist movement when pulled in the other. The rings are coupled to a keeper, preferably by a secondary strap, and the keeper includes a pouch closable by a flap to form an enclosure. The keeper may be attached to a vessel or other object via a connector, such as a loop, on its rear side. The straps are gathered inside the keeper, with a portion of the primary strap hanging outside the keeper and fixed in position by the closed flap, such when the portion of the primary strap is pulled, the flap will open and the handle and step extend, to allow a user to use the handle and step for support to gain entry to a vessel from the water or such other purpose as may be necessary or desirable.

Abstract: Transom lights for boats are easily attached before the boat is towed on a trailer. Each light includes a housing attached to a post, a major lens and a minor lens. The transom light circuitry is connected to the electrical circuitry of the towing vehicle. The housing is rigidly affixed to the post and in an alternate form the housing is pivotable to better conform to the shape of the transom. A socket can be readily attached to the transom for slidably receiving the post. Before the boat is placed in the water the transom lights are disconnected and removed.

Abstract: A cruiser arch moving and control mechanism includes a pair of carriage guides (32, 150, 188) fixed to opposite sides of a cruiser hull, and a pair of carriages (30, 170), each mounted to one of the opposing legs of the cruiser arch. Each of the carriage guides includes a slot (40, 156, 190) with an elongate linear track section and an adjacent arcuate track section. Each carriage includes a pair of spaced apart bearings (76/78, 164/176, 198/200) that are confined for reciprocal travel along one of the slots to support the carriage moveably relative to the associated carriage guide. Two linear actuators (34), one coupled between each carriage and its associated guide, are extendable and retractable in concert to move the arch between working and clearance positions. The carriage guides are configured to prevent any substantial rotation of the carriages until the arch is extended linearly at least a predetermined distance from the working position.

Abstract: A rigid inflatable boat adapted for ease of lifesaving includes an arc-shaped front tube fixedly installed at a front side of a hull and a rear tube slideably installed at a rear side of the hull. A respective sliding rail having a guiding member disposed therein extends longitudinally on an upper surface of the hull at one or both sides thereof The rear tube is slideable forward and backward along the sliding rail due to the operation of the guiding member. A first holding means for detachably supporting a rear end of the arc-shaped tube and a front end of the rear tube is installed between the rear end of the arc-shaped tube and the front end of the rear tube. An open space between a rear end of the arc-shaped front tube and a front end of the rear tube provides ease of lifesaving.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first pivot, a second pivot, a first pole, a second pole and a fabric portion. The first pivot may have a first insert and a second insert. The second pivot may have a third insert and a fourth insert. The first pole may have a first end connected to one of the first or second inserts and a second end connected to one of the third or fourth inserts. The second pole may have a first end connected to the other of the first or second inserts and a second end connected to the other of the third or fourth inserts. The poles may be arranged to create a gap between the first and second pivots. The fabric portion may be connected between the poles to cover the gap.

Abstract: A privacy screen for use on a bass boat to cover the cockpit area for use as a toilet.

Abstract: A fixing group of a watercraft appliance for the attachment thereof to an outer side of a deck wall of a boat comprises a base of the watercraft appliance and at least one seat formed in the base and suitable for receiving a respective threaded fastening element, so that said element has a free end projecting from the base for insertion into a respective through hole formed in the deck wall, so as to be accessible from the inner side of such a deck wall for fixing the watercraft appliance to it. The at least one seat comprises an access at a peripheral surface of the base and a retaining portion suitable for cooperating through shape coupling with said threaded fastening element to prevent the rotation and axial sliding thereof with respect to the base. The invention also refers to a method for attaching a watercraft appliance comprising said fixing group to a deck wall of a boat by means of threaded fastening elements.

Abstract: A series of adjustable padded support clamps attach to pontoon boat rectangular rails to support the structural frame members of a boat cover. Each two-part support clamp comprises a first padded square C-shaped channel bracket member having an aperture in a top arm thereof, and a second post and plate member. The post protrudes up through the aperture in the top arm of the C-shaped channel bracket to receive a coupling of a frame member of the boat cover. A bottom padded plate of the second member is adjustably secured against a top of the boat rail by turning one or more adjusting screws to draw the padded bottom arm up securely against a bottom of the boat rail.

Abstract: An improved safety signaling apparatus intended to be used with watercraft to increase the visibility of the watercraft to others, incorporating a mast-supported signaling device, a base member for attachment to the watercraft, and a retention member removably attaching the mast assembly to the base member. The retention member is suitably adapted to maintain the mast assembly in a fixed orientation in relation to the base member under certain conditions, namely ordinary operation of the watercraft, and to permit independent movement of the mast relative to the base member under different conditions, namely when the mast is in danger of damage or for independent use or storage.

Abstract: A boat tower is disclosed that includes a boat tower riser fixed at a lower end to a plurality of pivots and that is selectively positionable between a raised position and a lowered position or any position therebetween. At least one linear actuator is further included that includes a piston moveable between a retracted position and an extend position. Each linear actuator has a distal end connected to the riser and a proximal end connected to the boat, or, in an alternate embodiment, to one of a plurality of pivot supports. In such an alternate embodiment, each pivot support includes an upper end engaged at least indirectly to one of the pivots to support same, and a lower end fixed to the boat.