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 lift gate latch is used in connection with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat. The handrail has a jamb, and the lift gate has at least one stile. The lift gate latch has left and right side walls spaced apart and disposed adjacent the deck of the boat. Reinforcing ribs extend along both side walls, which straddle the jamb and the stile. A transverse member and a base member extend between the side walls. A portion of the right side wall has a height lower than the left side wall height, so that the stile can pass easily over it when opening and closing the gate. Fasteners pass through holes in the side walls and attach to the deck. Bosses are juxtaposed with the holes. The fasteners and bosses strengthen the side wall adjacent each hole.

Abstract: A marine structure including a platform and a pest deterrent rotatably connected to the platform. The pest deterrent includes a hub rotatably connected to the platform and at least one arm extending radially from the hub where each arm extends from the hub at an angle above horizontal. Each arm includes an area moment of inertia and a length. A ratio of the area moment of inertia to the length is less than 0.0001 inches3. Each arm further includes a wind collector at an end opposite of the hub.

Abstract: A bracket is attachable to the top surface of a rigid support platform, such as a boat deck or dock, and a latch member is removably coupled to the bracket at about one end of the latch member and extends out beyond the edge of the platform and the latch member has a pivot pin at its outer end for pivotably engaging a boarding ladder.

Abstract: A system for refueling a motorized marine vehicle without spilling fuel into the water is disclosed. A fuel tank is typically located within the vehicle and includes a filling tube and a vent tube secured thereto. A vent hole is formed in the vehicle and the vent tube of the fuel tank is in fluid communication with the vent hole. The present invention includes a tube in fluid communication with the vent hole of the marine vehicle for transporting any fuel located within the vent tube to a remote location. A vacuum source is connected to the tube. The vacuum source is adapted to draw the fuel through the tube and into a receptacle attached to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A vented fuel filler is installed in a boat from below the deck. The vented fuel filler comprises a body with an inlet portion. First and second grooves extend in arcs across the outer surface of the inlet portion upper end. Fuel and vent nozzles communicate with the inlet portion and the fuel tank. First and second clamps extend in arcs between opposite ends. The body inlet portion is inserted in a single, circular deck hole from below. The clamp inner edges are inserted into the body first and second grooves, and then the clamps are fastened to the deck. A cap has an annular array of teeth facing inward. A threaded insert has an annular array of teeth projecting outward. The insert teeth are received in the cap teeth, so that the cap can be selectively rotated. An inscription of “gas” will then be readable from the fuel dock by a dock attendant.

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: A hinge assembly for mounting to a jet propelled personal watercraft including a hinge and a wire bundle assembly. The hinge can include a hinge top portion for mounting to the personal watercraft hood pivotally coupled to a hinge bottom portion for mounting to the top deck. The hinge bottom portion can have a wireway aperture therethrough. The wire bundle assembly can include several wires disposed within a tube, in turn disposed within a seal formed about the tube. The tube seal can be at least partially received within the hinge bottom portion aperture. The tube seal is preferably forced downward by the hinge bottom portion against the top deck. The wire bundle assembly can be formed as an assembly at a site distinct from the site of final watercraft manufacture. The wire bundle assembly can be inserted through the top deck, and secured in place by the hinge being secured to the top deck, over the inserted wire bundle assembly.

Abstract: A Bimini hinge with a base member having an upper surface and a lower mounting surface and a vertically extending cylindrical opening therein. An intermediate member has a lower cylindrical surface that is received in the base member, and a latching member carried by the intermediate member secures the intermediate member to the base member for relative indexed rotation. The remote end of the intermediate member is pivotally secured to a mounted member, and the remote end of the latter is formed for securement of an item such as a Bimini Top.

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: Watersport towers provide various features including legs that rotate relative to a cross-member of the tower that the legs are hingedly attached to such that the tower may adjust to various boat sizes and mounting locations, so that the tower may fold down in a first manner, and so that the tower is more compliant. Other features include leg attachment points of the cross-member that rotate to further allow the tower to adjust to various boat sizes and to allow the tower to fold down in an alternative manner. Other features include mounting bases that hingedly connect to the ends of the tower legs enabling the mounting bases to rotate relative to the legs such that the mounting bases can adapt to various boat mounting locations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Additionally, pads with recessed areas surrounding mounting holes may be utilized at the point of attachment to a boat to remove stress at the mounting holes of the boat.

Abstract: A fold-away transport platform that is attached to a stern portion of a boat and that is used for carrying sizeable items. The platform (24) consists of a pair of side supports (28), each having a first end and a second end. A plurality of cross members (38) are disposed between the side supports which form the platform, that when extended, is cantilevered outward away from the stern of the boat. Pivoting hinge brackets (42) are attached onto the side support first end and the boat stern inside a transom (26b). At least two diagonal braces (52) are removably fastened to the boat on a lower end and to a cross member such that the braces (52) may be detached and the platform pivoted into the boat for transportation and storage. A second embodiment attaches the platform to the boat stern rail instead of the inner surface of the transom.

Abstract: Canoes are relatively unstable in as much as they tip over easily. Because of this many side runners have been invented to prevent canoes from tipping over so easily. One problem with all available canoe runners is that they are cumbersome and difficult to transport. On a long journey, more than ever, safety and even survival mandate use of a canoe runner. The problem with all available canoe runners is that they are not sufficiently portable to carry within a canoe for portages which frequently continue for miles.

Abstract: A rigid hull inflatable style boat constructed of rigid-shell modules. Modular gunwale sections are mounted to the trailing ends of a modular bow section to form the a flotation collar. Boats having greater/shorter lengths can be constructed by increasing or decreasing the number of gunwale modules. The bow and gunwale modules may be formed of molded polyethylene filled with hydrophobic foam material. The floor/hull module can be mounted at varying heights within the flotation collar to alter the performance characteristics of the craft. The hull module may have a V-shaped hydrodynamic contour, so that when the hull module is mounted relatively high within the collar the boat has a sponson-type hull form, and when the hull module is mounted relatively low within the flotation collar the boat has a V-type hull configuration.

Abstract: A self-propelled personal watercraft is disclosed, wherein the personal watercraft includes a body including a hull and a deck substantially covering the hull, wherein the body includes a bow portion and a stern portion. The personal watercraft also includes a deck modification module removably attached to the deck, wherein the deck modification module is configured to be selectively removable to change a performance characteristic of the deck when the deck is submerged in water.

Abstract: A pontoon boat gate latch assembly includes a bolt assembly and a bolt mounting assembly. The bolt mounting assembly is adapted to be connected to a pontoon boat gate or frame rail so that the bolt assembly can be used to lock the gate in a closed position by inserting a bolt included in the bolt subassembly through a gate rail opening defined in the gate and a frame rail opening defined in the boat frame. The latch assembly also includes gate and frame sleeves that are adapted to be inserted into the gate and frame rail openings to eliminate rattling. The latch assembly further includes an alignment stop that is adapted to be connected to the pontoon boat adjacent to the bolt mounting assembly and to cause the gate to stop at a position that aligns the bolt and the frame and gate rail openings.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted rack removably attached to the hull of a boat and adapted to be rotated to various positions inside and outside the boat hull as desired.

Abstract: A gunwale for a boat. The gunwale can include an inner side and an outer side coupled at first ends to a top side forming a deck and at second ends to a bottom side. The gunwale can also include a first slot opening downwardly adjacent the inner side receiving a side panel of the boat, and a second slot opening downwardly adjacent the outer side receiving a hull of the boat. The outer side of the gunwale can also include a groove receiving a hook of a cover for the boat. A portion of the gunwale can also have an inner surface forming a closed channel and an outer surface forming an open channel through which lines can be run, and can also include a removable keeper coupled to the gunwale to at least partially close the open channel. The outer side of the gunwale can also include a laterally facing channel configured to receive a bumper.

Abstract: An outrigger holder for mounting on the top of a T-Top configured boat, has a bearing mechanism mounted above the T-Top designed to relieve most of the weight of the outrigger when turning the holder and outrigger to alternate positions.

Abstract: A finger pinch guard is used in connection with railings on a boat. Stanchions of adjacent railing segments are mounted close together on the boat gunwales. Each pair of adjacent railings forms a generally Y shaped profile in an arcuate transition area wherein fingers can jam. A mounting member having an axle is attached to the railing in this area. A curved member, typically including a generally spherical wheel, is attached to the mounting member axle, and is able to rotate on the axle. Thus, a finger introduced into this area with downward force will cause the wheel to rotate, thereby directing the finger to roll outward off the wheel and away from the railing. Another embodiment has a mounting member with a unitary, non-rotating curved member. The finger will slide off the curved member and away from the railing.

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

Abstract: 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 sides having a second width less than the first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

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 sides having a second width less than the first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: A removable, storage box for use within a canoe or other small boat. The shape of the box is such that it fits securely within the tapered bow or stem of a canoe or any watercraft having adequately shaped bow and/or stern regions, without degrading the watercraft's stability or seaworthiness. The key to the utility of the box is that because of its overall shaped it can be wedged in between the watercraft's floor and the underside of its gunwale flanges. Once the box is so situated, its wedged fit holds it in place both for water travel; during portaging, it can be removed for carrying on one's back or it can be left in place to be carried along with the canoe. Also, because of the wedge fit, the lid of the box is held firmly closed during travel by the gunwale flanges. Because of the thermal insulation of the box, this tight closure of the lid allows either hot or cold items to be transported without their undergoing undesired temperature chages.

Abstract: A finger pinch guard is used in connection with railings on a boat. Stanchions of adjacent railing segments are mounted close together on the boat gunwales. Each pair of adjacent railings forms a generally Y shaped profile in an arcuate transition area wherein fingers can jam. A mounting member having an axle is attached to the railing in this area. A curved member, typically including a generally spherical wheel, is attached to the mounting member axle, and is able to rotate on the axle. Thus, a finger introduced into this area with downward force will cause the wheel to rotate, thereby directing the finger to roll outward off the wheel and away from the railing. Another embodiment has a mounting member with a unitary, non-rotating curved member. The finger will slide off the curved member and away from the railing.

Abstract: A cover fastening system for a boat, the system including a groove formed along a side of the boat. A plurality of expandable anchors is positionable within the groove. Also included are a plurality of fastening members, each fastening member including a threaded portion and a snap portion, the threaded portion of each fastening member being screwed within a respective anchor to expand and fix the anchor at a desired position along the groove, and the snap portion being adapted to engage a corresponding snap structure of a boat cover.

Abstract: A new cockpit unit and method for installation in a sailboat comprises a drop-in replacement cockpit of fiberglass reinforced resin that increases cockpit floor area by 255% and converts Cruiser/Racer into a Day-Sailer/Racer. The conversion retains all aspects of the sailboat required by the racing rules but affords greater comfort and maneuverability for the skipper and crew. As applied to the J-24 class sailboat, the new cockpit and installation method retain the structural integrity of the hull by retaining the bulkheads of the hull supporting the cockpit floor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel boat design and configuration, and more specifically to boat console and propulsion arrangements for a variety of boat types including wakeboard boats, sport-fishing boats, and other sport and recreational boats. In an exemplified embodiment, boats described herein comprise a combination of a center console and V-drive transmission.

Abstract: A boat fender deployment device having a motor for deploying a fender along side of a boat at a desired height for engaging a dock or other object by operation of a motor and for retracting the fender into a housing for storage when not in use. The housings may be attached to the boat or internally molded into the hull of the boat. The fender deployment is controlled by a switch for supplying power to drive a motor in the forward or reverse directions for deployment and positioning of fenders without the aid of crewmembers. A number of fenders attached to the boat, each individually controlled, provide the captain with a safe and reliable means for deploying and retracting fenders for the safe operation of a boat. The fenders deployed to the proper height protect a boat from damage when alongside a dock or other object.

Abstract: A device for, and method of, handling and mounting a boat sundeck. The device includes a platform having first and second ends. A clamp structure is connected to the first end of the platform such that the clamp structure can be used to hold and move the sundeck of a boat. In addition, control modules are connected to the second end of the platform to aid in manipulation of the sundeck by the device. A lift connection location is positioned between the first and second ends of the platform and allows the device to be connected to an articulated boom.

Abstract: An adaptable, multi-purpose boat having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the boat being made up of a generally planar boat deck having middle, fore, aft, port and starboard sections. A plurality of first mating elements disposed in a first predetermined pattern on the boat deck, and a plurality of deck components each having at least one second mating element attached to at least one of the first mating elements, whereby the deck components are removably attachable to the boat deck in different configurations. The boat further includes a plurality of utility attachment points disposed on the boat deck in a second predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The focus of the new inventions here is on safety from injury and the lessening of the current loss of life in the use and pleasure desired by the American Public from the small, motor powered, open planing hull, first introduced to the world by Ole Evinrude in 1908. Specifically, thought is introduced about people riding on the top deck of a boat rather than down in a boat. Mention is made of swing chair seating, and it's support of high safety rails, as well as the all-round good view the driver has because of having his seat and console mounted on the top deck. Furthermore, discussion is developed on the advantages and dependability of the inertia control swing pivot used under the chairs which are mounted on the frames of the swing chair system. Some mention is made of the expected nationwide use of the boat with swing chairs as ambulance and police boats.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted rack removably attached to the hull of a boat by suitable means and adapted to be rotated to various positions inside and outside the boat hull as desired.

Abstract: A collapsible changing room for a pontoon boat having a rear entry stern gate. The collapsible changing room is formed in part by the passenger seat positioned adjacent the rear entry stem gate. An L-shaped bracket is rigidly secured to the rear portion of the seat and is further hingedly secured to a vertical fence member spaced from the seat back. The seat and the L-shaped support can be rotated upwardly away from the boat deck to a position in which the seat bottom is generally perpendicular to the boat deck. When the seat is rotated to this position, a curtain frame hingedly connected to the seat can be rotated from a stored position within the seat base to an extended position substantially parallel to the boat deck. An opaque sheet or curtain depends from the curtain frame in a substantially vertical orientation to form an enclosed changing or privacy room.

Abstract: A watercraft, equipped with a shielding fairing, is disclosed. The configuration and arrangement of the shielding fairing provides a shielded area rearward of the shielding fairing to shield an operator and passengers of the watercraft from water spray during operation of the watercraft. The shielding fairing is disposed on the deck of the watercraft, preferably between the gunwale and a portion of the deck adjacent to a hood at the front of the watercraft.

Abstract: A gear-train driven outrigger device for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member housing a gear-train driver assembly that allows manual or motor driven rotation of the outrigger pole. The gear-train driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide infinite adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vis versa.

Abstract: A combination engine compartment cover and privacy enclosure includes a frame member, which is rotatable about a pivot adjacent to an engine compartment access through a deck of a pontoon boat. The entire enclosure can rotate to a position to access the opening, or the enclosure can be used as a privacy enclosure. A top cover of the unit is also rotatable relative to the frame and has a support bracket attached to a back of the top cover, where the bracket is rotatable to an upright position, where a privacy curtain may be assembled around the enclosure by way of snap members.

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 gate like device is hinged to a bow pulpit of a sailboat and acts as a swinging bowsprit to which a spinnaker may be removably affixed.

Abstract: A gate like device is hinged to a bow pulpit of a sailboat and acts as a swinging bowsprit to which a spinnaker may be removably affixed.

Abstract: An adjustable windshield brace for boat windshields has sufficient flexibility to permit utilization on the windshields of many boat manufacturers. The brace is formed of two linearly extending members, one of which is provided with a bell to receive the other member. The belled brace member is formed with internal threading to be engageable with corresponding threads on the other brace member. The threads are finely formed to permit a linear translational movement of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for each revolution of the brace members. Each brace member is provided with a mounting flange pivotally mounted on the respective opposing ends of the brace members to provide an attitude adjustment of the mounting flanges. Length adjustment and orientation adjustment of one mounting flange relative to the other mounting flange is accomplished by rotating the threads interengaging the two brace members.

Abstract: A paddle support assists in rowing a vessel. The paddle is retained in the upper portion of a support that has a base section that rests, preferably unattached or at least readily releasably attached on the floor of a vessel. The support allows the paddle to be freely manipulated unencumbered by attachments to the vessel. The paddle support may be attached to webbing suspended across an opening in the vessel so that a base of the support is attached near the center of the webbing. The paddle support may also be attached to a harness suspended across an opening in the vessel so that the upright support is attached near the center of the harness. The use of the webbing or harness facilitates use of the support with a watertight skirt or covering stretched over the opening of a vessel.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system for a marine vessel or a road vehicle is provided which comprises a flexible bladder for housing a liquid, a portable pump, a protective housing for the pump, a pump switch and conduits for connecting the bladder, the pump and a container for liquid or the vessel or vehicle.

Abstract: A universal hinge with a base member having a smooth semi spherical upper surface and a lower mounting surface and a vertically extending cylindrical opening therein. An intermediate member has a lower cylindrical surface that is received in the base member, and a latching member carried by the base member secures the intermediate member to the base member for relative rotation. The remote end of the intermediate member is pivotally secured to a mounted member, and the remote end of the latter is formed for securement of an item such as a Bimini Top.

Abstract: A fitting bracket, which may be compiled from one or a pair of interconnecting Tees, may include the application and securement of a cap, for accommodating a fastener for holding any type of a lamp to the bracket for its application to the side rail of a boat, for securement to the supporting structure of a vehicle, or any other tubular support. The pair of such Tees may be combined together, perpendicularly arranged, so that the lower modified T may snap onto the side rail of, for example, a boat, while the upper T may accommodate the insertion of the handle of a rod and reel or other fishing pole therein, during usage. In addition, a singular Tee may be modified for snap bracketing onto the side rail of a boat, and hold other framework that forms a grid work of frames over and above the boat, for supporting covering material, camouflaged cloth, or any other type of protective covering.

Abstract: A rear deck pad cover for the rear deck pad of a power boat. The rear deck pad cover is designed to protect an upholstered rear deck pad, and yet stow in a compact easily managed package that minimizes the consumption of limited storage space. The rear deck pad cover has a tailored rectangular shape with a pocket along one side that is particularly configured to cling to the rear deck cover when it is applied thereto. The rear deck pad cover protects the rear deck pad upholstery from damage, staining or fading, and it allows for quick and easy insertion and removal.

Abstract: A fitting bracket, which may be compiled from one or a pair of interconnecting Tees, may include the application and securement of a cap, for accommodating a fastener for holding any type of a lamp to the bracket for its application to the side rail of a boat, for securement to the supporting structure of a vehicle, or any other tubular support. The pair of such Tees may be combined together, perpendicularly arranged, so that the lower modified T may snap onto the side rail of, for example, a boat, while the upper T may accommodate the insertion of the handle of a rod and reel or other fishing pole therein, during usage. In addition, a singular Tee may be modified for snap bracketing onto the side rail of a boat, and hold other framework that forms a grid work of frames over and above the boat, for supporting covering material, camouflaged cloth, or any other type of protective covering.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accessory mounting track for watercraft that allows a user to quickly and easily install, reposition and remove various marine and fishing accessories such as rod holders, downriggers, lantern holders, cup holders, sonar units and the like to the gunwale or transom of a boat without having to drill holes for each accessory. The accessory mounting track for watercraft comprises an elongate track member with various channels, recesses and flanges for slideably engaging with slide mounts and a track mounting assembly that secures the track member to the boat surface using a sandwich-style clamping method. Slide mounts are brackets to which the accessories are mounted. The slide mount with its respective accessory is then placed end-to-end with said track member to align the various flanges with their mating grooves and recesses and slideably engaged therewith and is free to travel along the entire length of the track although vertical travel is restricted.

Abstract: A combined outrigger and fishing rod holder for a boat having built-in fishing rod holders has a base with an upper section and a lower section where the lower section fits within a fishing rod holder on the boat and the upper section has a holder to receive and support the lower end of a fishing rod, a boom that is attached to the base and that is adjustable and extends outwardly from the boat, a clip attached to a pulley on the boom for holding a fishing line during trolling, the clip being positionable at any location along the boom.