Abstract: A device support for the passenger area of a recreational boat having a deck and interior side walls extending up from the deck, including a clamping plate and a support arm. The clamping plate has an open top slot and is secured to the boat side wall so as to define an open top space between the clamping plate and the boat side wall. The support arm has a base plate on one end and an attachment end on the other end, with the base plate removably received in the defined open top space with the support arm one end extending through the open top slot of the clamping plate. The supported device is secured to the attachment end of the support arm, and the support arm is non-linear, with one end extending generally horizontally and the other end extending generally vertically.

Abstract: The invention comprises a boat hawse pipe and accessory tray combined in a single-piece unit for mounting on a boat's gunnel boards to provide a means for holding beverage cups, bottles, or personal and marine accessories, and for receiving the dock lines or cables to be tied to cleats on the sidewalls of a boat while preventing damage to the fiberglass body of the boat through frictional contact with those dock lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydraulically locked accessory mounting device for attaching accessories to a boat, or vessel. The mounting device includes a base for attaching to the boat and a ball head that is attached to an accessory, which can be moved to a selected position and locked in that position by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly includes a first piston moved by an operator. The first piston is in hydraulic communication with a second piston, which engages a shoe that locks the ball in position. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system includes a bleed valve connected to the channel between the first and second pistons. In one embodiment, the first piston is operated by a knob with a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the first piston is operated by a cam on a shaft that is rotated with a lever or knob.

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 deck mounted for installation on the surface of a vessel deck having one or more bolt holes. The apparatus includes one or more base portions, each having a recess region defined by a perimeter wall bounding the perimeter of the base portion. The perimeter walls each have an underside rim. One or more threaded members are provided for insertion through the bolt holes in the vessel deck, and complementary threaded female members are provided, one each to receive and tighten onto a threaded rod. A resilient gasket is disposed in the recess region within the confines of the perimeter wall. The threaded rod passes through the gasket hole, such that when the threaded rods are inserted through the vessel deck, and received by and tightened into the respective threaded female members, the gaskets are displaced and deformed so as to protrude between the underside rims of the perimeter walls and the upper surface of the vessel deck.

Abstract: A watercraft that includes a frame; pontoons mounted to the frame; a deck supported on the frame, the deck including a hatch covering an opening through the deck; and a storage unit mounted to the frame beneath the opening in the deck, and the storage unit having a bottom that is above a water line of the watercraft. The storage unit may be formed from a rotational-molded plastic. The bottom of the watercraft may include a trough. The trough may be deeper in one portion of the bottom and may be graduated from a shallowest point towards the front of the storage unit and deepest towards the rear thereof. A drain aperture may be provided at the deepest portion of the trough. The frame may include structural members, and the storage unit may include channels in an upper mounting end thereof, opposite the bottom, configured to receive the structural members. The channels may have a mounting surface and inclined surfaces extending away from the mounting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching fenders and the like to boats includes a post having a lower end configured to be inserted into the well of a fishing rod holder, the post having one or more arms suitable for securing a line connected to a boat fender.

Abstract: A mounting system rigidly attaches a towing frame to a vessel deck, and includes a base having an arcuate top surface and a bottom surface conforming the deck. A joint member rigidly attached to the towing frame has an arcuate surface mating with the arcuate top surface of the base. The joint member has a cavity and a threaded bore extending through a wall for accessing the cavity. The threaded bore of the joint member is aligned with a bore extending through the base. A threaded shaft extends through a hole in the deck, through the bore in the base, and is threaded into the threaded bore of the joint member. A fastener attached to the shaft is used to bias the joint member against the base, and base against the deck for rigidly securing the joint member and thus the towing frame to the deck.

Abstract: A fender hook for a boating vessel is provided. The fender hook includes a rigid core form having a leather outer covering and a sheep's wool interior lining. The fender hook is particularly designed for use with yachts having a relatively steep-pitched exterior hull wall. In further aspects, the fender hook may have a fishing rod holder or a mooring whip holder fixedly attached thereto.

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: The specification discloses a combination cruising top and storage cover for a boat of the kind having a deck disposed between fore and aft ends of the boat, the deck including a passenger area, the combination cruising top and storage cover comprising at least first and second cover portions selectively pivotally moveable towards each other and into a first, raised configuration, wherein the at least first and second cover portions are arranged vertically adjacent each other in generally lapped relation to define a cruising top for a boat, and selectively pivotally moveable away from each other and into a second, lowered configuration, wherein the at least first and second cover portions are each positioned vertically lower than in the first, raised configuration and arranged generally horizontally in substantially end-to-end relation to thereby define a storage cover for covering at least a portion of a boat's deck.

Abstract: A lift gate latch is used with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat having a deck. The handrail has a jamb with a hollow interior having a predetermined width and breadth. The lift gate has a stile and a sliding hinge. The lift gate latch comprises a cup inserted in the deck, to receive the stile. A flange extends outward from the cup upper end, to mount against the boat deck. A tongue extends outward from the flange. A block extends upward from the tongue. The block is slidingly received in the jamb. The block has a breadth less than the jamb interior breadth, to allow adjustment of the clearance between the jamb and the stile. The flange and the tongue each present a low profile on the deck.

Abstract: An adjustable adapter assembly secures a framework/console to an anchoring fixture. A housing member connected to the framework has two pairs of parallel walls having laterally aligned elongate first slots and laterally aligned elongate second slots, respectively. A clasping mechanism inside the housing member has a shank portion and finger members. First and second threaded orthogonal bores laterally extend through the shank portion, a first threaded bolt extends through the first slots and first threaded bore, and a second threaded bolt extends through the second slots and second threaded bore. Rotating the first and second bolts laterally displaces the clasping mechanism to align the finger members with part of an anchoring fixture on the deck for engagement by the finger members when a locking ring is appropriately displaced. Several assemblies secured to the framework can be adjusted to interconnect with permanently mounted anchoring fixtures in the deck.

Abstract: A bow ramp for a boat is described; the bow ramp has a first part hinged to the boat at a first end; a second part hinged to the first part at a second end of the first part. The ramp also has raising and lowering means comprising: a wire on at least one side of the ramp. The wire is connected to both the first and second parts, and a motor for winding the wire is provided. The wire controls both the first and second parts during raising and lowering of the ramp. A method utilizing the ramp is also described.

Abstract: A pivot is coupled to a water craft. A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot at one end. A tow spool is coupled to the lever arm at an end opposite the pivot. The tow spool is configured to provide an attachment for a towline. A recoil device is coupled to the water craft at one end and coupled to the lever arm at the opposing end. The recoil device stores energy as a towing drag force is applied to the tow spool to cause the lever arm to move from a first position to a second position. The recoil device then provides a restoring force to cause the lever arm to move from the second position to the first position as the towing drag force is reduced.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an accessory retainer apparatus for a vehicle may include one or more of the following features: (a) a handle member, (b) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (c) a grommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (d) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distal end, whereby the accessory retainer is adapted to retain an accessory to a mounting aperture located on the vehicle, (e) a spacer member located proximal of the grommet, (f) a second grommet located between the handle member and the spacer, and (g) a bracket member coupled at the proximal end of the shaft between the handle member and the spacer member.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: A swiveling fitting for multi-directional movement includes a housing having a bore therethrough to accommodate a button shaft. A ball housing receives at least a portion of the button shaft. The ball housing has at least one ball recess to accommodate at least one ball. A locking sphere receives at least a portion of the ball housing. The locking sphere has at least one groove to accommodate the at least one ball, and a baseplate for moveably securing the locking sphere. The baseplate is releasably securable to a substrate.

Abstract: A kit for connecting a watercraft accessory to a watercraft, comprising: a rail portion. Two connectors each are adapted to be secured to the watercraft. The connectors each have a rail connector portion for receiving respective ends of the rail portion to connect the rail portion to the watercraft. A first connector portion is provided for receiving a watercraft accessory portion to connect the watercraft accessory to one of the two connectors or the rail portion.

Abstract: A new and improved clamp tool device and method of using the device is disclosed for use in holding a boat in a relatively stationary position while the boat is floating in shallow water. The clamp tool device comprises: a first C-clamp having a top edge; and a second C-clamp orthogonally attached to the first C-clamp, wherein the back edge of the second C-clamp is attached to the top edge of the first C-clamp. The method of using the clamp tool device comprises the steps of getting, obtaining, positioning, ramming, securing, and tightening.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a non-sailing boat to a sailboat comprises a sailing keel adapted to be removably attached to the keel of a boat, a first and a second support frame, one or more straps connected on a first end to the sailing keel and connected on a second end to one or both of the first and second support frames, a steering support frame, and a rudder attached to the steering support frame or stern of the boat. The first and second support frames and steering support frame are adapted to extend across the boat from one side of the boat to an opposite side, and the first support frame is adapted to support a mast in an essentially vertical position. A method for converting a non-sailing boat to a sailboat utilizing this assembly is also provided.

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

Abstract: The Canoe-Angler is a tray style device designed for organizing fishing and other sporting equipment while occupying a canoe. The Canoe-Angler can hold a tackle box, a beverage, (2) fishing rods, and has an extra compartment for miscellaneous items. The tackle box compartment can also be used to hold binoculars, shotgun shells, etc., for other canoe-related sports and hobbies. The Canoe-Angler hangs over the canoe gunwales by adjustable arms for different canoe widths or differing widths within the canoe (front, middle, back, etc.). The Canoe-Angler consists of a molded plastic tray (with aforementioned equipment compartments), (2) aluminum frame tubes, (4) telescoping aluminum arm tubes, (4) aluminum angle gunwale clamps that are fastened to the telescoping tubes, and shock-cords holding opposing telescoping arms from inside the frame tubes.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder is designed especially for use in catching large deep sea fish and has a bent and telescoping stanchion that is received in a standard pole holder found on a gunwale of a boat and other locations. A telescoping cross bar is attached to the top of the stanchion and has a padded member on one end and a gimble assembly on the other. The gimble assembly holds the fishing pole and allows pivoting along an X and Y axis. An arrester assembly is provided about the gimble assembly for safety should the fish pull down hard on the line of the fishing pole.

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 with in the hull, a seat mounted atop the deck for accommodating at least one rider and comprising: at least one multi-purpose rack is bolted 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 self-cleaning composite deck drain apparatus which includes a removable top part having a top grating surface for receiving waste liquid and a trap for catching particulate matter from the liquid at a lower end. The drain apparatus further includes a bottom part having a drainpipe within an annular chamber formed thereabout for receiving and holding the top part. Circumferentially spaced locking tabs are affixed to the edge of the top part below the grating surface thereof for reception within tab receivers in the bottom part when the top part is inserted into the chamber of the bottom part and turned for locking of the tabs within the tab receivers. The top part includes a threaded bore within which a valve is manually operable to open and close the drainpipe. The deck drain apparatus is made of composite plastic materials to resist corrosion.

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

Abstract: 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 deck mounted fitting provides for extraction and retraction of a mooring line for a vessel. A container below deck may be used to store the mooring line. Extraction of the mooring line may be manually carried out and retraction of the mooring line may be carried out manually or by a selectively actuatable electric motor or wound spring rotating a wheel in engagement with the mooring line. A collar is disposed within the fitting to maintain the mooring line available for manual extraction during mooring of the vessel.

Abstract: A dash system that allows it to be fastened independently of the related and non-related components using an engagement system that captures the forward edge of the dash. The dash is “slid” into place from the rear, and then locked into place with a fastener at the rear facing edge, which is easily accessed. This sliding action allows the forward deck engaging means to engage its matching receiver that is designed into the deck surface of the boat. The deck/dash engagement system enables the dash to be removed without the need to remove many other elements surrounding the dash area. Alternatively, or in addition to the fastener proximal to the rear facing edge, a single fastener at the forward or leading edge in proximity to the forward latching or deck engaging means is sufficient to secure the deck to the deck surface while still providing ease of access and removal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an accessory retainer apparatus for a vehicle may include one or more of the following features: (a) a handle member, (b) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (c) a grommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (d) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distal end, whereby the accessory retainer is adapted to retain an accessory to a mounting aperture located on the vehicle, (e) a spacer member located proximal of the grommet, (f) a second grommet located between the handle member and the spacer, and (g) a bracket member coupled at the proximal end of the shaft between the handle member and the spacer member.

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

Abstract: A platform including a rotatable turntable apparatus for attachment to a boat deck, or the cargo space of a pick-up truck or the cargo space of an all terrain vehicle, or other area where a person with impaired mobility needs to experience greater mobility to engage in fishing, boating, wild game hunting or activities that they would otherwise be unable to enjoy. The platform can be used for securely mounting a wheelchair or a fishing type chair to provide a rotational means for persons with impaired mobility. The turntable is reversibly rotated by an electric motor a full 360 degrees. The motor can be independently actuated by a switch located on the turntable within easy reach of the chair occupant or by a switch at another convenient location.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed, comprising a body formed by a hull and a deck covering the hull from above, the body having a joint portion joining the hull and the deck joined to each other at peripheries thereof, the body being configured to accommodate an engine configured to drive a propulsion system of the watercraft, and a side bumper mounted to the joint portion at a side portion of the body, wherein the side bumper includes a base portion mounted to the joint portion to extend along the joint portion in a longitudinal direction of the watercraft, and a protruding portion configured to extend along the base portion in the longitudinal direction and to protrude downward from a lower surface of the base portion to be spaced apart from a side wall of the hull.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment on a waterborne vessel is provided having a baseplate which is secured to a side of the waterborne vessel. The baseplate extends outward from the side of the waterborne vessel over the surface of the water. A shaft holder bracket is rotatably mounted to the baseplate such that the shaft holder bracket may rotate in a plane generallyparallel to the forward and reverse direction of the waterborne vessel from a first position to a second position. The shaft holder bracket has a through passageway to receive a shaft. An elongate shaft having an upper portion and a lower portion which are rotatably joined and separable, is slidably engaged through the passageway in the shaft holder bracket, such that the elongate shaft can rotate and slide within the shaft holder bracket. The shaft holder bracket has means to secure the elongate shaft from rotation and sliding.

Abstract: A pivotal boat light moves between an open use position extending upwardly from the deck of a boat and a closed non-use position retracted below the deck of a boat. The light includes a base plate mounted within a hole in the deck, and a light insert pivotably mounted in the base plate for movement between the open and closed positions. A spring normally biases the light insert to the open position, while a pawl or lock member retains the light insert in the closed position.

Abstract: A support bracket and method for securing and supporting a superstructure for towing persons behind a vehicle such as a boat is disclosed. The support structure has an arcuate face with a length several times that of a tubular member of the superstructure so that the arcuate face provides support over a portion of the tubular member and so that the face mates with the tubular member. The bracket is removably attached and secured to the vehicle and to the superstructure so that it may be removed, or replaced without altering or damaging the superstructure, and so that weld seams are not used. The arcuate face and a second face of the support structure that secures to the boat are set an angle provides a properly erect angle to the superstructure when the bracket, boat, and superstructure are secured.

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: An adjustable system is provided for remotely varying the vertical position of a plurality of boat fenders. The fenders are tied to elongated ropes which are threaded through pulley bars mounted on the guard rail of the boat. The end portion of the ropes are located at the rear side portion of the boat such that the ropes may be conveniently pulled or release to adjust the vertical position of the fenders simultaneously.

Abstract: A drink holder that is designed to adjust to fit in any angle rod holder and can be easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: An improved canoe including a hull has sidewalls extending fore and aft and a gunwale on the sidewalls. The gunwale has longitudinal slot extending for a substantial portion of the entire hull. A canoe accessory has a thickened attachment portion for engagement in the slot to attach the accessory to the canoe. A method of canoeing includes inserting a thickened portion of a canoeing accessory into a slot at a canoe gunwale to retain the accessory in place and paddling the canoe on a body of water.

Abstract: A rack for receiving and holding a crab pot includes a first plurality of bars and a second plurality of bars. Each bar in the first plurality is linked to each bar in the second plurality of bars to form a generally planar frame. Both ends of each bar in the first plurality and one end of each bar in the second plurality are provided with retaining members that project to a first side of the generally planar frame An engagement member which projects to an opposite second side of the generally planar frame is also provided on each bar.

Abstract: A telescoping boat tower apparatus attachable atop a deck structure of a boat. The apparatus includes lower and upper frame assemblies each including spaced upright tubular supports, the lower frame assembly supports attachable at a lower end thereof to the deck. The tubular supports of the upper assembly are connected at an upper end to a standing platform positioned above a console of the boat. The upper frame assembly includes spaced upright elongated second tubular supports, which are connected at an upper end thereof to a body support rail and held in telescoping coaxial alignment and registry with corresponding first tubular members whereby the upper frame assembly is slidably movable vertically with respect to the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: A bow eye for marine use including a U-shaped bolt having two threaded legs. Two metal plates are located respectively on either side of a watercraft hull. A first pair of nuts are threaded onto the legs with one plate being positioned adjacent the nuts. A second pair of nuts is used to secure the bow eye to the hull. A sealing gasket is located on the side of the outside plate that is between the outside plate and the hull. The sealing gasket has apertures that are smaller than apertures located in the hull. The gasket apertures are smaller than the diameter of the legs causing the gasket to pucker around the legs when mounted on the legs. When the bow eye legs are inserted into the hull, the puckered portion of the gasket partially fills the hull apertures. The bow eye nuts are tightened, forcing the gasket further into the hull apertures to seal the bow eye in the hull.

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

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

Abstract: A boat including a hull having a bow, a stern and first and second sides that extend between the bow and the stern. The boat also includes an interior sidewall that extends along at least a portion of the first side of the hull. A recess structure is defined by the interior sidewall. At least one shifter is mounted at the recess structure.

Abstract: A watercraft for towing a performer equipped with a water sport implement having a support surface on a deck thereof adapted to support a water sport implement and a performer of the water sport for the performer to put on the water sport implement. A first abutment is secured to the watercraft and protrudes with respect to the support surface of the watercraft, such that a water sport implement laid on the support surface is abutted against the first abutment when a performer is putting on the water sport implement.

Abstract: A stanchion attached to a sail boat is provided where the stanchion supports a lifeline near the top of the stanchion and the lifeline runs generally along the outer edge of the deck of the sail boat and the connection of the lifeline to the stanchion can be characterized in part by the maximum deflection point of the lifeline and the stanchion has attached thereto a generally vertically disposed slide disposed away from the central plane of the sail boat.